Lateral Ocean: The Birth of Soulful Melodies from Reflection
In a world of constant change,
Lateral Ocean, an artist hailing from Aomori, is set to illuminate the path of modern rock with profound melodies and a unique voice that resonates with the soul. Following a life filled with experiences, the artist dives back into the music scene, ready to share his journey through his debut solo album,
'Nostalgic Future (Limited Edition)', scheduled for release on July 9, 2025.
A Return to Music After Life's Trials
Lateral Ocean, whose real name is Tomoyuki Kousaka, grew up immersed in the sounds of various regions due to his father's job, developing a distinctive intonation that would eventually color his music. His passion for music ignited at the age of 17 when he purchased a synthesizer instead of going on a school trip. This bold choice marked the beginning of his self-taught journey into composition and keyboard performance.
After relocating to Tokyo in pursuit of his dreams, Lateral Ocean faced setbacks, including a label's bankruptcy that scrapped his debut plans. Undeterred, he formed bands, experimented with rock arrangements, and strived to craft music that spoke to his heart. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a long battle with insomnia, he could not abandon his musical aspirations. His return to Aomori saw him perform extensively, even orchestrating a tour that generated buzz and acclaim.
'Nostalgic Future' – An Introspective Exploration
The upcoming album,
'Nostalgic Future', serves as the first installment of a four-album series drawn from a wealth of hundreds of songs written between 1995 and 2003. Carefully selecting tracks that hold a particular significance, Lateral Ocean aims to create timeless music that listeners can appreciate even decades later. Each song carries a narrative, presenting an emotional journey that feels both personal and universal.
One of the album's core themes is the juxtaposition of
nostalgia and the future. This duality invites listeners into a pop-rock landscape where old memories shed new light on songs steeped in emotion. The opening track, a piano piece titled
'Itsuka (Intro)', is designed to reset the listener's ears for an uninterrupted journey through the album.
The album comprises nine tracks covering a range of tempos, from high-energy beats to heartfelt ballads. Each song tells a part of a larger story, with the interplay between the second track,
'Seed', and the seventh,
'Mission,' forming a narrative arc.
Additionally, Lateral Ocean incorporates an instrumental interlude,
'Ocean Footprints,' featuring traditional Japanese instruments, and addresses themes of suffering and salvation in
'Deep Sea.' Unique to the
CD format, the album includes a bonus track and a secret track, giving fans an exclusive experience.
Visual Connection
As an added treat, the limited edition will feature a DVD containing visuals that encapsulate the sentiments behind the music, enhancing the experience for audiences who crave a deeper connection to artistic expression.
Artist's Resilience and Message
Lateral Ocean's journey back to music is not just about creating melodies; it is a personal reflection and legacy project. With no children to inherit his artistic spirit, he embraces this 'final chapter' as an opportunity to document his life experiences through song. He considers himself among Japan's top melody makers and hopes his work can resonate with listeners facing their struggles, reminding them of the importance of resilience.
Anticipation Builds
With promotional activities lined up, including the release of a trailer on
YouTube and snippets shared on social media platforms like
Instagram and
TikTok, excitement is building ahead of the album launch. Lateral Ocean's return to music is poised to captivate audiences as he shares his heartfelt narratives in a way that intertwines rock melodies with profound life lessons.
As
Lateral Ocean steps onto the stage of the contemporary music scene, he does so with the confidence of someone who has endured life’s trials and emerged with a rich tapestry of experiences to share. His upcoming album promises not just to be a collection of songs, but a testament to the enduring power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.