“Anchorsong is absolute fire” - GILLES PETERSON (BBC 6MUSIC)

“One of our current favourite artists... Masaaki Yoshida – really talented and it’s a wonderful, wonderful record.” – LAUREN LAVERNE (BBC 6MUSIC)

Originally from Tokyo, and now based in London, Anchorsong is a highly-fêted producer and solo live act whose early champions include Huw Stephens and NYLON magazine.

In January 2016, Anchorsong released his hugely successful second full-length album ‘Ceremonial’ on Tru Thoughts. Blending traditional and modern music with a richly textured tapestry of outward-looking sounds, this first-class release paired catchy melodic phrasing with idiosyncratic beats and vintage African influences. Fronted by double A-sided single “Last Feast” / “Oriental Suite”, it was commended as one of BBC 6Music’s ‘Albums of the Year 2016’ placing at number 5, and achieved heavy press coverage from the likes of XLR8R, Clash, DJ Mag and Songlines (who named it a Top of the World album). Radio support from Huw Stephens’ BBC Radio 1 ‘It’s Album Time’ and a live session on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM added to official BBC 6Music Playlisting for post-album single “Expo” the following spring (which was also given top feedback on Steve Lamacq’s Round Table), a live session for Tom Ravenscroft (in for Marc Riley) and a ‘60 Second CV’ feature (Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6Music Recommends).

Anchorsong – aka Masaaki Yoshida - has become globally recognised for his unique live shows, which many people have described as "like watching a painter drawing on a white canvas", as he creates electronic music completely live using a sampler (MPC2500) and a keyboard, right in front of the audience. While he mainly performs solo, he frequently augments this setup with a string quartet, for a truly spellbinding show.

Having always been swept away by the atmosphere and excitement of live performance, Anchorsong (who played guitar in a rock band before embarking on this solo journey) brings that vibrant energy, warmth and sense of occasion to the world of electronic music with his compelling live act.

Since his relocation to Europe in late 2007, Anchorsong has supported Bonobo, Prefuse 73, DJ Krush, Daedelus, Gonjasufi, Jaga Jazzist and more, and performed at many prestigious venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Roundhouse in London. He has garnered an international following on YouTube, with videos of his performances having been viewed more than 450,000 times so far.

After wowing the crowds at SXSW 2009, he found himself the subject of a new level of attention, going on to make several appearances on BBC Radio 1, with radio play from Rob Da Bank and a live Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens' In New Music We Trust show in early 2010.

Having put out three successful EPs in Japan, all of which were released as double packs containing a CD and a live DVD, Anchorsong's international debut, "The Lost & Found EP" was released on 28th March 2011 on his own label, Case Study.

In May 2011, Anchorsong signed to Tru Thoughts records in the UK. His single, “Ghost Touch” / “Plum Rain”, came out on 24th October, followed by the highly anticipated debut full album, 'Chapters', in November. It received support from tastemakers including Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), John Kennedy (XFM), Oneman and Laurent Garnier.

In March 2014, he signed the seismic “Mawa” EP to BBE Recordings for a limited edition clear 10” vinyl release, taking a more sample-laden, cut and paste approach with a renewed musical vision. Praise from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Karizma, Osunlade and Craig Smith soon followed, cementing Mawa’s place among 2014’s most impressive electronic music releases.

Releasing his revered ‘Ceremonial’ album to a flurry of tastemaker support in January 2016, Anchorsong established himself as an in-demand electronic musician. He played gigs and toured internationally across the UK (taking in stages at Glastonbury and Shambala), Europe and Asia; played high-profile US shows including Las Vegas’ Further Future festival and LA’s Low End Theory; and performed sets for Boiler Room and RedBull Tokyo where he recorded a live session video performance of “Expo”.

Making waves across BBC 6Music (following playlisting for his “Expo” single and ‘Album of the Day’ status for ‘Ceremonial’), Anchorsong played a coveted show at the BBC 6Music Festival in March 2017 combining electronics and a string quartet (a live Quay Session alongside artists including Edwyn Collins, which aired on 6Music and BBC Scotland). Due to heavy demand for the LP, ‘Ceremonial’ was released on vinyl in May backed by a successful Diggers Factory campaign.

Upon completion of his last album, Anchorsong began to explore the world of percussion further. His next project will be announced this year marking his third album on Tru Thoughts to date. Expect colourful, mildly psychedelic and incredibly danceable rhythms combined with his signature progressive style.

anchorsong.com // tru-thoughts.co.uk

“A one-man wonder... a genius” - HUW STEPHENS (BBC R1)

“Exhilarating new talent” - NYLON MAGAZINE

“It’s just so infectious that we definitely will be playing it again” - ELTON JOHN (BEATS 1)

“Mellow mix of jazzy electronica and sweet melodies” - Q MAGAZINE