SORAYA

The pre-released track 'Hitori' is the first song Soraya created revolving around constellations, making it something of a theme song for the artist. Released simultaneously, 'Chiisaku Sayonara wo' features a soothing ensemble of piano, percussion, and flute, blending a melody reminiscent of a nursery rhyme that feels accessible to everyone. Their second single 'BAKU,' as the title suggests, is a work song themed around the mythical creature Baku. With rhythm machine beats combined with various rhythms inspired by folk music, the repeated chant of 'baku baku... ' becomes delightfully addictive. The third single 'Mimi wo Sumasete' is a grand pop song centered on the theme of 'freedom,' incorporating strong elements of jazz-the genre that is home to Soraya. The fourth single 'Yutopia' is Soraya's reinterpretation of exotica, featuring instruments like marimba and strings, resulting in a glamorous and romantic sound. The lyrics were inspired by Karl Busse's poem 'Yama no Anata' (Beyond the Mountains). Other tracks on the album include 'Kaze no Naka de,' a song that captures the feeling of running forward through vast nature. It's lyrics were written by Ruri Matsumura. 'Lucy' evokes the warmth of film imagery, adorned with beautiful acoustic guitar throughout. 'Record' could be described as Soraya's take on Japanese city pop and kayokyoku, with a cute yet quirky melody that adds a distinctive touch. The album closes with a cover of Spitz's 'Ai no Shirushi,' arranged simply with just piano, vocals, and bass. For sound production, Soraya enlisted the help of many up-and-coming musicians with whom they have close ties. The recording and mixing were handled by Toshihiko Kasai and Masayuki Yoshii. Tracklist: A1. Hitori [ https://youtu. Be/VOQl4tKwMdc?si=N1i77iUHD-DpIT5Y ] A2. Kaze no Nakade [ https://youtu. Be/0g5yQzSLrIU?si=fscq3iN3gGU68gY8 ] A3. Lucy [ https://youtu. Be/RwMh9d8CXSo?si=DpkPLz6xiO8xpLd9 ] A4. Yuutopia [ https://youtu. Be/gWL9TOSrPN4?si=dE-8qEcP5Pa6ZYPp ] B1. BAKU [ https://youtu. Be/-Fw-ryFXf1A?si=yY8gZawVibqdhAHl ] B2. Chiisaku Sayonara o [ https://youtu. Be/NMpduKjy8Eg?si=bh-2j8McnXQoWZaS ] B3. Record [ https://youtu. Be/P2qcmU8toSI?si=n32vmjhbrHz81N4W ] B4. Mimi o Sumasete [ https://youtu. Be/8SBHpHv7NZc?si=6RQg3ocvI-pWYINH ] B5. Ai no Shirushi [ https://youtu. Be/JO95HTT8Jn4?si=fVoF8qvFzWWAs7Bm ]