As part of a free concert series put on by UC Berkley’s Superb Productions, Shigeto graced the campus’ Upper Sproul on April 8 with his absolutely ethereal mixtures of synth, beats and rhythm. Currently based in Detroit and New York, and not known to tour extensively, Shigeto’s presence in the Bay Area came as a rare gift to those who are regular listeners of the likes of Tycho, Shlohmo and Gold Panda.
Playing a FREE show, outside tonight in the bay u guys.
UC Berkeley – Sproul Plaza 5pm
Roll thru pic.twitter.com/gpATF8Q3bK
— Shigeto (@__SHIGETO) April">https://twitter.com/__SHIGETO/status/7180885539143... 7, 2016
Most of Superb’s free shows are held on Upper Sproul, and Shigeto’s is just one of many shows that were hosted this year, along with Mistki and an upcoming Built to Spill event. As for Shigeto, his sound is composed of a variety of different genres, hinting at influences of jazz and hip hop, as well as electronic. His latest release dropped in October 2015 and proved to be a landmark album for him. It's a mix of both dance and ambient tracks, “Pulse” being a significant piece showcasing his evolved sound.
Japanese, now Los Angeles-based, electronic artist Qrion opened the show with well-received poppy, synth-filled dance beats that seem to reflect her collaborations with artists Ryan Hemsworth and Skylar Spence. Qrion’s recent uprising brought her to the SXSW scene last month and she’ll be playing along with SOPHIE and SEIMEI later this April at 1015 Folsom.
Shigeto immediately followed Qrion’s set and went about impressing the audience with his use of not only his laptop and synth equipment but a complete drum kit as well. Being trained in jazz, the use of the drum kit compliments his well-known beats and soundscapes in a way that creates an entirely unique experience for the audience.
