Aki Tsuyuko – LEO

“Introducing a new work by Aki Tsuyuko. This analog work follows the release "Empty Talk" from Enban, but this time around there is a unique feeling, a new step forward. "Leo" is composed of one long track on each side - and in fact, the live performance on side B is also continuous. Considering Aki's previous serene works, the noisy side of her work is expressed here, unfolding over time as a dramatic experience with a dynamic amplitude. The process of producing this work is also special. The A side of "Leo" was commissioned by Variform Gallery in Portland. The gallery operated under the unique concept of exhibiting sound art, and the piece was created by collaging various sources of sound for exhibition there. The piece was created for exhibition, but she wanted to share the piece she had made for Variform with more people, so at her concert "Aki Tsuyuko's Room" at Enban in Tokyo, she played the piece in total darkness, and then improvised over the ending of it - performing it as a suite for about one hour. “Aki Tsuyuko's Room" was a series of irregular shows that Aki performed at Enban from 2016 to 2020 in order to explore a variety of musical expressions in live performances. During these performances, Aki performed in a multitude of forms while exploring methods of expression, having previously only released works through recordings. The live performance on that day was the highlight of the series, and the B side "Village" was newly recorded based on the performance at that time, and made into a piece.

This work was born out of the site of real spots in the U.S. and Japan. I believe that we were able to present a unique form of expression born of the connection between creative process and location. The album is only available in analog format, as both of these spaces are about distancing themselves from the digital world.-