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K Ishibashi: Musician You Never Knew You Heard

Posted by Rachel Garman on 06/06 at 03:27 PM

You may have heard the music of Kishi Bashi—you just weren’t aware of it. Kishi Bashi is the self-produced solo project of musician K Ishibashi. If that name still doesn’t ring any bells, stay with me. Being a skilled violinist, Ishibashi has toured with popular artists such as Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, and of Montreal.  Ishibashi has also recently arranged the strings and helped with production for of Montreal’s latest album, Paralytic Stalks. Currently, Ishibashi is fully embracing his talents on the violin and gaining well-deserved notoriety for it.

Born in Seattle, WA but claiming Norfolk, VA as his hometown, Ishibashi has supported many acts with his talents on a number of instruments throughout the 2000’s. In 2003, Ishibashi founded Jupiter One, a Brooklyn-based indie rock band. Releasing two full-length albums, Jupiter One owes part of its success to the video game industry. The band has had several songs featured in video games such as Madden NFL 08 and NHL 08—just two more surprising places where Ishibashi’s musical influence is present. You may even catch an Ishibashi song while watching television. From commercials for Mazda and American Express (the latter happened to premiere during the 2012 Academy Awards), to hit television shows like Heroes and Kyle XY, there just may be an Ishibashi song gently wafting through your television speakers. Ishibashi has not only established himself as a presence working behind the curtains of multiple projects, but also as an up-and-coming solo artist.

In 2011, Ishibashi released Room for Dream, his first EP under the alias Kishi Bashi. Ishibashi combines experimental violin with eastern influences to create a truly unique sound. Part psychedelic, part indie pop, the bright music seems to require movement with every listen. In May 2012, Ishibashi released his first full-length album under the name Kishi Bashi. 151A, released under the label Joyful Noise, continues the same brand of psychedelic-indie fusion present on Room for Dream. According to Ishibashi’s site on Bandcamp, he is currently on tour with of Montreal, Deer Hoof, and Loney Dear while also playing smaller solo shows along the way.

Songs to Check Out:

Bright Whites-Kishi Bashi

It All Began With a Burst-Kishi Bashi

Manchester-Kishi Bashi

Evalyn, Summer Has Arrived (featuring Kevin Barnes)-Kishi Bashi

Countdown-Jupiter One

Kishi Bashi: Tiny Desk Concert via NPR