Expo by Anchorsong

“An amazing musician… What a beautiful record that is” - HUW STEPHENS (BBC RADIO 1)

“A bold move, but one that Yoshida has succeeded at” – DJ MAG

“One of the best of the year for sure… Joyous and engaging and creative and brilliant" - LAUREN LAVERNE


“Expo” is the second single from Anchorsong’s ‘Ceremonial’ album, which sees the London-based Japanese producer mixing the minimalist, catchy melodic phrasing and unique beats of his previous work with a newfound love for vintage African music. Influences from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo to Fela Kuti-style Afrobeat to High Life now hold sway, while he retains the crisp production sensibility and immersive arrangements that have always set him apart.

In addition to the lead track, the “Expo” digital single release brings three bonus cuts in the shape of “Last Feast (VB Kühl Remix)”, “Oriental Suite (Alternate Version)” and “Gyoten’s Kalimba”. The first of these sees German producer VB Kühl putting a funky, broken disco spin on “Last Feast” (which appeared in its original form on the first single, ahead of the album), swapping out the forceful, pulsating low end for a snaking bass guitar riff and shifty hi hats, heightening the effortless fusion of traditional and contemporary influences in Anchorsong’s production.

“Oriental Suite (Alternate Version)” is a new take on the track which first came out as the AA-side on the aforementioned first single. Reflecting Yoshida’s homeland as much as his study of African beats, “Oriental Suite” boasts live bongos from revered Japanese percussionist Mu-chan and beautiful strings; this Alternate Version takes the track down a more foreboding route, a backdrop of darkly atmospheric keyboard drones underpinning the luminous chimes and lively percussion. Continuing apace down that ominous road, exclusive track “Gyotens Kalimba” brings a thick forest of sounds, characterised by the ethereal kalimba which threads its way among low, pulsing bass, snatches of vocal texture and occasional sharp slivers of high pitched synth.

Booking:
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Anchorsong – aka Masaaki Yoshida - has become globally recognised for his unique live shows, which many people have described as "like watching a painter drawing on a white canvas", as he creates electronic music completely live using MPC1000 right in front of the audience.

anchorsong.com