We Speak Music
Mieko Shimizu re-releases glitchy ‘My Tentacles’
“My Tentacles” is the quixotic single re-release by radical, nonconformist,Japanese singer and multi-instrumentalist, Mieko Shimizu.
The single, which has picked up airplay from BBC 6 Music’s Deb Grant & Tom Ravenscroft lately, is the offbeat, unworldliness that is; “My Tentacles”, the title track of the soon to be re-released album of the same name. It is be-thronged by chimeric fusions, dysfunctional beats and startling mutations.
For this free-spirited champion of outsider art pop, her Tentacles are truly her own, Mieko has played at Sonar, alongside Kraftwerk as well as support for Goldfrapp and Massive Attack at their Melt Down Festival. She is currently artist in residence for Wonky Plonky Electronk, an experimental, electronic live event which is touring the UK throughout 2024, the next show being on 28th March at The Cinema Room at All Is Joy in London.
She has released 7 albums, her most recent album is “I Bloom”, it features former member of The Cardiacs, William D Drake, who also features on the EP Write to Be along with German artist, Barbara Morgenstern & Polish Artist Orla Schmitt. Her last release was the sonic explosion of the EP “Phenomena of the Mind”. Other albums include the eponymous album of drum n’ bass fury, as her alter ego Apache 61.
Mieko has worked with an extensive range of artists including Japan’s Mick Karn, Nitin Sawhney, Riz MC, David Cunningham, Robert Lippok and has also re-mixed the likes of Coldcut and Haruomi Hosono of ‘Yellow Magic Orchestra’.
The album features bass by Renell Shaw. It was recorded / mixed / produced by Mieko Shimizu & Peter Morris at Street Furniture Studios, Soho, London. Assisted by Teitur Arnason, George Stamenkovic, ‘Tall’ George Reid & Oliver Sanders. Mastered by Keith Tenniswood at Curve Pusher.
The single “My Tentacles” is re-released on 9th of February 2024 on Street Furniture Records along with pre-sales of album of the same name which will be released on March 15th, 2024. It was originally released in 2011. This digitally remastered version has been repackaged with new designs by Jimmy Hunter at We Are Noisy.
Ghanaian Afropop artist Jay Erl has dropped his highly anticipated “Bangers Only IV”, marking another milestone in his burgeoning musical journey. The rising Afropop artist continues to push creative boundaries with a project that’s as visually striking as it is sonically compelling.
Embracing a Marvel-inspired aesthetic, the project’s cover art ingeniously incorporates four rings. A visual metaphor reminiscent of Thanos’s iconic design. This creative choice not only symbolizes the fourth installment but also demonstrates Jay Erl’s artistic vision that extends far beyond music.
This innovative visual approach reflects Jay Erl’s commitment to storytelling beyond music, transforming the album into a multisensory experience.
Building on the success of previous volumes, “Bangers Only IV” promises a dynamic sonic landscape. The project showcases Jay Erl’s collaborative spirit, featuring multiple talented artists like Taffy, Maame Alpha, Nanasei, Deko and Mawulino who bring their unique flavours to the mix.
Fans can expect the high-energy, infectious tracks that have become the hallmark of the “Bangers Only” series.
As the year draws to a close, Jay Erl is steadily rising through the ranks and positioning himself as a creative force in Ghana’s vibrant music scene. His delivery of the project strikes as a statement in contemporary Afropop.
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