Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Yohio
View on Wikipedia
Kevin Johio Lucas Rehn Eires (born 12 July 1995), known professionally as Yohio (stylized as YOHIO), is a Swedish singer and songwriter. He is best known for his performances as Yohio, wearing a lolita dress in previous years, with an androgynous appearance on stage.[1][2][3][4] He is a former member of the Swedish rock band Seremedy, which disbanded in April 2013.[5][6][7] Yohio has participated in Melodifestivalen both in 2013 and 2014, making it to the final on both occasions. He is one of the co-founders and current CEO of Keios Entertainment.
Key Information
Family and early life
[edit]Yohio was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 12 July 1995 and is the son of Tommy Rehn of the Swedish heavy metal band Corroded, and Johanna Eires.[1] Shortly after, his family moved to Sundsvall, where he grew up. When he was six years old he started learning to play the piano, and later learned the guitar at age eleven. He wrote his first song when he was six years old.
He is the grandson of Jan-Eric Rehn, who was a guitarist in 1960s band The Panthers[8] and the nephew of Chris Rehn of Swedish post-grunge/pop rock band Takida. Chris and Tommy Rehn were also both in the band Angtoria. Yohio speaks Japanese, after becoming interested in Japanese culture and visual kei at a young age, and also spending time in Japan on his several trips to the country performing his music.[9]
Career in Sweden
[edit]Yohio and his band Seremedy gained some recognition in Sweden starting in 2011. The band consisted of lead vocalist SEIKE, YOHIO on lead guitar, Ray on guitar, JENZiiH on bass and LINDER on drums.[10] The band released their first EP Seasons Will Change in 2011[11] and their first album Welcome to our Madness on 25 July 2012.[12] The band then broke up and made a one time return for a last live show and EP Re:Madness on 20 September 2014.[13]
Yohio received special attention for wearing a dress when performing.[14] In 2012 Yohio released his first English song as a solo performer, "Our Story".[15] Yohio has made four music videos – for "Sky Limit", "Our Story", "Heartbreak Hotel" (his entry for Melodifestivalen 2013) and "Revolution".[16]
In 2013, it was announced that Yohio was lending his voice to a Vocaloid voicebank within the PowerFX range that contains both an English and Japanese vocal.[17] He provided the voicebank for YOHIOloid.
Melodifestivalen 2013
[edit]Yohio was one of the contestants in the 2013 edition of Melodifestivalen, the Swedish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 to be held in Malmö. His song was "Heartbreak Hotel",[18] which he wrote along with Johan Fransson, Tobias Lundgren, Tim Larsson and Henrik Göranson.[18] On 2 February, Yohio was qualified for the contest's finals. Soon after, on 9 March, he came second place with Robin Stjernberg leading him as the final winner with 166 points. Yohio earned 133 points with his successful song "Heartbreak Hotel".[19][20][21] Yohio was the Swedish spokesperson and announcer of the Swedish voting result at the 2013 Eurovision final in Malmö.[22]
Melodifestivalen 2014
[edit]Yohio took part in the first heat of Melodifestivalen 2014 at the Malmö Arena with the song "To the End", performing first. Yohio was announced as the first act to go directly to the final at the Friends Arena on 8 March.[23] In the final, he came in sixth place.
