A decade ago, Kishi Bashi found himself creatively and emotionally depleted after years of touring behind his acclaimed albums 151a and Lighght. The orchestral exuberance that once defined his sound had begun to fade, leading him to question his artistic purpose. Out of that exhaustion came Sonderlust (2016), a deeply personal reinvention marked by vulnerability, analog warmth, and spiritual honesty. Stepping away from ornate violin loops, Ishibashi embraced vintage synths and stripped-down textures, creating a record that shimmered with soulful, human energy. Songs like “Say Yeah,” “Honeybody,” and “Ode to My Next Life” captured both the ache and joy of self-discovery, grounding his lush imagination in lived experience.
Now, with its 10th anniversary reissue, Sonderlust stands as a pivotal work—where Kishi Bashi’s dazzling playfulness gave way to introspection and connection. The new edition features refreshed artwork by original cover artist Ssin Kim, symbolizing growth and renewed perspective. “When you’re younger, the world can feel overwhelming,” Ishibashi reflects. “As you age, you start to see your place in it.” What began as an album of heartbreak has become a timeless meditation on empathy, creativity, and the enduring beauty of being human.