Photo credit: Rebeccal Valls
Tomo Katsurada is a Japanese artist currently based in Amsterdam, best known as the founder and lead singer of the acclaimed psychedelic band Kikagaku Moyo. Having recently launched Future Days concept store and workshop in Amsterdam, today he announces the first Future Days release and first chapter in his journey as a solo artist.
‘Dream of The Egg’ is set for release on November 15th and sees Katsurada collaborate with Japanese visual artist Shoko Otake, marking the beginning of an ambitious project—a long-held dream of creating soundtracks for picture books. This record is the first in a series of five, each dedicated to a unique picture book, where Tomo aims to push the boundaries of physical media by merging music with visual storytelling.
Inspired by the Japanese 1920s children's book “Yume No Tamago (Dream of the Egg)”, it reveals a deeply personal journey, reflecting Tomo's dreams and the numerous rebirths experienced in 2024—a year marked by profound new beginnings in every facet of his life.
The creation of this EP was driven by a passion for raw and immediate expression. Every song was crafted and recorded with only the materials available to him at the time, embracing an organic and handmade atmosphere. By eschewing rhythm clicks and standard instrumental tunings, a spontaneous sound emerged, capturing the essence of both uncertainty and immediacy. Adding to this distinctive sonic landscape, guest musician Jonny Nash (UK) contributed ethereal guitar sounds on the first and final tracks, enriching the record's dream-like quality.
Today he shares a first track from the release, "Zen Bungalow" a cover of Gabriel Yared's “Bungalow Zen” from the soundtrack of the film “Betty Blue 37°2 Le Matin”. This particular track is his partner’s favourite song to listen to every morning and left a profound impression on him. One day, he heard a song in his dream that combined both of these tracks and loved how they blended together. This experience inspired him to create a new arrangement, "Zen Bungalow," which has become a central piece of the ‘Dream of the Egg’ release.
Listen to “Zen Bungalow” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrnEKgw23Kw
Throughout the record’s 20 minute narrative a variety of instruments come into play, drifting between notes and embracing the beauty of imperfection. By incorporating free-form sounds in a highly technological age, the record aims to reconnect listeners with the tangible, human-made quality of sound.
Future Days Shop:
‘Dream of the Egg’ is the first musical release from Future Days Shop, a concept store and workshop space founded in 2024 by textile artist Eloïse Ptito and musician Tomo Katsurada. Located in Amsterdam, Future Days Shop is dedicated to clothing, art, and music, with a mission to unite people through the power of color, craft, and sound. The store curates unique items that embody a sense of future-forward creativity.
The Picture Book:
Complementing the music is a beautifully-designed picture book illustrated by the acclaimed Japanese artist Shoko Otake. Printed by Amsterdam’s esteemed bookstore Terry Bleu, this 20-page book will feature captivating visual artwork and storytelling that enhances the musical experience.
• 500 copies
• A 20-page picture book illustrated by Shoko Otake
• 2 x 7-inch vinyl records
• A manual-play flexidisc
‘Dream of the Egg’ track list:
1. Moshimo
2. Zen Bungalow
3. Interlude
4. Inner Garden
5. Dream of the Egg
Links:
https://tomokatsurada.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bootlegbunny/
https://futuredaysshop.com/
https://www.instagram.com/futuredays.shop/
https://www.shokootake.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shokootake/ |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment