Shoko Igarashi was born in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan—a region celebrated for its snowcapped landscapes, sacred shrines, and pristine air. Growing up in this serene and mystical environment shaped her artistic sensibilities, which she channels into her vibrant and eclectic music.
A jazz-trained tenor saxophonist, Shoko also performs fluently on alto and soprano saxophones, as well as the flute. Her musical journey began in Tokyo, and she later earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston. After immersing herself in NYC’s dynamic jazz scene, she relocated to Brussels in 2018, where she rediscovered her passion for creating music and explored the rich traditions of her Japanese heritage.
Deeply influenced by jazz, Japanese anime soundtracks, and Black contemporary music, Shoko’s work is a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Her music often reflects her curiosity and sensitivity to atmosphere, weaving together improvisation, rich harmonies, and vivid emotional landscapes.
Her debut solo album, Simple Sentences (2022, Tigersushi Records), earned critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork and Les Inrockuptibles for its genre-defying compositions. In 2023, she released Project Tenori (Faneca Music), an experimental album created entirely with Yamaha’s Tenori-on, showcasing her ingenuity in electronic music.
And 2024, the sophomore album "Onsen Music" now out from Tigersushi Records and 62 Records.
五十嵐祥子 山形県生まれ。10歳の頃にサックスを吹き始め、高校進学とともに上京。2012年にはバークリー音楽大学に進学。卒業後はニューヨークでの演奏活動を経て、2018年にベルギー、ブリュッセルへ移住。
２０２２年、デビューアルバム、シンプルセンテンセス
２０２３年、テノリオンのみを用いて作られたエレクトロトラックを集めたアルバム、Project TENORI
２０２４年、１２月６日に最新作、温泉音楽がTigersushi records, 62 recordsよりリリースされた。