Sonderlust

Description

Sonderlust is an album born from heartbreak. Following his two previous studio albums (151a and Lighght) and the release of his live album String Quartet Live!, Kishi Bashi found himself at a musical crossroads. “Last summer, when I started composing, I drew from my usual sources of inspiration: violin loops, guitar, piano, and the musical result was insipid,” K Ishibashi confides. “I tried to create orchestral pop songs, a genre I thought was my strong suit, and I found myself facing a dizzying creative wall.” At the same time, as his musical uncertainty loomed, K’s personal life was collapsing... He and his wife, after thirteen years of marriage, had briefly separated and were struggling to save their union. As he puts it: “Touring and the lifestyle it entails took a heavy toll on my morale and my family.” To find an outlet, K delved into a new musical direction. Sonderlust was born from a deep internal struggle, at an artistic crossroads. With the help of producer Chris Taylor (Grizzly Bear), sound engineer Pat Dillet (Angélique Kidjo, David Byrne), and drummer Matt Chamberlain (Morrissey, Fiona Apple, of Montreal), Kishi Bashi has created his most personal and audacious work to date. “This album comes from the deepest part of myself. I questioned the very meaning of love and desire, the difference between loving and being in love.”