The moniker Ghosting might not sound familiar, but you are probably aware of this alter ego’s alter ego; Andrei Eremin. The Grammy nominated producer and engineer has released a seriously ambitious debut in the form of an instrumental mixtape.
Reimagining Miyazaki is inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli, the iconic anime director Hayao Miyazaki and the scores to his films.
Even to those unfamiliar with Studio Ghibli, Ghosting’s debut mixtape is hypnotic, unexpected, glitchy and downright beautiful in all the right places.
It may have been an ambitious project, but Ghosting’s mesmerising, minimalist vibe is more than successful. For some people, ‘anime’ conjures up a weird kind of fetishism.
But to anyone acquainted with the enchanting, dreamlike world that Miyazaki created in films like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle will appreciate the depth of Ghosting’s project in taking on these evocative, unique soundtracks.
[bandcamp width=700 height=472 album=1518997587 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=333333 artwork=small]
Eremin has already found international acclaim for his work on Hiatus Kaiyote’s sophomore album Choose Your Weapon, which went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2015.
Eremin also mastered Chet Faker’s debut EP Thinking In Textures, and is credited with co-production, alongside Ta-ku, on Wafia’s breakout single Heartburn. But this new project under the name Ghosting showcases his personal sonic palette, and brings a sharp, irresistible style from Eremin.
“The mixtape started as a lightbulb moment to sample Spirited Away, one of my all-time favourite films. I took out my keyboard on a whim, cut up the intro to the film and within 4 hours I’d finished the best track I’d ever made. It was a sign. From there the decision made itself – I had to sample every other Miyazaki film.”
The first cut, one summer「 spirited away 」, was released earlier this year as a prelude to the longer mixtape. Reminiscent of Boards Of Canada and even DJ Shadow’s Midnight In A Perfect World, the tracks have the warmth of a golden era in beatmakers.
The thematic melodies are familiar as Studio Ghibli motifs to those in the know, but Reimagining Miyazaki steers clear of simply being a tribute piece. For fans, the real success must lie in how Ghosting’s soundscapes are evocative of an eery dream world, entrancing and beautiful – just like Miyazaki’s work.
Moving from ambient to cinematic, dramatic and even groovy with a skipping beat; Ghosting reaches towards transcendent hip-hop at points.
Eremin became so invested in the project that he actually travelled to the small coastal town of Jiufen in Taiwan; the inspiration for Miyazaki’s iconic Spirited Away. Documenting the trip in a photo diary, Eremin will be releasing the visual accompaniment to the mixtape via his Instagram page.
The images also played into the artwork for both the single and mixtape releases. Any fans of Spirited Away will probably do a double-take as they check out the mixtape cover; the incredible, misty lights of the bath house are actually a reality. Spirits may or may not be included.
Reimagining Miyazaki is out now via Wondercore Island.
