Establishing the mood with a dimensional synthscape tapping into psychedelic notions, accompanied by grounded piano chords and astral flute textures, MK (JPN) opens Azure with intricacy and dynamism.
The opus expands with whirring nuances and a cosmic riser into an expansive and vibrant energy. We are mesmerized by the trance-meets-EDM hybrid textures and celestial ebbs and flows, tapping into peaceful meditative moments, juxtaposed by high-octane and elevating dance motifs.
There is no doubt that Azure is exquisitely produced and keeps us enthralled throughout. We could imagine MK (JPN) performing at festivals like Tomorrowland, and Secret Garden Party. The rising artist confesses, “This track is the lead single from my second album, due out this April — and in many ways, it sets the tone for everything that follows on that record. After years of exploring different sounds and directions, I felt a strong pull to go back to where it all began for me. Trance was my entry point into dance music, and this release is the result of asking myself a simple but important question: what happens when I stop chasing trends and instead merge my roots with what genuinely excites me right now? The answer turned out to be the best music I’ve made.”
MK continues, “There’s a confidence that comes with 15-years of experience — knowing your own sound well enough to strip things back to their essence while still pushing forward. This track is that feeling captured in audio. It’s a homecoming, but not a nostalgic one. It’s a statement of where I am now.”
MK (JPN), who is based in Tokyo, cites Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and nanobii as influences, which we can feel come to life, although there is no doubt that he is creating a sonic universe unto his own design.
On his creative process, he adds, “The entire production was built in Ableton Live, and the core of the sound design came down to a deliberate layering approach between two synthesizers: Omnisphere 3 and Serum 2. Omnisphere 3 brought the warmth and organic texture I was looking for — that analog-leaning depth that gives a track weight and feeling. Serum 2, on the other hand, handled the precision and edge of contemporary sound design, the kind of crisp, modern character you hear in today’s Eurodance productions.” The artist is very transparent, and has shared a video on how Azure was created, which can be viewed below.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Azure to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of MK (JPN), including Silent Horizon, Glowworm, and Evolution Red.