interview by John Wisniewski for MK ULTRA Magazine with intro from Mimi’s LinkedIn profile
Mimi Star (Bass) by the way of Japan was the show stealer rocking out on her Schecter star inlay bass. – L.A WEEKLY
Mimi Star’s bass was as powerful as that which propelled Confessions of a Knife and both her delivery and stage presence were spot on for the material and mood. – gogmagogical.blogspot
In 1998 she moved to U.S from Japan to pursue her dream as musician. Her musical journey started at Atlanta GA, took audition for girl trio band” LIFT” 1998. after 6 months, moved back to L.A to focus on more opportunity.
Tram driver ( later name changed to ” RAYON”) hold audition for bass, picked by drummer: Brian Keats who was former member of Misfits. till 2009 and was playing shows locally and did recordings.
Since 2009 her music career is more focused on international and U.S national tours.
Mimi is comfortable playing for not only rock, Pop, Psychedelic rock, shoegaze rock, also dance, electric industrial rock.
She is available for recording and touring.
Mimi Star’s Gear:
Spector bass ( endorsed artist)
Mesa Boogie bass 400+, 15×2 speaker cab
When did you join My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult?
As for my story with TKK–I joined in April 2011 during the Sinister Whispers Tour: Part 2, which Included the Wax Trax! Records Retrospectacle Shows in Chicago.
I’d been playing bass in the U.S. since 1998, mostly in psychedelic and shoegaze bands, touring throughout Europe, the States, and my home country, Japan. In January 2011, I was at a friend’s birthday party at a bar when she introduced me to Buzz–her longtime friend. He mentioned he was looking for a female bass player, and I raised my hand and said “Yes, I’m a bass player”. A week later he sent me some songs for an audition. That’s when I met Groovie Mann for the first time–and from there I fell into the Kult family.
Honestly, at first I thought it was impossible to play what was on the tracks–the bass lines were super fast and really consistent. Some songs had funky upbeat grooves that were totally different from what I was used to. It took a while to find my place, but eventually the TKK style started to feel natural to me.
There aren’t many female guitarists, bassists, or drummers in this genre, and that honestly surprised me when I first joined. I feel lucky to be a part of it–as a bass player, and as part of a band with such a strong and unique legacy.
What are you doing now Mimi?
We just wrapped up a tour with Ministry about a month ago–and it was quite an experience. Watching how the band and crew operated with such professionalism was inspiring. Ministry and the opening band Die Krupps were not only legends but also incredibly kind to me. I learned a lot from being around them.
Right now we’re gearing up for our fall tour. I’m currently brushing up on the setlist–most of the songs I already know well, but there’s one track I’ve never played before. Keep an eye out for the fall tour schedule–I am excited to hit the road again!
Do you consider the band to be pioneers in industrial music?
Yes, I believe so. I honestly didn’t grow up listening to industrial music–I come from a different musical background. I really started getting into this scene when I joined the band in 2011.
From my perspective, Thrill Kill Kult brought something very unique to industrial–mixing heavy beats with dark atmospheres with sleazy disco, psychedelic textures and a bold video aesthetic.
Unlike the more aggressive or mechanical side of industrial, TKK leaned into groove, attitude, at Cinematic flair. That fearless blend Definitely helped expand the genre and influenced a lot of artists who came after.
Are the band members fans of B-movies?
I think so!
When did you first begin playing music?
I grew up in a very traditional family in Japan, and my parents were completely anti–rock ‘n’ roll. When they found out about my interest in music, they really didn’t like it–which made things tough . in the beginning. I started playing keyboard when I was twenty, then switched to bass at 26. There was a band I loved in Japan–and I really admired their bass player–I wanted to be like him. When I found out he actually gave lessons, I signed up right away. That’s how I started playing bass, and from there.
HRILL KILL KULT will celebrate 38 years this fall by kicking off part one of the “Delicate Terror Tour”, beginning October 30th at The Vogue in Indianapolis. The tour will wind it’s way through the midwest and northeast regions, performing in mostly cities the band missed this past Spring while on the Ministry “Squirrely Years” tour. TKK will play a mixed set of classic songs, dance favs and deep cuts. A second leg of the tour is scheduled for March 2026.
Los Angeles based dark electronic duo DIE SEXUAL will join in on the debauchery as direct support, bringing their seductive dance beats and sensual electro vibes to the stage.
Outlaw country vixen DEVORA will open the evenings festivities with her intoxicating visions of a surrealist world of ghost towns and Route 66 motel rooms.
DELICATE TERROR TOUR: Part 1
Oct 30 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue *Tickets
Oct 31 Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall *Tickets
Nov 01 Ferndale, MI – The Magic Bag *Tickets
Nov 02 Buffalo, NY – Electric City *Tickets
Nov 04 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club *Tickets
Nov 05 New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre *Tickets
Nov 06 Reading, PA – Reverb *Tickets
Nov 07 Baltimore, MD – Soundstage *Tickets
Nov 08 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Small’s Theatre *Tickets
Nov 09 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues *Tickets