Genfukei - Native Green
I have come to accept that attaining an ideal, even if it remains unnoticed by others, must be enough. The truest treasures are those that can be processed in the quiet confines of one’s own heart. There is no need to share happiness or joy with others, nor to entrust one’s inner world to their understanding. I wish to embrace this absence of need as a virtue.
Many of life’s struggles, I’ve realized, stem from a compulsion to seek external validation—a constant attempt to ground oneself by aligning with others. Yet, the real challenge lies in reconciling the inevitable dissonance with the collective, in learning how to accept it and move forward. At this moment, I find myself torn between the yearning for recognition and the pursuit of authentic artistic expression.
It was a deeply familiar environment that ultimately anchored my restless spirit. I recall the awe I felt upon visiting a small neighborhood shrine for the first time. Hidden amidst residential streets, it unveiled an unexpected “native green.” The beauty took me by surprise, and as I listened to the wind stirring the trees and the water rippling gently across a pond, I realized—this is my Genfukei.
Through this experience, I discovered that the profoundest moments often reside in the overlooked simplicity of everyday life.
A maddening jealousy once spurred me into action, fueling a desperate urge to create. In much the same way, I wonder if the longing for approval could still be transformed into something vital, something new. Through this energy, I hope to become someone who inspires others—a figure of aspiration shaped by vulnerability and resolve.
released November 29, 2024
Genfukei - Panorama Frequency
The creation of “Panorama Frequency” was deeply inspired by reflections on perspectives and viewpoints. I had the opportunity to think deeply about the importance of changing one’s perspective and broadening one’s view. I realized that this shift in perspective could also help correct the cognitive distortions that have been at the root of my creative process.
The title “Panorama Frequency” emerged almost spontaneously as I pondered these ideas. “Panorama” evokes the image of a wide, expansive view, while “Frequency” represents the means by which sound is visualized. Combining these concepts, the album was crafted with the imagination of how these elements would unfold in the music.
Coming just a month after the release of “Descent Ever Near,” I found this album to represent both continuity and evolution in my work. While I felt that the crossover with alternative music had been fully realized in the previous album, I also recognized that when left to my own devices, I naturally gravitate toward this style. For this album, I consciously increased the use of atmospheric textures to enhance the “functional” nature of my music.
In this album, I explored new sounds and techniques. The sound of a bell I purchased during a visit to a shrine, along with several new effects pedals, formed the foundation of my creative process. These elements helped bring the visual and technological themes present in the album to life.
The production of “Panorama Frequency” was marked by a continuous shift in perspective. I experienced moments where a track built around minor chords unexpectedly transformed into a peaceful piece, or where a guitar chord progression led me to create something that deviated from conventional music theory, resulting in repeated modulations. These moments were challenging yet rewarding, as they exemplified the essence of this album’s exploration.
released September 27, 2024
Genfukei - Descent Ever Near
The album “Descent Ever Near” was born from a deeply personal journey. After experiencing a significant decline in my health, I found myself in a place where the world seemed monochrome, as if I was endlessly falling into a dark abyss. This experience taught me the importance of true rest, but even after recovery, I often found myself haunted by the ever-present shadow of darkness lurking nearby. The realization that this mental state, often described as “remission,” might be a lifelong companion filled me with a sense of despair.
Each track on this album captures moments of fleeting insight. “Epiphanea,” a term I’ve coined, conveys a powerful message of pushing through the darkness that clings to us. “Fluctuant” embodies the struggle within an unclear and unsettling vision, while “Just About” represents the feeling of breaking free from that darkness.
Through this album, I hope to convey the message that living with an ever-present darkness is incredibly challenging. Creating music has been my way of pushing that darkness out of my sight, though it never truly disappears. I believe everyone has their own way of managing this, and for me, it’s through music.
The recording process for this album was particularly focused on creating atmospheric soundscapes designed to encourage introspection and concentration in the listener. “Yesteryear” stands out as a track that encapsulates the release from past constraints, with an especially peaceful soundscape that reflects on the previous year.
The album’s title, “Descent Ever Near,” reflects the proximity of this darkness, as mentioned earlier.
This time, I focused on carefully layering each sound, ensuring that none were wasted, to create a refined and cohesive auditory experience. I would be pleased if listeners found even just one track that resonates with them and continue to listen to it.
Compared to my past works, I feel this album represents a further refinement of the fast piano riffs and alternative guitar riffs that have become characteristic of my style. In many ways, I see this album as the culmination of this particular creative direction.
credits
released August 23, 2024
Genfukei - Endless Corridor
The creation of “Endless Corridor” was inspired by the theme of human perceptions of life and death. My goal was to express the concepts of dying and rebirth, contemplating whether these ideas evoke fear or kindness.
At times, I have found myself deeply imagining death, feeling an overwhelming fear of being trapped in a dark, empty space. This album is an exploration of why I feel this way.
