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Update: 28th May 2024


Shin Tasaki

of the music unit
SPANOVA
has released his first solo EP

“揺れ方 (Yurekata)”




Shin Tasaki of the music unit SPANOVA has released his first solo EP, Yurekata, from Hatos Records. Throughout his 27-year career, he has provided music for various artists, films, and commercials as a composer and producer. However, this marks his first solo release under his own name.

On a personal note, the music of SPANOVA, in which he performs with his brother Ken Tasaki, has deeply permeated my daily life since I first heard it over 15 years ago. I have a deep affection and trust in the light and shadow, the imagery their music evokes, and his distinctive singing voice. Therefore, I am both surprised and deeply moved that this is his debut work as a solo artist.
Shin Tasaki
Photo: Daisuke Ishizaka


The first SPANOVA album I encountered was their 5th release, Fictional World Lullaby, issued by Felicity in 2003. It was a mesmerizing musical journey. Their music crafted a world that was gentle, exquisite, and profound—simultaneously fantastical and authentic, with an organic yet incisive texture. It evoked a poignant nostalgia that resonated deeply with me, while also introducing a refreshing breeze of originality unlike anything I had experienced before.
Fictional World Lullaby
SPANOVA
2003

Mix Engineer: Toshihiko Miyoshi (HAL Studio)
Mastering Engineer: Bo Kondren (Calyx Mastering)
Illustration: @yattsutmm8
Art Direction and Design: Groovisions
Felicity




Since childhood, the brothers have absorbed a wide range of music—from classical to pop, rock, jazz, soul, and hip-hop—mainly through the radio. They used household items as makeshift instruments and play together, which eventually led them to start composing music. Their pursuit and questioning of music have continued since their major debut in 1997, and they have been exploring and creating music together at their private studio, Daily Planet Studio.


Daily Planet Studio
Photo: Daisuke Ishizaka



Listening to their debut works now, they sound more pop-oriented and accessible, with a naturally youthful vibe. However, tracing their musical journey over the years reveals the “SPANOVA essence” in both their constants and their evolution, highlights their philosophy towards music.

According to SPANOVA’s profile, they began working on more experimental works in the early 2000s, and the aforementioned Fictional World Lullaby was a product of that period. The following year, in 2004, Shin Tasaki released an album titled All My Friends Have To Go under the name Some Water & Sun, which he formed with John Hughes, also known as Slicker, who runs the renowned Chicago-based label Hefty Records. Furthermore, in 2006, SPANOVA contributed the track Absentmindedto the 10th anniversary compilation album History Is Bunk by the same label. This track, with its exquisite electronica feel, foreshadowed the development of musical experimentation that only they could achieve.
All My Friends Have To Go
Some Water & Sun
2004

Music and Words: John Hughes & Shin Tasaki
Mixed: John Hughes at Hefty
Mastered: Roger Seibel at SAE
Additional Vocals: Lindsey Anderson (L’altra)
Additional Vocals: Yukie
Designed: Bankerwessel
Hefty Records



Absentminded
SPANOVA
2006

from History Is Bunk - Part 2
Mastered: Brian “Big Bass” Gardner
Hefty Records




Then, in 2010, they released their 6th album, SetsunaLized SetzunaRider. This work left an even greater impact than the previous one. The music is so pure, dense, delicate, and magnificent that I couldn’t help but wonder, “How on earth do they create such music?” The poetry reading by Shuntaro Tanikawa gets me chills. It is an album with a unique addictiveness that makes you feel as if you are wandering deep into your inner universe, seeing through your own nature.
SetsunaLized SetzunaRider
All song Produced, Mixed and Words (except M2): SPANOVA
M2 Words: Shuntaro Tanikawa & SPANOVA
Mastered: Bo Kondren (Calyx Mastering)
Art direction and Design: Kamikene
Toropical Co., Ltd.
2010



In recent years, SPANOVA has continued to release EPs, but I had been earnestly longing for a new album. Just when I heard that a new album might be coming out from Felicity soon, the lead single SmoothFaderwas released last month.
SmoothFader
SPANOVA
2024

Recorded, Mix and Mastered: SPANOVA
Art direction and Design: Kamikene
Photograph: Daisuke Ishizaka
Felicity




In the midst of this anticipation, Shin Tasaki’s solo EP was suddenly released. While I was delighted by this sudden flurry of activity, I was also a little taken aback. However, it is not hard to imagine that these events had to occur naturally after a considerable journey for them.

“Beats often mirror the hustle and bustle of daily life and the world, striving to move forward anyway. Everyday occurrences progress not only with regularity but also with randomness and suddenness. So, I guess that’s why I enjoy blending somewhat ambivalent sounds into my beats. If there’s a little flow in the gaps of the groove, it brings me a sense of happiness. And if there’s a moment when they merge as one, even better. As I age, I find myself understanding less and less about what music is, but being in a state of not understanding makes me feel closer to music. There’s a beat, there’s harmony, and I sing melodies with my own voice. While it may be commonplace for a singer-songwriter, I’m curious if there are still more interesting things to explore?”
Shin Tasaki



揺れ方 (Music Video)
Shin Tasaki
2024

Video direction: Kamikene
Hatos Records




Chasing after inspiration and longing, deepening one’s thoughts and skills, one may feel that they are getting closer, only to realize that there is still more beyond. The more one values their senses, the more they pursue perfection, the farther the destination of completion seems. Yet, perhaps it is because of this that the adventure continues. Thinking this way, the release of this work as a fruit of the quest is undoubtedly a significant milestone for Shin Tasaki, for SPANOVA, and for us, who admire their music.

I would like you to experience this without any preconceptions, so I refrain from describing the emotions evoked by this work here. However, it certainly conjures images of resonating beautifully in sparsely populated, acoustically-focused dance floor or open-air spaces under an infinite night sky.  Regardless of genre, I encourage all music lovers to give it a listen. Additionally, I hope those who have never heard SPANOVA’s music take this opportunity to experience it.
揺れ方 E.P.
Shin Tasaki
2024

Mixed: Shin Tasaki and Ken Tasaki
Mastered: Stephan Betke (Scape Mastering)
Graphic Design: Kamikene
Hatos Records



Incidentally, Hatos Records, the label releasing this EP, is run by our art director, Kamikene, who also handles all of the label’s artwork. It seems that more deeply enjoyable works are scheduled for release in the future, so if you are looking to discover new music, I recommend checking out their website.
 
Hatos Records
Identity/Logo
2024



Shin Tasaki: 揺れ方 (Yurekata)
2024
Hatos Records
Bandcamp
@hatos_records

SPANOVA
@spanova_musik
All images © of their respective owners.




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