DISREIGN
[edit]Yohio formed a new band that consists of Valentin on guitar, Tias on drums and former Seremedy bandmate, JENZiiH on bass. They released their first single and PV Until The Fade on 8 May 2015 and released the single worldwide on 5 August 2015. The PV was directed by Die/may band member Riotcolor. This marked Yohio's return to a band and his return to singing in Japanese since Shiraha in 2015. Since then, DISREIGN has released multiple EPs and singles, with their most recent being "VEXED" on 27 May 2020.[24][25]
Career in Japan
[edit]In April 2012, Yohio released his first EP "Reach the Sky" in Japan,[26] which placed 82nd on Oricon.[27] His song "SKY☆LiMiT" ranked first on the 2nd week in May 2012 of Rekochoku weekly ranking.[28] His first full album, Break the Border was released in June 2013, three months after the Swedish release. It entered the Oricon weekly charts on one occasion, at position 285.[27]
In 2023, Yohio began releasing singles for an upcoming Japanese album, beginning with "初恋のWHITE ROSE".[29]
Producing career
[edit]Yohio has mixed a song for former Seremedy bandmate Seike's band Die/May single The Return, making this their first time working together since the break up of Seremedy (before the reunion in 2014)[30] Yohio also wrote the lyrics to the song "I'm Sorry" tweeting "Writing some R&B right now for another artist. Not my territory at all, but very interesting to create. Love how you can play with vocals!" The song was sung by Oskar Bruzell.[31]
Acting career and television appearances
[edit]In 2015, Yohio acted in the critically acclaimed mystery series Jordskott as the character "Linus". In the same year, the Dröse & Norberg theatrical company produced "Snövit the Musical", a modern-day musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, in which Yohio played the role of the prince.[32] The show ran again in 2022, with Yohio returning to the spotlight.[33]
He also appeared in 2022 on the second season of Masked Singer Sverige, making it to 4th place.[34]
Tours
[edit]Celebrating the release of his debut English album Break the Border, Yohio made a tour of Europe in 2013. The final took place in Stockholm, with Gackt joining him onstage for a duet of the song they wrote together.[35]
In June 2024, Yohio accompanied Kamijo on his European tour "The Anthem" as a guitarist. The tour finished on June 16 in London.[36]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certification | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWE [37] | |||||||||
| Break the Border |
|
1 |
| ||||||
| Break the Border Platinum Edition |
|
1 |
| ||||||
| Together We Stand Alone |
|
1 | |||||||
| Snöängelns rike |
|
18 | |||||||
| A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way[38] |
|
||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||
EPs
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certification | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPN | |||||||||
| Reach the Sky |
|
82 | |||||||
| "—" denotes recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWE [37] | |||||||||
| "Sky☆Limit" | 2012 | — | Reach the Sky | ||||||
| "Heartbreak Hotel" | 2013 | 8 |
|
Break the Border | |||||
| "Revolution" | — | ||||||||
| "To the End" | 2014 | 38 |
|
Together We Stand Alone | |||||
| "夏の終わりの約束" | 2017 | — | TBA | ||||||
| "Tick Tack" | 2018 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "Merry Go Round" | 2018 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "My Nocturnal Serenade" | 2019 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "defeating a devil a day" | 2019 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "Daydreams" | 2020 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "Undo" | 2020 | — | A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | ||||||
| "初恋のWHITE ROSE" | 2023 | — | TBA | ||||||
| "naive" | 2023 | — | TBA | ||||||
| "Destiny" | 2023 | — | — | ||||||
| "記憶の迷路-Maze of Memories-" | 2024 | — | TBA | ||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||
DVDs
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certification | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWE [37] | |||||||||
| BREAK THE BORDER TOUR FINAL |
|
1 | |||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Shohreh Zare/TT Spektra. "Yohio bakom klänningen – Kultur & Nöje" (in Swedish). Gp.se. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ "Yohio bakom klänningen". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 16 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 December 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ "Svenska tonåringen YOHIO gör succé i Japan" (in Swedish). MyNewsdesk. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ "'A guy wearing a dress is not a sexual thing': Yohio". The Local. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ "Yohio is a Swedish Boy Singer that Looks like a Doll". The Suite World. Archived from the original on 1 April 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Mikael Tjernström. "Seremedy-gitarrist släpper soloalbum – Kultur & Nöje" (in Swedish). Dagbladet.se. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ "Tweet by @Seremedy". Twitter. 15 April 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
- ^ Anna-Karin Saad. "Hen har minglat med The Who – ST Grattar" (in Swedish). St.nu. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Erik Gripenholm (28 August 2012). "Det konstigaste är att jag är svensk". Dagens Nyheter. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ "Seremedy". Facebook. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Seremedy Seasons Will Change (EP)- Spirit of Metal Webzine (en)". Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Seremedy Welcome to Our Madness (CD Album)- Spirit of Metal Webzine (en)". Spirit-of-metal.com. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Seremedy Re:Madness (EP)- Spirit of Metal Webzine (en)". Spirit-of-metal.com. 20 September 2014. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ Löf, Anders (4 April 2011). "De kallar oss konstiga bögar". Aftonbladet. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ^ "Yohio – japansk popstjärna från Sundsvall". Sveriges Radio. 17 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ^ "Kolla in Japansuccén Yohios nya musikvideo! | Musikvideor | Musik | Nöjesbladet | Webbtv | Aftonbladet". Aftonbladet.se. 29 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ "Twitter / YOHIO_Seremedy: I will become a new bilingual". Twitter.com. 18 February 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Yohio – Heartbreak Hotel". SVT.se. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Melodifestivalen, SVT. "Winner and finalists of Melodifestivalen" Archived 26 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine, SVT, full list of the scores.
