I used to have arguments with musician friends about the great rock drummers, could paice drum in the who? Could Bonham have the same impact in Rush? Could Ginger Baker be as interesting in Zeppelin? Who knew the answer is NO but a 10 year old kid can!??! This kid puts a smile on my face while she’s melting it at the same time, every time.
I had to stop in and watch YoYoko again especially when it's a Neil Peart cover.I saw Rush in 86 with my hands resting on the stage and couldn't keep my eyes off Neil, such a treat to be so close.I love that the young generation is carrying on the legacy, so 🆒🤘
No matter how much work she's done on pads or whatever?! This kid is a one off talent at her age! She's nailing the most complex beats out there. My mouth hangs open.
But once in a lifetime, does the Universe send humanity an exceptional child, who proceeds to humble the adults. Very well done Yoyoka. Thanks for this one Andy.
Not only the only one blown away here. She is an ultra talented prodigy. So strong here at 10,now at 11 has grown even more. By her mid teens,she will frightening with her power. Broken sticks everywhere. Check out her improvisations a year or 2 ago. Just mucking around,having fun (as always). There’s a reason why she’s multi sponsored by the majors and played at NAMM twice and you see it here. Can only be awestruck watching her performances. She is truly gifted.
I wish Mr. Peart could have lived to see this video. He probably would have shook his head in admiration saying "How can you smile whilst playing this? Don't you know how hard it is to play this song correctly?" Love and respect for both of them!
I will watch any Yoyoka reaction video I find ( I think I even watched one in Portuguese...), but you set yourself apart with your knowledge and thoughtful analysis. That’s TH-cam gold, thank you!
I ENTIRELY agree with your analysis of Yoyoka's playing! What you spoke on "flammage" is what got me really into her playing. It was the presence of mind, or feel (she's a KID!) to have the wherewithal to wait. It literally takes my breath away, for the lack of a better term. I'm like "How can she,.. and, just wait... OMG!". I tend to push the tempo right into the next measure and speed up. She's from another planet. Complete control over Matter.
I love this young lady. She is the most relaxed and comfortable looking drummer while drumming I've ever seen. She can play any genre of music and is a human metronome. She is always in the pocket and can easily change tempos and rythmns. Thanks for the still shot of how high her sticks actually get. I knew she was slinging them using gravity but that was an awesome still frame. Thanks for pointing that out.
Her brain and talent are so in tune with what she is doing - it's just that she can do whatever she wants and effortlessly- she is quite amazing and a fortunate lady to have this combination of talent.
I hope you realize just how much you smile watching this girl play. I find myself watching your pleasure in watching her as much as her, it is kinda fun.
Another great video Andrew. One of the reasons I really love Yoyoka's drumming is that it seems like she goes way beyond just *learning* the song. It's like she's *in* the song, experiencing it the way the original drummer did, and understanding it on a much deeper level. It's great to watch!
Neil Peart was a really big, strong guy. Famous for being able to really crush the drums what necessary. To see a tiny person do the same thing is incredible.
This girl is a GEM! There is nobody on the planet that can hold a candle to her in her age category and even in most beyond her years! Truly a gift from GOD! I love watching her play and seeing the FUN and JOY on her face! She loves what she is doing and does it effortlessly and relaxed! Her timing and technic are impeccable! Such a joy! Child Prodigy, doesn't seem to fit, she is so much more!
I must tell you this all started I think was her mother and father what an awesome mother and father to have they are great musicians as well and their country also check out she do her little brother is coming along fine as a singer and guitar player
It's so impressive how relaxed she stays throughout. Kids typically will tense up especially on faster/harder parts. She just stays cool and flowing the whole time. And also, she has a good upright posture and is not hunched over. Always nice to see this.
@@mightyV444 No. Because that negates the 9 years of hard work that Yoyoka has put in to get to this level. She is incredible and deserves ALL the credit!
@@carlalopez4820 well yeah but she's also really naturally talented. its not a diss on her hard work at all. if you play or follow sports you'll know what i mean. there are those who have the talent but don't work hard, they fizzle out. then you have those who work their butt off but just don't have the natural talent, sadly that limits them against those who both are athletically talented and work hard.
Holy crap, what energy and the huge smile big enough to share. You can almost feel the professor smiling and saying ya, she nailed it. Inspiring even to a drummer pushing 60, seeing the new eager young drummer in us all, being the song. That is what pleases the music gods the most.
Ya know what's the difference between her cover and the other covers of this song that I have heard? It's the ghost notes. The other drum covers barely have them, if they even have them at all. Now, after watching your explanations, I can see how she pulled it off. Sigh, she's clearly my drumming idol :p
I could watch her forever! she seems like she is having so much fun! Not to mention that she is an incredible drummer at such a young age! Mind blowing!
