Ryuichi Sakamoto is a classically trained musician whose music career has had diverse offshoots, now including ringtones! In the late seventies his group Yellow Magic Orchestra formed, becoming alongside Kraftwerk, the kings of technopop. Releasing eleven albums over the next five years, YMO developed a following that continues to the present day, and their influence on the rave, techno, and ambient movements is widely recognized.
Over his career he has collaborated with names like David Bowie, David Byrne, David Sylvian, Iggy Pop, Youssou N'dour, Robbie Robertson, Caetano Veloso, as well as writers William Burroughs and William Gibson. One of his best known works would be the haunting soundtrack to film "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" in which he also acted. Ryuichi's current tour of Japan is completely sold out.
The Nokia 8801 which features Ryuichi's score, a first for a phone, was just released in Europe & Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. The press release for this event says, "Inspired by its modern lines and organic curves, Sakamoto has produced a musical accompaniment for the Nokia 8801 that captures an essence and emotion that touches both heart and mind. His creation draws on his vision of the Nokia 8801 user - a world citizen constantly on the move, making an impression in a grayscale world and through great cities such as New York, Paris, Sydney and Shanghai."
At last, something tasteful is coming the way of the mobile phone user and professional musicians can strike back at those who write mobile phone ditties like "Crazy Frog" that knock them off the charts!