Yuu Udagawa – Ride It / The Peaceful Dawn incl. remixes by JKriv, Fred Everything, Manuel Tur)

Japanese production sorceress Yuu Udagawa is back on Compost with ‘Ride It’ (out now) and ‘The Peaceful Dawn’ (out 6th September); two EPs of super-well crafted, elegant, yet jazzy deep house presented with remixes by the maestros Fred Everything, JKriv and Manuel Tur.

First EP ‘Ride It’ was released on 26th July and is already causing a stir in clubland. The original version of “Ride It” is an ode to playful lightness. A funky bassline is accompanied by deep pads and embellished with jazzy piano synths and Yuu’s whispers. “Set Me Sneakers” is an equally deep and infectious track. The syncopated rhythm with jazzy elements works for warm-up as well as in the middle of the night. JKriv transforms “Ride It” into a driving groover that convinces with sophisticated percussion and a clever arrangement, at the same time giving the track a somewhat mysterious, hypnotizing vibe. Anyone familiar with JKriv‘s productions and edits knows that the man has a knack for great grooves. Fred Everything once again delivers a fantastic signature deep house remix for Yuu. His version contains the smooth, warm energy that we have appreciated in Fred’s productions for decades.

With second EP ‘The Peaceful Dawn’, which will be released on 6th September, Yuu blends deepness with a laid-back atmosphere, summoning up a flawless vibe. Manuel Tur delivers two stellar remixes: groove-centric and melody-driven soulful house. Sunkissed spirit catchers, both.

About Yuu Udagawa:

Tokyo-based Yuu Udagawa inspired by a diverse range of genres, including Nu-Jazz, Kraut Rock, Hip- Hop, Minimal House, Detroit, and Electronica, is continuously exploring a unique style that captivates a broad audience. Her profound love for the sounds of analog synthesizers breathes an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere into her electronic sound. Her music offers a captivating fusion of uplifting and soothing elements, embodying Aristotle’s philosophy of the golden mean, which she adopts in her endeavour to contribute to society.

Yuu, who studied art and philosophy in high school, has since performed at clubs, festivals and fashion shows and is now a regular in the lounges of five-star hotels like the Park Hyatt Tokyo, showcasing her versatility as a DJ.

Drawing on her insights and extensive experience in creating musical atmospheres in various spaces, she continues expanding her musical creation journey.

In 2010, she composed “Blossom,” the main menu BGM for Sony PlayStation 3 (Torne and Vita), captivating gamers. After that, she released several tracks for various projects. In 2021, her music caught the ear of German artist Manuel Tur, leading to her music being released through prestigious labels such as Compost Records in Munich, Germany, Cyphon Recordings in London, founded by Jimpster and Tom Roberts, to the up-and-coming Cosmocities Records in Dijon, France, and the popular Razer- N-Tape in Brooklyn, USA. These collaborations have boosted her international visibility. She was invited by Freerange Records in London to deliver a DJ MIX on Apple Music to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024.

Beyond music, Yuu creates immersive soundscapes for various spatial environments, such as museums, installations, spas and aquariums. Her portfolio boasts remarkable achievements producing 7.1 channel surround sound for 3D hologram theatres. One of her notable works is her sound installation ‘Water Crest’, an immersive audio experience by Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which was exhibited in Japan’s first immersive museum, which featured masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and other Impressionists and drew in 170,000 visitors.