She does indeed record in their house. There are sound boards and special flooring to help with the sound. This cover got much praise from followers and because of your excellent explanations I can now realise why. Very enjoyable and informative, thank you. Pat 🏴
I have played drums for decades and i still cant nail that track, her left hand HH accents in some fills are phenomenal but at 11 i would never have gotten close to that track, excellent in fact god given talent and i am going to be saying "flammage" at every opportunity, that is hilarious i love it!! Good video thanks for posting
I think she hits so hard because of those massive arms....lol You need to read her bio if you haven't already, you won't be surprised how impressive it is.. Best I can tell from some of her really old vids (in Japanese), she was giving lessons when she was like 5 years old. You should check those out just for the cute factor! (following from her channel) 🥁Drummer Yoyoka’s Profile🥁 Born in October 2009, she started playing drums at the age of two, played live at four, and formed her family band "Kaneaiyoyoka" at five. At 6 years old, she even released her first CD while in kindergarten. In addition to drums, Yoyoka sings vocals, plays the piano and is a songwriter. In 2018, at the age of 8, she became the youngest weekly champion in the under-18 category of the international female drummer contest "Hit Like A Girl". Her application video, a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times" was featured on NBC, NPR, in Rolling Stone Magazine and in Billboard and then spread all over the world. Her drumming prowess has been praised by music legends such as Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Sheryl Crow, Gene Simmons and Eric Singer (KISS), Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Hayley Williams (Paramore), Sass Jordan, Tony Royster Jr., Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine) , Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai). At the age of eight, Yoyoka appeared in Japan's famous rock festival "RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL in EZO" as the youngest performer ever and made a surprise appearance on the stage of Fall Out Boy in "Summer Sonic Tokyo" in front of an audience of 20,000. Later, she was the guest drummer for two songs of Cyndi Lauper’s performance at Tokyo Orchard Hall, the last day of her Japan tour. Yoyoka is endorsed by world-class brands such as Nike, Moncler, and UNIQLO, filming well-received commercials in Thailand and New York. At the age of eight, she became the youngest drummer ever to sign an endorsement contract with drum makers Pearl and VIC FIRTH, and has since then also signed with Zildjian, CYMPAD and DW. She made two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in LA in January and May 2019 where she was praised by Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters, and later on had a successful live house at the legendary "Whisky A Go Go". In April 2019, she was selected as one of Newsweek Japan’s "100 Japanese people respected by the world", the youngest in history. Pearl showcased her talent the 2020 NAMM show in Anaheim the world’s largest musical instruments trade show. She was the youngest female and only Japanese drummer to appear. The impact of "Yoyoka" continues to spread worldwide. Her favorite drummers are John Henry Bonham, Chris Coleman, Nate Smith, Chad Smith and David Grohl. Her dream is to travel and play sessions with people all over the world. She is also hoping to preform in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
@@zoeherriot Don't feel bad, that video is better than most drummers who play for a living. OK, maybe not, but her 7 year old videos are better than a lot of professional drummers. She was a little slow getting started ...LOL
Yoyoka's goals for her life is to become a BEST DRUMMER in the world, among other music related goals. A lot of people thinks that she must be practicing hour after hour everyday. The opposite is true. She says again and again in the interviews she doesn't like to practice. She said she practice about 1 1/2 hours after dinner minus goofing-around time. She used to practice even less when she was younger. She just got "IT", she was born to rock, self-taught !!!!🤩 We all know those rare special people when we see one !!!!😃
All true! Used to be an hour a day. Maybe she's finally taking this drumming thing more seriously....lol She has already made the "DrummerWorld Top 500" list. www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Yoyoka_Soma.html Hint: She's the only one on the list without a beard or tattoos! Next stop Top 100, Top 50, Top 10, and then to her self proclaimed goal to be the best drummer in the world! It's certainly a possibility. Will be fun to witness her amazing journey.
@@Glen.Black. I forgot to write one little detail Yoyo said: I practice 1 1/2 hours AT MOST. The sky is the limit for her. I can't wait what she'll be showing us just one year from now !!
@@rockingrandma4711 I was not digging on your comment. Kind of a joke really, like she used to practice an hour a day and now works much harder a whole hour and a half...lol Wait a year to see what she's doing? She puts out a new video every two weeks now and she is better each time! No way to tell what she'll do in a year right? Can't imagine. I wonder if she's the best drummer in her grade school band yet? lol
The catalog of music this young lady covers is more than most would even attempt and nails it every time. It seems like the harder the part the happier she is.And she hits like a Mack truck!!
Check out her early videos on her channel if you haven't.. Cute x 10! She always puts her cute little face up in the camera when she's giving drum lessons (Age 5), and can't stop talking. Cracks me up!