- ^ "YOHIO och David Lindgren är i final i Melodifestivalen". SVT. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ Emma Petersson (9 March 2013). "Robin Stjernberg är vinnaren av Melodifestivalen 2013". SVT. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Mirja Bokholm (22 April 2013). "YOHIO presenterar de svenska rösterna i Eurovision Song Contest". SVT.se. Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "n: De gick vidare". Aftonbladet. 1 February 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ^ "Disreign". Facebook. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Disreign – Until The Fade (Official Pv)". YouTube. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Poplight | Främsta låtarna 2012: YOHIO – SKYLiMIT | Poplight". Poplight.zitiz.se. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ a b "「ブレイク・ザ・ボーダー」 YOHIO│オリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE". Oricon.co.jp. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ "「SKY☆LiMiT」着うた®&着うたフル® 週間ランキングで同時1位獲得!!(5/2-5/8)". Universal Music Japan. 9 May 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Die/May – The Return (Official Pv)". YouTube. 4 May 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Oskar Bruzell – I'm Sorry (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". YouTube. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
- ^ "Snövit blir en lekfull musikal med Nanne och Yohio". www.aftonbladet.se (in Swedish). 31 October 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "YOHIO tillbaka i rollen som prinsen i Snövit". Mynewsdesk (in Swedish). 24 November 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Sjöjungfrun avslöjad som YOHIO - snart spelar han prinsen i "Snövit the musical"". Mynewsdesk (in Swedish). 13 May 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "June 6th to 16th | KAMIJO Europa Tour 2024". Rose Croix (in Japanese). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Steffen Hung. "Discography Yohio". swedishcharts.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=299882947737857 [user-generated source]
External links
[edit]
Media related to Yohio at Wikimedia Commons- https://www.keios.co/yohio
Yohio
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Yohio, born Kevin Johio Lucas Rehn Eires on 12 July 1995 in Stockholm, Sweden, is the son of Per Tommy Rehn and Johanna Eires.[4][11] Tommy Rehn is a Swedish musician best known as the vocalist and guitarist for the heavy metal band Corroded, which he co-founded in 2004. Rehn has also managed Yohio's career through his company Rehn Music Group.[12] The family maintains a strong connection to music, with Rehn's brother Chris Rehn having been involved in bands such as Angtoria.[13] Raised in this musical environment, Yohio developed an early affinity for heavy metal and rock, influenced by his father's profession and the household's emphasis on performance and songwriting.[14] No public details are available regarding siblings or extended family dynamics beyond these professional ties.[4]Musical influences and formation of Seremedy
Yohio, born Kevin Johio Lucas Rehn Eires on July 12, 1995, in Stockholm, Sweden, grew up in a family immersed in music and performing arts, with his father, Tommy Rehn, as a member of the Swedish heavy metal band Corroded. This environment prompted him to begin playing piano and composing songs at age 6, later adding guitar at age 11.[15] His early musical tastes drew from hard rock and heavy metal influences like Kiss, extending to Japanese visual kei artists such as X Japan and Gackt, which shaped his affinity for theatrical, androgynous aesthetics and intricate guitar work.[16] At age 14, in the summer of 2009, Yohio formed the visual kei-inspired rock band Seremedy, adopting the band's core theme of “Beauty and Madness” for his songwriting, which emphasized contrasts between elegance and chaos.[3] [5] The group, based in Sundsvall, Sweden, officially coalesced in January 2010, with Yohio serving as lead vocalist and guitarist; they secured a recording deal with Ninetone Records under Universal Music distribution.[17] Seremedy's style blended metal elements with visual kei flamboyance, gaining initial traction in Sweden through live performances and releases starting around 2011.[4] The band disbanded in April 2013, after which Yohio pursued solo endeavors while the remaining members formed a successor group.[17]Career in Sweden
Melodifestivalen 2013
