
With "Ululō", pianist and composer Koki Nakano immerses us in the depths of his emotions, carried by the striking voices of Jordy, WAYNE SNOW and Yael Naim.
For his fourth album, Japanese pianist and composer Koki Nakano moves beyond the conceptual to reveal an intimate and visceral musical expression, a reflection of his deep emotions. Each piece conveys the desire and passion of a cry. The title "Ululō" (which translates to "Howl" or "Cry" in Latin) echoes a childhood memory of being in his father's arms, yearning to touch the moon. This unfulfilled desire, reminiscent of a famous haiku by famous poet Issa Kobayashi, symbolizes his early realization of his limitations in the face of the vastness of the world and the seemingly unattainable. Koki reinvents himself with a unique fusion of piano and modern vocal collaborations. He is joined by UK rap sensation Jordy and the captivating voices of WAYNE SNOW and Yael Naim. He offers an avant-garde music style distinguished by its emotional simplicity and sonic depth. Beyond virtuosity, Koki explores his classical sensibilities by blending subtle ambient textures with his poignant and sophisticated melodies. While "Ululō" is a cry of frustration with melancholic tones, it is also romantic, filled with beauty, humor, and light.
For his fourth album, Japanese pianist and composer Koki Nakano moves beyond the conceptual to reveal an intimate and visceral musical expression, a reflection of his deep emotions. Each piece conveys the desire and passion of a cry. The title "Ululō" (which translates to "Howl" or "Cry" in Latin) echoes a childhood memory of being in his father's arms, yearning to touch the moon. This unfulfilled desire, reminiscent of a famous haiku by famous poet Issa Kobayashi, symbolizes his early realization of his limitations in the face of the vastness of the world and the seemingly unattainable. Koki reinvents himself with a unique fusion of piano and modern vocal collaborations. He is joined by UK rap sensation Jordy and the captivating voices of WAYNE SNOW and Yael Naim. He offers an avant-garde music style distinguished by its emotional simplicity and sonic depth. Beyond virtuosity, Koki explores his classical sensibilities by blending subtle ambient textures with his poignant and sophisticated melodies. While "Ululō" is a cry of frustration with melancholic tones, it is also romantic, filled with beauty, humor, and light.
released October 25, 2024
Executive production -Yoko Yamada & Laurent Bizot
Artwork - Cyril Burget
Design - Element(s)
Composed by Koki Nakano
Lyrics written by Yael Naim (Howling)
WAYNE SNOW (Valves, Vertical Pool)
Jordy (Motsuré)
Produced by Koki Nakano
Except Howling produced by Koki Nakano & Yael Naim
Recorded by Koki Nakano in his home studio except Trêve, Motsuré - piano recorded by François Baurin
Motsuré - Jordy vocals recorded by People Make The World Go Round at The Dojo (London), in collaboration with Flat 10
Valves – WAYNE SNOW vocals recorded by Francois Baurin at Studio Hippocampe, Paris
Howling - Yael Naim vocals recorded by herself at home
Vertical Pool - WAYNE SNOW vocals recorded by himself at home
Mixed by Francois Baurin at Hinterland Lab
Except Motsuré mixed by Ricky Damian at OCD Studios
Mastering Alex Gopher @ Translab Paris
℗ & © 2024, Nø Førmat!
Published by Nø Førmat! except
Howling copublished by Nø Førmat! and Mouselephant
Valves, Vertical Pool copublished by Nø Førmat! and Sentric Music
Executive production -Yoko Yamada & Laurent Bizot
Artwork - Cyril Burget
Design - Element(s)
Composed by Koki Nakano
Lyrics written by Yael Naim (Howling)
WAYNE SNOW (Valves, Vertical Pool)
Jordy (Motsuré)
Produced by Koki Nakano
Except Howling produced by Koki Nakano & Yael Naim
Recorded by Koki Nakano in his home studio except Trêve, Motsuré - piano recorded by François Baurin
Motsuré - Jordy vocals recorded by People Make The World Go Round at The Dojo (London), in collaboration with Flat 10
Valves – WAYNE SNOW vocals recorded by Francois Baurin at Studio Hippocampe, Paris
Howling - Yael Naim vocals recorded by herself at home
Vertical Pool - WAYNE SNOW vocals recorded by himself at home
Mixed by Francois Baurin at Hinterland Lab
Except Motsuré mixed by Ricky Damian at OCD Studios
Mastering Alex Gopher @ Translab Paris
℗ & © 2024, Nø Førmat!
Published by Nø Førmat! except
Howling copublished by Nø Førmat! and Mouselephant
Valves, Vertical Pool copublished by Nø Førmat! and Sentric Music
all rights reserved