I'm so excited for this one! Yoyoka hit the scene as somewhat of a novelty, and I don't mean that in a bad way. I've always been a little skeptical of child prodigies, but Yoyoka comes from a musical family. She obviously loves what she's doing and she just keeps getting better at it. You can tell she practices a lot and the goofy faces she makes when she plays Bonham or Bonzo give way to a really serious concentration keeping up with Neil Peart. The original video was so fun to watch, I can't wait to see it through your eyes!
It's hard to get the whole backstory, but I get the impression that Yoyoka has never had formal drum lessons and is actually not very disciplined in practicing. She seems to be simply a prodigy, who just GETS it instinctively, whose body just knows what to do to produce the right sounds. Maybe she's had some mentors, like musician friends of the family, and she probably imitates the movements of her drum heroes on video. But she was playing Led Zeppelin before her parents even realized she'd ever heard of them. Just one of those awesome talents that shows up on the planet once in a while, for which I for one am very grateful!
In total agreement with you. She is extremely gifted and making the best of it. I made a similar comment a while back on one of her earlier vids and some DB jumped all over me for opining that her drumming skills were natural rather than from relentless instruction and practice. Some kids just get music at a very early age, and she's one of the few. I'm just happy we get to see her progress.
There are skillsets she would need in order to enhance her playing and certain things like sight reading or counting. Hardly a ruinous process for anyone, simply a diversification of skills. Because to be honest, tons of gifted musicians go on to play mediocre careers. There's only so much you can do in a field that tends to be oversaturated with good,great,and god level players and studio knowledge helps round things out.
And she doesn't even have all the toms required to bury that track but she does it anyway. Technically, she's interpreting the original track onto her own kit. Absolutely amazing.
It has been said for years that she is already at a professional level drummer. In fact, she's joined some recording as professionally in Japan. Please reaction to her more younger (7-9 yo) videos and explain her talent. Immigrant Song/Onyx/Stone Cold Crazy/etc...
Proof... She made the "DrummerWorld Top 500" list already. Hint: She's the only one on the list without a beard or tattoos! Next stop Top 100, Top 50, Top 10, and then to her self proclaimed goal to be the best drummer in the world! It's certainly a possibility. Will be fun to witness her amazing journey! www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Yoyoka_Soma.html
I think when she covered "Murder by Numbers" that's when she became pro. Since then she is expanding her repertoire like any pro musician. Looking forward to the jazz phase
@@sammencia7945 I know Yoyoka has covered one of Senri Kawaguchi's original songs (Onyx) when she was 7 yo, and since then has hung out with her as well. Maybe they will do something together on stage like Senri and Murata Tamu did in this very cool jazz jam session. They called it a battle, but it is the friendliest battle I've ever seen. They compliment each other so well. "たむ図鑑3-6 ドラムバトル！～Real Life～（ゲスト：川口千里様）" th-cam.com/video/ViyZ49RsNfk/w-d-xo.html Murata and Yoyoka are friends as well.
Thanks for your generosity Andrew. Isn't she something. I predict you've got something special coming when Ian Paice, Sina & Yoyoka will post their collab. I am already hyper and on downers for that. However Yoyoka is not in your top 10 yet so she still has got some work to do. Have a great weekend.
There's very little that you can teach Yoyoka because she already has that natural ability, and messing with it would only ruin her technique. The hallmarks of any great drummer - indeed any great musician - are limbs that operate independently of each other, without muscle spasms or locking up, and Yoyoka has that in abundance. She makes it look completely effortless.
Your facial expressions in this reaction says it all. Amazement? Almost lost for words? The little girl is amazing. Enjoyed watching your many expressions of disbelief. Well done....
Sir I've seen her with her teacher Bobo he is a great drummer and a philosopher in the art of drumming she is learned a lot from him to improve her drumming abilities
She hits her ride cymbal (5:40) when Neil hit a "China Type" but it's the noise from the China that's on the recording...but she had the timing. Outstanding.
Just when you think you're quite good at something, a little Asian girl comes along and puts you right in your place. I love watching her, and I really enjoyed your reaction. Anyone playing Neil Peart is a task, but for this young girl to do so. so well is astonishing. No dragging, no rushing, in the pocket, and so fluid as well. Oh well ;) I'll just have to settle back and watch her go on and have a great career if she wants it.
She is self taught from age 2 up until recently when she started taking some lessons, and I promise she is better than teacher who looks like he's in his 20's!
Thank you for the reaction! I don't think she used a drumless track because I can also hear the original smaller caliber tam-tams sounds. I think the timing of her cover performances is perfectly synchronized for all drummers.
born to a musical family exposed to complicated music when young and she has a ton of natural talent it's too bad that neil isnt around to react to this...
I just assumed that the 'flamage' in this performance is because she is about 18 toms short of what Neil was using. But man, just imagine Yoyoka on Neil's kit?? I actually prefer the smaller kit and hope that she doesn't go to crazy with adding to it over her career. Cheers Andrew!
The biggest "flamage" comes when Neil is playing on drums that yoyoka doesn't have in her kit. THAT is when you can hear the original drum track the most.