Yohio participated in Melodifestivalen 2013, Sweden's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song "Heartbreak Hotel", co-written by Johan Fransson, Tobias Lundgren, Tim Larsson, and Henrik Goranson.[18] The track, a rock-influenced pop song, featured lyrics addressing resilience amid romantic loss, performed in Yohio's signature visual kei style characterized by elaborate costumes and makeup.[7] In the first semi-final held on 2 February 2013 at Telenor Arena in Karlskrona, Yohio performed "Heartbreak Hotel" and secured advancement to the final by receiving 155,116 televotes, the highest in the heat.[19] David Lindgren's "Skyline" placed second with 66,116 votes, also qualifying directly, while Cookies 'N' Beans advanced to the Andra Chansen round.[19] The performance opened with stage pyrotechnics, including flames, emphasizing the song's energetic beat and Yohio's dynamic stage presence as a 17-year-old artist.[20] The grand final took place on 9 March 2013 at Friends Arena in Solna, where Yohio competed among eight acts.[18] He earned 133 points overall: 103 from the public televote, topping that category, but only 30 from the international jury, finishing second behind winner Robin Stjernberg's "You" with 166 points (91 televote, 75 jury).[18] This outcome highlighted a disconnect between public enthusiasm for Yohio's visually striking and catchy entry and jury preferences for other styles.[18] Post-competition, "Heartbreak Hotel" achieved commercial success in Sweden, peaking at number three on the Sverigetopplistan singles chart and earning a platinum certification for over 40,000 units sold.[7] The exposure elevated Yohio's profile, leading to further media appearances and solidifying his breakthrough in the Swedish music scene.[7]Melodifestivalen 2014
Yohio competed in the first semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2014 on 1 February 2014 at Malmö Arena in Malmö, performing his entry "To the End" as the opening act.[21][22] The song, a mid-tempo rock track co-written by Yohio alongside Andreas Johnson, Johan Lyander, and Peter Kvint, advanced directly to the final after securing the top public vote tally of 117,219 from the heat's six entrants.[8][23] Ellen Benediktson's "Songbird" took second place and also qualified for the final, while Helena Paparizou's "Survivor" and Linus Svenning's "Bröder" proceeded to Andra Chansen.[24][25] The final took place on 8 March 2014 at Friends Arena in Solna, where Yohio performed "To the End" among the ten qualifiers.[26] Despite strong visual staging featuring gothic elements consistent with his style, the song placed sixth in the combined jury and televote results, behind winner Sanna Nielsen's "Undo".[8][27] This outcome followed his runner-up finish in the 2013 edition, marking continued prominence in Sweden's Eurovision selection process without securing the ticket to the contest in Copenhagen.[21]DISREIGN involvement
Yohio joined the visual kei band DISREIGN as lead vocalist on October 4, 2014, alongside drummer Tias, with bassist JENZiiH as a core founding member from his prior band Seremedy.[28] The group, initially a Swedish project that gained traction in Japan's visual kei scene, featured Yohio as its leader and frontman, emphasizing a heavier visual metal sound compared to his solo pop-oriented material.[29] [30] Early lineup included guitarist Valentin, later replaced by JONIL.[28] DISREIGN debuted with the single "Until the Fade" on May 8, 2015, marking Yohio's shift toward Japanese rock aesthetics post his Swedish Eurovision attempts.[31] The band followed with their second single, "Kare Ren" (枯れ蓮), released on December 14, 2015, which included previews of three tracks blending aggressive riffs and visual kei styling.[32] Yohio contributed vocally and as a key creative force, drawing from songs he admired to solidify the band's direction after auditioning and committing to the project.[33] In a 2016 interview, DISREIGN highlighted their unique position in the visual kei industry, with Yohio's involvement bridging Swedish rock roots and Japanese influences, including label affiliations and live performances.[34] The band's activities underscored Yohio's adaptation to heavier genres, though it maintained a niche following amid his broader solo pursuits in Japan.[29]Career in Japan
Relocation and initial activities
