Strange and cool music began started comming from the speakers of listeners of the Current a few weeks ago. There were strings, synths and a sound that seemed disorganized yet at the same time harmonius and peaceful. Seattle’s Kishi Bashi had just released “Say Yeah” the first single from his upcoming album “Sonderlust” which was released in September. His North American tour will bring him to First Avenue next week on 10/12 tickets are still available HERE.
Sonderlust is an album forged through heartbreak. After his two previous studio albums (151a & Lighght), Kishi Bashi was at a musical impasse. “As I sat down to write songs last summer, I went to all my usual conduits of creation: violin loops, guitar, piano, and I came up with the musical equivalent of fumes”, says K Ishibashi. “I tried to create orchestral pop recordings that I assumed were my forte, and in turn I found myself standing in front of a creative wall of frightening heights.”
At this very same moment of musical uncertainty, K’s personal life was falling apart… He and his wife of 13 years had briefly separated and were struggling to keep their marriage together. In his own words, “Touring and its accompanying lifestyle took a heavy toll on my soul and my family”. As an outlet, K submerged himself in a new musical direction. Sonderlust emerged as a direct result of this personal struggle taking place at an artistic crossroads.
With the help of producer Chris Taylor (Grizzly Bear), engineer Pat Dillet (Angelique Kidjo, David Byrne) and drummer Matt Chamberlain (Morrissey, Fiona Apple, of Montreal), Kishi Bashi has created his most personal and artistically adventurous work to date. “This album is straight from my soul. I questioned everything about what it means to love and desire. The difference between loving someone and being in love.”
Tour Dates:
THU 6 OCTOBER Mod Club Theatre Toronto, ON, Canada
SAT 8 OCTOBER Beachland Ballroom and Tavern Cleveland, OH, US
SUN 9 OCTOBER The Crofoot Ballroom Pontiac, MI, US
MON 10 OCTOBER The Vic Theatre – Jam ProductionsChicago, IL, US
TUE 11 OCTOBER Delmar Hall St Louis, MO, US
WED 12 OCTOBER First Avenue Minneapolis, MN, US
SAT 15 OCTOBER Gothic Theatre Englewood, CO, US
SUN 16 OCTOBER Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT, US
TUE 18 OCTOBER The Showbox Seattle, WA, US
WED 19 OCTOBER Fox Cabaret Vancouver, BC, Canada
WED 19 OCTOBER Club Congress Tucson, AZ, US
THU 20 OCTOBER Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR, US
FRI 21 OCTOBER The Masonic San Francisco, CA, US
SAT 22 OCTOBER The Catalyst Atrium Santa Cruz, CA, US
SUN 23 OCTOBER Irenic San Diego, CA, US
MON 24 OCTOBER Belasco Theater Los Angeles, CA, US
WED 26 OCTOBER Club Congress Tucson, AZ, US
FRI 28 OCTOBER Paper Tiger San Antonio, TX, US
SAT 29 OCTOBER Mohawk Austin, TX, US
SUN 30 OCTOBER White Oak Music Hall Houston, TX, US
TUE 1 NOVEMBER One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, LA, US
WED 2 NOVEMBER Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA, US
