Ginger Root’s SHINBANGUMI: A Retro-Futuristic Journey Through 1980s Japan
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Ginger Root, the indie soul project led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Cameron Lew, is set to release SHINBANGUMI on September 13th, 2024, marking his debut with Ghostly International. The album, whose title translates to “new program,” is not just a collection of songs but part of an intricate narrative woven through a series of music videos. This project follows Ginger Root’s signature style of blending nostalgic aesthetics with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
The concept behind SHINBANGUMI is set in the year 1987, where Lew, as Ginger Root, has been fired from his role as a music supervisor for the fictional television network Juban TV. Unfazed by this setback, he launches his own media company, Ginger Root Productions, leading to a creative exploration of what his new venture will produce. This narrative is told through a series of music videos that accompany the album’s singles, including “No Problems,” “Better Than Monday,” “There Was A Time,” “All Night,” and “Only You.” These tracks, infused with Lew’s “aggressive elevator soul” sound, carry the listener through a retro-futuristic journey that feels like a lost soundtrack from an alternate 1980s.
Cameron Lew’s creative process for SHINBANGUMI draws from a diverse range of influences. His earlier works have cited inspirations such as Vulfpeck and Toro y Moi, and this album is no different in its eclectic mix. The soundscapes are reminiscent of Japanese city pop, echoing the likes of Yellow Magic Orchestra, while also incorporating elements of indie rock and soul. Lew’s ability to seamlessly blend these genres showcases his evolution as an artist, building on the foundation laid in previous albums like Rikki and City Slicker.
The album’s release comes after a series of successful projects, including the 2022 EP Nisemono, which explored themes of imposter syndrome through a fictional 1983 narrative. Lew’s storytelling approach to music, combined with his meticulous attention to production detail, has earned Ginger Root a dedicated following. Having supported bands like Khruangbin and Hippo Campus on tour, and drawing comparisons to artists such as Feist and White Denim, Ginger Root continues to carve out a unique space in the indie music scene. With SHINBANGUMI, Lew pushes the boundaries of his craft even further, creating an album that is as much a visual experience as it is an auditory one.
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