Shinya Mizoguchi aka starRo is a multi instrumentalist and producer on the popular label Soulection. It is extremely difficult to imagine Mizoguchi – or any artist for that matter – working 9-5 in an office everyday; however, no more than 10 years ago he was working in Tokyo from 8:30am to 2:30am each day[1]. It was not until he moved to LA that he rediscovered his passion for music making after visiting Low End Theory, a venue many would consider responsible for the vibrant and ever expanding beats scene and culture in Los Angeles.
Mizoguchi’s most recent release, titled “Monday,” is the celebration of a new start in his life, in which he no longer fears the dreadful first day of the work week. The album opens with “A New Day,” a fitting first track for the optimistic set. Glitchy and minimalist sound segments flow in and out of the track, slowly building on one another and allowing the listener a momentary glimpse of what is to come. The beats continue to creep through slowly, building momentum and character until the track explodes into sweeping synths, head-bobbing bass lines, and airy vocals. The album continues to develop in “I Wish” which reveals Mizoguchi’s mastery of a wide variety of sounds and showcases ability to weave R&B, jazz, deep house and acid house all into a single track. “Monday” boasts a wide range of supporting artists throughout its tracks including R&B/soul legend Jesse Boykins III, local LA disco queen Gavin Turek, and trap house jazz star Masego. The lineup of featured artists attests to the collaborative mindset and community-first approach of the Soulection label and the LA beat scene in general.
San Francisco’s Independent is one of the lucky few venues that will get to experience starRo’s live show, set for November 9th. With a brand new album, an extensive catalogue of SoundCloud remixes, and a thriving California network, starRo is guaranteed to put on an exciting show that is not to be missed. Make sure to check out “Monday” below. When you flip through one or two tracks and realize you absolutely have to be at this show, grab tickets for starRo at the Independent here. You’ll be sure to find me on the dance floor.
[1] http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/04/01/music/la-lifestyle-gives-starro-a-new-take-on-making-music/#.WB4bImorLIU
Mizoguchi’s most recent release, titled “Monday,” is the celebration of a new start in his life, in which he no longer fears the dreadful first day of the work week. The album opens with “A New Day,” a fitting first track for the optimistic set. Glitchy and minimalist sound segments flow in and out of the track, slowly building on one another and allowing the listener a momentary glimpse of what is to come. The beats continue to creep through slowly, building momentum and character until the track explodes into sweeping synths, head-bobbing bass lines, and airy vocals. The album continues to develop in “I Wish” which reveals Mizoguchi’s mastery of a wide variety of sounds and showcases ability to weave R&B, jazz, deep house and acid house all into a single track. “Monday” boasts a wide range of supporting artists throughout its tracks including R&B/soul legend Jesse Boykins III, local LA disco queen Gavin Turek, and trap house jazz star Masego. The lineup of featured artists attests to the collaborative mindset and community-first approach of the Soulection label and the LA beat scene in general.
San Francisco’s Independent is one of the lucky few venues that will get to experience starRo’s live show, set for November 9th. With a brand new album, an extensive catalogue of SoundCloud remixes, and a thriving California network, starRo is guaranteed to put on an exciting show that is not to be missed. Make sure to check out “Monday” below. When you flip through one or two tracks and realize you absolutely have to be at this show, grab tickets for starRo at the Independent here. You’ll be sure to find me on the dance floor.
[1] http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/04/01/music/la-lifestyle-gives-starro-a-new-take-on-making-music/#.WB4bImorLIU