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Yoyoka Soma: The 15-Year-Old Drumming Phenom Behind ‘For Teen’

Discover the incredible journey of Yoyoka Soma, a 15-year-old drummer from Hokkaido, Japan. From viral videos to appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, her talent knows no bounds.

Hi! My name is Yoyoka Soma, and I’m a 15-year-old drummer from Hokkaido, Japan. I started playing drums on my own when I was just one and a half years old, jamming with my family and writing songs every day. By the time I was four, I was performing live shows almost every week and playing at all kinds of venues. When I was eight, a video of me covering Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” went viral worldwide, which led to two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I’ve also been featured in commercials for brands like Nike, Moncler, and Uniqlo and have had the honor of performing with artists such as Fall Out Boy and Cyndi Lauper.

Two years ago, my family and I moved from Japan to the U.S. on an artist visa to expand my music career. It wasn’t easy—we didn’t have a home at first, I barely spoke English, and we even lived in a house without gas and got trapped in a landslide at one point. Life was really tough, but thanks to the support of so many friends and fans, I’ve been able to continue pursuing music.

This October, I finally released my first album, For Teen, which has been a dream come true! In addition to my solo work, I’m part of several groups, including a jazz fusion band called the “Ken Okada Group,” my family band “Yoyoka Family Band,” and a new all-girl teen band called “Knockout.” I also play drums for projects like “Cali Three” and “Zelda,” performing at venues and recording sessions mainly in Los Angeles.

Tell us about your new album, For Teen, and the inspiration behind it.

The title For Teen is a play on words because it features songs I wrote when I was 14 years old. I get bored easily, so I wanted each song to have a completely different vibe. That’s why every track has a different musician, producer, mixing engineer, and even genre.

This album is a collection of songs that capture how I felt during that time, and I worked really hard to express my emotions in each track. It was definitely challenging to create this album while going to school, not having an agent, and dealing with the language barrier, but I’m so happy with how it turned out. I’d love for people all over the world to listen to it!

What was the songwriting and recording process?

Most of the songs started as ideas I recorded on my iPhone’s voice memos or demos I created on Logic. From there, I worked with producers and musicians to bring them to life. About half of the recordings were done in person at studios, while the other half were done remotely. Recording at so many different studios was challenging, but it was also a lot of fun!

What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?

I want to show people that age doesn’t matter when it comes to expressing the beauty of music. Music has always been there to save me during tough times, and if even one of the 14 songs on this album can help “someone” at “some point” in their life, that would make me so happy.


When did you first begin playing drums, and what drew you to that instrument?

I started playing drums when I was about one and a half years old—or at least that’s what I’ve been told because I don’t really remember! My parents are amateur musicians, and they built a small recording studio in our house. They even moved from the city to the countryside, surrounded by wheat fields, so they wouldn’t have to worry about soundproofing.

The studio was filled with all kinds of instruments, and I naturally gravitated toward the drums and started playing them.

What kind of drums do you play/gear do you use?

Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been playing Ludwig drum kits, as I recently signed an endorsement deal with them (before that, I was endorsed by Pearl). I use Ludwig’s Classic Maple Kit, and I try out different snares depending on the song. For cymbals, I use Zildjian, another brand I endorse. I’m a big fan of the K Series, so almost all my cymbals are from that line.

Do you play any other instruments? If so, which ones and which brands do you prefer?

I also play bass, guitar, and piano. I actually love playing bass even more than drums! I started playing drums before I even learned to speak Japanese, so the concept of “fun” doesn’t really apply—it feels more like my first language. On my song “Home Bestie” from the new album, I played not only the drums but also the bass and guitar myself.

Who are some of your musical influences?

I don’t have anyone specific in mind, but I really admire Prince for his ability to write songs, sing, and play so many instruments. His style is so inspiring. I also think Michael Jackson influenced me a lot because my parents used to play his music for me all the time when I was a baby.

What’s next?

I want to focus more on original band projects and recording. I absolutely love the process of creating something from scratch, so I hope to be involved in the birth of many new songs in the future!

yoyoka for teen album coverFor Teen Tracklist:

1. Origin
2. Sky Blue
3. YOYO (ft. Narada Michael Walden)
4. Bang Away (ft. Cali Three & Roman Morello)
5. Time Travel (ft. Derrick McKenzie & Josephine Peppink)
6. Changes (ft. Ai Furusato)
7. Home Bestie
8. Never Say Goodbye (ft. Leon Vincent & Frank Simes)
9. Double Trouble (2024 Version) [with Ken Okada]
10. Keychain
11. Shooting Star (ft. Tulani)
12. Mud-Stained Boots
13. Sparkling (Duo Version) [ft. Ai Furusato]
14. Hello Sunshine (ft. Rachel West)
https://open.spotify.com/album/3AjguNvnZ5CIk1NRwZTAyh

FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TIKTOK | WEBSITE

“Bang Away” feat. Cali Three & Roman Morello https://youtu.be/6hEq1oXBdq8
“Time Travel” feat. Derrick McKenzie and vocalist Josephine Peppink https://youtu.be/u_CXWfUNwWI

GGM Staff

The writers at Guitar Girl Magazine bring a wealth of experience from all corners of the music industry. Our writers are musicians, songwriters, producers, and passionate advocates for women in music, with years of hands-on expertise both on stage and behind the scenes. They are dedicated to amplifying the voices of female guitarists and offering insightful perspectives on gear, technique, and the latest trends in the industry. With a deep love for music and a commitment to empowering the next generation of female artists, the Guitar Girl team is at the forefront of celebrating and inspiring women in music.

GGM Staff
GGM Staff
The writers at Guitar Girl Magazine bring a wealth of experience from all corners of the music industry. Our writers are musicians, songwriters, producers, and passionate advocates for women in music, with years of hands-on expertise both on stage and behind the scenes. They are dedicated to amplifying the voices of female guitarists and offering insightful perspectives on gear, technique, and the latest trends in the industry. With a deep love for music and a commitment to empowering the next generation of female artists, the Guitar Girl team is at the forefront of celebrating and inspiring women in music.
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