*Japan’s Sweet Soul Records and the Purpose Music Group through its distribution arm Nia, have partnered to release Nao Yoshioka’s domestic debut release The Light on April 28th.
The first single “Make the Change” will be released on March 31st. Purpose Music Group co-founder George Littlejohn says, “We are excited Sweet Soul Records in Japan chose to partner with us at Purpose Music Group and Nia Distribution to introduce the very talented Nao Yoshioka to the American soul market”.
Nao has been on the radar in Japan for a couple of years after releasing breakout song “Make the Change”, which was released domestically on Sweet Soul Records. “Nao has recorded a very solid, and impressive debut album and we are honored to partner with Purpose Music Group and NIA Distribution to help spread the message of “Make the Change” throughout North America and to show the world that Nao is more than ready to take her place on the world stage.” says Michael Harris, Senior Manager at Sweet Soul Records.
The Light draws upon emotions and feel-good energy to self-esteem and loving oneself, to strong messages of change and hope. Known as a progressive soul singer, Nao also pays homage to the masters and delves into the classics and gospel while also dabbling in rock and funk. Yoshioka tackles Etta James, Sam Cooke, and Nina Simone with sophistication, dedication and tremendous style. Her renditions are crisp and capture the era eerily. Hard to believe she’s a young soulstress, barely 27 years old. There’s even a live recording tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Production, songwriting and guests include The Netherlands’ Shirma Rouse, American soul singer Brian Owens, Orly, the charming and very talented native Australian singer-songwriter now based in New York, Sacha Vee, super-talented soul artist from New Zealand, Dani Elliott, talented singer-songwriter who was a backing vocalist for The Roots and Stevie Wonder, and Takuya Kuroda, the gifted Blue Note Records-signed Japanese trumpeter based in New York who plays a central role in the Jose James band. Recorded in three different countries: U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands with artists from five different nations.
This project is bound to receive a lot of recognition purely for the exchanges and crossing borders. Nao is poised to be the first Soul Singer from Japan to create a splash in the U.S and put her distinct next generation soul on the map!
Below, Nao Yoshioka sings “Spend My Life” (short version):
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