Composer and pianist Akira Kosemura has released his new single "Dear Sunshine," the first track from his upcoming solo piano album 'SEASONS' set to release on June 30. Inspired by Japan's four seasons, Kosemura dedicates 12 songs, with three songs for each season, to express the beauty of various moments in the country's rich nature.
As one of the most streamed Asian classical artists, Kosemura elaborates his musical identity as a Japanese through his highly acclaimed solo piano format in 'SEASONS.' His talent has been widely supported by eminent artists such as Devendra Banhart, Gilles Peterson, and M83.
"I tried to catch the notes just the way I am, and not to express to avoid the excessive creativity," says Kosemura. "To achieve that, solo piano format was the most honest way for me to draw a simple pencil sketch, not a colorful painting with many pigments on a palette."
The music of Kosemura has been highly renowned worldwide not only for his own works but also for numerous well-known films, TV series, video games, and commercials, including the American TV series "Love Is" and "True Mothers" (directed by Naomi Kawase), an official selection of the Cannes International Film Festival.
"This album is like a love letter I wrote for the first time to this small island country, where I was born in Tokyo and have spent more than 37 years of my life," says Kosemura. "I hope people would enjoy this record in every season of the year."
Kosemura's 'SEASONS' album is a reflection of his personal journey, inspired by conversations with Decca Records. "The seeds of ideas that emerged from our conversations about each other and our future projects gradually grew within me," says Kosemura. "This is a sort of island music, in which I try to reexamine the world in front of me, feeling the smell, touch, and memories of the land where I grew up, and keep my eyes open even for small changes that I might miss. That led me to this record."
Through 'SEASONS,' Kosemura expresses the beauty of Japan's four seasons through solo piano, making it an ideal record for all seasons. The album will release on June 30, and listeners can enjoy the first track, "Dear Sunshine," on various streaming platforms.
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