We Speak Music

Mieko Shimizu re-releases glitchy ‘My Tentacles’

Published

1 year ago

February 9, 2024

Don Reed

“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 28^th 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 9^th of February 2024 on Street Furniture Records along with pre-sales of album of the same name which will be released on March 15^th, 2024. It was originally released in 2011. This digitally remastered version has been repackaged with new designs by Jimmy Hunter at We Are Noisy.

We Speak Music

Fall in Love with Dmillyyy’s New EP “Cupid Pack”

Published

7 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Meikhel Philogene

Dmillyyy kicked off the month of love with the lead single, “Balance.” “Balance” was Dmillyyy’s first song of the year. The record served as a teaser for his new EP, Cupid Pack, which was released on Valentine’s Day. Cupid Pack is a five-track EP that dives into the intricacies of love. The EP is an eclectic body of work as it utilizes various genres of music, such as Alternative R&B, Melodic Rap, and Reggaeton.

Cupid Pack starts off with the song, “Thunderstruck.” The track is a record that features a wavy beat and Dmillyyy’s smooth flow. The sound is reminiscent of Jaden. The next track, “Balance,” is a fan favorite and for good reason. “Balance” has a bouncy beat that makes listeners want to groove. The record has a Drake feel to it. The catchy hook reels you in immediately. Dmillyyy cleverly sprinkles in some Spanish lyrics, which are a prelude to the third track on the EP. “Q.M. Interludio” follows “Balance.” The Latin Music interlude showcases the versatility that Dmillyyy possesses. The penultimate track, “WYGD,” is a downtempo, love song that is enchanting. The tune has a sample that blends well with the theme of the song. “WYGD” sets up the EP’s closer as “Madness” is another slow jam. “Madness” is the perfect finale. The sensual track embodies passion and love.

The EP’s introspective/extrospective take on love provides all listeners with songs that resonate with them. Although each song has its own flavor and unique sound, they still connect and carry a cohesive message. “Cupid Pack is an image painted to describe different emotions that may arise for particular love interests.” Dmillyyy continues: “Sometimes it isn’t that serious and just the feeling that you want to cherish. Sometimes the other’s existence makes you want to question everything and reflect back on your own life. Either way, both parties are living in the moment and letting that lead the way.” Cupid Pack is only the beginning as Dmillyyy has much in store for the year. While waiting for his next masterpiece, be sure to show love to the immaculate EP that is Cupid Pack.

Follow Dmillyyy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmxllyyy.

This review was made possible by SubmitHub.