Ken ISODA
Born in 1962, Ken ISODA created Oscillation Circuit in 1984 during the formative years of Japan's ambient music movement.
In the 1990s, he released eight new age albums.
He also worked as a producer for labels including Toshiba EMI and Sony, with albums he produced receiving the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award.
As a film composer, he has received the Mainichi Film Awards twice.
He is the author of numerous books and is currently working on new material.
In the 1990s, he released eight new age albums.
He also worked as a producer for labels including Toshiba EMI and Sony, with albums he produced receiving the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award.
As a film composer, he has received the Mainichi Film Awards twice.
He is the author of numerous books and is currently working on new material.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
As a child, I was deeply influenced by the Beatles' mid-period recordings.
Later, I immersed myself in a wide range of genres that I experienced in real time throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including punk, new wave, techno, minimalism, ambient, and contemporary classical music.
Later, I immersed myself in a wide range of genres that I experienced in real time throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including punk, new wave, techno, minimalism, ambient, and contemporary classical music.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.H.TakahashiAn artist who became deeply devoted to ambient and environmental music and went on to open a shop specializing in the genre.
By continually expanding his practice, he has also broadened the meaning and possibilities of what "environmental music" can be. - 2.Aiko TakahashiI think he is a highly accomplished artist who brings warmth and humanity into the spacious world of the piano.
- 3.maya ongakuA wonderful band whose deep love of music gives them the power to transcend boundaries.
I'm genuinely looking forward to the vinyl release of their new album, Nothing Space Music.
Hachijo's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
This island is an important stopover for many migratory birds, and throughout the year you can hear a wide variety of their songs, whether by the sea or in the mountains.
I'm continually fascinated by the calls of birds that are rarely heard elsewhere in Japan, as well as by the ever-changing sounds of the ocean.
I'm continually fascinated by the calls of birds that are rarely heard elsewhere in Japan, as well as by the ever-changing sounds of the ocean.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Three years ago, I moved to Hachijojima, and the view of the Pacific Ocean from my workspace is simply extraordinary.
I live in an irreplaceable environment where migratory birds and protected native birds fill the sky.
I can't imagine a more inspiring place to engage with sound.
I live in an irreplaceable environment where migratory birds and protected native birds fill the sky.
I can't imagine a more inspiring place to engage with sound.
Record Shop
Kankyō Records— 三軒茶屋 / Sangenjaya
Whenever I visit Tokyo, I stop by H. Takahashi's environmental music shop, Kankyō Records, in Sangenjaya. Every visit brings new discoveries and the joy of learning about new music.