Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Yuma Abe launched his solo career in 2021 with the album Fantasia, released on his own imprint Thaian Records and released internationally via Temporal Drift. “Omaemo,” a transpacific collaboration with Devendra Banhart on guitar, was the album’s first single, whose title roughly translates to “You Too” and its lyrics reflecting a moment of unexpected introspection amid Covid-induced quarantine. Its pleasantly warm lilt could be described as suitably Mac DeMarco-esque.    Since 2014 Yuma has been the principal singer and songwriter for the band never young beach, whose uniquely Japanese brand of West Coast-inspired breezy pop has found considerable success in Japan and throughout Asia, with five albums under their belt and sold-out tours with support from the likes of Devendra Banhart and Mild High Club. Abe has not been shy about his admiration for the legendary Haruomi Hosono, who in turn has become his mentor of sorts, and offers his services as a mixing engineer on Fantasia.   In 2023 Yuma returned with Surprisingly Alright―the result of many conversations he had with himself and his close friends. The mini-album deftly captures the warmth and springy air that permeated throughout the sessions. The A-side contains “Go Back,” “Arayotto,” and “Domo Konnichiwa,” whose effervescence and buoyancy are emphasized by the unique interplay of the chorus and the vocals, flowing out like a voice from within the belly of a carefree vagabond. The B-side contains “Dakishimete,” which unfolds into a mid-section with a distinctive ‘60s-’70s Wamono-style groove, and “Igaito Nanka Heiki”, which translates to “Surprisingly Alright”―essentially the title track―in which Yuma joyfully vows to ‘死んでもまだ踊る’ - “keep dancing even when I’m dead"  

Sunshine and storm clouds converge at the core of Seattle’s harmony-heavy, Folky Rock and Roll band Small Paul. Musically, Small Paul is a 4 headed collaborative effort that began fortuitously during the pandemic as a fusion of 4 musicians living in the same pod.  While originally bonding over the shared love of Wings, NRBQ sounding records and singing harmony together late into the night, Small Paul became an outlet and excuse to reckon and engage with each individual's own past and present struggles and to use music as an outlet to create light out of dark days. Their debut album reflects themes of rebirth and renewal, and pulling oneself into the light. While songs like, “A Midnight Sun”, “Miner for a Dream”, “Live Along” reflect hope for better days today and ahead — “Some Love”, “I Don’t Wanna Die”, and “Sinkin’ like a Stone (acoustic)” are opportunities to reflect on the past and grow, and let go. Then there are lighter upbeat songs like “Laugh it Off” and “Amber Light”, which are reminders to not take yourself so seriously all the time. Furthermore, a reminder to try and have a healthy acceptance and perception of the unpredictability of life. Come Alive & Live Again is the debut album from Small Paul. Produced by Erik Blood (Shabazz palaces, Tacocat, Moondoggies) in the fall of 2022. This is an album that sounds best on a long drive over the mountains or to the ocean. Born in and raised Seattleite Kevin Murphy (leader of The Moondoggies) shares drumming and guitar duties with California’s born and raised Chris King (leader of the Chris King & The Gutterballs). Chris brings bandmate and collaborator Malcolm Roberts into the fold on bass guitar and harmony and Seth McDonald to fill it out on keyboard and harmony (member of hip-hop band All Star Opera). These different perspectives all pulled together create the vibe that is Small Paul.