Remixing her debut album, this artist’s gentle tracks add a new layer of dimension

Tokyo-based artist Kumi Takahara has been playing violin since the age of three. After going on to study classical music at the Kunitachi College of Music, Takahara moved to Vienna to continue her studies. During that time, she was able to tour Europe playing violin in classical concerts. Takahara continues to play in classical concerts and has been featured in music by artists including aus, Anoice, KASHIWA, Daisuke, Shione Yukawa, Tomohiko Gondo, and World’s End Girlfriend. Even with years of classical playing behind her, the artform only took on its great significance in her life after her sister passed away and she was able to use music as an emotional outlet.

Earlier this year Takahara released her debut-album See-Through as well as a handful of singles from the album including Ditty, Roll, and Tide. The album features gentle melodies that feel like a meditation on an idea. With sophisticated restraint and simplicity, she creates beautiful tracks of complexity and peace.

Takahara’s upcoming album See-Through Remixes releases fully on August 25th. Currently, five of the eleven remixes are available via bandcamp including Ditty (Dylan henner Remix), Nostalgia (Vague Imaginaries Remix), Roll (Zoe Planski Remix), Chime (Federico Durand Remix), and Tide (Earth Trax Remix). The collaborations on this album add an electronic and rhythmic take to her whimsical, instrumental tracks for a fresh spin in a new genre.

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The first thing that comes to mind about Kumi Takahara’s new track ‘Tide’ is how it seems to have perfectly captured the essence of it’s namesake.

The opening ambient sounds give way to swirling, constantly moving interwoven string melodies that seem to drift from plaintive, to wondrous and uplifting, back and forth.

Delicate vocals and instrumentation build into an evolving and deep piece that does indeed remind of moving waters, and showcases a real talent in arranging and composition from Takahara, who it seems is under the influence of Phillip Glass. This of course is by no means a bad thing…

The accompanying video only adds to the experience of the music with natural imagery, soft focus, light patterns, and intriguing time lapse shots in a demonstration of elegance and taste.

There is a lot to like here and thankfully there is more to come as a debut album titled ‘See-Through’ is due for release February 24th also. Takahara describes it as “Introspective and expansive at the same time, — a collection of classical music with a contemporary spirit.” which seems apt based on the evidence so far.

For now ‘Tide’ is the only track available from the record, but if it is is anything to go by then the album should be a very interesting listen.