I am vastly disabused - to an even greater extent than I experienced when I played semi-pro and was blown off stage by better drummers...nevertheless there remained a tiny spark of aspiration that survived Baker, Rich, Paice, Bonham, kruper, Mitchell , Peart and anyone one else you could name....but not Her. With a smile of appreciation and gratitude I thank her for freeing me of that last refuge of delusion...not jealous but grateful because in that little giant, there resides the souls of all passed greats and through Her, their music and legacy will live on. Led Zeppelin could reform and right now and their sound would be as it always was with John - I really believe She is capable of absorbing the essence/ style ( timing, dynamics, mastery of rudiments, independence and interpretation) of any drummer past or present - and effortlessly "be" that person's music - at the risk of sounding picky, I am compelled to wonder how all those fantastic influences might combine into creatinh her own unique style and sound as she matures with age...how long will we have to wait until we hear this prodigy emerge as her own drummer investing such energy and soul in original works? This young lady has already eclipsed the average/above average drummer and is ascending into the more stratified level of very competent technical ability - long may she rise and never be compromised/exploited by the ambitions of others who may try to use her as a meal ticket...and I do NOT mean her parents or family but those who will want to "manage" her..
Rush themselves pronounced it: "Y-Y Zed" since that is how Canadians pronounce the letter "Z". That's the name of the airport terminal they were in when they first started creating it. They were on the way to Japan for the first time.
When she dances between the percussion rests is just fantastic!
She's really having fun. It's so inspiring.
The harder the song the happier she gets. Nailed it.
She has so much fun, it's infectious.
100%!
I always love watching her cause she absolutely loves what she does and she always makes it look like fun 🤩
One of the greatest things about yoyoka is you can really tell how much she love playing.
Agree!
Even in the dead parts with no drum you can see her grooving out and just LOVING IT. This is her Happy Place. :)
I wouldn't be at all surprised if this girl eventually becomes one of the greatest drummers of all time. There is *so* much talent and skill here.
And joy with drumming
She will :)
I agree. For her to be THIS amazing at 10 years old - it's mind boggling. I know I'll be following her career closely.
She might get bored with it and do something even more spectacular
She plays a more complete catalogue at ten than most drummers will ever play in their lives.
She has so much groove and such dynamics... truly outstanding. You can tell there’s no one out there that loves anything more than she loves drumming.
Totally David. She's in the zone!
Those who find something to love that much are truly fortunate.
I used to have arguments with musician friends about the great rock drummers, could paice drum in the who? Could Bonham have the same impact in Rush? Could Ginger Baker be as interesting in Zeppelin? Who knew the answer is NO but a 10 year old kid can!??! This kid puts a smile on my face while she’s melting it at the same time, every time.
Excellent comment!
Great observation.
I had to stop in and watch YoYoko again especially when it's a Neil Peart cover.I saw Rush in 86 with my hands resting on the stage and couldn't keep my eyes off Neil, such a treat to be so close.I love that the young generation is carrying on the legacy, so 🆒🤘
Awesome stuff!
No matter how much work she's done on pads or whatever?! This kid is a one off talent at her age! She's nailing the most complex beats out there. My mouth hangs open.
But once in a lifetime, does the Universe send humanity an exceptional child, who proceeds to humble the adults. Very well done Yoyoka. Thanks for this one Andy.
She makes me happy. The look of pure joy on her face the whole song. It’s so good to see her enjoying herself!
Not only the only one blown away here. She is an ultra talented prodigy. So strong here at 10,now at 11 has grown even more. By her mid teens,she will frightening with her power. Broken sticks everywhere.
Check out her improvisations a year or 2 ago. Just mucking around,having fun (as always). There’s a reason why she’s multi sponsored by the majors and played at NAMM twice and you see it here. Can only be awestruck watching her performances. She is truly gifted.
I wish Mr. Peart could have lived to see this video. He probably would have shook his head in admiration saying "How can you smile whilst playing this? Don't you know how hard it is to play this song correctly?" Love and respect for both of them!
She seems to have no idea that what she's doing is super hard.
I will watch any Yoyoka reaction video I find ( I think I even watched one in Portuguese...), but you set yourself apart with your knowledge and thoughtful analysis. That’s TH-cam gold, thank you!
Wow, thank you!
We watch Yoyoka giving lessons in Japanese - so watching a Brazilian reactor is no big stretch!
@@solazoth6661 Agreed, I love it!
I ENTIRELY agree with your analysis of Yoyoka's playing! What you spoke on "flammage" is what got me really into her playing. It was the presence of mind, or feel (she's a KID!) to have the wherewithal to wait. It literally takes my breath away, for the lack of a better term. I'm like "How can she,.. and, just wait... OMG!". I tend to push the tempo right into the next measure and speed up. She's from another planet. Complete control over Matter.
