Description
#hakushihasegawa #vinyl #vinylrecords
Hakushi Hasegawa, a dynamic musician and singer-songwriter from Japan, has steadily been carving out a unique space within the global music landscape. Beginning their journey with the release of the digital EP iPhone 6 Plus in 2017, Hasegawa quickly made waves with their CD debut Somoku Hodo the following year. Their first full-length album, Air Ni Ni in 2019, further solidified their reputation as an artist to watch, gaining international recognition through performances at events such as Porter Robinson’s online festival “Secret Sky” and Flying Lotus’ streaming show “THE HIT.” In 2023, Hasegawa made history as the first Japanese artist to sign with the innovative label Brainfeeder, heralding a new chapter with the release of the single “Mouth Flash (Kuchinohanabi).”
With Mahogakko, Hasegawa pushes the envelope even further, presenting a collection of tracks that defy conventional categorization. Drawing inspiration from the chaotic energy of black MIDI and the surreal aesthetics of contemporary digital culture, this album is a sonic exploration that feels both otherworldly and intensely visceral. Imagine a realm where techno faeries inhabit a hidden forest, their erratic and feverish energy teetering on the edge of chaos, a dangerous yet exhilarating space that Hasegawa’s music invites you to explore. Tracks like “Boy’s Texture” and “Forbidden Thing (Kimmotsu)” exemplify this tension, blending hyperrealistic soundscapes with an unpredictable contrast of loud and quiet dynamics.
Hasegawa’s work on Mahogakko is emblematic of a new era in electronica, where the boundaries between genres blur, and the expectations of what music can be are constantly challenged. The album’s sound is as crisp and glossy as it is intense and disorienting, each composition meticulously crafted to push the listener’s sensory limits. This approach to music-making is reminiscent of other boundary-pushing artists like Aphex Twin and Arca, who similarly play with the extremes of sound and structure to create something entirely new and immersive.
As Hasegawa continues to evolve, Mahogakko stands as a testament to their ability to blend intellectual curiosity with the physicality of pop music, creating an experience that is as much about feeling as it is about thought. In a world where digital aesthetics and sonic experimentation are becoming increasingly intertwined, Hakushi Hasegawa’s work is not just relevant but essential, offering a glimpse into the future of music as both an art form and a means of expression.
