Kishi Bashi’s Latest Single, “Marigolds,” is Beautifully Orchestrated

“Marigolds” 

Kishi Bashi 

Joyful Noise Recordings 

Release date: May 2, 2019 

Experimental Independent Pop 

The lifting layers of complex violin pizzicato uncover elements of inspiration and nostalgia in Kishi Bashi’s latest single “Marigolds” off of his upcoming album “Omoiyari” scheduled to release May 31, 2019. Released May 2 as a prelude to the album’s debut, “Marigolds” is a masterfully composed musical reflection of a cross-generational relationship promoting harmony and a universal understanding. Kishi Bashi continues to develop as an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter with the composition of his fourth studio album after he emerged as a solo artist in 2012.  

Born Kaoru Ishibashi, the 43-year-old musician goes by the stage name Kishi Bashi and is known for his complex compositions of self-orchestrated experimental indie music. After attending Berklee College of Music, Kishi Bashi applied his talent as a violinist and songwriter to design an exclusive sound and style. With influences from Andrew Bird and Leonard Cohen, Kishi Bashi’s music is a delicate balance of detailed orchestration and simple, meaningful lyrics that act as a perfect complement.  

Kishi Bashi’s musical trademark is his work as a solo multi-instrumentalist. Being a guitarist, pianist, violinist and vocalist, he layers recordings of himself playing each instrument’s part on top of each other to compose intricate arrangements. “Marigolds” begins with an introductory swell of stringed elation that offers a momentum into the rest of the song as lyrics and a softer, guitar are subtly added. Background instrumentals from additional band members add an elaborate touch to the album that is fresh and exciting. The production through Joyful Noise Records is crisp, cohesive and accurately portrays the light-hearted theme that Kishi Bashi consistently delivers. Kishi Bashi’s vocal performance in this single is atmospheric and compliments the violin’s voice-like tonality embedded in the orchestration. Harmonies between instruments and vocals are masterfully composed and evoke a positive emotional response. 

“Marigolds” features fresh lyrical themes of universal empathy and harmony between humans. The introductory motif of a field of marigolds symbolizes the nostalgic association of a natural familiarity that can be shared from generation to generation. The album “Omoiyari” is dedicated to the remembrance of Japanese-American incarceration camps during WWII and how perceptions are shaped by experiences.  

I wish that I could grow up with you 
I wanna see the world the way you do 
I want to fall off the edge with you 
I want to fun with you 

These lyrics divulge the message of timelessness and empathy that Kishi Bashi is trying to promote on an almost political level. The concept of putting one’s self in another’s shoes to attempt to perceive the world in their eyes is essential to the social harmony between generations and people of different values. These are important messages artfully implemented in a lovely musical quality. The theme could have easily been angled to portray a negative light on the misunderstandings between generations and the civil tensions as a result, but Kishi Bashi uses warmth and elements of inspiration to promote the idea.  

“’Marigolds’ is about the differences between generations that are difficult to comprehend sometimes. It’s almost impossible to completely understand somebody who grew up in a different era than you, older or younger, alive or deceased. It’s the realization that another person’s perception of the world is just as real to them as yours is to you, and that this humility is the first step of living in harmony on a planet that is ultimately made up of 8 billion parallel universes,” said Kishi Bashi in an interview with Smithsonian.  

Kishi Bashi’s other widely recognized songs include “Can’t Let Go, Juno,” “Bright Whites” and “Honeybody.” “Marigolds” features the Kishi Bashi’s clever instrumental trademark seen in his other pieces and maintains a similar atmosphere of eclectic independent pop. But the lyrics and context throughout the “Omoiyari” album are deeper and more powerful than much of his older work. The production is also improving as Kishi Bashi continues to grow in his career. The release of his fourth album is highly anticipated and sneak peek singles like “Marigolds” are just exciting hints at what the album might include.  

The warm imagery of a field of marigolds acts as a gentle reminder to be kind and open-minded in one’s relationships and to practice compassion. Kishi Bashi’s single “Marigolds” is a beautifully designed instrumentally and lyrically and is an exciting prelude to “Omoiyari”.  

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