Soulhead
Soulhead (known as SOULHEAD in Japan) is a Japanese urban contemporary/R&B duo consisting of sisters Yoshika Sawayama (よしか) and Tsugumi Sawayama (つぐみ). Both were born in Hokkaidō; Yoshika was born on July 20, 1978 and Tsugumi was born on January 25, 1981. Since their debut, they have worked with several well-known artists, including Sowelu, Koda Kumi, Crystal Kay and Ken Hirai. Biography. Before they assumed the name Soulhead, Yoshika and Tsugumi were known as Batti Baas. Batti Baas released one vinyl single through Handcuts Records called "Lovin' You", which featured Aaron Blackmon. The song was a remake  of the Minnie Riperton standard. In February 2002, they released a CD single through Tokuma Japan Communications called "Inside Out." Shortly after the release of "Inside Out," they were signed to Sony Music Associated Records and began working under the pseudonym Soulhead. The label sent them one year abroad to Australia and New Zealand to improve their proficiency in English. They released their debut single, "Step to the New World," on August 21, 2002. In 2006, they were transferred to Sony Music Associated Records' sublabel, onenation. They have appeared on various compilations with other Japanese artists. Soulhead's sound is  a blend between various genres, such as soul, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae and funk, with many of their lyrics in English. They usually work with the production team known as Octopussy. They have also worked on releases with other Japanese artists, such as Kumi Koda and Soul'd Out. Yoshika is also a renowned songwriter, who has worked with artists such as Sowelu, Ken Hirai and Crystal Kay. On February 21, 2007 they released a greatest hits album called "Best of Soulhead", which contained all of their singles released up to "Naked", along with a few b-sides. On February  24, 2010, after a four-year hiatus, they released a new album titled "Soulhead" under Avex Group, which they transferred to from SMEJ. On September 28, 2011, the duo released their second Avex album, "Jump Up the Wall." This has been their final release to date. Yoshika released her first solo album on July 3, 2013, titled "My Anthem," which consisted of twelve new songs and one remix. Six months later, she released another album: a remix album compiled of remixes from "My Anthem." As of March 2016, their Avex site was unavailable. Influences. Some musical artists who they respect  are Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Takuro Yoshida and Ice Cube. Personal life. It was announced in their official blog that Yoshika gave birth to a baby.