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A debut work released independently by the solitary experimental folk singer based in Tokyo, which has also gained high global recognition, is being re-released with an expanded edition from the prestigious RVNG Intl.

In 2021, experimental folk artist Satomimagae, active mainly in Tokyo, released the masterpiece album 『Hanazono』 from RVNG Intl. / Guruguru Brain. She is revisiting her charming debut album 『Awa』, released in 2012, infusing it with new vitality, and now, on its 10th anniversary, the release of the expanded version 『Awa (Expanded)』 from her current label, the renowned NY-based RVNG Intl., has been decided.

This album, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Satomimagae herself between 2011 and 2012, conveys her sharp ear and broad perspective on songcraft supporting her characteristic lyrical atmosphere, acoustic guitar, and environmental art, through a DIY approach. 『Awa』 leaves a deep resonance rather than a big shock, and is one of the origins of several stories within Satomimagae’s world.

『Awa』 is a collection of songs she wrote during the seven years she immersed herself in sound mostly alone, overlapping with her university days studying chemistry and biology. Her daily life involved classes every day and experiments in the laboratory every night. In this enclosed space, a fantasy world was formed, and she reached out to several familiar instruments (an old acoustic guitar, Fender bass, and field recordings around her), capturing and contemplating these events within a musical context. From her collection of sound receptors, including her voice, images of moss membranes, treasure chests, ashes, and wax emerge. Alchemy of earth and fantasy, and a folk album functioning beyond musical traditions, was created.

While moving between her home and her parents’ house, she challenges a new experiment of blending mysterious sounds and rhythms from daily life—such as the sound of a kettle, household items, children playing—with her own singing. Inspired by movie soundtracks, the textures of old folk and blues records, music from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and experimental music, a wandering yet precise and rough but solid compilation of sounds was born. Importantly, these songs respect the original timbres, including the noise originally present, avoiding adding effects like reverb or delay. Each song is clearly different from her previous works, and this album is categorized by design. This philosophy is the key to the durability of 『Awa』. It is a flock, a galaxy. During this period, Satomimagae’s music was mainly created alone, but in 『Awa』, three musicians played important roles. Tomohiro Sakurai, who sometimes participates in live performances, delivers powerful guitar and vocals in “Kusune” and “Riki.” Jazz trumpeter Yasushi Ishikawa adds a clear soft voice to her lyrics in “Beni,” and Kentaro Sugawara provides deeper emotional piano performances in “Tou.”

『Awa』 was independently released 10 years ago, sold at some record shops, and garnered modest reactions. After completing the 『Hanazono』 album in 2021, she sought inspiration from the strange music of her first album. Like many early works, she initially perceived her first album as something missing or flawed. However, upon revisiting it after some time, she discovered new insights. It is not merely a blueprint; its tactile quality and spirit are unparalleled. Revived by Satomimagae herself, remastered by Yuya Shito, and reborn in a new package designed by Will Work for Good, this work will be a gift to all who love her recent works.

Media reviews and others

In 2021, experimental folk artist Satomimagae, active mainly in Tokyo, released the masterpiece album 『Hanazono』. She is revisiting her charming debut album 『Awa』, released in 2012, infusing it with new vitality, and now, on its 10th anniversary, the release of the expanded version 『Awa (Expanded)』 from her current label, the renowned NY-based RVNG Intl., has been decided! (C)RS
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