Daigo Matsuyama shares his personal experiences on debut, "City Lights"
Dazzling us with the sheer versatility and originality of his debut album City Lights, we’re overjoyed with this initial release from Daigo Matsuyama. Read on as we share our thoughts on the record, in addition to a background on this talented artist.
Originally from Japan, but now based out of New York, Daigo Matsuyama is a singer, songwriter, and composer who’s taken his array of influences and managed to create a cohesive listening experience on City Lights. Setting the tone for a fruitful future of hopefully much more on the way, this record has served as a storybook of personal experiences that fully encompass a wide range of instrumentals all rooted in modern pop and soul. Needless to say, it’s an album and an artist that we’re encouraging everyone to check out.
For someone that’s always had a vision of New York in some capacity, taking cues from the classics of the 70’s, 80’s, and beyond, Daigo has truly created this record in his particular version and style. Coming in at 7 songs that run right around 25 minutes in length, it’s a relatively short album, but one that is simply bursting with uniquity and vibrance. For us, we were partial to the mix of styles and genres that are presented here. Daigo kicks you off with a series of piano-based ballads that are vocal-led, immersing the listener in his imagery-filled lyricism. However as the record goes on, it tends to open up a bit in personality and you can honestly feel the artist become more comfortable in taking vocal risks and adding in production effects.
So many out there who make the decision to move to New York experience the magic that the city and state really are. City Lights is an inspiring endeavor from an emerging artist who’s taken those life experiences and thankfully attached them to a series of awe-inspiring songs. How Daigo will follow this up is a mystery at the moment, but personally we’d love a follow up in the sense of how life is different from living in Japan previously. City Lights is as impressive lyrically as it is productionally, giving it that well rounded feel overall.
As we wait for more, please check out the links below to listen, follow along, and to keep up with more on the way.
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music: