Japanese-Australian rapper Joji has broken his silence on the music scene, releasing new single “Pixelated Kisses”.
Written, produced and recorded by Joji himself, the short but bittersweet song reflects on the modern dating scene and the difficulty of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Long-awaited comeback
It has been three years since Joji released his third album “Smithereens” in 2022, under Warner Records and the label 88rising.
The album had the notable hit singles “Glimpse of Us” and “Yukon,” as well as the popular “Die for You”.
“Pixelated Kisses” marks a new start under his new label Palace Creek, with the song distributed by Virgin Music Group – an independent arm of Universal Music Group.
The song features ambient synths, gritty trap rhythms, paired with his soft and emotional vocals – hinting at the yearning of love from a distance.
The cover art also prompted some discussion online, as it pictures webs of tangled power lines with a red-orange tinted sky – pretty much an everyday scene in Asia every time you look up, some said.
Fans eventually discovered that the cover art was from a stock photo of power lines in Thailand.
Joji also uploaded a visualiser for the song, showing a glitchy video compilation of rockets, space, scientists, and Joji himself, which was also a theme of his previous releases.
It was perfectly paired with booming beats and reverb.
His previous albums include “Ballads 1” in 2018 and “Nectar” in 2018.
Despite the lack of new releases, Joji stayed active for live performances and music festivals, such as Bleached, Hive, and the Pandemonium Tour in 2023, as well as 88rising’s Head In The Clouds in 2024.
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The full 180 of George Miller
Born George Kusunoki Miller, the artist started as an internet personality around 2011 to 2017, known as “filthyfrank” for creating satirical and comedic videos on Youtube in a pink suit.
Following the disappearance of the Youtube character, Miller resurfaced as an artist named “Joji” with a hit song “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” in 2018.
He is often regarded online as one of the internet’s most memorable rebrands, as he emerged as an R&B act, rapper, and great singer – a full 180 difference from a goofy, satirical, and comedic character in a pink suit.
Over the years as Joji, he has shown his growth as an artist known for his melancholic songwriting, and recognisable sound and production.
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