Erik Kowalski, known as Casino Versus Japan, was born on May 5, 1973, in the United States. Influenced by Jan Hammer, Vangelis, and Jean-Michel Jarre, he taught himself piano, guitar, and drums during high school. He initially released ambient and experimental music under the name Radiogate between 1996 and 1997. In 1998, he released his self-titled debut album on Star Star Stereo, which led to live performances, including an opening for Low. His second album, Go Hawaii, was released in 2000 by Wobblyhead and later reissued as a double-vinyl LP by City Centre Offices in 2001. Notable releases include Hitori + Kaiso (1998–2001) (2004) and Night on Tape (2010), both of which were released by Attacknine Records.
