Joyful Noise Recordings and multi-instrumentalist/singer-
Additionally, Kishi Bashi has also announced his own flavor of coffee in partnership with Athens, GA-based Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roasting Company that is now available for purchase online. “Royal Daark Blend,” inspired by the one word poem “Lighght,” is a bold and passionate blend that compliments the experimental pop violinist’s complex musicality. Ethopia Harrar and French roasted Nicaraguan beans play off one another in this unique brew. The dark roasted beans contribute a certain gravitas and weight allowing the complex fruitiness of the Harrar to sing delicately in contrast. “Royal Daark” also inspired a song created exclusively for the release of this partnership that honors local Athens musicians, and a download code to the song is included with each can. To celebrate the launch, Hendershot’s in Athens, GA will host a party for the new flavor thisSaturday, December 13 that will include a free performance and coffee samples beginning at 10 a.m. More information on “Royal Daark” can be found via Jittery Joe’s website here:http://www.jitteryjoes.com/
Released on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Lighght, Kishi Bashi‘s sophomore full-length album, picks up where his debut LP, 151a, left off with more gorgeously whimsical looping and violin/vocal gymnastics. Though violin remains his primary instrument and songwriting muse, Kishi Bashi has expanded his palette to include more diverse and nuanced instrumentation on Lighght. Bright and soaring avant-pop songs are prevalent, as are Eastern-tinged arrangements, gentle ballads, Philip Glass-inspired improvisations, and more than a few moments that flirt with ’70s prog (in the tradition of ELO or Yes). If this sounds jarringly kaleidoscopic, that’s because it is. But it works.
The critically acclaimed 151a was crafted over a four-year period while Kishi Bashi, the pseudonym for artist K. Ishibashi, was touring and recording with Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, and of Montreal (where he was a full-time member and co-producer). In late 2012, after the success of151a, Kishi Bashi decided to focus solely on his own music and began composing the new material, which led to the songs that are featured on Lighght.
Taking its title from the one-word poem by minimalist poet Aram Saroyan, Lighght (pronounced “Light”) continues and expands the sound of 151a which earned him the title of “Best New Artist” for 2012 by NPR. Since the profoundly successful release of his debut, Kishi Bashi has toured relentlessly, captivating audiences across the globe with his loop-based live show, and fostering a groundswell of devotees.
Kishi Bashi will be making the following North American appearances in December, January and February. Tour dates below.
Dec 31 – Center Stage – Atlanta, GA
Jan 15 – Athenaeum Theatre – Tomorrow Never Knows – Chicago, IL
Jan 17 – Ogden Theater – Denver, CO ^
Jan 20 – House of Blues – Anaheim, CA ^
Jan 21 – House of blues – San Diego, CA ^
Jan 22 – House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV ^
Jan 23 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT ^
Jan 27 – Neptune Theater – Seattle, WA **
Jan 28 – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR **
Jan 30 – Palace of Fine Arts – San Francisco, CA **
Jan 31 – Luckman Fine Arts Complex – Los Angeles, CA **
Feb 04 – House of Blues – Houston, TX ^
Feb 05 – Stubb’s – Austin, TX ^
Feb 06 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX ^
Feb 07 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA ^
Feb 09 – Iron City – Birmingham, AL ^
Feb 11 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO ^
Feb 12 – Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN ^
Feb 14 – House of Blues – Lake Buena Vista, FL ^
Feb 17 – Royale – Boston, MA **
Feb 18 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA **
Feb 19 – Sixth and I Historic Synagogue – Washington, DC **
Feb 20 – Brooklyn Masonic Temple – Brooklyn, NY **
** = headlining dates with backing string quartet
^ = supporting Guster
