Despite Member Departures and Social Media Controversies, They’ve Pushed Through
On the surface, it was just an open call, document review, and decision-making process, but it was far from simple.
On May 29, 2024, Ayanon (keyboard/death voice) and Gomi-chan (drums) announced their departure. Their daily YouTube uploads became sporadic. With the help of their label mates, they kept the channel alive with “talk-style” videos.
However, STMLT’s story took a dramatic turn in July.
On July 1, the official SNS icons were all updated, hinting at changes. YouTube released a video titled “【Communicating Through Sound】We Invited New Member Candidates for a Studio Audition!” where the drum candidate, Saki-chan, was summoned to the practice studio.
After a brief introduction, Saki-chan demonstrated her drumming skills and jammed with Akira on bass. When they all played STMLT’s iconic track “EVOL AI” together, Saki-chan’s drumming talent was so impressive that her membership was almost certain.
Check out these highlights from the performance!
On July 2, YouTube released “【Post-Rehearsal Izakaya】Major Announcement After New Member Audition Extension.” While Saki-chan’s drumming skills were a perfect fit, it was important to assess if she could work well with the team and fit the YouTuber lifestyle. Over drinks at an izakaya, they bonded, and both sides agreed she would join the band.
On July 3, YouTube published “【Our Dear Friend】We Decided the New Member’s Name with a Roulette, and It Was Too Vulgar www,” featuring a typically STMLT-style crazy idea of deciding the new member’s name via roulette. Luckily, they settled on the self-proposed name “Sakitee”
On July 4, YouTube posted “We Pranked Our New Member with Giant Drumsticks and It Was Hilarious ww.” It felt like the old STMLT was back, full of their characteristic content. Their subscriber count had surged to 460,000.
Introducing the New Member “Sakitee”
Born in Kagawa Prefecture, Sakitee has been drumming for 15 years and loves her drinks. She started drumming thanks to her parents’ suggestion to take a Yamaha trial class in elementary school. Inspired by Shakalabbits, she immersed herself in music. She amusingly describes Spitz as a punk band.
She adores Hosomi from ELLEGARDEN and frequently listens to the HIATUS. She continues to take lessons from Eiichi Kogure of The band apart.
In 2023, while working a full-time job, she performed over 100 live shows. Despite moving to Tokyo and almost grasping opportunities, STMLT felt like her final shot, and she was all in.
Sakitee’s ability to tackle the band’s toughest track “EVOL AI” with a hard-hitting arrangement from the get-go showcased her talent, skill, and courage. Contrasting her intense performance, her gentle demeanor and good nature shone through. With Sakitee on board, the future looks bright for STMLT.
Here’s her social media. Be sure to follow her!
X : https://x.com/sakitee_stmlt
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sakitee_stmlt/
From Akira’s post.
What’s Left? Death Voice, Keyboard, and…
Considering the previous roles, the next additions are likely to be for death voice and keyboard. However, as Akira, the bassist, mentioned, adding different roles could definitely expand the musical range.
What kind of announcements can we expect next? Let’s stay tuned and find out.
On a side note, there’s the wild guitarist Kirara, a beautiful quarter-German with a high IQ who loves alcohol and gambling like an old-school rock star.
Then there’s Akira, the bassist with a model-like appearance—tall, slender, and with a small face—but with the most eccentric and incomprehensible mind.
Yukippe usually keeps the chaotic Kirara and Akira in check, but transforms on stage, captivating the audience with her unique voice and engaging stage presence.
Given these colorful personalities, we’re excited to see what kind of crazy new members will join their ranks.
STMLT X : https://x.com/stmltofficial
STMLT Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stmltytband/
STMLT YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVHUuwTkomWfjE9hJicoGQ
Yukippe / Vocal
https://x.com/yukippe_stmlt
https://www.instagram.com/yukippe_stmlt/
Kirara / Guitar
https://x.com/kirara_stmlt
https://www.instagram.com/kirara_stmlt/
Akira / Bass
https://x.com/akira_stmlt
https://www.instagram.com/akira_stmlt/