On Tuesday, May 23, beloved Japanese folk singer and songwriter Ichiko Aoba released her first original single of 2023 titled “Space Orphans.”
The single comes months after Ichiko Aoba’s latest album, “Ichiko Aoba with 12 Ensemble (Live at Milton Court),” featuring Ichiko’s live performance in London’s Barbican Milton Court Concert Hall with Europe’s premier string collective, the 12 Ensemble. The performance occurred during the Europe leg of the ICHIKO AOBA INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2022. In the album, Ichika performs some of her biggest hits like “Parfum d’étoiles” and “Asleep Among Endives.”
Ichiko continues her tour into 2023 with shows scheduled in Australia, Japan, The UK, France and the U.S.
The Meaning of “Space Orphans”
“Space Orphans” was initially released in March as a demo in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The song carries the same message with its official release, as Ichika dedicates it to those dealing with such conflict:
“To all of you who are stuck in a war you never asked for. To all of you who are all alone in a place that seems safe. To all of the orphans who carry a lingering loneliness inside them. I hope this song reaches the child inside of you.”
The influence of nature is a central part of Ichiko’s creative process as she attempts to connect her music to the natural environment. To explore this connection and promote the fight against climate change, Ichiko credits the Earth as a co-writer in “Space Orphans,” in part of Brian Eno’s EarthPercent Initiative. Taking part in the initiative means donating proceeds from the co-written work to EarthPercent, uniting music and the fight against climate change.
“Space Orphans,” a Dreamy Lullaby
“Space Orphans” features a classical guitar playing a dreamy folk melody supported by ethereal classical string arrangements. Amongst the delicate instrumentals, Ichiko’s soft voice pierces the intricate melody to sing what many fans call a lullaby. Like many of her other works, the song brings calm into the soul that all listeners can feel across language barriers.
In an article posted to Beats Per Minute, author Chase McCullen beautifully describes the effect the song has on listeners: “As her singing coaxes you into a meditative state, you can’t shake the feeling that, all the while, tendrils are encircling you, pulling you towards some unknowable, heart-wrenching truth.”
She lives with you, a warmth in the heart as if she genuinely “reaches the child inside of you.”
Ichiko Aoba Tour Dates, Locations & Venues
Ichiko Aoba — 2023 Tour Dates
Tue. June 6 – Sydney, AU @ City Recital Hall
Wed. June 7 – Thu. June 8 – Melbourne, AU @ Rising Festival
Sat. Aug. 19 – Edinburgh, UK @ Edinburgh International Festival
Thu. Sept. 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ^
Sun. Oct. 1 – Mexico City, MX @ Foro Indie Rocks!
Tue. Oct. 3 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
Thu. Oct. 5 – New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall ^
Wed. Nov 8 – Paris, FR @ Pitchfork Festival Paris
Photo by: Tony Wong B Huang
