Hikaru Utada has released a new EP titled “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” featuring five tracks, including the title track, its instrumental, a remix, a remix instrumental, and an alternative intro version.
Since debuting on July 28, Utada’s latest single, “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” has been a hot topic, making waves on both domestic and international charts and receiving widespread attention via multiple TV show performances in their native Japan.
The remix version courtesy of ☆Taku Takahashi, “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku’s Twice Upon a Time Remix),” released on August 25, also found its place on charts in multiple countries.
In celebration of the EP’s release, Utada’s TV show performance on the Japanese TV program “Matsumo to Nakai” is exclusively featured on YouTube for a limited period until October 8.
Furthermore, the archived videos from the Hikaru Utada Only mix DJ session on August 25 will be premiered on YouTube. Each night, starting at 9 pm Japan Time, fans can tune in to watch DJ performances by ☆Taku Takahashi (from m-flo), who created the remix version of the track, DJ YANATAKE and MARMELO.
To watch the DJ performances by ☆Taku Takahashi (from m-flo), DJ YANATAKE and MARMELO, visit Hikaru Utada’s official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@hikki.
Release Information
“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” (Theme song for Japanese film “KINGDOM: The Flame of Destiny”)
https://erj.lnk.to/UtadaGold
“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku’s Twice Upon a Time Remix)”
https://erj.lnk.to/zUr9CD
EP “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” – released on September 13
https://erj.lnk.to/WC5c6F
About ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo, block.fm)
DJ, Music Producer, Founder of block.fm
Taku Takahashi launched his career in 1998 as the DJ/Producer of the J-pop music group “m-flo”.
The group quickly rose to prominence and, over the last decade, has sold over 2 million copies of their 30 singles and ten albums. Taku Takahashi is also well known for his solo work as a producer/ songwriter, remixing music for prominent artists such as Calvin Harris, The Ting Tings, Passion Pit, Morgan Page, and Hikaru Utada, spanning various genres from all over the globe.
Winning the “Beatport Music Awards 2011 Top Tracks” with his “Incoming… TAKU Remix”, he has proven himself an elite player in the Japanese dance music scene. Taku Takahashi also supervised the soundtracks for the hit Japanese anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” and made waves in the music industry for his work with the drama/movie ‘’Nobunaga Concerto’’.
In 2011, Taku Takahashi embarked on his most ambitious venture, establishing Japan’s first and only Dance Music Radio Station, “block.fm”. Currently boasting over 40 programs, including exclusive mixes from world-famous international DJs, block.fm is gaining substantial attention as its fan base rapidly grows.
Praised for his prominent role in the Japanese dance music industry, Taku Takahashi was voted the number 1 DJ for three years by Japan’s most well-known dance music publication “iLOUD” for their annual “DJ 50/50” top DJ list.
http://twitter.com/takudj
https://instagram.com/takudj
http://block.fm
https://m-flo.com
About MARMELO
Starting her career in 2016, mainly specializing in Nu Disco and Indie Dance, MARMELO has been actively performing at various renowned music festivals and club events.
In 2022, she performed at the Ringo Music Festival, Greenroom Festival, and MIND TRAVEL, expanding her influence beyond Tokyo.
With a deep insight into US hip hop and city pop, MARMELO’s style revolves around groove, complemented by her extensive music repertoire. Notably, MARMELO also serves as a support DJ for ASOBOiSM.
https://iflyer.tv/artist/53467/about
https://twitter.com/marmelolo
https://www.instagram.com/mar_me_lo
About DJ YANATAKE
DJ YANATAKE, a multi-talented figure based in Japan, wears several hats, including that of a DJ, director, and music writer. His significant contributions as Chief Buyer at the record store “CISCO” sparked the vinyl record boom in Shibuya Udagawacho and has played a crucial role in Japan’s hip-hop scene.
Notably, YANATAKE directs the popular hip-hop show “INSIDE OUT” on the internet radio station block.fm, while also serving as the head of programming for the hip-hop radio station WREP.
At the forefront of Japan’s MC battle boom, YANATAKE took center stage as the main DJ for the iconic “Sengoku MCBATTLE” and “Gaisen MCBATTLE” events, leading to his performance at the Nippon Budokan and Saitama Super Arena.
YANATAKE is a support DJ for LANA, an emerging artist garnering attention from across Japan.
https://twitter.com/yanatake
https://www.instagram.com/yanatake
About Hikaru Utada
Japanese singer-songwriter and producer Hikaru Utada is one of the most influential artists in the J-pop and global music scene. Since debuting on December 9, 1998, Utada has achieved many remarkable milestones in their career.
Their first single, “Automatic/time will tell,” sold over two million copies, propelling them to become one of Japan’s top artists at 15. Just months later, their debut full-length First Love shattered domestic CD sales figures, holding the record for best-selling album ever in the country today.
Their 2001 album, Distance, further established their status as the 21st century’s first Japanese superstar, breaking numerous records.
Utada’s creations boast a unique blend of pop, R&B, rock, and electronic music elements topped with innovation and timelessness.
Beyond their mesmerizing sound, Utada’s songwriting is a hallmark of their career, crafting profoundly introspective and emotionally charged lyrics that resonate with their audience on a profound level.
Utada’s ethereal vocals effortlessly convey vulnerability, strength, and rawness. They are actively involved in music production and maintain creative control over their artistic vision, including directing the recording process.
Throughout their career, Utada has received many awards and accolades, including multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards, Japan Record Awards, and recognition as the Best Asian Artist at the MTV Asia Awards.
Recently, Utada’s artistry reached new heights with the release of their eighth album, BAD MODE, which garnered high domestic and international praise.
Multiple music outlets included it on their “Best of 2022” lists, including prominent American outlet Pitchfork. In 2022, Utada made their festival debut at the globally recognized Coachella Festival in California, joining celebrated label 88rising as part of their exhilarating showcase.
Additionally, Netflix debuted the series First Love, inspired by Utada’s eponymous single, in late 2022. It achieved tremendous success in Japan and across Asia, prompting their older songs to chart on streaming rankings.
With their exceptional talent, innovative sound, introspective lyrics, and emotional vocal registry, Utada continues to leave an indelible mark on contemporary music, inspiring generations of global audiences. Their artistry remains a shining example of the power of art to push boundaries, break fresh ground and reach new milestones.
