In 2016, Giovanni joins the international project
SLUGGER PUNCH...
SLUGGER PUNCH is a well-established Guild of Artists with over a decade of experience, currently composed of 11 members from Europe and Asia. Recognized as pioneers of the AsianBeats genre, the collective blends diverse musical influences without stylistic limitations, ranging from J-pop and K-pop to drumstep, DnB, and beyond. In 2018, the arrival of the talented and captivating Japanese singer AI HISANO gave new momentum to the project, elevating it to international recognition with her powerful and professional voice.
Known in the music industry as the "Benriya" of electronic music—referring to those who can expertly handle anything--SLUGGER PUNCH has carved out a unique path in the scene. The concept, envisioned in the 1990s by USHIO and realised in 2013 with producer TheHATE, saw its debut with an EP that received enthusiastic reviews from renowned global producers such as Rob Smith/RSD and DJ Kato, with singles featured in EDM label compilations across Italy, Germany, and the UK. Over the years, SLUGGER PUNCH has built an impressive portfolio of exclusive collaborations, live performances, DJ sets, and music productions for festivals, Japanese agencies, and renowned pop artists.Their performances, often featuring prominent Asian guest artists, have graced major pop culture and alternative events such as Lucca Comics & Games, Napoli Comicon, Japan Expo Paris, Manga Barcelona and many others.
SLUGGER PUNCH also plays a significant role in high-profile multimedia projects. In collaboration with Edizioni Star Comics and Shūeisha, they have contributed to productions related to iconic titles such as Dragon Ball Super, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, One Piece Volume 100, and Kagurabachi for the Italian market, delivering original soundtracks, sound design, and official event themes and trailers.
Having been good friends for a long time, when USHIO asked Giovanni to join the project, he didn’t even have to think about it. Giovanni chose his SLUGGER PUNCH name and avatar: SASORI, the Japanese word for scorpion.
Despite being born on November 16, Giovanni isn’t into astrology at all, so his avatar is not inspired by his zodiac sign. He chose SASORI for two reasons: his favorite Mortal Kombat character, Scorpion, and his stage outfit—black leather and a long hair braid, resembling a scorpion’s tail.
Upon joining SLUGGER PUNCH, Giovanni contributed as both a composer and arranger, as well as a guitarist. The sound of SLUGGER PUNCH was enriched by the djent metal tones of his 7- and 8-string guitars, alongside jazz, R&B, and Latin influences.
In addition to their staple live performances with DJ sets and live musicians, in 2024, SLUGGER PUNCH also launched the acoustic performance format.
Despite being born on November 16, Giovanni isn’t into astrology at all, so his avatar is not inspired by his zodiac sign. He chose SASORI for two reasons: his favorite Mortal Kombat character, Scorpion, and his stage outfit—black leather and a long hair braid, resembling a scorpion’s tail.
Upon joining SLUGGER PUNCH, Giovanni contributed as both a composer and arranger, as well as a guitarist. The sound of SLUGGER PUNCH was enriched by the djent metal tones of his 7- and 8-string guitars, alongside jazz, R&B, and Latin influences.
In addition to their staple live performances with DJ sets and live musicians, in 2024, SLUGGER PUNCH also launched the acoustic performance format.
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With the talent, creativity, and experience of its members, active across Europe and Japan, the SLUGGER PUNCH guild is focusing on original tracks, covers, live performances, notable collaborations, and productions.