New beginnings are always exciting and a little scary, so this project is dedicated to that. I’m so happy I finally decided to start my own artistic path and can’t wait to share more with you.
UTone
THE RELEASE
Sep 10th - Wandering Without A Map
Oct 6th - Outset EP
Japanese keyboardist Yoshitaka Utano embarks on his brand-new solo artistic journey as UTone.
Known for his impeccable performances in Toshiki Soejima’s live band, as well as his piano tutorials on YouTube, Utano decided to share more of his original compositions with the world.
Outset EP is his debut, inspired by the craft of Robert Glasper, Matt Wilde, and J Dilla. It was produced by the multi-instrumentalist TromBobby, a Conservatorium van Amsterdam graduate, who’s collaborated with names like Frank Nitt, Jermaine Holmes, and Kazuki Isogai.
The 5 songs are united by the project’s theme – the exciting first steps of his new moniker. They are simultaneously chill and playful, while showcasing UTone’s undeniable musical skills. Outset EP glides between jazz, jazz fusion, and instrumental hip-hop, while blending intricate yet easy-listening piano compositions, live-performed drums, subtle brass, and melodic basslines.
Leading the EP release are two upfront singles – “Emberlight” and “Wandering Without A Map”.
THE ARTIST
UTone
UTone is the solo project of Japanese keyboardist Yoshitaka Utano. He frequently performs live and records music with neo-soul guitarist Toshiki Soejima, including in iconic venues like Blue Note Tokyo.
- Frequently performs live in Asia, Australia & Europe, including at iconic venues like Blue Note Place, Tokyo
- Collaborated and recorded with Japanese guitarist Toshiki Soejima & trumpeter Nahokimama, including for their acclaimed album Scene and Toshiki's Komorebi LP
TromBobby
TromBobby combines his long-time passion, the trombone, with peculiar beats for a truly unconventional and contemporary sound. Studied jazz trombone at Conservatorium van Amsterdam, his unique production style and live instrumentation brought him features on Spotify’s Orbit, Apple Music’s BEATstrumentals and TIDAL's Rising Deutschland and support on BBC Radio 1. Also, a winner of The Kount Challenge 2021.
- Featured on Apple Music’s BEATstrumentals, Spotify’s ORBIT editorial, and TIDAL’s Rising Deutschland, Grooves: Deutscher R&B
- Winner of The Kount Challenge 2021
- "LONGING" radio play by Amazing Radio (US), SoulTracks (USA), El Rocanrosaurio (MX), Radio Krimi (FR), Bulgarian National Radio (BG), Radio Nova 98.9 (PT), Rádio Armazém (BR)
- Radio play on BBC Radio 1 (Sian Eleri) for "Carefree"
- Nominated for Forbes 30 under 30 Bulgaria
- 2.1M Streams across all streaming platforms
- Added to 8.7k+ independent playlists on Spotify
- His music (with DAYO) was used by Will Smith on his official YT channel
- Performed live on Bulgarian National TV
- Interview for RCRDLBL, feature on EarMilk, SoulTracks, The World Is Bond, FLEX, Italmassive, album review on TwistedSoul
- #6 on hypem Popular Charts (“BOX OF CHOCOLATES”)