🙌
I love this young lady. She is the most relaxed and comfortable looking drummer while drumming I've ever seen. She can play any genre of music and is a human metronome. She is always in the pocket and can easily change tempos and rythmns. Thanks for the still shot of how high her sticks actually get. I knew she was slinging them using gravity but that was an awesome still frame. Thanks for pointing that out.
She reminds me of Omar Hakim. He is very enjoyable to watch because he is relaxed and plays with joy. He is one of a kind. So is our girl here.
Her brain and talent are so in tune with what she is doing - it's just that she can do whatever she wants and effortlessly- she is quite amazing and a fortunate lady to have this combination of talent.
I hope you realize just how much you smile watching this girl play. I find myself watching your pleasure in watching her as much as her, it is kinda fun.
HA! That's great feedback. Wonderful to see young drummers playing at the level and enjoyment :)
The joy in his face watching is infectious.
💯🙌
The fun and joy in her face makes me smile and brings me to tears
Fantastic Chris!
Another great video Andrew. One of the reasons I really love Yoyoka's drumming is that it seems like she goes way beyond just *learning* the song. It's like she's *in* the song, experiencing it the way the original drummer did, and understanding it on a much deeper level. It's great to watch!
I'm no drummer, but, IMHO, Yoyoka is INSANELY GOOD. EVERY time I watch her I am amazed.
💯🙌
Neil Peart was a really big, strong guy. Famous for being able to really crush the drums what necessary. To see a tiny person do the same thing is incredible.
This girl is a GEM! There is nobody on the planet that can hold a candle to her in her age category and even in most beyond her years! Truly a gift from GOD! I love watching her play and seeing the FUN and JOY on her face! She loves what she is doing and does it effortlessly and relaxed! Her timing and technic are impeccable! Such a joy! Child Prodigy, doesn't seem to fit, she is so much more!
She is soooo good it almost brings a tear to my eye. Rock on you killer drummer.
what I love most is the joy in her face when shes playing and yes I do think she's amazing
Mr Peart R.I.P. would be so proud👏 Yoyoka rocks so hard AMAZING talent. More of this please👍
Yoyoka is so damn relaxed playing this song. Such fun to watch.
Agree!
Yoyoka es muy precisa, es tranquila, es suelta y muy armónica. Insisto en que a su edad Yoyoka es una de las mejores bateristas🥁 del planeta.
Yoyoka is a great talent. Thanks for you positive comment, Mr.Rooney. Alex
I must tell you this all started I think was her mother and father what an awesome mother and father to have they are great musicians as well and their country also check out she do her little brother is coming along fine as a singer and guitar player
It's so impressive how relaxed she stays throughout. Kids typically will tense up especially on faster/harder parts. She just stays cool and flowing the whole time. And also, she has a good upright posture and is not hunched over. Always nice to see this.
Could she possibly be an Old Soul who'd done this before, in a previous lifetime?! Maybe it's Bonzo himself reincarnated!? 😀
@@mightyV444
No. Because that negates the
9 years of hard work that
Yoyoka has put in to get to
this level.
She is incredible and deserves
ALL the credit!
@@carlalopez4820 - Everyone's entitled to their own opinion 🙂
Both. I think she works really hard AND is connected with the deep mirth at the core of music like the ascended masters surfed.
@@carlalopez4820 well yeah but she's also really naturally talented. its not a diss on her hard work at all. if you play or follow sports you'll know what i mean. there are those who have the talent but don't work hard, they fizzle out. then you have those who work their butt off but just don't have the natural talent, sadly that limits them against those who both are athletically talented and work hard.
Holy crap, what energy and the huge smile big enough to share. You can almost feel the professor smiling and saying ya, she nailed it. Inspiring even to a drummer pushing 60, seeing the new eager young drummer in us all, being the song. That is what pleases the music gods the most.
Ya know what's the difference between her cover and the other covers of this song that I have heard?
It's the ghost notes. The other drum covers barely have them, if they even have them at all.
Now, after watching your explanations, I can see how she pulled it off.
Sigh, she's clearly my drumming idol :p
Mine too
How can you not have a huge smile on your face watching her play this?
I just love Yoyoka ....... She just brings tears to my eye's and a smile to my face ever single time I see her .
I'm glad you decided to cover her work then watching her for a few years now what a great musician
Thank you for meeting my request.😄
She is just so seamless and smooth. What an amazing talent.
Great video! I just love the pure joy she exhibits during the drum breaks!
Here's why I think she is so good, she plays with joy.
I could watch her forever! she seems like she is having so much fun! Not to mention that she is an incredible drummer at such a young age! Mind blowing!
How can something so adorable also be so powerful...she is a little dynamo.
JOYOKA TO THE WORLD!!!! Thank You....
I love how she kinda did a little stand on her fill at 4:17
Her talent is absolutely amazing.
