Behind the Music: 'Love Me Tender' by Ai Yamamoto

Inspiration and thoughts behind the making of  Love Me Tender

Love Me Tender By Kyoushiro

This album theme is based on “Love Me Tender” by Kyoshiro.  Kyoshiro actually sings about anti-nu-clear sweetly and sharply.  This track is from the 80’ss and was supposed to be released from EMI, but it did not get released due to political reasons. He always had strong messages and his music was so influential to many Japanese people.

He challenges authorities and the rotten political system through his creative process which is bold and impressive.  Moreover, and perhaps as important, he has so much love and humor in his music.  His music gives you love, courage and giggles. I found that his music is sincere.  Sincere music is the best of best. My new work is about sincerity and love. If my music can give you some smiles or lift your spirit for 5 minutes,  I would be honored.

Yamamoto Family

The photo above is from my parents.  My dad painted these Fusuma doors with painter friends Kakedo Yoshiyuki and Akai. This original image of ocean waves is by Hokusai Katsushika who was a famous Japanese painter from the 18th century. This is my dad and his friend's version and was painted in the 80's.    

Without my parents' influence, my sensibility for my creative output would not exist.  They were always interested in the music/art world from the 60s. They are great thinkers and they have great curiosity. Our house was full of objects and paintings from Minoru Yoshida,  Yoshiyuki Kakedo,  Dieter Hiessere,  Edward Kienholz,   Namjun Pike,  Takehisa Kosugi, etc. They enjoyed those artist's expressions. They enjoy all different forms of culture of music, history, arts, and performance. They showed me many interesting things.  They are, and always have been, very supportive and encouraging.  I am very lucky to grow up as their daughter.

Electric Dream Developing Program in 2018

I took an extended break from creating music after having children. During the period in my life, I had to think about what I can do for my next chapter. My friend Cornel runs the studio called "Electric Dream Studio" in Melbourne.  They opened a program called "Career Developing Program".  This program helps you to understand post production and helps you to polish your skills more.   Luckily, they invited me to join this program.  I learned about sync, composition, and how to use the Native Instrument program, from amazing composers.  After attending this program, I composed the tracks you hear on 'Love Me Tender'.  I recognize and understand that learning at Electric Dream Studio gave me a new found direction with my creative audio output.  I purchased my Komplete keyboard during my time at EDS and is my primary vessel in creating music.

PITP BANDCAMP

JUNO RECORDS

Love Me Tender
by
Ai Yamamoto
LP / Digital
04/02/2021

Ai Yamamoto is a Japanese-born and Melbourne, Australia based artist who has been making music since the early 2000’s. With her first album on PITP, ‘Love me Tender,’ Ai composes free structured songs, brushed with gentle melodies using piano, strings, wind instruments, and various textures.

Created over the span of 2018-2020, Ai’s careful focus on the mixing process give the tracks a spacious yet intimate sound through mindful cultivation. Dedicating this album to family, friends and her children who have given her their hearts, ‘Love me Tender’ feels much like a love letter, whispering that we can always choose to find a way to be filled with hope (kibou) and find ourselves again.

Credits:
Written, recorded, and produced by Ai Yamamoto
Mastered at Schwebung Mastering (Germany) by Stephan Mathieu
Cover Photography by Ai Yamamoto
Design, layout, and assemblage by zakè

Thanks to Yamamoto Family, Mares family, English Family,
Electric Dream Studio, MAV, Tammy and Jessica, Sofi, and
friends who have helped me to grow and learn.
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