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A decade ago, Kishi Bashi found himself creatively and emotionally depleted

after years of touring behind his acclaimed albums 151a and Lighght. The

orchestral exuberance that once defined his sound had begun to fade, leading

him to question his artistic purpose. Out of that exhaustion came Sonderlust

(2016), a deeply personal reinvention marked by vulnerability, analog warmth,

and spiritual honesty. Stepping away from ornate violin loops, Ishibashi

embraced vintage synths and stripped-down textures, creating a record that

shimmered with soulful, human energy. Songs like "Say Yeah," "Honeybody,"

and "Ode to My Next Life" captured both the ache and joy of self-discovery,

grounding his lush imagination in lived experience.

Now, with it's 10th anniversary reissue, Sonderlust stands as a pivotal

work-where Kishi Bashi's dazzling playfulness gave way to introspection and

connection. The new edition features refreshed artwork by original cover

artist Ssin Kim, symbolizing growth and renewed perspective. "When you're

younger, the world can feel overwhelming," Ishibashi reflects. "As you age, you

start to see your place in it." What began as an album of heartbreak has

become a timeless meditation on empathy, creativity, and the enduring beauty

of being human.