The highly acclaimed Austin-based Japanese producer Qrion (Momiji Tsukada) unveils her much-anticipated second album, We Are Always Under The Same Sky, out now via Anjunadeep.
The ten-track LP includes the singles ‘Miyanosawa,’ ‘Hush My Heart’ featuring Josie Man, ‘Keep On Moving Up,’ and ‘Lean Into Light’ featuring pinkpirate. It also spotlights the focus track, ‘Wayside’ featuring Josie Man – a stirring, emotional house production highlighted by the South East London artist’s gentle vocals.
Speaking about today’s album release, Momiji says, “This album is a deeply personal reflection of my journey through some of the most challenging times in my life, including loneliness, addiction, and the struggle to rebuild myself during the pandemic. It represents my emotional and mental transformation from hitting rock bottom to finding self-love and forgiveness. The process of collaborating with amazing vocalists and working with Zee to bring my memories to life through visuals was significant. Every track and piece of artwork holds a personal story, and I hope these songs not only resonate with you but also offer a sense of connection.”
We Are Always Under The Same Sky follows the release of Qrion’s 2021 debut album I Hope It Lasts Forever, which was hailed by Forbes as “stunning” and “a masterful production”. By openly addressing her struggles with addiction and recovery after her father’s passing, she imbues the theme of rebirth with a profound sense of poignancy and resilience in her new record.
The singles released in the lead-up to today’s album release have garnered support from BBC Radio 1 across Sian Eleri’s Chillest Show and Danny Howard’s Dance Party Warm-Up, with spins from KCRW and SXM Chill in the US. The record has received praise from titles including Clash, DJ Mag, Wonderland, Billboard Dance, Mixmag, and more, with glossy fashion magazine House Of Solo featuring the artist across an 8-page spread in the latest issue.
We Are Always Under The Same Sky represents the next phase of Qrion’s journey following her debut, written as a reflection of the past. She explains, “I’ve come to realize that whenever I’m immersed in music, whether DJing or producing, the feeling of loneliness seems to fade away. Moving to America, changing houses across states, and trying to find my place has taught me that it’s not so much about where I am, but rather about filling myself with love and staying open to the love others share with me”.
The album is also a celebration of female and non-binary Southeast Asian talent, with features from British-Kongese singer-songwriter Josie Man and Paris-based South Korean DJ, producer, and vocalist DIDI HAN. Qrion teamed up with the American-Chinese animator and designer Zee Yorke for all the artwork accompanying the album.
Melancholic, wistful, and dancefloor-minded, Qrion’s sound ranges from supple, exploratory works to driving house and soul-sampling groovers, always with a light and playful touch – evoking memories and feelings through sound. Her productions have drawn acclaim across dancefloors globally, from her long-running relationship with Anjunadeep to her remixes for Booka Shade and Röyksopp. It’s music for walking in the rain, driving through mountains, or reflecting on memories.
Growing up in snowy Sapporo, Momiji Tsukada’s father was a pianist who taught her how to play from the beginning of her life. The freeform jazz he’d play, experimenting with chords and melodies, stayed with her. When she was in secondary school, the 2011 EDM era was in full swing. The music from artists such as Skrillex, Knife Party, and Porter Robinson reminded her of the energy of Japanese rock, post-hardcore, and punk, which she loved. Inspired by this, 16-year-old Tsukada started working on her music whenever possible.
As a shy yet typical schoolgirl, music became her avenue for expressing herself. Uploading these tracks to Soundcloud at age 18, just for fun, she was asked to release an EP on the influential label SenSe from Sapporo. But amid this surge of creativity came the tragic passing of her father, and she struggled to cope with her overwhelming sadness. Aged 19, Tsukada played an online set to an internet crowd, where someone from the US was watching. He asked her if she wanted to play a show in San Francisco, ultimately inspiring her to move and settle in the States. Something her father’s death had done was make her realize she didn’t have to follow what society said she should do. She followed her passion, which was music.
Fast forward to today, with a new direction for her sound, Qrion concentrates on moments of joy through her music. “It’s therapeutic for me, playing shows and being vulnerable with the audience,” she says. “I enjoy how we can connect through music.”
‘We Are Always Under The Same Sky’ album tracklist:
1. Lean Into Light feat. pinkpirate
2. Miyanosawa
3. Keep On Moving Up
4. Hush My Heart feat. Josie Man
5. Goa
6. Pushing Up (with Blake.08)
7. Wayside feat. Josie Man
8. Ice Palace
9. I Like You A Lot
10. Sad Song feat. DIDI HAN
QRION TOUR DATES
Jan 18th – Audio, San Francisco, CA
Jan 24th – Wish Atlanta, GA – USA
Jan 25th – Night We Met, Nashville, TN – USA
Jan 31st – Sound Nightclub February Los Angeles, CA – USA
Feb 1st – HB Social Club, Honolulu, HI – USA
Feb 7th – Soundcheck, Washington D.C. – USA
Feb 8th – Elsewhere (The Hall), Brooklyn, NY – USA
Feb 21st Kingdom, Austin, TX – USA
Feb 22nd – It’ll do, Dallas, TX – USA
Feb 23rd – Black Circle March Indianapolis, IN – USA
Mar 7th – Chvrch Of John, Edmonton, AB – CA
Mar 8th – SubRosa, Calgary, AB – CA
Mar 14th – Q Nightclub, Seattle, WA – USA
Mar 15th – Bluebird, Denver, CO – USA
Mar 21st – Magic Stick, Detroit, MI – USA
Mar 22nd – Newspeak, Montreal, QC – CA
Mar 28th – Coda, Toronto, ON – CA
Tickets for all shows are on sale now and available to purchase here.
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