8B by Simon James French
An ambient meditation on craft, precision, and transformation.
8B is a 30-minute invitation to slow down. Born from the meeting of three crafts: the rhythmic precision of Japanese hairdressing scissors, the patient reverence of wood carving, and the art of sound.
Created for the launch of 8B, a unique two-story space in Kyoto where Kento's hairdressing salon (8, symbolising scissors) meets Kacchan's art studio and maker's space (B, for "Busshi"; or buddha maker) this release captures the essence of craftsmanship through field recordings and ambient music.
The Collaboration:
Kacchan, a master busshi who creates wooden buddha statues for some of Kyoto's most revered temples, contributed the intimate sounds of her craft: chisels rhythmically striking wood and the meditative whir of her grinder. Kento shared the gentle, percussive dance of his hairdressing scissors. These recordings form the foundation of two 15-minute ambient pieces.
SJF weaves these field recordings into expansive drone landscapes creating a sonic space perfect for meditation and reflection.
Best experienced with headphones in a calm setting. Light some incense, slow down, and contemplate the beauty of skilled hands at work. This music invites you into the same mindful presence that guides both the carving of sacred statues and the artful cutting of hair. Crafts that are separated by tradition but united in their devotion to transformation.
Released as a limited cassette tape at the 8B launch event weekend, 30th May & 1st July, 2025.
Credits
License
All rights reserved.Tags
I’m SJF (Simon James French), a sound artist and ambient composer. I create music and recordings that explore the hidden textures of place — from Tokyo and Seoul to Kyoto, where I’m now based.
My work spans albums, installations, and sound walks, blending field recordings with atmospheric music. It’s music for late-night contemplation, for listening more closely to the world around us.