Her youtube success is because she not only has talent, but so much joy in playing the drums.
100%!
9:01
Ian Paice said the same thing.
So good she is expanding what people think is possible.
She does indeed record in their house. There are sound boards and special flooring to help with the sound. This cover got much praise from followers and because of your excellent explanations I can now realise why. Very enjoyable and informative, thank you. Pat 🏴
I have played drums for decades and i still cant nail that track, her left hand HH accents in some fills are phenomenal but at 11 i would never have gotten close to that track, excellent in fact god given talent and i am going to be saying "flammage" at every opportunity, that is hilarious i love it!! Good video thanks for posting
Let alone her amazing technique, lets mention her unbelievable mature understanding of a groove and genuine feel for syncopated and accented notes.
I think she hits so hard because of those massive arms....lol You need to read her bio if you haven't already, you won't be surprised how impressive it is.. Best I can tell from some of her really old vids (in Japanese), she was giving lessons when she was like 5 years old. You should check those out just for the cute factor!
(following from her channel) 🥁Drummer Yoyoka’s Profile🥁
Born in October 2009, she started playing drums at the age of two, played live at four, and formed her family band "Kaneaiyoyoka" at five. At 6 years old, she even released her first CD while in kindergarten.
In addition to drums, Yoyoka sings vocals, plays the piano and is a songwriter. In 2018, at the age of 8, she became the youngest weekly champion in the under-18 category of the international female drummer contest "Hit Like A Girl".
Her application video, a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times" was featured on NBC, NPR, in Rolling Stone Magazine and in Billboard and then spread all over the world.
Her drumming prowess has been praised by music legends such as Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Sheryl Crow, Gene Simmons and Eric Singer (KISS), Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Hayley Williams (Paramore), Sass Jordan, Tony Royster Jr., Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine) , Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai).
At the age of eight, Yoyoka appeared in Japan's famous rock festival "RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL in EZO" as the youngest performer ever and made a surprise appearance on the stage of Fall Out Boy in "Summer Sonic Tokyo" in front of an audience of 20,000. Later, she was the guest drummer for two songs of Cyndi Lauper’s performance at Tokyo Orchard Hall, the last day of her Japan tour.
Yoyoka is endorsed by world-class brands such as Nike, Moncler, and UNIQLO, filming well-received commercials in Thailand and New York. At the age of eight, she became the youngest drummer ever to sign an endorsement contract with drum makers Pearl and VIC FIRTH, and has since then also signed with Zildjian, CYMPAD and DW.
She made two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in LA in January and May 2019 where she was praised by Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters, and later on had a successful live house at the legendary "Whisky A Go Go".
In April 2019, she was selected as one of Newsweek Japan’s "100 Japanese people respected by the world", the youngest in history.
Pearl showcased her talent the 2020 NAMM show in Anaheim the world’s largest musical instruments trade show. She was the youngest female and only Japanese drummer to appear.
The impact of "Yoyoka" continues to spread worldwide. Her favorite drummers are John Henry Bonham, Chris Coleman, Nate Smith, Chad Smith and David Grohl. Her dream is to travel and play sessions with people all over the world. She is also hoping to preform in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
There's a video of her doing a better job than I can at 3 years old. :)
@@zoeherriot Don't feel bad, that video is better than most drummers who play for a living. OK, maybe not, but her 7 year old videos are better than a lot of professional drummers. She was a little slow getting started ...LOL
Just got back from seeing her play for the first time. I was really hoping to hear YYZ and she did not disappoint!
She’s what’s it’s all about. Great cover
If you haven't seen her Rosana you should check it out.
Yoyoka's goals for her life is to become a BEST DRUMMER in the world, among other music related goals.
A lot of people thinks that she must be practicing hour after hour everyday. The opposite is true. She says again and again in the interviews she doesn't like to practice. She said she practice about 1 1/2 hours after dinner minus goofing-around time. She used to practice even less when she was younger. She just got "IT", she was born to rock, self-taught !!!!🤩 We all know those rare special people when we see one !!!!😃
All true! Used to be an hour a day. Maybe she's finally taking this drumming thing more seriously....lol She has already made the "DrummerWorld Top 500" list. www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Yoyoka_Soma.html
Hint: She's the only one on the list without a beard or tattoos! Next stop Top 100, Top 50, Top 10, and then to her self proclaimed goal to be the best drummer in the world! It's certainly a possibility. Will be fun to witness her amazing journey.
@@Glen.Black.
I forgot to write one little detail Yoyo said: I practice 1 1/2 hours AT MOST.
The sky is the limit for her. I can't wait what she'll be showing us just one year from now !!
@@rockingrandma4711 I was not digging on your comment. Kind of a joke really, like she used to practice an hour a day and now works much harder a whole hour and a half...lol Wait a year to see what she's doing? She puts out a new video every two weeks now and she is better each time! No way to tell what she'll do in a year right? Can't imagine. I wonder if she's the best drummer in her grade school band yet? lol
@@Glen.Black.
