Joji has released his first new music since February’s breakthrough ‘In Tongues Deluxe’ EP. The Japanese artist is fresh from an extended studio hibernation and will also be taking his live show to a few festivals this year including Blurry Vision in Oakland, CA this weekend and 88rising’s Head In The Clouds Festival in Los Angeles in September.
New single Yeah Right is entirely written and produced by Joji himself. Although the song seems like a superficial party track on its surface, after multiple listens it reveals itself to have a sort of warm and relatable self-loathing. The tracks muted samples along with its sultry drum machine hits and watery piano make for something special, sure to hold Joji fans over for whats to come down the line from the 88rising artist.
Yeah Right is accompanied by a simple, yet smart lo-fi music video that shows Joji going through a series of mixed emotions as he almost reluctantly recounts the lyrics to his own song. Self-directed by Joji, the video perfectly captures the tracks underlying loneliness and you can check it out via Youtube below.
A master of multiple mediums, Joji is the Osaka, Japan-born singer and producer capturing a following from every corner of the Internet. The multi-talented visionary defies convention — his songs are characterized by down tempo, melancholic themes and soulful vocals, layered over lush grimy textures, blending elements of trap, folk, electronic, and R&B. Featured everywhere from Billboard to VICE News (HBO) to Hypebeast and beyond, Joji is one of the most interesting and promising new artists in the digital age.
Joji’s highly anticipated debut EP project ‘In Tongues’ was met with widespread acclaim, with lead single Will He landing the #1 spot on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 charts and iTunes R&B singles chart. In Tongues was a triumphant debut of “dark, beautiful music held together by a subtle but strong sense of humanity.” (Pigeons & Planes) The EP debuted at #2 on the iTunes R&B albums chart and landed the #56 spot on the Billboard 200.
Earlier this year, ‘In Tongues’ received the remix treatment from tastemaking producers Lunice, Ryan Hemsworth, Lapalux, & many more in a Deluxe edition of the EP. To date, the ‘In Tongues’ and ‘In Tongues Deluxe’ has been streamed over 95 million times on Spotify. Each song off In Tongues was also accompanied by beautiful and groundbreaking visuals, including music videos for Will He, Demons, and Window — totaling over 45 million views on YouTube.
New single Yeah Right sees Joji confidently evolving on the signature sound he crafted on ‘In Tongues’. The single is an anthemic yet dark and brooding party ballad that only Joji can create, and gives just a taste of what’s to come on his full-length debut LP, due for later this year.
Joji is signed to 88rising – the team behind Internet-breaking sensations Rich Brian, Keith Ape, and Higher Brothers. 88rising is the pioneering media platform representing the most forward-thinking artists and creators from Asia. Bridging East and West, 88rising is known for its “slew of massive viral video hits and collaborations with established American artists” (CNN). Led by an award-winning team of creative visionaries all over the world, 88rising is “clearly filling a void,” (Forbes) by celebrating the unique cultural landscapes of Asia and beyond.
Joji will also be playing Head In The Clouds Festival in September. Head In The Clouds is a full day music and arts festival in downtown Los Angeles and the ultimate live manifestation of 88rising’s fast rise in music and youth culture – bringing the new definitive experience celebrating music and art from the East and West.
Pre-sale for the festival is on now (password: 88rising) – http://www.hive.co/l/hitcla
Upcoming tour dates
5/12/18 – Blurry Visions Festival – Middle Harbor Shoreline Park – Oakland, CA
9/22/18 – Head In The Clouds Festival – Los Angeles State Historic Park – Los Angeles, CA
