Shimon Hoshino & Michael Kaneko Closer

The 7-inch single cut from the digital-only EP by chill/lofi-surf producer “Shimon Hoshino,” who is gaining attention in the chill/lo-fi scene, is now available!

Side A features a collaboration with singer-songwriter “Michael Kaneko,” born in Shonan and raised in Southern California, on the track "closer." On Side B, there's a B-side collaboration with trilingual rapper “Salty Jua,” born in Hawaii and raised in Kyoto, titled "freeze mains."

The artist “Shimon Hoshino,” who is making waves in the chill/lo-fi scene, first gained attention in 2019 by forming Henryne Girls with Osteoleuco and, later in 2024, with DÉ DÉ Mouse. Alongside these projects, he has released chill/lo-fi works under his solo name, which have become viral hits. As a surfer himself, Shimon Hoshino’s creations are chill-out sounds crafted at the beach.

Side A's "closer" is the first collaboration with Michael Kaneko, with whom Shimon shares many commonalities, such as Shonan, the sea, and surfing. The lo-fi beat with its mellow mid-tempo, combined with the beautifully melancholic piano melody and retro-flavored vocal harmonies, creates an atmosphere of dreamy bliss.

Side B's "freeze mains" is a collaboration with trilingual rapper “Salty Jua,” whose sharp rap flows over smooth piano and smoky lo-fi beats. The rhythm and flow, reminiscent of the ebb and flow of waves, make for a refreshing track.