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MIRAI - The word stems from the Japanese language, meaning future.
...As controversial as it can possibly sound to human ears, a combination of alternative rock, experimental sounds, and
progressive mentality shine through with the highest appeal in the music and presentation of Michigan's homegrown band, MIRAI.
Compelling lyrics that tread into both dark and hopeful lands soar to extreme heights in each song, painting a vivid picture
that remains true to the music. This unique and daring sound, which couples the raw aggression of rock while maintaining the
principles of elegance and discipline, is unlike anything most have heard before. Their varied musical influences allow the
group to constantly reinvent itself, yet despite varied themes and genres, interprets something simple and cohesive: Living
life. For better or for worse, the primary objective behind MIRAI is to describe this process, thus achieving understanding
themselves. To quote Miller, "I don't feel like I can answer the question of what gives us our inspiration alone. We
all come from different backgrounds, so our reasons for what were doing differ. But for me, I feel like it's my responsibility
to connect with the people listening. All songs carry an emotion when they're written, and it's my duty to take the emotion
of the song and to wrap it around a specific event. I feel that no matter how far the project goes, I'll be able to consider
it successful if we can touch one person's life with our work."
Like many great musical acts, the members of MIRAI began their careers in their youth. In October of the year two-thousand
and four, lead guitarist Gabriel Banas came across future MIRAI vocalist Tony Miller in a choral group at Dakota High School.
Having witnessed an uncanny improvement in his voice across a year's span, Gabe offered to perform with Miller. Members of
Banas's former band, Blindsight (Twins Jason and David D'addario and Kyle Saari), gave their thumbs of approval to the voice
and talent of Miller. The personal penname of Miller- 'MIRAI' was handed over to the band formed by Banas's former band mates,
himself and Miller. The band lasted its share of time, but as sure as Tony and Gabe's passion for playing grew, reality took
hold of the other members, and the group split up. A new line-up was found to satisfy and match the passion and goals of the
two (Strangely enough, also members of Dakota's choral group). Enter bassist and guitarist Joshua Mitcham, a talented guitarist
who, until joining MIRAI, never picked up a bass in his life. The second addition, pianist Stephanie Kopasz, would mark a
great change, taking her talent of classical piano to new heights through the use of effects and synthesizers. A new drummer
had been found as well, but due to unfortunate personal differences, left the group. Through tedious bulletin posting for
six weeks, current drummer Jonathan Ball enthusiastically accepted the challenge, putting his talent and time on the table
to help the MIRAI project reach completion.
However, the live experience is what brings everything to another level. It's been said many-a-time that an explosive
entrance by a band is the first sign of a worth while set, which they execute with ruthless efficiency. The attitudes, emotions,
and the noted 'dancing' are other aspects that pull the act together on stage. MIRAI has been quoted as "putting on a
high energy performance" and "Godly" (Though they question the validity of the latter!)
The best bet for you however, and anyone else, is to see this amazing quint live, and follow your heart into the music,
made straight from theirs.
Alannah Abrams, Biographer
Makes No Cents Records
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