#tofuku

Much had changed since Mark Redito’s last full length “Desire”. The unexpected success of his debut album, the life on the road, and the launch of his own concert series, Likido, had him landing in a place that was worlds apart from “Desire” days when he started working on his latest release #Neutropical.

“Back then, I was literally a bedroom musician, I was staying at my sister’s place not quite sure of where my life was headed,” recollects Redito. “I always imagined that if I became a full time musician and started touring and collaborating with talented musicians, the whole process would just get easier. I thought that with experience there would be this sense of confidence.” 

“I was wrong,” Redito admits. His admission of insecurity and limitation paradoxically freed him to find his new path. “I found that you can't do everything you want to; and sometimes you don't become who you think you'll be. You have to forgive yourself in order to move forward. You have to allow yourself the grace and humility to acknowledge who you are. And that's ok.” 

Redito’s revelation ultimately led him to reassess his writing process and led him to the discovery of Tropical Futurism, a cultural aesthetic inspired by Afro-Futurism. Redito pays respect to the island culture he grew up with and finds hope in the culture’s resilience despite its past oppressions and hardships. Neutropical is a hopeful vision of the future that puts the island culture and values front and center. All the while journaling the personal journey of where he was, where he is, and where he is headed.

Tracklist 

1) Break Silence (ft. Shel Bee) 

2) Everything Felt Right 

3) Barrio Fiesta 

4) Never Letting Go of this Moment 

5) Boyfriend (ft. TOFUKU) 

6) Right There (ft. Ehiorobo) 

7) Bluest 52 

8) You'll Only Love Me When I'm Gone 

9) Cloud Keep (ft. Abbi Press) 

10) Holly and Maria (ft. Henrik the Artist)

11) Dreamy Gang

12) Alright

Listening to this lovely track as self-care 🎵 

hey let's go down where the river meets and frolic around among the trees where we can pick a couple apple treats and then lay around peacefully (okay) on the beach

This dallying Animal Crossing-inspired song comes by way of Leon’s re:treat, a new album he describes as “a reinterpretation of 24 background songs from Animal Crossing; a reflection on solitude, hope, and healing; a retelling of a midsummer's day; a retreat”. I've had it on in the background while working since yesterday, and it’s help me feel a little less regretful that I’m not spending the afternoon outside in this unusually gorgeous weather.

All 53 minutes of re:treat are available on Leon’s Soundcloud, or you can stream it and enjoy Aliana Wong’s art/animation in the Youtube video below:

I wish more songs on the album had vocals from Tofuku like the embedded “apple picking” track, but this is just an opportunity to dive into her Soundcloud for more of her music. Thanks to Club Tiny member @harpermd for the tip!

Cute lil birthday GIFt I made for TOFUKU.