Japanese singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba has unveiled “SONAR”, the final single from her upcoming album Luminescent Creatures, which comes out February 28 via hermine / Psychic Hotline. It's her first LP since 2020’s Windswept Adan. The previous singles were the more orchestral “Luciférine” and the acoustic “FLAG”.

The song comes alongside a music video directed by longtime collaborator Kodai Kobayashi, starring contemporary artist and actor Norimizu Ameya, as well as Milo Oyamada, kyu, and Aoba; it was filmed across multiple locations in Japan. You can watch it below:

The new track focuses on synthetizers that work as a backdrop for Aoba’s voice and a keyboard. According to a press release, “SONAR” serves as a metaphor for finding human connection amidst the depths of loneliness, as she sings:

“Beyond the darkness, a glimmer of /somebody’s voyce / I am here, although / I know not where, and yet / I hear it.”

In less than a month, Aoba will kick off a world tour in support of her forthcoming album Luminescent Creatures, where she will be accompanied by Wordless Music Quintet on select dates. Check out all the dates below:

02/24 Hong Kong, CN @ Xi Qu Centre, Grand Theatre [with Musicians from HK Phil]
02/26 Seoul, KR @ Sky Arts Hall (SOLD OUT)
02/27 Seoul, KR @ Sky Arts Hall
03/06 Taipei, TW @ Zhongshan Hall (SOLD OUT)
03/10 Barcelona, ES @ Paral.lel 62
03/11 Valencia, ES @ Teatro Rambleta
03/13 Milan, IT @ Auditorium San Fedele (SOLD OUT)
03/15 Zurich, CH @ Mascotte
03/18 Hamburg, DE @ Laiszhalle
03/19 Berlin, DE @ Urania (Humboldtsaal)
03/21 Utrecht, NL @ TivoliVredenburg (Grote Zaal) (SOLD OUT)
03/23 Groningen, NL @ Oosterpoort
03/25 Antwerp, BE @ De Roma
03/27 Paris, FR @ La Trianon (SOLD OUT)
03/31 London, UK @ Barbican [with 12 Ensemble] (SOLD OUT)
04/02 Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)
04/04 Gateshead, UK @ The Glasshouse
04/05 Glasgow, UK @ City Halls
04/17 Honolulu, HI @ Hawaii Theatre
04/19 Vancouver, BC @ Chan Centre (SOLD OUT)
04/20 Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
04/21 Seattle, WA @ The Moore
04/23 Oakland, CA @ Fox Oakland
04/26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern [with Wordless Music Quintet]
04/27 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern [with Wordless Music Quintet]
04/29 Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Center
05/01 Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
05/03 St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theatre (SOLD OUT)
05/04 St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theatre
05/06 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
05/07 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
05/09 Detroit, MI @ Masonic Cathedral Theatre
05/10 Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
05/12 Boston, MA @ Berklee Performance Center
05/14 New York, NY @ Kings Theatre [with Wordless Music Quintet]
05/17 Philadelphia, PA @ Miller Theatre
05/18 Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
05/22 Mexico City, MX @ Teatro Metropolitan

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