Name: The Orchestra in the Sky [Kobe Recordings]
Brand: Hochzeitskapelle, Japanese Friends

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

N90LPKOBE

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-12-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Shellshock

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

880918263847

Total Cap

Black LP

Artist

Hochzeitskapelle

Japanese Friends

Genre GB

Asian

Label GB

Alien Transistor

Alien Transistor is a music label founded and owned by The Notwist, based in Weilheim, Bavaria. With a rich history of producing innovative and boundary-pushing music, Alien Transistor has become synonymous with artistic excellence and creativity.
Since its inception, the label has been dedicated to promoting unique and independent artists who push the boundaries of genre and style. Their roster includes an eclectic mix of talented musicians from various backgrounds, each bringing their own distinct sound to the table.
With a focus on quality over quantity, Alien Transistor carefully curates each release to ensure that every album is a true work of art. From experimental electronic beats to introspective indie rock melodies, their catalog offers something for every music lover.

Newest Listed Items

New recordings by Hochzeitskapelle (feat. members of The Notwist, Alien Ensemble) Collaborating with Japanese Friends (Tenniscoats, Eddie Marcon, Yuko Ikema, Kama Aina & others). This double LP version collects the Kobe Recordings 2LP Gatefold sleeve incl. download code. There’s a big clue to the pacific wisdom of The Orchestra in the Sky in the artist name – Hochzeitskapelle + Japanese Friends. For this is, indeed, music based in, and resonating with, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and creative exchange. Across two albums – one documenting recordings from Tokyo, the other an expansive double album of sessions from Kobe – Hochzeitskapelle gather around them some of the finest voices in Japanese independent and underground pop music, like Tenniscoats, Eddie Marcon, Yuko Ikema, and Kama Aina, and explore an open field of music, full of creative encounters. You may already know Hochzeitskapelle as the German instrumental quintet formed by members of The Notwist, Alien Ensemble, and friends from the jazz scene. Across three albums, one a collaboration with Kama Aina (2018’s Wayfaring Suite), they’ve developed a way of playing together that’s intimate and playful, rich and human; it’s a music that’s deliberately rough around the edges, and that nestles cosily into the everyday. Their relationship with Japanese indie has developed over the years, doubtless encouraged by Saya´s „Minna Miteru“, compilations series of Japanese indie pop for Morr Music. A peripatetic gang, Hochzeitskapelle also recently backed Japanese singer-songwriter Makoto Kawamoto on her new album, Hikari. In many ways, The Orchestra in the Sky feels like the culmination of a set of ongoing cross-cultural exchanges: the Minna Miteru compilations; tours of Japan by Hochzeitskapelle and The Notwist; and indeed, Markus Acher’s Spirit Fest group with Saya and Ueno of Tenniscoats. The latter are present throughout much of The Orchestra in the Sky, and Saya’s voice is particularly winning on songs like “Tsuki no oto”, where the two outfits are joined by brass ensemble Zayaendo. There are several lovely turns from singer-songwriter Yuko Ikema, and Eddie Marcon appear twice; their songs are still beautiful, spectral acid folk, but with Hochzeitskapelle filling the details with lush, sad brass and strings. But it’s also the potentially lesser-known names that shine through The Orchestra in the Sky, like the frail folk of Gratin Carnival; the delightful, gentle pop songs by sekifu and Zayaendo member, Kanako Numata; a trio of beautiful, stumble-drunk melodies played in swaying consort with popo. That group, along with the presence of Zayaendo, Fuigo, and Mitamurakandadan?, make strong connections with the Japanese underground’s love of brass bands, partly informed by the tradition of chindon’ya, marching bands that walk the streets of Japanese cities. They also all appeared on the recent Alien Parade Japan compilation of such groups, assembled by Acher and Saya. All things converge, then, on The Orchestra in the Sky, a smart, spirited collection of heavenly pop songs, intimate folk melodies, lungfuls of joyous brass, deep weeping strings, and swooning sighs. The last words go to Acher himself: “Many things we did in the last years come together here and it feels like something special was captured.” We hope you like what you hear.

The Orchestra in the Sky [Kobe Recordings]

Music GB

Discover The Orchestra in the Sky [Kobe Recordings] by Hochzeitskapelle. New recordings featuring Japanese indie pop artists. Double LP with download code. Label: Alien Transistor.