Ryuichi Sakamoto is fascinated by the strange sounds made by a piano that survived the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on Japan’s eastern seaboard, despite its being thrown about by the water. “I felt as if I was playing the corpse of a piano that had drowned, ” he says in Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda, a 2017 documentary about his life and work. This fascination is unsurprising, as it serves as an embodiment of many of his passions and predilections, including his This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-One Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Music Issue 19 On a Grander Scale Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna now may live on the opposite side of the globe, but she’s determined to evolve while staying true to her roots. Arts & Culture Music Issue 20 Bring It on Home: Leon Bridges From bussing tables to playing at the White House in under two years, Leon Bridges has no plans to part ways with his humble beginnings. Arts & Culture Music Issue 21 Variations on Solitude: Glenn Gould Three decades since his death, Canadian pianist Glenn Gould’s inner life endures with as much legend as his recordings. Arts & Culture Music Issue 22 Esperanza Spalding Esperanza Spalding continues to challenge expectations and classifications—particularly her own. Arts & Culture Issue 22 This Woman’s Work In his latest book, The Kate Inside, photographer Guido Harari presents the audacious spirit and restless creativity of iconic singer Kate Bush. Arts & Culture Music Rosie Lowe London-based singer Rosie Lowe talks to us about creative recharging, the power of songwriting and the vulnerability inherent in live performance.
Arts & Culture Music Issue 19 On a Grander Scale Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna now may live on the opposite side of the globe, but she’s determined to evolve while staying true to her roots.
Arts & Culture Music Issue 20 Bring It on Home: Leon Bridges From bussing tables to playing at the White House in under two years, Leon Bridges has no plans to part ways with his humble beginnings.
Arts & Culture Music Issue 21 Variations on Solitude: Glenn Gould Three decades since his death, Canadian pianist Glenn Gould’s inner life endures with as much legend as his recordings.
Arts & Culture Music Issue 22 Esperanza Spalding Esperanza Spalding continues to challenge expectations and classifications—particularly her own.
Arts & Culture Issue 22 This Woman’s Work In his latest book, The Kate Inside, photographer Guido Harari presents the audacious spirit and restless creativity of iconic singer Kate Bush.
Arts & Culture Music Rosie Lowe London-based singer Rosie Lowe talks to us about creative recharging, the power of songwriting and the vulnerability inherent in live performance.