Chizawa Q Shares Forward Thinking Album On Iconic R&S Imprint With First Single ‘Beluga’
Groundbreaking Artist Redefines Electronic Innovation
Japanese producer and beat maker Chizawa Q has made his long-awaited return to the legendary R&S Records, announcing his new album Xenoverse and releasing its first single, "Beluga," in collaboration with Masaki Sakamoto.
Chizawa Q has long been on the radar of the pioneering Belgian label, having first caught their attention with his Lost Asia EP back in 2006, a project that was reimagined with a fresh mix in 2022. His reappearance on the label with Beluga and the forthcoming album is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to R&S’s enduring ability to nurture deep relationships with cutting-edge artists.
For decades, R&S has been more than just a label; it’s been a home for artists willing to push boundaries and defy genres. From their early years championing techno and ambient to exploring jungle, breakbeat, and beyond, R&S consistently positions itself at the forefront of electronic music evolution.
Xenoverse and Beluga continue this tradition, showcasing music that defies expectations while staying true to the exploratory ethos the label is known for. With Beluga, Chizawa Q reaffirms R&S’s reputation for daring innovation in electronic music.
The track itself is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere. From the outset, Beluga pulls the listener into its world with a tribal rhythm underscored by deep, brooding vocals that set the track’s cinematic tone. Shuffling hi-hats and a looping, rolling groove emerge, bringing an infectious energy to the soundscape, while jazzy stabs provide a sense of spontaneity that’s both bold and refined. It’s a track that thrives on subtlety, constantly evolving without resorting to overused tropes or predictable drops.
What’s immediately striking about Beluga is its clear lineage to Detroit techno’s golden era, channeling the raw energy of pioneers like Underground Resistance and Kenny Larkin.
There’s also a distinct European jazz-techno influence, reminiscent of stalwarts like Steve Rachmad and Dave Angel, blending the old-school with forward-thinking production techniques. Yet, Beluga never feels like it’s mimicking the past. Instead, it takes its cues from these iconic sources and transforms them into something contemporary, something alive with Chizawa Q’s own vision.
This isn’t your typical formulaic techno track built for easy dancefloor success. Instead, Beluga is a thoughtful, intricate piece of contemporary jazz-techno, driven by an artist committed to pushing the boundaries of his sound. Chizawa Q and R&S feel like a natural fit in this context, as the label’s long-standing philosophy has always been to prioritise artists who take risks and innovate, rather than chasing the commercial limelight.
The music video for Beluga enhances this creative vision. Its trippy, film noir-inspired visuals reflect the abstract and atmospheric tone of the track, further immersing the viewer in the surreal world that Chizawa Q has crafted. The video’s experimental nature mirrors the boldness of the music itself, reinforcing the synergy between sound and image.
Looking ahead to Xenoverse, we can expect an even deeper dive into Chizawa Q’s evolving sound. The album promises to traverse a wide spectrum of electronic music, featuring collaborations with Masaki Sakamoto, Kowalewski, and Dan Sama, and remixes from Makoto Shimizu. With Beluga serving as a tantalising teaser, the full album is poised to offer a rich, emotive experience, solidifying Chizawa Q as one of the key figures in Japan’s burgeoning electronic music scene.
R&S’s commitment to nurturing bold, avant-garde talent continues to shine, and Xenoverse is set to be another chapter in their storied legacy.
Stream ‘Beluga’: https://fanlink.tv/RS24LP003S1
Pre-save ‘Xenophobe’: https://fanlink.tv/RS24LP003
Follow Chizawa Q - Instagram | Soundcloud | X
Follow R&S - Website | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | X
About the Creator
Mike Media
Global Traveller, entrepreneur, freelance writer, musician.
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