In June 2016, Yohio announced on Instagram his impending relocation to Japan, citing the need for a brief social media hiatus due to time constraints.[35] By September 2016, he and his DISREIGN bandmates had completed the move, as detailed in a J-Generation interview where Yohio explained they had planned the relocation for over a year to immerse themselves in the visual kei scene's origin.[34] This shift followed years of building a Japanese fanbase through earlier releases like the 2012 EP Reach the Sky, which charted at number 82 on the Oricon weekly ranking, and tours promoting visual kei aesthetics.[36] Initial activities in Japan centered on strengthening DISREIGN's presence, including preparations for new releases and live performances adapted to local audiences, leveraging Yohio's prior self-taught Japanese proficiency acquired through independent study and adult evening classes.[37]Recent developments and releases
In 2023, Yohio initiated a series of Japanese-language singles under his label KEIOS Entertainment, starting with his fifth Japanese single "初恋のWHITE ROSE♡" released on April 26.[38] This was followed by his sixth single "naïve" on May 31.[39] The momentum continued into 2024 with his seventh Japanese single "記憶の迷路 -Maze of Memories-" released worldwide on May 1.[40] His eighth single, "dim dayz," followed on September 25.[41] These releases culminated in Yohio's second Japanese album, dreamchaser., issued on December 11, 2024, comprising 10 tracks and representing his first full-length Japanese album in 11 years.[42] [43] The album blends alternative and visual kei elements, building on the preceding singles.[44]Producing and songwriting
Yohio has primarily focused his songwriting and production efforts on his own discography, composing music and lyrics for the majority of tracks across his early albums. On the 2013 album Break the Border, he received sole credits for lyrics and music on multiple tracks, including collaborations with Japanese artist Gackt Camui on select compositions.[45] Similarly, the 2014 release Together We Stand Alone features Yohio as the sole writer of music and lyrics for eight tracks (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12), with co-writing credits alongside Andreas Johnsson, Peter Kvint, and Johan Lyander on two others (3 and 4).[46] In production, Yohio has contributed as arranger, programmer, and co-producer on his projects, often working with family members such as his father, Tommy Rehn, and collaborators like Patrik Frisk.[46] For instance, he is credited as producer on Together We Stand Alone, handling programming and arrangement elements.[47] His involvement extends to individual singles and videos, such as "Angel's Waltz" (2019), where he served as composer, arranger, and producer.[48] These roles underscore a hands-on approach to crafting his blend of rock, pop, and visual kei influences, though specific external production credits remain limited in verified discographies.Acting and television appearances
Yohio portrayed the character Linus, an androgynous goth teenager and friend to another key figure in the series, in the Swedish supernatural thriller television series Jordskott, which aired on SVT from 2015 to 2017 across two seasons totaling 20 episodes.[49][50] The role marked his acting debut and involved dyeing his hair black and applying makeup to embody an emo aesthetic, as he later described in a social media post reflecting on the production.[51] Beyond scripted roles, Yohio has made numerous guest appearances on television programs, primarily in promotional capacities related to his music career. In Japan, he featured on variety shows such as two episodes of Waratte Iitomo!, along with Sukkiri!!, Akko ni Omakase!, Nep & Imoto no Sekai Banzuke, and PON!.[52] In Sweden, he appeared as himself on shows including Moraeus med mera in 2011 and Robins.[53] He also competed anonymously as "Stone Cold" in the 2022 second season of Masked Singer Sverige on TV4, performing disguised and eliminating in fourth place after several rounds.[54]Tours and live performances
