Weedsday Playlist: Musical Artist Chizawa Q Shares 5 Songs For Your Next Dance Party
Musical Artist Chizawa Q's New Album Xenoverse And Single "Beluga" With R&S Records
Noted Japanese producer and beat maker Chizawa Q, a groundbreaking dance / electronic artist, has made his long-awaited return to the pioneering Belgian label R&S Records with the announcement of his new album Xenoverse and the premiere of a new single, “Beluga,” which dropped in October. Both artist and label have been connected since 2006, when Chizawa Q released his EP Lost Asia with R&S (rebooted with a new remix in 2022). The return to collaboration with Xenoverse and “Beluga” is a testament to R&S’s reputation of maintaining strong relationships with cutting-edge artists.
As R&S shares, “[We] have always broken the mould [sic] throughout [our] catalogue of releases, championing music that pushes the envelope of electronic music and dares to be different, and the album, and first single ‘Beluga’, is no exception.”
Watch the official music video for "Beluga":
What Makes Chizawa Q's "Beluga" Special?
“Beluga,” which also features pianist Masaki Sakamoto, starts with a tribal rhythm and deep, brooding vocal that sets the moody tone early on. Shuffling hats and a rolling music loop emerge, driving the track forward, before jazzy stabs help to establish a solid groove.
The inspiration of Detroit Techno icons such as Underground Resistance and Kenny Larkin, as well as European jazz Techno stalwarts Steve Rachmad and Dave Angel, is clear to see through ‘Beluga’, with more than a nod to the old-school and contemporary.
This isn’t cookie cutter Techno with rinse and repeat drops; it is genuine contemporary jazz. This is an innovative musician exploring his craft and pushing musical boundaries through his exploration in sound. In that respect, Chizawa Q and R&S are a match made in heaven, as the label ethos continues to favor brave, avant-garde artists over acts with a large following. The accompanying music video for ‘Beluga’ reflects that, with trippy, film noir visuals that mirror the abstract tone of the song.
Looking ahead to the album, fans can anticipate a deep-dive down a rabbit hole that traverses a wide electronic spectrum. Xenoverse will feature collaborations from not only Sakamoto, but also Dan Sama, Kowalewski, and remixes from Makoto Shimizu. Chizawa Q is at the forefront of an increasing number of artists making strides in the burgeoning Japanese electronic music scene, and ‘Beluga’ is a small sample of what listeners can expect from the full, emotive album experience. Read on for how you can reserve your copy of Xenoverse and the forthcoming track “Xenophobe”!
Chizawa Q's Dub And Ambient Weedsday Playlist
For his Weedsday Playlist, Chizawa Q selected pieces reflecting the musical genres that have influenced him the most: “Dub and ambient are always a part of me.”
Boom Boom Satellites - "JOYRIDE"
A standout early track from Japanese artists Boom Boom Satellites, who debuted in the 90s with R&S RECORDS. While their later work leaned towards a rock band approach, the pure, dubby breakbeat vibe of their early days is still a sonic treat, filled with raw energy and atmosphere.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Rei Harakami - "Vice Versa"
This track comes from an album curated by Rob Deacon, spotlighting Japan’s techno scene. Rei Harakami’s contribution, with its ambient depth, stands out as a hidden gem. Though Harakami left us too soon, this track perfectly encapsulates his unique sound and artistry, a vital piece of Japan’s electronic music history.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Massive Attack, Mad Professor, And Tracey Thorn - "Radiation Ruling The Nation (Protection)"
A dub classic that redefines what remixing can be. The album cover features kanji characters spelling "No Protection," and the remix has a title of its own, showing that this is more than just an extension of the original—it’s a fully independent creation. This is dub at its finest, standing on its own terms.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Pole - "Silberfisch"
An experimental fusion of dub and minimal techno, "Silberfisch" is a sonic exploration from Pole’s Blue Box Trilogy. The third part of this landmark project, the track weaves glitch and vinyl noise into a hypnotic, rain-soaked soundscape, settling deep into your consciousness.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Reigakusya, Brian Eno With J. Peter Schwalm - "Music For Onmyo Ji"
This two-disc album, inspired by the Japanese mysticism of "Onmyoji," pairs traditional Japanese Gagaku by Reigakusya on Disc 1 with ambient compositions from Brian Eno and Peter Schwalm on Disc 2. It’s a unique fusion of ancient and modern sounds, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that transports you to another realm.
Chizawa Q's "Beluga" is now available; click here for the track. To pre-save the full XENOVERSE album, click here. You can reserve your copy of the forthcoming track "Xenophobe" by clicking here.
For more about Chizawa Q, follow @chizawa_q on Instagram and stream his music on SoundCloud. To learn more about R&S Records, visit rsrecords.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
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Featured image: Chizawa Q (C) R&S Records