Emerging Japanese artist Risa Kumon has unveiled her highly awaited album, “Ri-Verse,” a true opus that transcends conventional boundaries and stands as a testament to her prowess in the global music arena.
The multitalented singer-songwriter from Japan is making waves with her latest musical venture, “Ri-Verse,” a genre-defying masterpiece that seamlessly incorporates R&B, jazz, acoustic, Bossa nova, and the meditative sounds of Okinawa and Hawaii. This kaleidoscopic fusion of genres creates a sonic journey filled with rich harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating soundscapes, transporting listeners to far-flung corners of the world. The album is now accessible on digital platforms globally, with a CD format distributed in Japanese record stores nationwide.
The album’s title, “Ri-Verse,” cleverly abbreviates “Risa’s Universe” while also playing on the word “reverse.” This signifies a process of rebuilding and reimagining within Risa’s universe, reflecting her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. “Ri-Verse” extends an invitation for fellow artists to challenge and redefine the limits of creative expression, as articulated by Risa Kumon herself.
With its unique multilingual approach, “Ri-Verse” is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international music landscape. Kumon’s ability to effortlessly switch between languages adds a refreshing twist, providing her songs with a distinct edge. By incorporating diverse linguistic influences, Kumon has successfully tapped into a global audience, attracting listeners from various cultural backgrounds. Prior to the album release, her single “FREE” made a global impact, securing top positions on both iTunes and Amazon charts in the United States and Japan. The accompanying music video for “FREE” was selected for prestigious film festivals in the United States, South Korea, and Spain, and the song was chosen for distribution in 7-inch vinyl format for Record Store Day 2023. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu3ZRsKWCB8
“Ri-Verse” boasts a stellar team of professionals contributing to its creation. Notable among them is multi-Grammy-winning mixing engineer Irko, recognized for his work on Kanye West’s “Donda” album, and masterful mastering engineer Herb Powers Jr. from PM Mastering Inc. Record producer and creative director Rolandis “Roro” Ramsey, along with a lineup of renowned musicians, further enhance the album’s musical and visual experience. Moreover, Kumon’s multilingual approach promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, using music as a powerful medium for fostering connections. In an increasingly interconnected world, “Ri-Verse” stands as evidence of the unifying power of music.
Risa Kumon’s musical journey, rooted in the culturally rich city of Sasebo, Nagasaki, reflects a life deeply influenced by the transformative power of music across various cultures and languages. Overcoming challenges such as temporary blindness and living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Kumon’s passion for music intensified, drawing inspiration from personal trials and diverse musical influences. While rooted in Japan, her experiences in Australia and America left an indelible mark, shaping her into the artist she is today.
A prominent headline performer, Risa has graced stages at prestigious events like the FOX Japan festival, Fukuoka Asia collection concert, Nakasu Jazz Festival, and international gatherings at US military bases and US embassies in Japan. She has also hosted various international radio shows in Tokyo, and Fukuoka showcasing her dynamic presence on platforms like R2 Radio and Interfm 89.7Mhz.
Collaborating with the renowned hip-hop group, The Pharcyde, led to the introduction of Pharcyde TV in Japan through the R2 Radio network. Risa’s interviews with esteemed artists such as Dj Jazzy Jeff, Robert Glasper, Brian McKnight, Corinne Bailey Rae, Maxi Priest, and Terumasa Hino and more. Despite facing challenges like Retinitis Pigmentosa and temporary blindness, Risa’s love for music blossomed, shaping her artistic identity and guiding her to become the internationally recognized artist she is today.
Stream now: https://r2intl.lnk.to/Riverse
Website: https://risakumon.com
Instagram: @RisaKumon
FB: @RisaKumonofficial
TW: @RisaKumon
RISA’S ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:
RISA KUMON (リサ・クモン) A Tokyo based bilingual singer-songwriter known for her stability and grandeur in both English and Japanese, Risa Kumon is an inspirational artist who paints emotions onto a vast canvas. With a diverse range of genres including R&B, soul, jazz, pops, and world music, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the music world.
Hailing from Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, her journey has been marked by resilience. Overcoming childhood challenges like temporary blindness and living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Risa’s passion for music intensified. After graduating from a specialized Art & Design school, she ventured to Los Angeles, collaborating with local musicians and producers, including members from the U.S. R&B group K-Ci & JoJo for her 1st demo album.
Upon returning to Japan, she co-founded the international music label R2 RECORDZ alongside U.S. hip-hop Artist/Record Producer RORO, marking the beginning of her musical production and international program creation. Her presence extended to international stages, solidifying her status as a dynamic artist on the global stage.
In 2016, her Christmas EP “Christmas Covers” secured the number 1 spot in the iTunes Store’s Top Jazz Songs charts. Her single “FREE,” released in June 2022, made significant strides, securing high positions on both the Japanese and U.S. R&B/SOUL iTunes charts and Amazon. Risa’s album “Ri-Verse,” released in 2023, debuted at number 3 on the iTunes Japan music charts, continuously gaining acclaim for its innovative blend of genres, languages, and cultures. Notably, her music videos have garnered official selection at film festivals in the United States, Spain, and South Korea.
Risa’s trajectory suggests a bright future, solidifying her as a highly anticipated rising international artist in the global music scene.
Published By: Aize Perez
