Graine
| Graine | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | July 17, 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2024 | |||
| Genre | Instrumental music | |||
| Label | Avex Trax | |||
| Producer | Aio | |||
| Ai Otsuka chronology | ||||
| ||||
Graine (stylized in lowercase) is an extended play by Japanese singer-songwritter Ai Otsuka. It was released on July 17, 2024, through Avex Trax. It marks Otsuka’s first full piano instrumental work and was created as part of her activities celebrating the twentieth anniversary of her debut in the music industry.
Background and release
[edit]Since her debut in 2003, Otsuka has become known for a series of hit songs such as "Sakuranbo" and "Planetarium," as well as for her wide-ranging creative pursuits including songwriting for other artists, publishing picture books, illustrations,[1] and novels.[2]
In 2023, to commemorate her twentieth anniversary, Otsuka hosted her first solo art exhibition, entitled Ai Otsuka 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition Aio Art, at Spiral Garden in Tokyo. In conjunction with this exhibition, she released a special pamphlet entitled Aio Art, which featured a collection of oil paintings inspired by her own songs. Bundled with the pamphlet was the Graine CD, which was made available exclusively through Avex' online store mu-mo beginning on July 17, and physically at the exhibition venue starting July 18.[3]
Simultaneously, Graine was made available on major music streaming services starting July 17, 2023.[4] Along with the digital release, the music video for the track "un," the opening piece on the EP, was published on YouTube.[4]
Composition
[edit]The EP features six piano pieces composed and performed by Otsuka, showcasing her close relationship with the instrument, which has been a significant part of her live performances since her debut.[5] The music emphasizes a deep, personal expression through minimalist piano arrangements. According to Otsuka, it represents "the purest, most essential core" of her music.[6]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Aio.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Un" | 1:06 |
| 2. | "Deux" | 5:58 |
| 3. | "Trois" | 1:07 |
| 4. | "Kawa" (河) | 3:27 |
| 5. | "Sei" (星) | 3:31 |
| 6. | "Ao" (碧) | 6:10 |
| Total length: | 21:22 | |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | July 17, 2023 | Digital download | Avex Music Creative | |
| Japan | CD (enclosed with Aio Art) | Avex Trax |
References
[edit]- ^ "大塚 愛、5年の歳月を経て念願の絵本作家デビュー". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. February 22, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ "大塚愛が小説家デビュー 『小説現代』でホラー短編「衝動的に一気にできました」". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. August 16, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
- ^ "大塚 愛、初の個展のCD付パンフレット『AIO ART』限定発売". Barks (in Japanese). June 14, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "大塚 愛、初の全曲ピアノ・インストゥルメンタル・ミニAL『graine』配信リリース". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). July 17, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
- ^ "大塚 愛、初の全曲ピアノ・インストゥルメンタル・ミニアルバム配信。MVも公開". Barks (in Japanese). June 17, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
- ^ Otsuka, Ai [@ai_otsuka99] (July 19, 2024). "ミニ・アルバム『graine』を配信しています🎹" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Graine - EP by Ai Otsuka". Avex Music Creative Inc. July 17, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025 – via Spotify.
- ^ "AIO ART (+CD)｜大塚 愛" (in Japanese). Avex. July 17, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025 – via mu-mo shop.