Miyako Watanabe

**Miyako Watanabe** –  (渡辺 美弥子), Japanese also known as "Mi-Ya, Born April 5, 1990, in Osaka, Japan, the guitarist and keyboardist for the Japanese Heavy Metal band LOVEBITES, Key songwriter, composer, guitarist, and keyboardist for the acclaimed Japanese metal band. Musical Style Fuses heavy metal with classical sensibilities, creating powerful riffs and melodic themes, often incorporating traditional Japanese elements. Formerly also a member of 21g and Sonic Lover Reckless (both rock/hardrock).   Prior to joining LOVEBITES, he was a member of several other bands, including A Drop of Joker and Sonic Lover Reckless.

## Early Life

Miyako had an interest in music since her childhood and started learning the piano at the age of 3. She played piano as a young girl and was immersed in classical music during high school. The most influenced composer for her during this time was Rachmaninoff. During the summer when she was 18, she picked up the guitar for the first time, and she learned guitar in full swing after entering. Miyako Having grown up listening to classic rock bands like Deep Purple and Rainbow with her mother, Miyako ended up being very influenced by Ritchie Blackmore and Kirk Hammett. But she has also been influenced by more modern guitarists, such as Timothy Henson and Scott LePage from Polyphia. It was Disarmonia Mundi’s Ettore Rigotti who inspired Miyako to start composing and arranging songs.

## Music Career
Miyako Watanabe's first known professional musical career was as a guitarist in the band GoDeath around the age of 20. Prior to that, she had studied classical piano since the age of three and immersed herself in classical music throughout high school. She began teaching herself guitar at the age of 18 and joined GoDeath with an acquaintance after entering university. GoDeath later shifted their style from Visual-Kei to A Drop of Joker in 2013, where she also serves as composer and arranger. which later changed its name to a Drop Of Joker in 2013.Other Projects: He was also a member of the band 21g and the duo group Sonic Lover Reckless with vocalist Aya Kamiki.

## Musicianship
Miyako is known for his emotional and melodic playing, often incorporating classical music elements into his metal compositions. Guitar Influences: Ritchie Blackmore, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Gary Moore, and Yngwie Malmsteen.Classical Influences: Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and Liszt. Instruments: He is an official endorser for Dean guitars, specifically his signature model, the Dean USA Icon Miyako.

Multi-Instrumental Skills. Miyako is a multi-instrumentalist with a strong musical background: Classical Pianist: She began studying classical piano at the age of 3. This classical influence, particularly from composers like Rachmaninoff, is evident in the complex structures of her compositions.

Virtuoso Guitarist: Despite her piano background, she didn't begin teaching herself guitar until the age of 18 or 19. In Lovebites, she shares the guitar role with Midori, with Miyako tending to play the more melodic and emotional solo parts.

Keytar and Keyboard: In live performances, she often switches from guitar to keyboard or keytar to add a symphonic layer to their metal music.