>> PROFILE & HISTORY

>> Profile

TWO-MIX is a "J-pop unit". "J-pop" is the term used to encompass all Japanese pop music and "unit" means that there is more than one person involved.

The "J-pop unit" TWO-MIX consists of Shiina Nagano (photo, left) and Minami Takayama (photo, right).

The two members write, compose, arrange, and produce all their own music. Both members are said to contribute to the entire song-making process. However, it is generally accepted that Nagano writes the lyrics and Takayama composes the music.

>> History

The two members of TWO-MIX apparently first met in the early 90s. Takayama was looking for someone to teach her how to compose music using a synthesizer when she was introduced to Nagano through a common friend. This was near the end of Takayama's stint as a member of the indies band "RE-X". At this point, Nagano had already debuted as a lyricist and was dabbling with synthesizers himself.

In 1992, Takayama released a solo vocal album entitled "Endless Communication". Most of the songs on this album were written by Nagano and composed by Takayama.

Nagano was apparently quite impressed with Takayama's talents as a composer, and the two formed a band called "ES CONNEXION" which consisted of Nagano (a.k.a. "SHIINA") on keyboards, Takayama (a.k.a. "MINAMI") on vocals, and another member on guitars. Their activities consisted mainly of live performances. They released a mini-album "RHYTHMIX" in 1994, shortly before their disbandment.

Early in 1995, the following year, Nagano and Takayama released "JUST COMMUNICATION", their first single as the group "TWO-MIX".