Electronic Pop from Aiko Tomi

Toronto-based Aiko Tomi, whose full name translates to “Child of Love and Abundance” in Japanese, is an artist unafraid to embrace the unconventional and deliver the unexpected. With a sound and presence that dazzles audiences and sparks conversations, she draws on her heritage to create a unique brand of “internet-tinged diaspora-pop.”

Her music instils punk attitude, elements of kawaii rap, anthemic post pop aesthetic and intoxicating melodic writing. Her performances and striking visuals combine to create a visceral experience that carries over to her live shows and online presence. Earning praise from the Guardian, Complex Canada, CBC Radio and Jade Music Festival, her impact extends far beyond the stage.

First revealing her highly original sonic vision back in 2020 via her debut single “Lotto,” she’s since shared a compelling catalogue of music across multiple singles, an EP with 2021’s For the Love and her debut record, the eleven track album Animal’s Awake released last June. Now marking her return this year, she follows her LP with a new single titled “Some Lights Need to be Dimmed.”

Written and recorded with producer Andrew Rasmussen in Toronto, “Some Lights Need to be Dimmed” is an anti-anthem that takes aim at the attention-seeking phenomenon that’s become increasingly prevalent in today’s society. With a more direct and biting approach, critiquing the over-stimulating world obsessed with the “shine” of influence and stardom, Aiko Tomi calls into question the over-saturation of people vying for recognition and inadvertently drowning each other out in the process.

Opened by the flutter of bright buzzing synth tones, Aiko’s voice glides in with the rattling taps of percussion and bounce of bass lines as the arrangement forms a vibrant, upbeat electronic pop scene. Threading elegant melodic leads above the colourful synth flourishes and laid back punch of the drums, with her new single, Aiko Tomi filters her catchy songwriting through a kaleidoscopic sonic lens that distils elements of hyperpop and alternative electronic into a charming new sound.

Full of memorable vocal hooks and a dynamic ebb and flow, the energy dips to let soulful vocals dance above before the stab of bold synth tones build the track back up for an epic finale tinged with intense backing yelps and warbling sonic textures, resulting in a superb new outing from this innovative artist who continues to go from strength to strength.

Listen to Some Lights Need to be Dimmed below

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