😄😁🤩
Her gosl is actually to be the best bandmate ever and to play in the Japanese olympics opening ceremonies.
Everything I have read about yoyoka says that she doesn't read music and didn't take lessons. Lmfao she's become an urban legend
Yoyoka is a freak, and a delight to behold.
The catalog of music this young lady covers is more than most would even attempt and nails it every time. It seems like the harder the part the happier she is.And she hits like a Mack truck!!
Yup! She's awesome Keith
I always loved Neal's playing and Style, but this is nearly Perfect. Of a Kid like her, amazing. Like you said, sehe Hits so hard and Perfect.
Awww, look at this cute little face😍
(Yoyoka is pretty, too)
lol
Down right beautiful when she smiles😏😘 😁.👍
Check out her early videos on her channel if you haven't.. Cute x 10! She always puts her cute little face up in the camera when she's giving drum lessons (Age 5), and can't stop talking. Cracks me up!
I'm so excited for this one! Yoyoka hit the scene as somewhat of a novelty, and I don't mean that in a bad way. I've always been a little skeptical of child prodigies, but Yoyoka comes from a musical family. She obviously loves what she's doing and she just keeps getting better at it. You can tell she practices a lot and the goofy faces she makes when she plays Bonham or Bonzo give way to a really serious concentration keeping up with Neil Peart. The original video was so fun to watch, I can't wait to see it through your eyes!
It's hard to get the whole backstory, but I get the impression that Yoyoka has never had formal drum lessons and is actually not very disciplined in practicing. She seems to be simply a prodigy, who just GETS it instinctively, whose body just knows what to do to produce the right sounds. Maybe she's had some mentors, like musician friends of the family, and she probably imitates the movements of her drum heroes on video. But she was playing Led Zeppelin before her parents even realized she'd ever heard of them. Just one of those awesome talents that shows up on the planet once in a while, for which I for one am very grateful!
I agree, awesome comment!
In total agreement with you. She is extremely gifted and making the best of it. I made a similar comment a while back on one of her earlier vids and some DB jumped all over me for opining that her drumming skills were natural rather than from relentless instruction and practice. Some kids just get music at a very early age, and she's one of the few. I'm just happy we get to see her progress.
Formal lessons would just ruin what she already does naturally.
There are skillsets she would need in order to enhance her playing and certain things like sight reading or counting. Hardly a ruinous process for anyone, simply a diversification of skills. Because to be honest, tons of gifted musicians go on to play mediocre careers. There's only so much you can do in a field that tends to be oversaturated with good,great,and god level players and studio knowledge helps round things out.
And she doesn't even have all the toms required to bury that track but she does it anyway. Technically, she's interpreting the original track onto her own kit. Absolutely amazing.
It has been said for years that she is already at a professional level drummer. In fact, she's joined some recording as professionally in Japan.
Please reaction to her more younger (7-9 yo) videos and explain her talent. Immigrant Song/Onyx/Stone Cold Crazy/etc...
Proof... She made the "DrummerWorld Top 500" list already. Hint: She's the only one on the list without a beard or tattoos! Next stop Top 100, Top 50, Top 10, and then to her self proclaimed goal to be the best drummer in the world! It's certainly a possibility. Will be fun to witness her amazing journey! www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Yoyoka_Soma.html
I think when she covered "Murder by Numbers" that's when she became pro. Since then she is expanding her repertoire like any pro musician.
Looking forward to the jazz phase
@@sammencia7945 I know Yoyoka has covered one of Senri Kawaguchi's original songs (Onyx) when she was 7 yo, and since then has hung out with her as well. Maybe they will do something together on stage like Senri and Murata Tamu did in this very cool jazz jam session. They called it a battle, but it is the friendliest battle I've ever seen. They compliment each other so well. "たむ図鑑3-6 ドラムバトル！～Real Life～（ゲスト：川口千里様）" th-cam.com/video/ViyZ49RsNfk/w-d-xo.html Murata and Yoyoka are friends as well.
Thanks for your generosity Andrew. Isn't she something. I predict you've got something special coming when Ian Paice, Sina & Yoyoka will post their collab. I am already hyper and on downers for that. However Yoyoka is not in your top 10 yet so she still has got some work to do. Have a great weekend.
Flamage hahaha excellent Andrew , she’s awesome and very inspirational
There's very little that you can teach Yoyoka because she already has that natural ability, and messing with it would only ruin her technique. The hallmarks of any great drummer - indeed any great musician - are limbs that operate independently of each other, without muscle spasms or locking up, and Yoyoka has that in abundance. She makes it look completely effortless.
Your facial expressions in this reaction says it all.
Amazement? Almost lost for words?
The little girl is amazing.
Enjoyed watching your many expressions of disbelief.
