RIKIMARU flexes his skills as choreographer and performer with new single ‘TALKIN’BOUT’, from upcoming first full album ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’!

TALKIN’BOUT Jacket Cover

World-class dancer and multitalented artist RIKIMARU released ‘TALKIN’BOUT’ on Thursday, July 27, as an advance single from his upcoming first full-length album, ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’. The album is poised to reveal a new image for RIKIMARU, and show the world his dynamic and free-spirited charm. 

Through the songs on the album, the overarching concept of “ears: listen” and “eyes: see” paints a story, with RIKIMARU’s dramatic and bold performances adding impact to the senses of hearing and sight again and again.

Fans can get a taste of the unique concept of the album ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’ through the advance release single ‘TALKIN’BOUT’, out now. Through a total of 12 songs, the album traces a melancholic, absurdist view of the conflict between the “king” and the “clown”, with lyrics to some songs including acerbic takes on society and lashings of satire.

‘TALKIN’BOUT’ was created during a songwriting session with production team Tha Aristocratz and Tiyon “TC” Mack, who have produced multiple global hits, and then refined over and over again during the production and recording process. The vocals express a wide range of emotions, layered over heavy synths and basslines that vibrate down to the marrow, and drumming that packs a strong punch.

RIKIMARU participated in the entire process of producing his first solo album, from the initial preproduction stage to the completion of the project, showing his extreme commitment to creating this special work. The album includes songwriters, arrangers, lyricists and dancers from China, Japan, South Korea and the United States – all hand-picked by RIKIMARU, expanding his musical boundaries.

For ‘TALKIN’BOUT’, RIKIMARU even visited South Korea, where he created a music video together with a local creative team and dancers, creating a unique dance experience. With intense dance routines set against a video wall backdrop filled with surging dark-red waves, the video pulls viewers deep inside the atmospheric world of RIKIMARU’s upcoming album.

A concept teaser video for the album was released on July 24, and immediately began attracting attention from intrigued fans. Indeed, the story of RIKIMARU’s first full-length album ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’ truly begins with this concept teaser video, which reveals a new side to RIKIMARU and uses music and visuals to convey his reimagined appeal. 

As he further refines his expressive power as a choreographer and an artist, RIKIMARU has taken a step towards becoming a global star. There is no doubt this unique talent will attract support from music fans around the world.

Be sure to check out TALKIN’BOUT here!