Yohio's early live performances occurred primarily with his band Seremedy, starting with their debut concert on April 1, 2010, in Sundsvall, Sweden, followed by appearances at the UppCon Japanese pop culture convention.[55] As a solo artist, he held a showcase performance on February 9, 2012, in Tokyo, Japan, where he played all six tracks from his debut mini-album REACH the SKY.[56] In 2014, Yohio conducted the "Together We Stand Alone Tour" in support of his solo career transition.[57] That year also featured the "Break the Border" tour, which concluded with a collaborative final show alongside Gackt at Annexet in Sweden.[58] His activities emphasized frequent live engagements in Sweden during his teenage years before shifting focus toward Japan in early adulthood.[59] Later performances included a showcase of "Merry Go Round" at the LIVE AT HEART festival in 2018.[57] In 2019, he staged a Japan comeback live event at Meguro Rockmaykan.[60] Notable venues from his career encompass Sweden's Växjö Konserthus and Karlstad CCC.[16] As of 2025, no tour dates are scheduled.[61]Personal life and public image
Family and relationships
Yohio, born Kevin Johio Lucas Rehn Eires on July 12, 1995, in Stockholm, Sweden, is the son of Tommy Rehn, a guitarist and founding member of the Swedish heavy metal band Corroded, and Johanna Eires.[4][62] His family background is rooted in music, with his father's involvement in Corroded influencing his early exposure to the industry.[62] The family relocated to Sundsvall shortly after his birth, where he spent much of his childhood.[63] Details regarding Yohio's siblings, if any, are not publicly documented in reliable sources. He has kept information about romantic relationships private, with no verified records of partners, marriages, or public dating history available.[64] This discretion aligns with his overall reserved approach to personal matters outside his professional career.Gender presentation and identity
Yohio, born Joel Håkan Pålsson on July 12, 1995, identifies as male and has consistently presented himself as such in personal statements and public records. His stage persona features a highly feminine and androgynous appearance, characterized by elaborate makeup, long hair extensions, frilled lolita dresses, and accessories typical of Japan's visual kei rock subculture, which emphasizes dramatic, gender-blurring aesthetics inspired by glam rock and anime influences. This style emerged during his early adolescence, around age 12, when he became enamored with visual kei bands, leading him to adopt the look for performances starting with his band Seremedy in 2010.[14][65] Yohio has emphasized that his feminine presentation serves artistic purposes rather than indicating a desire to change his biological sex or gender identity. In a 2013 interview, he stated, "A guy wearing a dress is not a sexual thing," attributing the choice to the visual kei tradition of androgynous expression for visual impact, not personal identity or erotic appeal. He has rejected comparisons to transgender individuals, clarifying in discussions that he is a boy who chooses to dress and appear feminine on stage while maintaining a male identity off-stage, where he often opts for more conventional masculine attire.[66][3] No public statements or actions from Yohio indicate gender dysphoria, pronoun preferences other than he/him, or pursuit of medical interventions related to gender transition as of 2025. His heterosexual orientation, expressed as attraction to women, further aligns with his self-identification as male, distinguishing his performative style from identity-based claims. This approach has drawn both admiration for challenging gender norms in music and criticism for potentially confusing audiences about his sex, though Yohio maintains it as a deliberate artistic choice rooted in subcultural homage rather than personal redefinition.[3][5]Health and other personal matters
In early 2013, Yohio reported experiencing health problems that had adversely affected his voice over the preceding two years, complicating his ability to perform amid concurrent commitments to band activities and classical vocal training.[67][68] Yohio has publicly addressed ongoing mental health challenges, including anxiety, which he described in July 2020 as a "constant battle" while expressing empathy for others facing similar struggles with depression and related conditions. In April 2021, he cited the need to prioritize mental health as the reason for temporarily withdrawing from social media, during which time he focused on new music production and personal reading. Reflecting in a January 2025 Patreon update, Yohio noted that 2024 involved significant depression alongside professional setbacks, though balanced by positive developments.[69]Reception and controversies
