This song was inspired by a visit to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients) located in Nagashima, Okayama Prefecture, which was once used as a sanatorium for patients with Hansen's disease. The title "Shinsho Volcano" (Mind Image Volcano) was born from the emotions and the raw reality felt through interactions with the residents of Nagashima and visits to Aiseien, metaphorically comparing them to a volcano.
The song was created on the occasion of Maika Loubté's participation in the event "DE-SILO EXPERIMENT 2024" held by the General Incorporated Association DE-SILO on April 13th and 14th, 2024 at Omotesando WALL&WALL. This event, aimed at producing new works and performances through collaboration between researchers and artists, features Maika collaborating with interpreter and media researcher Natsumi Wada. Natsumi Wada, who began her research theme of "Exploring moments when the 'feeling of being alive' ignites" following encounters with people related to Nagashima Aiseien, delves into the "feeling of being alive" that emerges from connections and autonomy within each individual's inner world, starting from language, communication, and expression itself.
The song depicts the strong desire for life inherent in humans, contrasting emotions of resignation and passion, isolation from the external world, separation from family, and the life of isolation on the island subjected to discrimination and prejudice. These complex emotions are expressed as Maika's unique experimental pop, set against the backdrop of the history of Aiseien and the strong vitality of the people who lived there. The transparent vocals and flowing synthesizer sounds gradually heat up, depicting the vitality and joy that overflow like magma.
The fragmentary raps that appear in the middle, "Moshi moshi? Can you hear my plea?" and "Allô, allô?", are inspired by the game "Morphogenic Angels" from the collaborative practice Keiken, co-founded by artists Tanya Cruz, Hana Omori, and Isabel Ramos in 2015. They metaphorically express the difficulties of communication and connecting with others. Keiken is also planning to collaborate with Natsumi Wada at the event in April.
"Shinsho Volcano" is scheduled to premiere at Maika Loubté's stage during the DE-SILO event "DE-SILO EXPERIMENT 2024" held at Omotesando WALL&WALL on April 13th and 14th, 2024.
(rap)
もしもし？Can you hear my plea?
My dear, why's there pain in you?
Allô, allô? Echoes, where are you?
I know, you're seeking to break through
Cutting ties, thought it would heal,
Power off, no more to feel.
Daughter's here, sensing what's real,
Eyes reveal truths, in calm appeal.
Even at birth, connection's our quest,
Perfected as life's endless test.
myベイビーが指を指して接続を試みる
繋がることが最も高度な技だと
だから初めから訓練するのかも？
私今でも訓練してるけど
The sun has set
"What did I do today?"
Tired, I hid in my bed.
I realized sadness and love are both like a burning fire
Ash piles up in my heart
Rain falls and soil hardens
Days flow by meaninglessly
Burying stones all over
もしもし？Can you hear my plea?
My dear, why's there pain in you?
Alo? Alo? Echoes, where are you?
I know, you're seeking to break through Cutting ties, thought it would heal,
Power off, no more to feel.
Daughter's here, sensing what's real,
Eyes reveal truths, in calm appeal.
Even at birth, connection's our quest,
Perfected as life's endless test.
myベイビー指を指して接続を試みる
Connecting is the most advanced skill,
So maybe that's why we train from the start?
I'm still training now.
I’m not afraid of When
This body, maybe it's an avatar of this planet!
These fragrant memories,
I want to touch your cheek
Like the dear little bug flying into fire
Burnt remnant, I’m still here
On the day when scars are healed
I want to sleep here with you...
Near the window where the sun shines,
A place warmer than a bonfire, right there.
Near the window where the sun shines,
A place purer than a sacred site, right there.
credits
released April 3, 2024
Song, lyrics, produced and mixed by Maika Loubté
Mastered by Beauvallis
Raised in Paris, Hong Kong and now residing in Tokyo, Maika Loubté is consistently exploring an amalgam of novel and
nostalgic music styles. As a multicultural songwriter, producer and singer, Maika takes in global influences as she experiments and creates using a number of vintage analog synthesizers in her home studio in Tokyo....more
