Andy Feldman – Come On Home (Spotify)
Andy Feldman said about this song "Come On Home is a song that has traveled far with me, from it's beginning on the piano, to being performed live with a jam band, and back to the piano where I've finally released it as a solo piece. It is an uplifting piece that incorporate many of my influences from classical to jazz"
Jakspin – Four (Spotify)
„Four“ is a soothing minimalistic track that's both simple and varied at the same time. The sparkling Rhodes chords get a surprise visit by distant horns that seem to draw you deeper into this energy of conteplative reflections.
Blurstem – Silver Fleece (Spotify)
Featured on Sonder House’s Recollections, Vol. 4 compilation, “Silver Fleece” is Blurstem’s first release since the 2019 debut album, Among the Oaks. It was recorded as a one-take improvisation on his friend John Hayes’ piano (who is also on the compilation) - a glimpse of peace and calm in our world’s chaotic times right now.
Stiko, Mononome – Aphrodite’s Son (Spotify)
Chill hip hoppy track, pefect for a coffee in the morning of your next adventure. Featuring Mononome
Selsom – Folge (Spotify)
The Norwegian language has over 100 words for snow. "Folge" (pronounced Foll-ge) is a thin layer of snow on a surface. The composition is a simple piano lead piece with hints of atmospheric, organic sounding synths, and other sonic nuances. Together it creates a landscape for you to relax, focus or sleep. "Folge" is the first piece of Selsom aka Stian Vedøy's journey into neo-classical / minimalist chill electronic music.
Dave Griffiths, Tim Renwick – Dawn Returning (Spotify)
A tribute to the dawn chorus, released at the Spring Equinox. Features birdsong recorded at dawn in north Dorset, England and Tim Renwick on guitar - touring guitarist with Pink Floyd.
Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?
Marika Takeuchi:
Modern classical music, ambient music, idm, classical crossover music, alternative music, contemporary piano music
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Marika Takeuchi:
I started playing piano at the age of three, and also played violin and french horn for several years as growing up. I then studied composition in Tokyo and film scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston. My very first gig as a composer was songwriting for Universal Music Japan, and after I moved to the U.S, I've released my modern classical music as a recording artist, as well as writing music for films, advertisements, video games, and music libraries.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Marika Takeuchi:
Growing up, I always had a big passion for music. My first love was piano, and I loved singing, playing violin, and I also joined a school orchestra to play french horn. I played Japanese taiko drum as well, and I once even wanted to be a DJ. I just loved music in so many ways, and eventually realized that I wanted to write and produce music, so I can use all of my favorite instruments and sounds. But the biggest moment was when I suffered from severe depression for years and writing music helped me get through it. I realized that I could turn even negative feelings into something inspiring in my music, and that was the best therapy for me. And the whole experience had the biggest impact on who I am as an artist today.
Nagamag:
Do you have any new music coming out?
Marika Takeuchi:
My latest EP "Missing Piece" is out on May 5th, with the title track Missing Piece being released as a single on April 24th.
Nagamag:
What does music mean to you, and what inspires you to write music?
Marika Takeuchi:
Music is my best friend for life, and everything that happens in life, including both beautiful and difficult moments, inspires me to write new music.
Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?
Marika Takeuchi:
Moderat "Therapy"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?
Marika Takeuchi:
Jon Hopkins "The Low Places"
Solomon Grey – The Return (Spotify)
The Return is taken from the Music For Picture Vol. I (Parallels) EP releasing on 27th March HERE. The EP is the first of a moving series by Solomon Grey in 2020 presenting a selection of new works, written for and inspired by images. Each release in the series explores a different theme, with the three tracks on Vol. 1 “Parallels” featuring the signature other-worldly, emotional, epic sounds for which Solomon Grey have become known - not least to European cinema-goers from the use of their track ‘The Rift’ in Vue Cinemas’ ‘This Is Not a Cinema’ ident. Music For Picture Vol. (Parallels) showcases the duo’s more euphoric cinematic side, with track one from the EP ‘The Return’ composed for Sony PlayStation’s new dystopian advert for VR, directed by Aoife McArdle (watch here).
Björn Gottschall – Downtime (Spotify)
Björn Gottschall said about this song: "I’m a kind of street musician, more precisely, I play a lot outside but mostly in especially beautiful places, like by the sea, mountains, etc. I have a 6-octave acoustic piano which I pack in the back of my car and take everywhere.
This song, “Downtime” is particularly influenced by Philip Glass - I find his style perfect to describe clouds, landscapes, and moods. "Downtime" is a dreamy memory written in Glass's language but expressed with my words."
Hello1103 – Evergreen (Spotify)
The opening track of 4 track split EP release by Hello1103 and Gargle. The “Angraecum EP” is a collection of “prayer” themed auditory bliss from the two bands. Hello1103 is an electronic music duo composed of Hitomi (Trackmaker) and yukako (VJ). Their organic digital sound and lyrical melodies are accompanied with visuals that depict subconscious imagery, creating an otherworldly space. Based in Tokyo, the duo is active both domestically and internationally. In July 2019, the duo commenced their Hello1103 Ambient Set which includes a collection of tranquil tracks. As with their conventional performances, this new setup is being received positively at various venues.