First Japanese Release on Derrick May's Label, Transmat | MUSIC
LOUNGE / MUSIC
April 26, 2016

First Japanese Release on Derrick May's Label, Transmat | MUSIC


HIROSHI WATANABE


Releases First Japanese Work on Derrick May's Transmat Label


HIROSHI WATANABE, who has released works on Germany's largest electronic label "Kompakt" and Greece's "Klik Records," released his new album "MULTIVERSE" on April 20th (Wednesday) via the American Detroit-based label "Transmat."


Text by ORITO Shigenobu (OPENERS)



First Japanese Artist on the Label


On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, "MULTIVERSE," the first Japanese release on the Detroit techno label "Transmat"—a birthplace of genres like techno and house—was released by HIROSHI WATANABE. This album is part of Transmat's 30th-anniversary project and is jointly released with U/M/A/A. A four-track analog EP was pre-released on February 12th.



HIROSHI WATANABE is an artist who studied synthesizers at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, and works globally as a DJ and sound producer. He is also known for his activities under the name Kaito.




HIROSHI WATANABE

Photograph by MAENAKA Toshinori


HIROSHI WATANABE




Under the name Kaito, he became known for his first album "Special Life" (2002) and second album "Hundred Million Light Years" (2006), performing live at major events like Barcelona's "Soner Festival." His original albums are always accompanied by beatless versions, and with their delicate, beautiful melodies, simple, soft upper melodies, and dry beats, they capture the hearts of a wide range of music fans across genre boundaries.



Under his real name, HIROSHI WATANABE, he has released five limited-edition albums and four EPs, including his first album "Genesis," "Sync Positive" (2011), and the collaboration album "Life, Love" with Keiichi Sokabe.


On his new album released by Transmat, he delivers his signature grand yet delicate sound, reminiscent of a sparkling galaxy composed of countless stars.



Given that label head Derrick May only releases tracks of extremely high purity, releases on Transmat are limited. The release of this album is considered a major achievement. Derrick is said to have commented on HIROSHI WATANABE as follows:

"Support Hiroshi Watanabe. He is the YMO of the 21st century. And he is a legendary Japanese musician and artist representing the 21st century. Respect Hiroshi Watanabe and be thankful for his music."


HIROSHI WATANABE

HIROSHI WATANABE (left) and Derrick May (right)





HIROSHI WATANABE


"MULTIVERSE"
Release Date | April 20, 2016 (Wednesday)
Price | ¥2,500 (excluding tax)
Label | Transmat
Distributor | U/M/A/A Inc.
Product Number | UMA-1078-1079
1. Aperture Synthesis
2. Inner Planets
3. Soul Transitions
4. The Leonids
5. Story Teller
6. Heliosphere
7. The Multiverse
8. Time Flies Like an Arrow
9. Field of Heaven





Contact


U/M/A/A


http://www.umaa.net/