In his latest solo production, Kotokashi, Di Stefano crafts a deeply personal and experimental journey that transcends borders and genres. Entirely composed, arranged, and produced by the artist himself, the track is a testament to his vision of music as an extension of international soundscapes. While the creative process was solitary, Di Stefano acknowledges the crucial role of his audio engineer, Elliot, whose nuanced mixing elevated the piece, preserving its organic essence while refining its sonic clarity. To ensure authenticity, a Japanese vocalist was brought in, lending precision and emotional depth to the spoken words woven into the composition.

Kotokashi is a delicate yet bold fusion of tradition and innovation. Drawing from the rich musical heritage of Japan’s Edo period, Di Stefano reinterprets rather than imitates, blending the resonant tones of ancient instruments like the koto and taiko with modern electronic textures. The result is far from conventional electronica; it’s a cross-cultural meditation, where time-honored Japanese sounds meet contemporary production and raw, personal emotion.

This track is part of a broader musical exploration, with Kotokashi serving as an auditory homage to Japan, not just in its instrumentation but in its philosophy. The title itself is a poetic play on words: Koto, the iconic stringed instrument that threads through the piece, and Kashi, meaning lyrics. Together, they form “Koto lyrics,” a metaphor for unspoken feelings. Created during a period of emotional ambiguity, the track reflects on the tension between clarity and distance, both in relationships and in life. It carries themes of longing, reverence, and restraint, mirroring the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, the beauty found in imperfection and simplicity. Di Stefano admits that despite his pursuit of perfection, the track’s honesty lies in its subtle flaws, making it all the more genuine.

In a world overwhelmed by sensory overload, Kotokashi stands apart by inviting stillness. It’s not merely a song to be heard but an experience to be felt, a modern passage through Edo Japan, where every sonic detail serves the mood. The lingering reverb, the resonant taiko drums, and even the intentional ambient imperfections are meticulously placed to evoke intimacy.

With Kotokashi, Di Stefano offers a moment of reflection, a bridge between cultures, and a reminder of music’s power to convey what words cannot. It’s a quiet rebellion against the songs of today, proving that sometimes, the most profound statements are made in whispers.

Stream Here:open.spotify.com/album/3OajKaxKEaPZZQtI2Vp