Chuya's Autumn

"Chuya's Autumn" is my concept album featuring eight carefully selected autumn-themed poems by the Japanese poet Chuya Nakahara, which I have reinterpreted as contemporary music. As producer ARTCHIC, I aimed to transform Chuya's poetry into music that resonates naturally today, employing five distinct AI singers across diverse musical genres to realize this vision.

The poet Chuya Nakahara (1907-1937) left an indelible mark on Japanese literature despite his brief 30-year life. Born in Yamaguchi, his defining quality was his pure heart that made him deeply vulnerable to life's wounds yet enabled him to transform these experiences into timeless poetry. He loved with his whole being and grieved to the depths of his soul through personal tragedies including his brother's early death, failed romance, and the loss of his beloved son Fumiya. This emotional intensity created poems that continue to move readers across generations.

"Autumn Tidings" captures the casual autumn atmosphere of urban Japan through ambient indie folk. The acoustic guitar's gentle soundscape creates nostalgic moods while minimal production expresses warm solitude. Emi Hirumizuki's charming, artless style perfectly captures the song's rustic imagery.

"A Moment on the Mountain" expresses Chuya's deep love for his eldest son Fumiya. The dreamy indie pop arrangement features ethereal piano and gentle beats depicting mountain tranquility. Karin Oborozuki's mystical and expressive vocals skillfully convey this depth of love.
"Moonlit Shore" tells of finding a button on the beach and being unable to throw it away--a striking image revealing Chuya's inner thoughts. Created as modern chill hip-hop with relaxed beats and ambient effects, Matsudo Mode's deep vocals express a man's contemplative state in moonlit silence.

"Moon Over Niagara" depicts Chuya's imagined Niagara--he had never seen the actual falls--as a fantastical fairy-tale world with moon, clouds, and distant guitar sounds. The modern hip-hop arrangement uses electric synth pads to express the moonlit view while electronic drums advance through the dream world. Matsudo Mode's mature vocals sing of this fantastical scenery.

"Blank" evokes a writer immersed in late-night creation. This modern R&B track incorporates jazz elements, resonating with the poem's refined sensibility. Rei Jordan's rich, soulful voice enhances rather than diminishes the poem's subtlety.

"Circus" is one of Chuya's most beloved works, famous for its unique onomatopoeia "Yua-an yuyo-on yuyayuyon". The modern R&B arrangement expresses the fantastical circus atmosphere with dramatic arrangements and jazzy elements. Rei Jordan powerfully delivers both the circus's splendor and nostalgia.

"Fooling Myself" expresses Chuya's harsh self-reflection, sublimely transforming negativity into art. The modern alternative rock arrangement features electric guitar depicting the poet's internal conflict. Shoh Issui's clear, quiet vocals delicately express resignation and inner anguish.

"On the Lake" depicts lovers on a moonlit boat ride with unforgettable onomatopoeia: "When the moon pops out (Pokkari)," "The waves will lap lap." This dreamy indie pop track features soft synth pads and floating melodies. Karin Oborozuki handles main vocals while Emi Hirumizuki provides charming humming that opens the song.

Through this album "Chuya's Autumn," I hope that the heart of Chuya's poetry will firmly reach the hearts of all who listen.