Category: Sakura Sketches

  • [Single] Mankai

    mankai latte chill single

    I am thrilled to share my latest release, Mankai, a soothing track that builds on the themes from my previous single, Komorebi. As part of my upcoming EP, Sakura Sketches, Mankai is now available for streaming and download on my Bandcamp page.

    Mankai: The Second Single from Sakura Sketches

    For enthusiasts of serene lofi edits and chilled beats, Mankai is a worthy one to listen. Inspired by the full bloom of cherry blossoms (which is about to come!), this track captures the peak of sakura season’s beauty. You’ll hear gentle melodies, ambient pads, and a tranquil rhythm that blends nature’s splendor with the relaxing vibes of lofi music.

    What is Mankai? Embracing Nature’s Peak

    Mankai is a Japanese term that signifies the full bloom of cherry blossoms. It represents the moment when sakura flowers are at their most vibrant and abundant phase. In my track, I aim to replicate that sense of fullness and celebration. Therefore I used lush soundscapes and intricate instrumental layers to create a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere. This concept allowed me to blend traditional influences with my signature lofi beats. In the end, I created a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing.

    Sakura Sketches: Nature Chill and Lofi Beats

    Following the release of Komorebi, Mankai continues to explore the themes of nature and renewal. If you’ve been enjoying the chilled vibes of my previous works, you’ll find that Mankai brings a new depth to the Sakura Sketches EP. It’s an evolution of the chillhop, oriental, and sakura-inspired sounds that I have developed over the years. Essentially, it is enriched with new elements and creative twists in the production.

    Sakura Sketches: Nature Chill and Lofi Beats

    Creating Mankai was a deeply inspiring experience. I composed it on the go. I mainly used tools like Koala Sampler and Ableton Live. During the process, I combined warm pads, and natural vibe instruments to craft a track that feels both timeless and contemporary. The traditional influence is evident in the choice of instruments. Anyway, I am a fan of oriental sounds and aim to create a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation or study.

    The mastering process involved meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the track’s warmth and clarity. Balancing the dynamic range and EQs was crucial to achieving the intimate feeling that is central to the track’s essence, reflecting the beauty of sakura season in its full bloom.

    Listen to Mankai here and scroll to the bottom of the page to get it for free.

  • [Single] Komorebi

    After a long break, I’m excited to return with new lofi beats that combine fresh production with an inspiring theme close to my heart. Komorebi is the first single from my latest EP, Sakura Sketches, and it’s available now for free on my Bandcamp page.

    Komorebi: The First Single from Sakura Sketches

    If you’re a fan of relaxing lofi edits and chilled-out beats, Komorebi is a perfect addition to your playlist. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of cherry blossoms and the changing seasons, this track captures the essence of nature’s rebirth during sakura season. With subtle oriental influences, you’ll hear soft piano melodies, atmospheric pads, and a mellow rhythm that blends the tranquility of spring with the chill vibes of lofi music.

    What is Komorebi? A Japanese Concept in Music

    “Komorebi” is a Japanese term that describes the effect of sunlight filtering through leaves, a beautiful metaphor for the way light interacts with the natural world. In the track, you’ll hear layers of delicate sounds that mimic how light dances through trees during sakura season, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. This concept inspired me to blend traditional vibe and modern elements, combining oriental sounds with my signature lofi beats.

    If you’ve been following my music, you might notice that Komorebi feels like a natural progression from previous EPs like Demon Festival and Wabi-Sabi. It’s an evolution of the chillhop, oriental, and sakura vibes I’ve explored over the years, with new techniques and creative twists on the production.

    Satori: A New B-Side Track

    As a special bonus, the single includes a B-side track titled Satori. This track explores the concept of sudden enlightenment, adding a deeper layer to the Sakura Sketches theme. While Komorebi captures the delicate beauty of nature, Satori delves into a more introspective soundscape, with intricate instrumental choices and lush sound textures. It’s a perfect complement to the single, providing an opportunity to experience a different side of this lofi project.

    Behind the Production: A Blend of Oriental Sounds and Lofi Beats

    Creating Komorebi was an inspiring journey, with a production process that stayed true to my style while incorporating new elements. Using tools like Koala Sampler and Ableton Live, I blended piano, warm pads, and field recordings to create a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The oriental influence shines through in the choice of instruments, with light touches of traditional sounds, providing a dreamy atmosphere perfect for study or relaxation.

    The mastering process was a challenge, as I worked with EQs and dynamic range to ensure the track’s warmth and clarity. This careful balance is crucial to the track’s feeling of intimacy, and it’s something I’m proud of as it reflects the depth of sakura season—beauty in both the fleeting moments and the lasting impressions it leaves.

    Listen to the song here and scroll to the bottom of the page to get it for free.

  • [EP #52] Sakura Sketches

    My #52 EP is titled Sakura Sketches and is now live on all major stream platforms. After a long break, I wished to return with a set of fresh beats that are somewhat new and indeed I changed much in the production process. On the other hand, I wished to stick to a topic that is close to my heart, that is given: cherry blossom.

    Immerse yourself with 5 new songs and let us wait for Spring together and watch out. More singles are coming soon, maybe with B-side songs. I hope I will be able to work on beats more in 2025 over 2024. It was amazing to have a break but also good to be back.

    Click on the cover to listen to my #52 Sakura Sketches EP. The photo is one I took during sakura season. I intended to give it a filmy vibe therefore, I edited it in Snapseed a bit. If you like the style, read more about my hobby and check my last season photos in Vienna. I am already looking forward to the next season.

    Origin of Sakura Sketches EP

    Sakura means a lot of things. The easiest translation would be ‘cherry blossom’ but what is beyond is much more. It refers to the flower of ornamental cherry trees that are widely known in Japan. Still, the word refers to the tree and its flower as well. It is often translated as Japanese cherry. It is matched with Hanami (flower viewing) in Japan. After the winter period, people go out and watch the flowers and petals. It represents the reborn of nature, the start of the warmer weather. My titles are also matching the concept of sakura.

    Which one is your favourite track? Let me know on any of my social media channels. I am looking forward to your comments.