IS IT JAZZ? RECORDS ANNOUNCES ALBUM DETAILS AND NEW SINGLE FROM INDIE-JAZZERS SHAKAI 

Although SHAKAI identify themselves as an Indie-Jazz band, this is somewhat of a loose description, there for convenience rather than as a barrier to individuality, because this group of musicians would rather not be shackled by genre definitions, preferring to let their creativity run free and allow their music to speak for itself.  

SHAKAI is a quintet of musicians who invite their audience to enter a world full of unexpected elements and unusual instruments. And now Is It Jazz? Records invite that very audience to hear what they can expect from the band’s sophomore full-length “Fragments” with the release of a single taken from the album.

The single, titled “Dandelion Child” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at

https://fanlink.tv/dandelionchild

SHAKAI’s leader Eline Rafteseth had this to say about the song:

“Dandelion Child” is a song against injustice, written in despair during the aftermath of the 2022 terrorist attack against Pride in Oslo. The lyrics are about standing stronger together, and that love must always win.

I think this song describes some of my feelings towards all the terrible things happening in the world, and how our leaders are full of empty words but no action.

It was in 2016 that Eline formed SHAKAI, drawing on musicians from music conservatories to form a lineup that, aside from Eline (QUORUM TRIO, MADS BERVEN, BOREALIS UNG KOMPONIST) on bass and vocals, includes Elisabeth Lid Trøen (BERGEN BIG BAND, TRØEN/ARNESEN KVARTETT) on saxophones, Gabriela Garrubo (METTESON, AMALIE HOLT KLEIVE, GABRIELA GARRUBO) on vocals, Simen Walle (ATARI, GUILTY GARDEN, WALLE) on guitars and Kenneth Kapstad (SPIDERGAWD, COBRA KRAFT, MONOLITHIC, GOAT THE HEAD, ex-MOTORPSYCHO etc.) on drums.  

Whilst firmly rooted in Jazz and Improvisation, SHAKAI’s musicians are trained in a wide variety of disciplines, which, along with their varied backgrounds and experience in diverse projects, allows them to create a unique and varied sound.  

The name SHAKAI itself is derived from the Japanese word for “society”, and it could be said that its members actually do form a “society” comprised of five individuals, each with their own stories and differing perspectives, and each contributing music and lyrics touch on everything, from life’s big questions, small stories, reckonings with the past, and hopes for the future. 

With “Fragments” SHAKAI have created an album that is both beautiful and raw, playful and strange. Recorded at Bergen’s Duper Studio with producers Jørgen Træen and Iver Sandøy, and with artwork by Tom Korsvold, the seven-track album is due for release on Is It Jazz? Records on the 7th June.

Track listing on “Fragments” is as follows:

1. Kanskje

2. Not Yours

3. Oh Well

4. Dandelion Child

5. Ville bare

6. Lullaby

7. Changes

“Fragments” will be released in LP and Digital formats and is now available to pre-order

SHAKAI’s next live appearance will be on the 5th April at the Sogndal Kulturhus in Norway. where fans will be able to witness a band whose stage presence is one of studied ease, almost, at times, of introspection. But, rest assured, that whilst on stage there is no hint of navel gazing as the band skilfully brings its music to life, drawing the audience in and surprising them with unexpected turns.
 

More information about SHAKAI can be found on the band’s Facebook page

SHAKAI playing live at Landmark in Bergen

Additional Information

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shakaimusic 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3I4SiHR9WzNlaQo8d0izWj?si=TWH_T7hCTfabG8zYXF9-Lw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakai.band/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuUp5Dqip-xDG91_uOVrL6g
Band Contact:  shakaibooking@gmail.com