清水翔太 — Cassette

Intro

Shota Shimizu delivers a masterclass in 'Urban J-Soul,' a sound that feels deeply rooted in the American soul tradition while remaining distinctly Japanese in its melodic sensibility. His voice is a versatile instrument, capable of moving from a vulnerable, breathy whisper to powerful, gospel-inflected runs that never feel over-indulgent. The production is consistently high-gloss, favoring lush synthesizers, crisp drum programming, and warm electric pianos that create a sophisticated, nocturnal atmosphere.

What truly sets him apart is his ability to infuse standard J-pop structures with the rhythmic complexity and emotional weight of 70s soul. His training in gospel music is evident in his phrasing, giving his ballads a spiritual resonance that many of his contemporaries lack. There is a specific 'blue' quality to his music - a sophisticated melancholy that feels like looking at city lights through a rain-slicked window.

Start with the 'ALL SINGLES BEST' collection to hear his evolution from the earnest debut 'HOME' to the more experimental urban sounds of his later career. For a deeper dive into his cohesive aesthetic, 'FLY' offers a perfect balance of his R&B roots and modern pop appeal.

Shota Shimizu (清水翔太, Shimizu Shōta; born 27 February 1989) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and musician from Yao, Osaka, Japan, who debuted in 2008. On June 1, 2008, Shimizu performed at Central Park in New York City during the annual Japan Day Festival. Shota Shimizu went to a local Christian school in Osaka where he learned how to sing gospel music. He became captivated with soul music, which is how his music career started. He was inspired by Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Ray Charles. Before his debut, in November 2007, Shimizu sang in English on amateur night at the Apollo Theater in New York City. He was called a "one in a million soul singer" by a local newspaper in New York. The second time he performed at the Apollo Theater was on November 19, 2008. He sang the song "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto in Japanese, where he was given a standing ovation from an audience of 1,500 people. He said he sang it because he wanted to show his Japanese pride and demonstrate the beauty of the Japanese language.

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Our Catalog9 Albums · 2008 · 2023