SHOKO

SHOKO enjoys expressing both her Japanese upbringing and relationship with London. She is an artist in the broadest sense (from art, illustration, photography, installations etc), and music is just one of many mediums in which she conveys her charming personality.

Set in London’s District Line, SHOKO heads towards the botanical beauty of Kew Gardens in the song ‘The Flowers of Kew Gardens’. The track features in her latest album A Love Letter to London, and cocoons the listener’s senses with twinkling celeste-like harmonies, gentle acoustic guitar strumming and SHOKO’s hazy and delicate vocal melody later joined by warm trumpets raising the sunny vibes of the song.

Filmed out in the pure greenery of Primrose Hill and other various locations and vintage streets in London, ‘Hope and Anchor’ kindles another gentle vibe but with an added pop vibe. The harmonies evoke that of a classic bossa nova number, but instead of the syncopated beats of the Brazilian style, the track wades through a tranquil acoustic pop backdrop. And just before the music fades away, how fitting that SHOKO visits a pub named ‘Hope and Anchor’.

SHOKO also has a close affinity for Paris, a relationship that is encapsulated in her track ‘Mizuiro’ (‘Light blue’). The concept behind this song stems back from her teens days and her strong love of 60s French culture. The song carries a nostalgic scent with tranquil harmonies, gentle instrumental colours, and the hazy vocals of SHOKO drifting away free-and-easy on the horizon.

Other Listening:

• World’s End
• After the Rain in London
• Soon, you will know it
• Train song

© Isaku Takahashi