Japan's Ichiko Aoba is now playing to virtually sold-out venues everywhere, but for BRDCST, she has become a curator for the first time.
Perhaps her biggest coup de coeur is the Japanese band GEZAN, with whom she has a very special connection - she once worked with frontman Mahito the People in the duo NUUAMM.
GEZAN are still a hidden gem in the West, while in Japan, they are playing to venues that might be the equivalent of Madison Square Garden. Also among the Aoba selection is Icelandic musician Jófríður Ákadóttir a.k.a. JFDR, cited by Björk as an inspiration, and Parisian improv guitarist Julien Desprez (see also: MOPCUT as well as ABACAXI), with his amazing performing style based on tap dancing technique.
GEZAN: extraordinary coup de cœur
One of Ichiko Aoba's great favourites is undoubtedly the Japanese band GEZAN. GEZAN describes itself as "a dizzying blend of punk, prog, jazz and art rock." These credentials speak volumes: their album Silence Will Speak (2018) was produced by Steve Albini (R.I.P.) and featured the Japanese noise master Merzbow as special guest. Uganda's Nyege Nyege Festival had no doubts about inviting them. And by the way, GEZAN are independent as fuck and run their own label 十三月, or 'Jusangatsu' (13th Records).
JFDR: a rare phenomenon
JFDR is the alter ego of Icelandic musician and soundtrack composer Jófríður Ákadóttir. Björk: "I got obsessed with her band Samaris a few years ago, and then it was amazing to see her do her own stuff. She’s surrounded herself with a really authentic community of friends." Enough said.
Julien Desprez: Parisian improv guitarist
Paris-based guitarist Julien Desprez regards jazz and rock as his first musical loves, but quickly found his way to free improvisation. He therefore sees his guitar as more of "a battery, an organ, a modifiable instrument deployable at will". Inspired by tap dance technique and effects pedals, Desprez gradually moved into sound art, performance and contemporary improvisational music. Ichiko Aoba is a fan: she invited him to appear as the opening act on her previous tour.
