Ichiko Aoba

Ichiko Aoba presents a new standalone single, “Lullaby,” via her independent label hermine and Psychic Hotline, who will be partnering with Aoba to release her music in North America. Her first new original music since last year’s singles “Space Orphans” and “Meringue Doll,” the track was composed by Taro Umebayashi in the pair’s first collaboration since Aoba’s most recent album, Windswept Adan. “Lullaby” opens with softly plucked guitar strings while Aoba’s hushed vocals float gently above. “I composed a lullaby so creatures of all sizes might find tranquility in their sleep,” says Aoba.

Aoba is an independent multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who’s ethereal sound encompasses jazz, folk, bossa nova, ambient and classical music. Since releasing her debut album at age 19 in 2010, her global profile steadily grew and blossomed at the start of the 2020’s with the release of her acclaimed opus Windswept Adan.

Over the years she has collaborated with some of the best known contemporary Japanese artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Cornelius as well as international artists Mac DeMarco, Black Country New Road and most recently French artist Pomme. She’s also performed with Japanese Breakfast, Weyes Blood and Owen Pallet, to name a few, and as a composer she’s scored soundtracks for various films, TV shows and video games (her music was featured prominently in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening).

“A master of quiet beauty” (FADER), Aoba is known for her arresting solo performances that are unassuming yet utterly transfixing. She recently performed at the International Jazz Festival in Montreal and will be performing next month at End of the Road Festival in England along with a performance at the iconic Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.

In addition, Aoba has recently announced the world premiere of “Luminescent Creatures,” a series of two performances to be held in Tokyo and Osaka this upcoming October. Aoba and an ensemble of ten musicians will come together to perform new music. Aoba’s singles from 2020 onward will also be performed together for the first time ever. More information can be found here.