Well done....
😊 thank you Gary! She's a star
That's insane playing.
I've run out of compliments for Yoyoka! 👍🏻😊
She's having so much fun 👍🏻☮❤
Sir I've seen her with her teacher Bobo he is a great drummer and a philosopher in the art of drumming she is learned a lot from him to improve her drumming abilities
This video made my morning as always love the way you do these videos now its time for my coffee
She hits her ride cymbal (5:40) when Neil hit a "China Type" but it's the noise from the China that's on the recording...but she had the timing. Outstanding.
She has been playing since she was 2 years old!
So how much stamina did that take and her timing is insane. Love it
her enthusiasm reminds me of why i wanted to drum in the first place
Just when you think you're quite good at something, a little Asian girl comes along and puts you right in your place. I love watching her, and I really enjoyed your reaction. Anyone playing Neil Peart is a task, but for this young girl to do so. so well is astonishing. No dragging, no rushing, in the pocket, and so fluid as well. Oh well ;) I'll just have to settle back and watch her go on and have a great career if she wants it.
And makes it look as easy as eating ice cream!!
Her dad puts everything together
And is also an accomplished musician. Saw an old clip of him wailing on a harmonica yesterday.
Neil would be proud. Rock on!
I always look forward to the reaction to the Yoyoka game with interest, and I also get a positive reaction from Andrew.
Game ?
She is really fun.and very good
She's been drumming since a toddler. No doubt she IS currently the BEST in the world 🌎! Imagine what we get to hear in the future.
Already so good
She is self taught from age 2 up until recently when she started taking some lessons, and I promise she is better than teacher who looks like he's in his 20's!
Thank you for the reaction!
I don't think she used a drumless track because I can also hear the original smaller caliber tam-tams sounds.
I think the timing of her cover performances is perfectly synchronized for all drummers.
She seems right at home with that Rush Groove - solid 😊
Apparently, she's entirely self taught until last year when she had some English/drumming lessons from an English speaking drum teacher.
born to a musical family
exposed to complicated music when young
and she has a ton of natural talent
it's too bad that neil isnt around to react to this...
I just assumed that the 'flamage' in this performance is because she is about 18 toms short of what Neil was using. But man, just imagine Yoyoka on Neil's kit?? I actually prefer the smaller kit and hope that she doesn't go to crazy with adding to it over her career. Cheers Andrew!
I'm impressed how she adapts this to a smaller kit and still captures it.
What's stunning is that her dad could shoot real-time video of her getting acquainted with Neils kit and she would be up and running in 45 minutes.
The biggest "flamage" comes when Neil is playing on drums that yoyoka doesn't have in her kit. THAT is when you can hear the original drum track the most.
Indeed!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums You should go back and check out her videos from when she was, like, 5 years old.
Can't think of a band this kid couldn't play for. I mean she covers Bonham, Peart and others spot on for Christ sake!
Another awesome video, you're so right about keeping the ghost notes low. This girl was impressive
I could listen to this all day!
SHE IS SUPER AMAZING 👌👍👏
Andrew Rooneyyyy!!! Deffo deffo react to Nandi Bushell performing live with the Foo Fighters!
Yoyoka is one of my favorite drummers
Great!
Pure talent, her playing style reminds me of Shannon Larkin from Godsmack, she is a natural performer for sure, keep it up and you'll go far for sure.
The footwork in her recent Jamiroquai Space Cowboy video is a Glitch In The Matrix (and she's responsible for a number of those!)
I am vastly disabused - to an even greater extent than I experienced when I played semi-pro and was blown off stage by better drummers...nevertheless there remained a tiny spark of aspiration that survived Baker, Rich, Paice, Bonham, kruper, Mitchell , Peart and anyone one else you could name....but not Her. With a smile of appreciation and gratitude I thank her for freeing me of that last refuge of delusion...not jealous but grateful because in that little giant, there resides the souls of all passed greats and through Her, their music and legacy will live on.
Led Zeppelin could reform and right now and their sound would be as it always was with John - I really believe She is capable of absorbing the essence/ style ( timing, dynamics, mastery of rudiments, independence and interpretation) of any drummer past or present - and effortlessly "be" that person's music - at the risk of sounding picky, I am compelled to wonder how all those fantastic influences might combine into creatinh her own unique style and sound as she matures with age...how long will we have to wait until we hear this prodigy emerge as her own drummer investing such energy and soul in original works? This young lady has already eclipsed the average/above average drummer and is ascending into the more stratified level of very competent technical ability - long may she rise and never be compromised/exploited by the ambitions of others who may try to use her as a meal ticket...and I do NOT mean her parents or family but those who will want to "manage" her..
Rush themselves pronounced it: "Y-Y Zed" since that is how Canadians pronounce the letter "Z".
That's the name of the airport terminal they were in when they first started creating it.
They were on the way to Japan for the first time.