Japan-born, London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Hiro Ama, best known as the drummer of indie-rock outfit Teleman, has unveiled his new single ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’. This is coupled with the release of B-side ‘Sunday’ via PRAH Recordings. A serene soundscape that plays with digital processing, production, and experimental sounds, ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’ centers around the Waraku synthesizer: an obscure Japanese instrument that blends the sounds of traditional instruments like the Koto and Shakuhachi. The track also features sweeping flute lines played by Gail Tasker, as well as whispers of Hiro humming the drum parts instead of using a traditional drum kit.
Discussing the track, Hiro shares, “‘Music for Peace and Harmony’ stemmed from a connection with the instrument itself, as reflected in its name. Music can be like a sanctuary and has got a power of soothing people’s mind and heart, and I wanted to capture the feeling of peace and harmony in this song. I was initially using a preset Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) on Waraku for melodies, but Stephen introduced Gail and she’s played the flute, which gave an extra layer of depth and emotion to the songs.”
The artist’s second track ‘Sunday’, reveals Hiro’s exploration of melancholic introspection within an ambient soundscape, a testament to his innovative approach at the fringes of jazz. Within this meditative composition, bouncing flute lines intertwine with cascading pianos, undulating rhythms, and minimalistic ornamentation to create a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of a jazz-infused daydream.
Hiro Ama draws from his eclectic background and diverse musical influences to craft sonic landscapes that defy categorization. From his tenure as the drummer of Teleman to his solo endeavors, Hiro Ama continues to push the boundaries of creativity, exploring an incredible blend of genres and reaching for the future with hope. He has previously released two EPs on PRAH Recordings, ‘Animal Emotions’ and ‘Uncertainty’, which garnered critical acclaim.
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