This is Shugo Tokumaru. I'm guessing that some may call him "Shug" but I hope that doesn't garner comparisons, street gang affiliations, or rivalry with the infamous Suge (pron. Shug) Knight. Let's hope a Japanese multi-instrumentalist -slash- singer-songwriter can keep distinguished enough from a rap monger. When most think of "multi-instrumentalist, you'd maybe think of Andrew Bird or your hippies may mutter, "oooh, I know, I know...Keller Williams!" Really hippie? Good work. According to Paste, Shugo features over 50 instruments on his new album. 
Shugo Tokumaru, a 29 year-old from Tokyo, Japan is set to release another album, that is finally available in the U.S. Full of intricate arrangements from various instruments and demented carnivalesque melodies, it seems appropriate to shelf his music between Sigur Ros and Boy Least Likely To. Exit, Tokumaru's newest release, comes courtesy of Columbia Records though he does have two smaller labels backing him, pending your worldly location. Why is he relevant for The Mountain Tempo? Not only does his music make me smile and hit the "repeat" button, but Shugo has got some tread on the scene as of late. Not only did he just finish a tour with The Magnetic Fields, but he's also played with some Mountain Tempo favorites including M.Ward, Animal Collective, DeerHoof, and Iron & Wine. And yes, those of you that do have Paste in your mailbox, you'll see a tiny featurette on him in the february issue. I'd keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see him and your ears alert for some television licensing that I'm sure is headed our way.
Shugo Tokumaru - Parachute
Also...The Mountain Tempo is almost at 30,000 visits!!!! Thanks!
1 comment:
I think that this man is one of the best in the Asian music, I want one of his albums!
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