Prominent independent music label Lo Recordings, which was founded in London in 1995, has announced a monumental re-release of 14 albums by pioneering Japanese musician Susumu Yokota.

Known for his groundbreaking electronic and ambient compositions, Yokota was active between 1998 and 2012, during which time he released 30 albums, numerous 12-inch singles, and also established his own successful label, Skintone.

Reaching his peak in the late 90s, Yokota’s visionary sound influenced artists at home and abroad, including names such as Aphex Twin, Björk, Brian Eno and Philip Glass. Though he passed away in 2015 at the age of 54, after a long period of illness, his work – including his time spent DJing – continues to inform developments in techno and house music today.

“Yokota’s music evolved far too quickly for us to grasp at the time,” says Gavin O’Shea of Lo Recordings. “Now, as we look back, we can fully appreciate the depth and scope of his work.”

To commemorate his many achievements, Lo Recordings has partnered with Yokota’s family to remaster and re-release 14 of his most impactful albums across two box sets, including Sakura (1999), Grinning Cat (2001) and Symbol (2004).

Yokota’s music evolved far too quickly for us to grasp at the time. Now, as we look back, we can fully appreciate the depth and scope of his work

Lo Recordings also worked with Anglo-Scandinavian design studio Non-Format, who specialise in music publishing, on this project. Having previously designed a poster for Yokota’s posthumously-released 2019 album Cloud Hidden, the studio was keen once again to complement the legendary musician’s creative talent with equally beautiful design.

The resulting package is a fitting tribute to Yokota’s lasting legacy. Silver foil lettering adorns a high-quality linen paper box covered with subtle silver flecks like the night sky, hinting at the surreal and magical worlds contained within. Inside the box sets, of which only one has been released so far, are seven vinyls, each bearing Yokota’s name and the title of the respective album, as well as the album’s original artwork.

The custom typefaces for the black-on-black text, though different from one another, are all equally dynamic in their letterforms, using subtle abstraction to reflect the sonic qualities of each release. The vinyl discs themselves have been created in a range of colours, including gold, blue, white, grey, orange and beige – each with a single letter on the middle label. There is also a fold-out poster and biography inside each of the vinyl sleeves.

Clearly, great care has been given to the design of these box sets, with every detail considered and created to complement Yokota’s singular sound. The packaging makes reference to Yokota’s own visual style, but gives it a contemporary touch, and elevates the overall physical offering to become something luxurious and covetable.

The first volume of Skintone Edition is now available to pre-order, and has been released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Yokota’s passing, as well as the 30th anniversary of Lo Recordings’ founding.

non-format.com