J-Pop’s Kenshi Yonezu Shouts “RED OUT” in His Latest Single
Japanese music boasts a great promise for listeners who are not shy to experiment with the music and the lyrics. There have been memorable numbers that have delved, or attempted to, closer to the human psyche and understand what goes on in the intricate thought processes. Several Japanese artists have found a global reach due to their transcendental music. One of these artists is Kenshi Yonezu. Kenshi Yonezu has been in this industry for a decade now, becoming familiar to any listener of J-Pop.
Kenshi Yonezu was previously active under the moniker Hachi, where he made music as a vocaloid, but in 2012, he switched to his real name and real voice. Since then, he has made an incredible mark on the Japanese music industry. His voice is distinct and so is his music. He employs rock, hip-hop, and electronica in his self-made and self-written compositions, which become extensions of himself — one example being “KICK BACK,” the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man.
Photo Cr: Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu is here with new music after a long, long wait! He released the single “RED OUT” on August 13, 2024. This single talks about the ugly reality of life and the inescapable cycle one is stuck in. The music video boasts dystopian and fantastical themes. The recurring image of a rabbit, Kenshi seen with rabbit ears as wings on his back, signifies that there is some softness and hope after all. Upon closer inspection, the lyrics are a jarring warning and a cry for help. The song sports a mix of electronic beats paired with erratic rock guitar strums which add to the chaotic and hysteric imagery behind the song.
“RED OUT” was a part of Spotify Japan’s brand commercials. You can watch them here and here. Additionally, Kenshi Yonezu has also prepared content on the “Liner Voice+” platform where he spoke extensively about his new album, his ideas behind the songs, and more. More surprises for fans will be released on Spotify Japan’s official X page.
Watch the music video for Kenshi Yonezu’s “RED OUT” here:
(Trigger warning: strobe lights)
“RED OUT” is a part of Kenshi Yonezu’s album LOST CORNER, which was recently released on August 21 — his sixth album that came four years after his fifth album release in 2020, STRAY SHEEP. The album is now available digitally across major streaming platforms and physical copies of the album are available starting August 23.
LOST CORNER consists of 20 tracks including “RED OUT” and popular theme songs released in the last four years — namely, “Sayonara, Mata Itsuka! – Sayonara” (theme song to the NHK Morning Drama The Tiger and Her Wings), “Garakuta – JUNK” (theme song to the film Last Mile), “Spinning Globe” (theme song to Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli film The Boy and the Heron), “M87” (theme song to the film Shin Ultraman), “Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing” (theme song to FINAL FANTASY XVI), “KICK BACK” (opening theme to the anime series CHAINSAW MAN), and a few other previously released tracks in addition to fresh compositions.