Acclaimed guitarist, composer, and producer Shingo Sekiguchi has unveiled his latest musical endeavor, releasing “Southern Street (LDJ Remix)” featuring the widely popular Lo-fi Hip Hop artist LDJ. This new track marks the second installment in Sekiguchi’s remix project, which reimagines the entirety of his 2023 album “tender” from fresh perspectives. The collaboration merges Sekiguchi’s signature jazzy guitar melodies with LDJ’s signature dusty, laid-back beats, creating a mellow, slightly cosmic atmosphere that captivates listeners.
Sekiguchi, known for his genre-bending sound that draws from jazz, soul, rock, and pop, has built a significant international following. His album “tender,” released in December 2023, achieved over 20 million streams across major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and charted on the TikTok Viral Charts. The remix project aims to explore the depth and versatility of the album’s tracks, offering new sonic interpretations.
LDJ, the featured remixer, is a French artist and producer who has garnered significant acclaim within the Lo-fi Hip Hop scene. Boasting over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and accumulating more than 300 million streams, LDJ’s musical style, heavily influenced by pioneers like Nujabes and Madlib, resonates deeply with audiences in Japan and globally. His approach to “Southern Street” preserves the original’s addictive jazzy atmosphere and core guitar themes while injecting them with a warmer, lo-fi drum texture and added synthesizer layers, complete with subtle reverb and laser-like sound effects.
In his own words, LDJ expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “I encountered Shingo Sekiguchi’s music about five years ago and have been drawn to his musicality ever since. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to remix his track ‘Southern Street’ through origami PRODUCTIONS.” He elaborated on his creative process, stating, “The original beat has an addictive jazzy atmosphere and guitar themes, which I really liked, so I preserved them while adding a dustier texture to the guitar and layering slower, lo-fi drums. I also added synthesizers, applied strong reverb to the guitar, and incorporated laser-like sound effects to create a mellow, slightly cosmic atmosphere. I applied strong side-chaining to the instruments, which resulted in a fresh, new vibe that I’m very happy with.”
“Southern Street” itself, originally conceived with a tropical ambiance, was previously highlighted on large global playlists like “Jazz Vibes.” The “LDJ Remix” transforms the track into an immersive listening experience, perfect for escaping the summer heat, blending Sekiguchi’s intricate guitar work with LDJ’s characteristic soulful beats.
This collaboration is a significant moment, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange within the contemporary music landscape. LDJ, who has previously spent extended periods in Japan and is scheduled to perform in Tokyo in November, has a strong affinity for the country. This project underscores the growing influence and appeal of Lo-fi Hip Hop as a genre that seamlessly blends diverse musical influences.
This release follows the first remix installment, “Raincoat (Paul Grant Remix),” which was made available in June. The “tender Remix” project is set to continue, offering further reinterpretations of Sekiguchi’s critically acclaimed album, showcasing the rich sonic tapestry of his original work through the lens of various talented producers. Sekiguchi’s multifaceted career includes work with numerous prominent artists and extensive contributions to commercial jingles and film scores, solidifying his status as a key figure in the modern music scene. This partnership between Sekiguchi and LDJ is poised to capture the attention of fans across different musical spectrums, further cementing the appeal of this unique fusion of styles in the global music conversation.