Through this album, I am not trying to convey a specific message or emotion to the listeners. It is a personal expression of my feelings. However, if someone who shares similar thoughts finds meaning in it, I would be grateful.
The biggest challenge during the production of “Endless Corridor” was creating multiple tracks that were just over a minute long. I often felt the urge to extend them to two minutes, but I found the courage to keep them concise.
The track I am most proud of is the last one I recorded, “Slumbery.” It feels like the culmination of the album’s journey and holds a special place in my heart.
I hope that listeners will feel a sense of anticipation and fulfillment, thinking, “I’ve been waiting for an album like this!”
In this album, I experimented with new sounds and techniques. The atmospheric guitar played in reverse on cassette tape significantly enhances the overall mood of the album.
The album title, “Endless Corridor,” plays a crucial role in the concept and atmosphere. To me, an endless corridor symbolizes hope.
One memorable moment from the recording process was dealing with delicate sounds. There were times when fine noises would get recorded, leading to multiple re-exports. It was quite a meticulous process.
Genfukei - Under the Masterpiece
The creation of this album began with the vision of integrating the solid and dry sound of electric guitars from indie pop culture into an ambient framework. I aimed to advocate for Ambientcore, with a clear vision of diving into the heart of indie culture.
Several tracks on this album are influenced by personal experiences and emotions related to the theme of life and death. For instance, track titles like “Reclaim,” which signifies rebirth, and “Phoenix,” inspired by the mythical immortal bird, reflect this theme.
Through this album, I want to express my gratitude to listeners for discovering this work amidst the plethora of masterpieces in the world, and to celebrate the miracle of this encounter.
The greatest challenge during the production was to balance the heavy themes of life, death, and masterpieces with the ambient music’s ability to provide relaxation, focus, and a sense of weightlessness to listeners who might not be aware of these themes.
One of the key tracks in this album is “Phoenix,” where I incorporated an homage to a particular guitar riff. Recently, I have been infusing my tracks with a particle-like sound of the piano, which is prominently featured in this track. In Genfukei’s track production, the strumming of the electric guitar has become a central theme, and I believe this is well expressed in tracks like “Dreamwhorl,” “Bedroom to Cosmos,” and “Voidwalk.”
I hope this album offers listeners a human and somewhat lyrical experience. I aim to provide a meaningful and introspective storytelling journey while listening to these tracks.
Genfukei - Leave No Trace
“Leave No Trace” was inspired by the completion of “After the Curtain Falls,” driven by a desire to create an album that resonates with the myriad of emotions and daily life settings. The inspiration for this album sprung from the routines and realities of our own lives.
This album attempts to intertwine tracks filled with tension and tranquility, crafting a practical and realistic texture designed to accompany listeners through various emotional states encountered in daily life.
Each track has its own background and significance:
• “Sheets” captures the comfort of settling down to sleep with family.
• “Vows” reflects the personal commitments made to better one’s life, embodying the promises and resolutions felt in everyday life.
Musically, the album features subdued electric guitar work, ensuring that each sound complements the album’s aim without leaning too heavily into a lo-fi aesthetic. This careful balancing act reflects the real emotions of life.
A memorable moment in the production process involved the track “Sixteenth Silhouette,” which includes a piano piece by Madeline Johnston, known as Midwife. Interacting with her and receiving feedback on the track was particularly impactful.
The title “Leave No Trace” speaks to the desire to cleanly break from one’s current environment and seek a new beginning. It was chosen to convey the strong impulse to not remain static but to introspect and embrace change, urging a fresh perspective and a different context for oneself.
credits
released April 22, 2024
Genfukei - Astral Basis
“Astral Basis” is an album inspired by the profound concept of becoming a star, weaving together the sounds of New Age, Ambient, Bedroom Pop, and Gloomcore into a cohesive journey from the earthly to the celestial. It’s a musical exploration of the vastness of space, where each track serves as a beacon guiding the listener through the cosmos.
The essence of this album is captured in tracks such as “Stone,” “Yūnagi,” “Brightfall,” “Astral,” and “Basis,” each reflecting the transformative journey from the physical to the astral plane. These pieces embody the album’s core theme: the foundation of stars and the ethereal journey of becoming something greater than ourselves.
Drawing inspiration from the ambient works of Genfukei, “Astral Basis” delves into the use of higher frequencies, reminiscent of the wind’s whisper and the Earth’s breath. This exploration is a testament to the beauty found in the subtleties of sound, where the ambient becomes a canvas for the imagination.
The creation of “Astral Basis” was a meticulous process, with a particular focus on crafting a luminous sound through the use of electric guitar and multiple reverbs. The spring reverb, in particular, played a pivotal role, unlocking a spectrum of sonic possibilities and allowing each note to resonate with the vibrancy of starlight.