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Di Stefano presents his latest single, “Kotokashi,” an immersive blend of traditional Japanese instruments and modern ambient electronic music. This track is a key part of his ongoing cultural fusion experiment, where each piece explores the unique soundscape and philosophy of a different global region.
“Kotokashi” is deeply rooted in the Japanese musical tradition, drawing explicit inspiration from Edo period music and instruments like the koto and taiko drums. True to his artistic vision, Di Stefano carefully selected only authentic regional instruments and sounds, interpreting rather than imitating the cultural heritage. The title “Kotokashi” combines “Koto,” the traditional Japanese stringed instrument prominent throughout the track, and “Kashi,” meaning lyrics, symbolising “Koto lyrics,” a poetic expression of unspoken emotion.
Composed, arranged, and produced solely by Di Stefano in his home studio in Miami, “Kotokashi” serves as both a personal and musical exploration of Japan. Despite never having visited Japan, Di Stefano approached the project with deep respect for the region’s sonic culture, treating the studio as a place where worldly soundscapes come to life without physical travel.
The track is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the appreciation of beauty in imperfection and simplicity. This ethos is woven into the music, which embraces ambient imperfections, natural reverb, and the restrained, deliberate style that encourages stillness amid today’s overstimulated world. Rather than chasing hype or intense energy, “Kotokashi” invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and experience a modern journey through Edo Japan.
Di Stefano’s meticulous production involved granular sampling, manual EQ sculpting, and a sensitive balance of preserving authenticity while adding a contemporary touch. These efforts result in a sound where ancient textures meet tomorrow’s sonic possibilities, creating a track that feels both timeless and fresh.
Vocals are performed by a hired Japanese vocalist to ensure linguistic accuracy and authenticity, complementing the instrumental layers and adding another dimension of cultural fidelity. Additionally, audio engineer Elliot played a crucial role in the final mix, using subtle yet powerful techniques to maintain the organic atmosphere and emotional depth of the piece.
Listen Here:open.spotify.com/album/3OajKaxKEaPZZQtI2VpGq4?
“Kotokashi” emerged from a period of personal emotional ambiguity for Di Stefano, reflecting themes of longing, reverence, restraint, and the tension between clarity and distance. The single is an expression of heartfelt emotion conveyed through the fusion of cultural sound and technological innovation.
This track not only highlights Di Stefano’s unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional instruments and modern music but also marks an important milestone in his broader project, which explores different global regions through purely regional instruments and sounds.
In Di Stefano’s own words, “Kotokashi showed me that it’s possible to honour the past while still pushing sound forward, that musical fusion can feel both fresh and emotionally grounded.”
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