Seasons by ai yamamoto
Ai Yamamoto is a Japan-born and Australia-based musician that is coming back with a new little ep, that can hype up your senses.
Taking stock of the seasonal change and cultural aspects of it, as well as personal emotional, spiritual development in the broadest sense but also far from being arbitrary and internalising it in a creative process, Ai has created a beautifully composed, tingling ambience, moving across with dedicated field recordings, subtle electronics and a bit of other instruments.
Her compositions are also a tribute to One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka – a beautiful book that can ignite your interest in the seasonal change in a very practical way but also philosophical.
A beautiful set of compositions – far from naivete – bringing hope and beauty in a moderately experimental way but definitely subtly poetic and tender.
A note from Ai
I grew up in Japan, and amongst the many things Japan has given me is a strong appreciation of the seasons.
In Japan we celebrate all the seasons with events such as Cherry Blossom, harvest festivals in Autumn, etc; it's a central part of the culture. As I grow older, this seasonal appreciation is getting stronger and stronger. I feel it more deeply and I want to create my works based on this sensation.
Seasons are like human emotions and they are something that defines life. Seasons pass time with us and colours things from birth to death. The circle of life feels close for me and it seems to be the pattern of everything.
From cherry blossom petals falling, we see fragility and transience, which is life. I found this moment so precious and beautiful. Seasons give me a strong sense of the presence of life. I can visualise this with my music and I would love to capture and make this sound diary in all my life and work.
A book, One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, inspired the way I feel about the world and the universe. This record is also a tribute to that text.
credits
released June 19, 2026
This is a Someone Good Edition
Artwork is by Petitemorto
Mastered by Lawrence English at Negative Space
Thanks to families and friends in Australia and Japan, Tammy and Lawrence for their big support. Also thanks to Kate, Howie family, Yuki for location sounds.
Spring - Spring Rain, storm, birds, baby birds, and frogs joined by Ayako Fujii - Shinobue (Japanese flute)
Summer - Lawn mowing, fries, bees, fireworks, magpies calling, cricket and icy drinks joined by Dan West's Beat
Autumn - Crickets and winds joined by Ayako Fuji (Japanese flute)
Winter - Rain, Winds, Storm, Skiing, fires, birds
This album is funded by Creative Victoria.
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