Kamī releases new single “Kagi”

Kamī, a Japanese-British producer, singer-songwriter based in south London, has released her new single “Kagi” meaning ‘key’, which unlocks the matriarchal energy of Shinto and is the first offering from her upcoming EP titled Kagura. Within her music, Kamī captures the sublime and psychedelic elements of the floating world and channels them through progressive and at times dark soundscapes.

In addition to being a self-taught producer and singer-songwriter, Kamī is a DJ, community facilitator and a monthly resident on Voices Radio. She’s also a member of ESEA Music and ESEA Sisters (networks dedicated to representing the ESEA community in the UK). Her radio shows are crafted with the vision to connect and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

In “Kagi”, Kamī incorporates traditional Japanese instrumentation while weaving together the messages of spirituality and mysticism with an environmentalist undertone. The song reflects the transcendental state between opposing realities and is offered as a ‘prayer to the kami. Her music captures the essence of the floating world and blends it with progressive and dark soundscapes that are influenced by psychedelic rock, shoegaze, ambient and experimental electronic music.

Kamī’s new single is a powerful and thought-provoking track that draws on instrumentation from her roots to craft a dreamy and soporific soundscape while also exploring the intersection between gender and race in it’s context. The hypnotic harmonised vocals and delicate boom of the taiko drums creates a hypnotic and ethereal sound, wit the repeat of the Japanese word for ‘love’ serving as a reminder from the ancestors.

Overall, Kamī’s music is a stunning blend intricate, stretching instrumentation with progressive and dark soundscapes that are inspired by the grit of south London. Her message of spirituality and positivity, combined with the environmentalist framing that runs through her creative vision, makes for a thought-provoking and powerful listening experience. “Kagi” is an excellent offering from her upcoming EP Kagura, and it’ll be exciting to see what Kamī has in store for us next.

Listen to Kagi below