I get it. You probably haven’t heard of a子 (pronounced “Ako”), and frankly, I don’t blame you. The Japanese indie music scene can be a bit of an enigma, with language barriers and limited promotional reach making it a tough nut to crack for Western audiences. But that’s exactly why I had to write this article—someone has to shine a spotlight on this hidden gem. So, let’s dive into why you should absolutely not miss out on her debut album, GENE.

a子 burst onto the global stage earlier this year at SXSW 2024, not just making a cameo but dominating with three stages, the highest number for a Japanese artist. And that was just the beginning. From tearing up stages in Taiwan and Korea to gearing up for a whirlwind summer tour, a子 is on a relentless path to musical conquest.

A Sonic Journey: The Making of GENE

a子’s debut album, GENE, is nothing short of an eclectic masterpiece, capturing the essence of her musical journey through 13 tracks that feel like a greatest hits compilation. But don’t take my word for it—let’s hear from the artist herself.

“I get excited and inspired when good work is released during my production period. It makes me want to create music like that,” a子 shared. This enthusiasm for music started young. Picture this: a middle schooler in Himeji, learning about music from a local record store owner. It’s a tale as old as time—minus the dragons and knights.

Her early influences were a smorgasbord of legends: Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Madonna, and a particular favorite, Soft Machine. “It was that record store grandpa who really got me into music,” she recalled with a smile. Her father also played a role, gifting her a guitar when she graduated elementary school. Though she admits her self-taught techniques left her hand shapes “all over the place,” her passion was undeniable.

The Evolution of a Whisper Voice

One of the most captivating elements of a子’s music is her dreamy, whispery vocals. But this wasn’t always her style. During her student days, she sang with a deeper, more natural voice. “I didn’t like my voice, so I kept thinking about how to love it,” she confessed.

Her journey to finding her signature whisper voice was serendipitously influenced by the rise of dream pop artists like Clairo and Men I Trust, and, of course, the phenomenon that is Billie Eilish. “Seeing Billie shine in the pop scene with her whispery voice was a revelation. I thought maybe my voice could work in that style too,” she explained.

A Visual and Musical Symphony

a子’s striking red hair is a tribute to her idol, David Bowie. “I’ve had red hair for four years now,” she said. It’s more than just a style choice; it’s a statement, a symbol of her artistic identity.

Her creative collective, londog, is a powerhouse team of musicians, visual artists, and stylists. This team spirit was born out of necessity when she realized that, alone, she could only achieve so much. From forming bonds in jazz bars to crafting music videos and album art, londog is the backbone of her projects.

The Rollercoaster of Creating GENE

Creating GENE wasn’t without its hurdles. a子 faced a near-catastrophic loss of seven demo tracks during production. “It was a panic moment,” she laughed. But thanks to the collective brainpower of londog, the files were miraculously recovered, and the album was back on track.

GENE is a kaleidoscope of sounds, from electronic beats to band-driven tracks, reflecting her diverse musical influences. “It’s like a best-of album for me,” she said. Tracks like “天使” and “情緒” showcase her willingness to experiment and push boundaries, blending genres like house and rock, and even drawing inspiration from J-pop icons like Utada Hikaru and Nujabes.

Tracks to Tune In

“天使” is a standout, a four-on-the-floor anthem born from her desire to reach more listeners. It’s an experimental blend of house and rock with catchy lyrics. “I want to create new genres that only I can,” she said, embodying a true artist’s spirit.

“miss u” channels the 90s vibes of JUDY AND MARY, with a modern twist influenced by Olivia Rodrigo. It’s a track that feels like watching a vivid romance movie unfold, capturing the nostalgia and freshness of both decades.

The Future is Bright

So, what’s next for a子? “I’m really into Willow right now,” she revealed, hinting at a future exploration of vocal styles beyond her signature whisper. Her ambition is clear: to keep evolving, experimenting, and creating music that resonates on a profound level.

If you haven’t listened to GENE yet, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting new voices in music today. Trust me, a子 is an artist you’ll want to keep an eye on. So go ahead, dive into her world—you might just find your new favorite album.

For artists looking to be featured on Digital Bootleg or for commercial inquiries, reach out to me at [Your Email Address]. Let’s keep the music conversation alive.

Stay tuned, stay curious, and let’s celebrate the music that dares to be different.

Digital BOOTLEG.