Half-Bloom by Asta Hiroki
Electronic producer and visual artist Asta Hiroki has had a busy year with the release of his debut album in April and now he returns with both a new single as well as his very own label.
‘Half-Bloom’ is the title of the latest single, and it’s a stellar electronica composition that acts as the launchpad and opening statement for his own newly minted imprint - Folded Music. All the profits for this track will be donated towards global reforestation projects.
The track is the perfect segue from the album work as many of the musical motifs are drawn from the initial imagining of an idea that was later reworked to become ‘Cherry Blossom’ from his debut album ‘Entropy’. It is both a gorgeous piece in its own right, as well as an insight into how his compositional ideas evolved into something completely new.
Musically it’s not a million miles away from the cerebral downtempo aesthetics of Rival Consoles, Apperat, or Ulrich Schnauss, as the track utilises fugue influences in the synth lines, with beautiful melodic interplay dancing over muscular low end, and a scattered drum machine beat all in 5/4 timing.
The producer himself explains:
“The creative period before ‘Entropy’ and the tracks that would later be included in that record I produced a body of work that was very conceptual and thematic. I deliberately attempted to embody these concepts within every fibre of the creation process, from sound design, arrangements, and mix techniques. This track displays all those assets. E.g. the rooted bass to the top end of the mix itself panning gently as a tree remains anchored, but moves in a breeze. I considered all the chemical reactions and inner workings of plants and wanted to convey them with intricate and constantly moving drumline. I like the contrast of trying to paint a picture of something entirely organic using an electronic and digital palette. ”
Asta Hiroki won over a host of fans with his critically acclaimed album ‘Entropy’ earlier this year, gaining traction at radio and press that is uncommon on a debut.
Gaining numerous awards including ‘Album of the Month’ on French radio station FIP, Album of the week on BBC 6Music and a special guest mix on Huey Morgan’s show, as well as significant play from SiriusXM, JazzFM, Worldwide FM were just some of the radio highlights. While XLR8R, Magnetic Mag, La Belle Musique, and EARMILK all got behind the tracks on press.
Tracklist
| 1. | Half-Bloom | 4:28 |
Credits
Track written by Asta Hiroki
Artwork by Asta Hiroki
Mastered by Asta Hiroki
