Ai Kakihira - IBU (MuchaMuchaM Remix)
Tokyo-based multi-instrumentalist Ai Kakihira has announced a new remix of her track “IBU” by experimental exotica outfit MuchaMuchaM. The track follows on the heels of Kakihira’s EP titled “IN”, which was recently released via London-based independent record label Gearbox Records on 17th May.
Originally from Nagasaki Prefecture and now currently living in Tokyo, Ai Kakihira’s sound is a unique psychedelic blend, skillfully incorporating elements of chillwave, disco, soul, techno, global music, and dream pop. With delicate vocals and melodies sung in her native Japanese language, Kakihira’s music is full of dense yet intricate dynamic arrangements. “I place great importance in mixing highly dissimilar and contrasting elements, such as the old and the new, nature and artifice, while still making them sound pop”, says Kakihira.
Going on to speak about the new remix of her 2021 track “IBU” and the collaboration with MuchaMuchaM, she says “We met at an event in Itoshima, Fukuoka, and our mutual Asian / psychedelic influences and fantastic worldview really resonated with each other, making this collaboration possible. I hope you enjoy this remix version, which is filled with MuchaMuchaM-ness“
The new remix is still very much the soul and body of Kakihira’s original work but as seen through the acid washed mind’s eye of MuchaMuchaM. Their reimagining of the track sees them take the stripped back instrumental elements of the track and bring them into full hazy psych-inflected technicolour, with Kakihira’s vocals amplified through fuzz-drenched filters.
With so many trailblazing artists coming out of Tokyo - and indeed, Japan - at the moment, it’s no surprise that Kakihira is compelled to cross so many genres and boundaries. As an artist that refuses to be pigeonholed at every turn, Kakihira continues to beguile listeners whilst propelling her sound into new musical territory with a surreal and inimitable intensity. This new remix is proof that she is an artist that doesn’t rest on her laurels and is constantly looking for new ways to explore further and to delve into uncharted territory.
