Hiro Ama

Hiro Ama’s approach to electronic music is gentle, warm and friendly, taking in different influences and weaving them into something intimate.” - Resident Advisor

“Affecting and heartrending house rollers” - The Vinyl Factory

Japan-born, London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Hiro Ama, best known as the drummer of indie-rock outfit Teleman, is today unveiling new single ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’, as well as B-side ‘Sunday’ out now via PRAH Recordings. A serene soundscape that plays with digital processing, production and experimental sounds, ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’ centres around the Waraku synthesiser: an obscure Japanese instrument that blends the sounds of traditional instruments like the Koto and Shakuhachi. The track also features sweeping flute lines played by Gail Tasker, as well as whispers of Hiro humming the drum parts instead of using a traditional drum kit.

The name ‘Waraku’ translates literally to ‘peace and harmony’, and in a fragile and chaotic world ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’ is intended as a musical balm. On the track, Hiro offers: “‘Music for Peace and Harmony’ stemmed from a connection with the instrument itself, as reflected in its name. Music can be like a sanctuary and has got a power of soothing people’s mind and heart, and I wanted to capture the feeling of peace and harmony in this song. I was initially using a preset Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) on Waraku for melodies, but Stephen introduced Gail and she’s played the flute, which gave an extra layer of depth and emotion to the songs.”

Alongside ‘Music for Peace and Harmony’, Hiro is releasing a second track ‘Sunday’. The piece reveals Hiro Ama's deft exploration of melancholic introspection within an ambient soundscape, a testament to his innovative approach at the fringes of jazz. Within this meditative composition, bouncing flute lines intertwine with cascading pianos, undulating rhythms and minimalistic ornamentation to create a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of a jazz-infused daydream.

Hiro Ama draws from his eclectic background and diverse musical influences to craft sonic landscapes that defy categorisation. From his tenure as the drummer of Teleman to his solo endeavours, Hiro Ama continues to push the boundaries of creativity, exploring an incredible blend of genres and reaching for the future with hope. He has previously released two EPs on PRAH Recordings, ‘Animal Emotions’ and ‘Uncertainty’, which garnered critical acclaim from Electronic Sound, Resident Advisor, The Vinyl Factory as well as BBC Radio 6 Music.