Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym for violin virtuoso, singer, and composer K
Ishibashi, who has recorded, toured, and collaborated with artists such as
Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, and of Montreal
. In 2011, he launched what
would become a successful and celebrated solo career, releasing his debut
album, “151a”, to praise from the likes of Stereogum, SPIN, and the Huffing
-
ton Post, earning the title of NPR's "
Best New Artist Of The Year
" in 2012,
and gaining critical acclaim for his 2014 sophomore release, “Lighght”.
Though he studied classical composition and considers the violin his
primary muse, Kishi Bashi's songs feature a diverse mix of instrumentation
and unconventional songwriting, resulting in a unique and experimental
sound that defies genre. He flits from bright chamber-pop with frantic,
dizzying melodies to soft but emotionally-charged ballads, looping bits and
pieces to create complex layers of sound.
On November 13th, Kishi Bashi will release “String Quartet Live!”, his third
full-length album for Joyful Noise Recordings. It consists of nine songs from
both “151a” and “Lighght”, performed live by K and an accompanying string
ensemble. Where his first two releases featured an array of stringed
instruments, percussion and electronic elements, the new live album finds
K's familiar songs reimagined, allowing his soaring vocals to take center
stage above a foundation of interweaving strings. Fan favorites like
shimmering ballad "Manchester" and the lively "Philosophize In It! Chemi
-
calize With It!" are given new life with updated arrangements and a
palpable, infectious energy that can only come from a live performanceA1 Manchester A2 Bittersweet Genesis For Him and Her A3 Atticus, In The Desert A4 Carry On Phenomenon A5 I Am The Antichrist To You B1 This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) B2 The Ballad Of Mr. Steak B3 Conversations At The End Of The World B4 In Fantasia
