Kishi Bashi

The latest full-length from Kishi Bashi, Kantos is a work of exquisite duality: a party album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeply unsettling and sublimely joyful. In a sonic departure from the symphonic folk of his critically lauded 2019 LP Omoiyari—a career-defining body of work born from his intensive meditation on the mass incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II—the Seattle-born singer/songwriter/producer’s fifth studio album encompasses everything from Brazilian jazz and ’70s funk to orchestral rock and city pop (a Japanese genre that peaked in the mid-’80s). Informed by an equally kaleidoscopic mix of inspirations—the cult-classic sci-fi novel series Hyperion Cantos, the writings of 18th century enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant, a revelatory trip to ancient ruins on the island of Crete—Kantos ultimately serves as an unbridled exaltation of the human spirit and all its wild complexities.

Sweet Loretta is an alternative pop group from the South of England.

Fraser Blanchflower and Quinn Humphreys blend their unique range of influences to create their own take on the modern pop sound. Now, they’re joined by talented multi-instrumentalists James Stickland and James Clark to create a 4-piece power house. Sweet Loretta is currently working on their eagerly anticipated debut album, slated for an early 2024 release.

Sweet Loretta has also shared the stage with American musician Kishi Bashi during his recent festival run and is set support him on his upcoming American and European tours.