Musical and artistic reception
Yohio's music, characterized by visual kei influences blending J-rock, pop, and hard rock elements, has elicited a niche but dedicated following, particularly among fans of Japanese subcultures. His breakthrough in Sweden via Melodifestivalen 2013, where "Heartbreak Hotel" secured second place in the national final, demonstrated strong public appeal, advancing to the contest's finale ahead of several competitors. Similarly, in Melodifestivalen 2014, "To the End" won its semi-final and reached the grand final, underscoring consistent viewer support for his theatrical performances.[24] Critically, Yohio's releases have garnered middling to low aggregate scores on music review platforms. For instance, his debut album Break the Border (2013) averages 2.8 out of 5 on Sputnikmusic based on user ratings, while the 2015 Christmas album Snöängelns Rike scores 2.5, though some commentary highlights praise for his vocal clarity in holiday tracks.[70] Independent reviews of singles like "Daydreams" (2020) commend the production and live potential, positioning it as accessible pop-rock with broad appeal.[71] Earlier work with band Seremedy and solo efforts emphasize instrumental proficiency, particularly guitar work, but vocals have drawn criticism for perceived weaknesses even post-production.[72] Artistically, Yohio's androgynous visual kei persona—marked by elaborate costumes, makeup, and feminine presentation—has been pivotal to his reception, initially fooling Japanese audiences into believing he was a native female artist before revealing his Swedish male identity, which amplified his novelty and fanbase in Asia.[14] This fusion introduced visual kei aesthetics to European mainstream via Melodifestivalen, earning acclaim for innovation in visual presentation amid a pop-dominated field, though it sometimes overshadowed musical critique.[5] Recent releases, such as the 2024 Japanese album dreamchaser., continue targeting core visual kei enthusiasts, reflecting sustained but specialized artistic impact.[43]Criticisms of style and persona
Yohio's androgynous visual kei-inspired persona, featuring elaborate gothic lolita attire, heavy makeup, and feminine mannerisms, has drawn skepticism from segments of the visual kei community regarding its authenticity. Critics within niche online forums have labeled him a "poser," contending that his non-Japanese background undermines the genre's roots in Japanese subculture and that his music veers toward generic pop rather than true visual kei innovation.[72][73] These views portray his style as a superficial emulation, prioritizing visual spectacle over substantive artistic contribution tied to the scene's historical context.[72] In Sweden, where male stereotypes emphasize muscular builds and rugged features, Yohio's delicate, bishōnen aesthetic has been observed to clash with local norms, potentially leading to perceptions of effeminacy or homosexuality among audiences unfamiliar with visual kei. Yohio acknowledged this in a 2014 interview, stating that "to Swedish girls I probably look gay," highlighting how his persona challenges conventional gender expectations and invites misinterpretation outside cosmopolitan or genre-specific circles.[5] Such reactions underscore a broader tension between his self-described "beautiful youth" identity and cultural preconceptions of masculinity.[14]2021 social media incident
On January 25, 2021, Yohio posted a series of inflammatory tweets on Twitter, primarily venting frustration over COVID-19 restrictions that halted live performances and tours.[74] Among the statements, he denied the existence of COVID-19, made politically charged remarks interpreted by critics as racist, and engaged in arguments over personal anecdotes involving alleged bullying related to skin color.[74] He also drew self-aggrandizing parallels to Jesus, claiming potential assassination for his views, while praising his own work as the "best VK ballad" and his father as a "massive genius."[74] These posts, shared under his account @YOHIO_DISREIGN, amplified existing tensions with fans, as he had previously clashed publicly on social media.[74] The tweets provoked swift backlash from online communities, particularly in visual kei and Vocaloid circles, where users ridiculed his legal name, Kevin Johio Lucas Rehn Eires—focusing derisively on "Kevin" as incongruent with his stylized persona.