Latvian and Japanese folk songs intertwined in the song «Slowly, slowly / Sakura» / Article / LSM.lv

A video for the composition “Slow, Slow / Sakura” by Japanese and Latvian musicians has been released in the world music project “EthnoZoom” by ethno musician, composer, arranger and producer Artūrs Uškāns (Art U), the musician’s representatives inform. Latvian and Japanese folk songs are intertwined by several ethno musicians – Japanese singer Masaki Nakagava, as well as Artūrs Uškāns, Indra Mētra and the folklore group “Laiksne”.

“The video came out during the flowering of sakura, we recorded the song before the pandemic, but we filmed the video at the beginning of last summer,” says Artūrs Uškāns, the author of the idea and the producer of the project. “It is significant that the project is completed this year, when Japan and Latvia celebrate the 100th anniversary of friendship. The video introduces and concludes the poetry of 17th century Japanese haiku master Macuo Basho, performed by Masaki Nakagawa. This haiku shows the unity of Latvia and Japan – although geographically distant lands, they are united by a spiritual kinship in the perception of nature. It is not for nothing that haikas are so close to Latvians, they have a great resemblance to our own folk songs. ”

The video was created by the creative brigade – director Marija Migliniece and cameraman Raita Lapāns on the seaside of Tūja and its surroundings. Edgars Skrāģis, the sound director and co-producer of the project “EtnoZoom”, made his debut in his first main actor role.

The project “EtnoZoom” envisages combining Latvian and folk songs from different countries of the world in one piece. On the Latvian side, well-known pop, rock and ethno musicians are participating in the project – Renārs Kaupers, Ieva Akuratere, Leila Alijeva, groups “Laiksne”, “Ducele”, “Māsas Dimantas” and others. Foreign artists represent Finland, the USA, Georgia, Sardinia, France, Panama, Senegal, Japan, Azerbaijan and other countries. The compositions are divided into artist duets – one Latvian and one foreign musician. “A total of 12 duets in different music styles are planned – from electronics and dance music to jazz and country,” explains producer Uškāns. “After the first video, Youtube musicians from different countries started sending their materials to the project, so they may have to create another album.”

All songs are arranged by Artūrs Uškāns, and a video is planned for each one.

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