Label: Not On Label (Aki Tsuyuko Self-released) – none
Format: Cassette
Country: Japan
Released: 2026
Genre: Electronic
Style: Abstract, Ambient, Experimental
Daydreams unravel at the hands of cherished Japanese artist Aki Tsuyuko, journaling a new self-release accompanied by her beloved KAWAI Dreamtone organ.
Aki’s music has been a near-constant companion since the very first day we opened up, as such each new release (delivered in characteristically shy, understated fashion) is something to cherish. Across nine individual scenes, Stranger In The Night draws influence from the Frank Sinatra classic, the sheet music of which belonged to her father having been received free alongside the organ that lived in their family home. You’d struggle to hear the link with any of Sinatra’s romantic crooning here, but it’s revealing how all of Aki’s compositions feel rooted in early childhood memories and a warm sense of nostaliga. As she glides across the keys, plodding from one note to another, time seems suspended in a sepia haze and memories untangle, lulling us into a headspace where everything moves a little slower. Just perfect. (Mint / New - with free DL - Shops pls ask for wholesale)
(Mint / New - shops pls ask for wholesale)
Aki Tsuyuko is a Japanese musician who began composing on the KAWAI Dreamtone organ in 1990. Since her first solo album, "Ongakushitsu," she has continued her career, releasing numerous solo works centered around piano and electronic organ, including "Empty Talk," "Yang," and "Leo."
The new album, "STRANGER IN THE NIGHT," draws inspiration from her father's memory of Frank Sinatra's "STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT," one of the many sheet music pieces he received along with his first KAWAI Dreamtone organ 40 years ago.
Ippei Matsui, collaborator on the "Natsu No Zenbu" album and the subject of this exhibition, participated in this work by playing guitar and providing artwork. Mastering was done by Max Wolf, a mastering engineer based in Portland, Oregon. The Riso print was handled by Katsuo Kameyama, a drummer based in Nagoya and owner of Riso Studio. The cassette copy was done by Koji Tanigawa, owner of PALETOWN in Hatagaya, Tokyo, and owner of the BLUE GREEN label.
While some sounds are no longer found on the organ, which has been played for so long, this album, STRANGER IN THE NIGHT, offers a glimpse into a unique and personal world where life and music are in perfect harmony, a world that is difficult to let go of. Why not take a moment to immerse yourself in a frozen moment of time?
Tracklist
Scene 1 - Night
Scene 2 - Stranger
Scene 3 - Night
Scene 4 - Stranger
Scene 5 - Night
Scene 6 - Stranger
Scene 7 - Night
Scene 8 - Stranger
Scene 9 - Night
