Anchorsong (signing)

Originally publishing 07/07/2011


We are very pleased to announce a new signing to Full Thought, Anchorsong.
Originally from Tokyo, and now based in London, Anchorsong is a producer and solo live act whose early champions include Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) andNYLON Magazine.

Anchorsong – aka Masaaki Yoshida – has become globally recognised for his unique live shows, which many people have described as “like watching a painter drawing on a white canvas”, as he creates electronic music completely live using a sampler (MPC2500) and a keyboard, right in front of the audience. While he mainly performs solo, he frequently augments this setup with a string quartet, for a truly spellbinding show.

Having always been swept away by the atmosphere and excitement of live performance, Anchorsong (who played guitar in a rock band before embarking on this solo journey) brings that vibrant energy, warmth and sense of occasion to the world of electronic music with his compelling live act.

Since his relocation to Europe in late 2007, Anchorsong has supported Bonobo, Prefuse 73, DJ Krush, Daedelus, Gonjasufi, Jaga Jazzist and more, and performed at many prestigious venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Roundhouse in London. He has garnered an international following on YouTube, with videos of his performances having been viewed more than 300,000 times so far – a particularly impressive figure since he is yet to release his debut album.

After wowing the crowds at SXSW 2009, he found himself the subject of a new level of attention, going on to make several appearances onBBC Radio 1, with radio play from Rob Da Bank and a live Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens’ In New Music We Trust show in early 2010.

Having put out three successful EPs in Japan, all of which were released as double packs containing a CD and a live DVD, Anchorsong’s international debut, “The Lost & Found EP” was released on 28th March 2011 on his own label, Case Study.

In May 2011, Anchorsong signed to Tru Thoughts records in the UK, and his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Chapters’, is set for a worldwide release later in the year. A unique and addictive listen with layer up on layer to explore, the album fuses diverse influences including rock, hip hop and electronica, with every note – from beats right through to strings – played by accomplished multi-instrumentalist Yoshida himself.

Expect big things… and, of course, some seriously exciting live shows to celebrate the launch of the album.