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.
Since his relocation from Tokyo to Europe in late 2007, Anchorsong has supported the likes of Bonobo, Prefuse 73, DJ Krush, Daedelus, Jaga Jazzist and more. He has garnered an international following on YouTube, with videos of his performance.
After wowing the crowds at SXSW 2009, he found himself the subject of a new level of attention, going on to make several appearances on BBC 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 November 2011, his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Chapters’ was released worldwide on Tru Thoughts Recordings. It received the likes of tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Huw Stephens, John Kennedy (XFM) and Laurent Garnier. The 1st single “Plum Rain” became an instant classic and stayed in Top 40 of The Hype Machine for a week. He kept himself busy with giging in 2012 including the appearance in Outlook Festival and Boiler Room.
After having spent more than 5 years in London, he relocated to Tokyo in June 2014.
In March 2014, he signed to BBE Recordings as his new home.
His debut on the label “Mawa EP” is supposed to be released this summer.
“Truly special… sounds like Battles hanging out with Herbie Hancock” – 7/10 – CLASH
The pleasure principle is strong enough to take it well beyond the merely ‘nice’ 4/5 – The Arts Desk
“A Brand New Talent” – NYLON Magazine
Wonderfully melodic and soulful… this is the album of electronic music with natural warmth. – Wax Poetic JAPAN