FloFilz’s new album 'Hagaki' – out September 12th on Melting Pot Music –
is a musical love letter to Japan—a sonic travel log that blends jazz
and beats with Japanese music and culture. Recorded in both Berlin and
Tokyo, FloFilz invited fellow musicians, beatmakers, and singers such as
Takuya Kuroda, Nao Yoshioka, Toshiki Soejima, Budamunk, and Matt Wilde
to join him on his journey. Acclaimed music and travel photographer
Robert Winter was responsible for the outstanding visuals that accompany
the album.
FloFilz is recognized as one of Germany’s most in-demand producers. Born
in Germany, he grew up in Belgium before moving to Berlin in 2020. A
classically trained violinist, he began making beats in 2012 while still
performing in orchestras.
His music is a seductive blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop-influenced
grooves. Deeply inspired by London’s jazz scene, FloFilz has
collaborated with artists such as Alfa Mist, Kofi Stone, MF DOOM, Kojey
Radical, JuJu Rogers, Wun Two, Bokoya, Jerome Thomas, Summers Sons, and
J. Lamotta.
In 2014, FloFilz and Melting Pot Music launched an album series that
explores the culture, vibe, and landscape of cities he loves—both
musically and visually. The visual side is handled by
Robert Winter, a well-known music and travel photographer immersed in
Germany’s hip-hop and beat producer scene. For the first album,
'Metronom', FloFilz, Robert Winter, and Melting Pot Music founder Olski
traveled to Paris. For 'Cenário' (2016) and 'Transit' (2019), they
visited Lisbon and London. Each album is released as a high-quality
gatefold edition and includes a 20-page photo book.
For 'Hagaki', the fourth volume in the series, FloFilz traveled to
Japan, where he spent a full month working on music and visuals.
'Hagaki' means 'postcard' in Japanese. The album is a multidisciplinary
love letter and a dialogue with Japanese culture and music. FloFilz had
visited Japan several times before—playing shows in Tokyo, Osaka, and
Kyoto; enjoying some of the best food he’d ever had; and discovering
rare records in meticulously curated record stores. He also ventured
beyond the big cities, hiking through mountains, forests, and along
coastlines. These experiences deepened his appreciation for how Japanese
culture emphasizes harmony with nature. The attention to detail and
sincerity found in Japanese art and craftsmanship are qualities that
also define FloFilz's approach to music-making.
'Hagaki' is dedicated to Tokyo, the Japanese capital and the most
populous city in the world, with over 37 million residents. FloFilz,
Robert Winter, and Olski immersed themselves in the city and its
culture. They visited jazz joints, ramen shops, record stores, tea
houses, temples—and even more record stores. They attended performances
by local jazz artists like Uyama Hiroto and Manchester’s own Matthew
Halsall at the iconic Blue Note club. FloFilz performed at the Jazzy
Sport x Roland Anniversary Party and was invited by Ella Records for a
DJ set and an in-depth video interview about record culture and digging.
During their trip, they reconnected with old music friends and made new
ones—from Mitsu The Beats, Budamunk, and Lidly to the entire Jazzy Sport
crew and the welcoming team at Ella Records. FloFilz also hit the
studio with trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, vocalist Nao Yoshioka, guitarist
Toshiki Soejima, and some of Tokyo’s most respected beatmakers.
Tracklist:
1. Furo 風呂
2. Setagaya Samba
3. Taito City Hideout (feat. Takuya Kuroda)
4. Kimochi ii 気持ちいい
5. Yoinokuchi 宵の口
6. 6F Encounters
7. Yokohama Yard (feat. tajima hal & Lidly)
8. Inemuri 居眠り
9. 20today (feat. 12Vince)
10. Kaki 柿
11. Ma 間
12. Atélier (feat. Matt Wilde & Toshiki Soejima)
13. Insomnia (feat. Nao Yoshioka)
14. Yōkai 妖怪
15. Forest Crab (feat. Budamunk)
16. Sunken Stones