Lotus Lake by Inshō

The aim for this project was to capture the tranquil beauty I experienced whilst visiting one of Japan’s many wonderful gardens. I kept in mind the Japanese concept of Ma, the time and space that life needs to breath, to feel and connect. The idea that so much can be felt and said in the space between. Each track included exudes breathing room and the concept of the space between, really encouraging the listener to be engulfed by their senses and notice what they hear and how it makes them feel.

The listener begins their journey through the garden to the lake. The first upbeat track, “Water Lotus”, envelops the listener and brings their ears and mind to the setting that inspired this EP. The song illicits the joy one finds within the beauty of a Water Lotus they find on their walk along the waters edge.

As the first song winds down, the listener is encouraged to take a moment to relax as they listen to the sleepy sounds of the second track "Morning Rain". Combining soft and beautiful traditional Japanese melodies with a relaxing lofi hiphop beat, the track expresses the essence of a quiet rainy morning sat on the shores of the Lotus Lake, watching the ripples on the water, created by the gentle rain pattering down onto the lake’s surface.

In the Lake are a host of magnificent Koi, from which the third and final track of the project, named "Koi No Taki Nobori" is inspired. Meaning 'Carp Climbing the Waterfalls’, the listener completes their journey through the garden by witnessing the mystique of the Koi making the pilgrimage upstream, through the gardens lakes and waterfalls.

Telling stories through music, Inshō uses traditional Japanese sounds, intertwined with chilled lofi beats, to create cinematic soundscapes to immerse the listener in the story being told.

They started writing music in this genre after living in Japan and being influenced by the beauty of the culture, landscape and lifestyle. Along with time living in other areas such as China and South Korea.

Instagram