In this episode, the podcast shifts to a new, more concise format as I explore the history and music of Hiroyuki Usui. Usui was an early member of Fushitsusha (with Keiji Haino), Ghost, Marble Sheep, and others. Usui probably isn’t a household name for most listeners, but you can be sure he’s been a pivotal undercurrent in the Japanese experimental underground for almost 50 years.
Hiroyuki released a two-disc anthology set via Bandcamp earlier this year that I can’t recommend enough. Get that HERE. His two album’s on VHF are also available via Bandcamp: L’s Holy Letters and H. Usui Sings the Blues.
Tracklist (all excerpts):
L “Troll”
Kaoru Abe & Sabu Toyozumi “Song for Sakamoto Kikuyo – Part III”
Vibration Society – Live in 1978 (w/ Keiji Haino)
Fushitsusha – Live at Hosei University Practice Room – December 12, 1981
Ghost “Awake In a Muddle”
L “Holy Letter”
L “Vigil”
H. Usui “World
August Born “Providence”
Azul “Ocean”
Foxy Digitalis depends on our awesome readers to keep things rolling. Pledge your support today via our Patreon.
Perfect timing, for Hiroyuki Usui just released NYP (name your price) demos on Bandcamp ( May 1st, 2022 ).. His music is amazing in its soulful depth & beauty; & his _Anthology_ he’s basically giving away is a perfect introduction. Outtakes from his August Born collaboration with Ben Chasny is featured on his _Anthology_ , as well.
I hope Hiroyuki Usui doesn’t mind myself revealing that through his Bandcamp I reached out & he replied almost immediately! Friendly & very humble; he seemingly just wants his music to be heard..
Anyway, “thank you!” for this podcast. I typed “Hiroyuki Usui” to make a playlist on Amazon Music & this pod popped up, much to my delight. Algorithm is working!