Shigeto

Shigeto is on a constant quest for rhythm. Melding elements of jazz, funk and electronic, the groundbreaking percussionist and producer rose to prominence with dazzling records that contrasted structure and improvisation, making for cerebral listening and unpredictable live performances. Born in the early ‘80s, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zachary Shigeto Saginaw turned his middle name into a stage moniker in honour of his Japanese heritage. He grew up on Motown and jazz records, which instilled a sense of rhythm and groove that drove him to the drums. He studied jazz at The New School in New York City and dropped out in 2003 to continue studying in London, where he began experimenting with electronic beats. Shigeto's exploratory 2010 LP, Full Circle, is filled with compositions that cut through soothing ambient atmospheres with crashing samples and field recordings. His 2012 follow-up, Lineage, delved into new rhythmic patterns with digital beats and delicate wind chimes, while the following year's No Better Time Than Now spun organic percussion and hip-hop loops into robust body music. Shigeto has maintained a longstanding relationship with his hometown label Ghostly International, also dropping the house-inflected The New Monday in 2017 and returning to his drum-driven jazz roots on 2019's Versions EP.