VivaOla is the stories of lived lives in Tokyo city. Singing with the same coldness and vulnerability, his music invites but leaves everything at the door. Matching his inimitable tenor voice with modern R&B sensibilities, VivaOla’s music stands alone among his contemporaries.

His music reflects a deep knowledge of music and a multi-cultural identity. Born in Korea and raised in Tokyo, he began making music in high school before attending Berklee College of Music. Drawing from his experience there, he also works as a producer, crafting songs for artists like The Third J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, a popular pop group in Japan and beyond.

VivaOla’s songs are critically-acclaimed, including collaborations with K-R&B talent Jimmy Brown, Grammy-nominated producer starRo or J-R&B star Crystal Kay. He has gained international recognition with performances at SXSW and Music Matters, and was selected in Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music” list.

VivaOla’s recent album, “APORIE VIVANT”, is a meditation on contradictions, struggles and regrets. The album heavily draws from Trap Soul influences, paired with tonally expansive vocals to paint a tableau of one such life in Tokyo.