[74] [4] Critics highlighted the egotism and perceived insensitivity, with some accusing him of baiting confrontations.[74] Yohio deleted most of the offending tweets shortly after, though screenshots circulated widely, preserving records of the exchange.[74] The incident prompted professional repercussions, including VocaTone's decision to sever ties with Yohio as voice provider for the YOHIOloid Vocaloid software, citing his "dissatisfactory political comments."[75] This led to the cancellation of planned updates, such as a Maghni AI engine port, effectively halting further development of the voice bank.[75] No formal apology was issued at the time, though the event contributed to Yohio's reduced visibility in certain fanbases amid ongoing discussions of his online conduct.[74]Discography
Studio albums
Yohio's debut studio album, Break the Border, was released on 27 March 2013 in Sweden, with a Japanese edition following on 26 June 2013.[76] The album, produced under Ninetone Records, contains 12 original tracks blending rock and pop elements, including the single "Heartbreak Hotel".[77] His second studio album, Together We Stand Alone, appeared on 19 March 2014 via Ninetone Records.[46] Featuring 12 tracks, it continued Yohio's signature style with themes of perseverance and self-reliance, supported by singles like "To the End".[78] Snöängelns rike (The Kingdom of the Snow Angel), released on 27 November 2015 by Keios Entertainment, is a holiday-themed studio album comprising 11 tracks, primarily covers of traditional Swedish Christmas songs alongside originals. The third studio album, A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way, came out on 27 November 2020 through Keios Entertainment.[79] It includes 10 tracks exploring darker lyrical motifs within a visual kei-influenced sound. Yohio's most recent studio album, dreamchaser., was issued on 11 December 2024 as his second Japanese-focused full-length release by Keios Entertainment, featuring 10 tracks.[80][81]| Title | Release date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Break the Border | 27 March 2013 (Sweden); 26 June 2013 (Japan) | Ninetone Records | 12 |
| Together We Stand Alone | 19 March 2014 | Ninetone Records | 12[46] |
| Snöängelns rike | 27 November 2015 | Keios Entertainment | 11 |
| A Pretty Picture in a Most Disturbing Way | 27 November 2020 | Keios Entertainment | 10 |
| dreamchaser. | 11 December 2024 | Keios Entertainment | 10[80] |
EPs
Reach the Sky is Yohio's sole extended play, released on April 25, 2012, by the Japanese label Thunderball667, a division of Universal Music LLC.[82][83] The EP features six original tracks, primarily in English with some Japanese elements, showcasing Yohio's early fusion of hard rock, pop, and visual kei influences.[84][85]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reach | 4:01[85] |
| 2. | SKY☆LiMiT | 3:50[85] |
| 3. | Frantic Elegance | 3:16[85] |
| 4. | Dawn of Dreams | 4:11[85] |
| 5. | Without Wings ~空と約束した~ | 4:33[85] |
| 6. | Angel's Waltz | N/A[86] |
Singles
Yohio's singles span his early Swedish releases tied to Melodifestivalen competitions and later Japanese digital singles under Keios Entertainment, often blending pop-rock with visual kei aesthetics.[88] His debut digital single marked his entry into the Japanese market, while Swedish entries achieved modest chart success.[89] Subsequent releases post-2020 reflect a return to independent production following label shifts.[40]| Title | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SKY☆LiMiT | March 28, 2012 | Digital single; debut in Japan under Universal Music Japan.[36] |
| Heartbreak Hotel | February 2013 | Entry for Melodifestivalen 2013; peaked at #8 on Swedish Singles Chart, 10 weeks.[90] |
| To the End | February 2014 | Entry for Melodifestivalen 2014; peaked at #38 on Swedish Singles Chart, 4 weeks; CD single release.[91][92] |
| Oh My... Polkadot Politics | April 9, 2020 | English-language single; visual kei-influenced release.[93] |
| 初恋のWHITE ROSE | April 26, 2023 | 5th Japanese single; digital release via Keios Entertainment.[94] |
| naïve | May 31, 2023 | 6th Japanese single; followed consecutive monthly digital drops.[95] |
| Destiny | December 8, 2023 | English single; digital release.[96] |
| 記憶の迷路 (Maze of Memories) | May 1, 2024 | 7th Japanese single; comeback after hiatus.[40] |
| dim dayz | September 25, 2024 | 8th Japanese single; digital release preceding album dreamchaser..[97] |
