See a new side of RIKIMARU on first full album ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’! Lead track ‘I am Riki’ music video also out now!

‘CLOWN OR CROWN’ Jacket Cover

World-class dancer and multitalented artist RIKIMARU has released his first full-length album, ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’, along with a music video for its lead track, ‘I am Riki’.

‘I am Riki’ condenses the dark atmosphere that runs throughout the album into one song, and the music video adds elements of suspense and mystery, resulting in a modern fairy tale vibe that is typical of RIKIMARU.

The advance single ‘TALKIN’BOUT’ released on July 27 had the theme of “whispers”, incorporating ears as a motif to represent being unafraid of rumors and hearsay. Now, lead album track ‘I am Riki’ carries a message of not being deceived by your own senses, and the song incorporates eyes as a motif.

The music video for ‘I am Riki’ follows a protagonist who has lost his sight as a result of suffering brain damage in a traffic accident, and who now believes he is a world-famous star named Riki. The video features scenes that are dark and cold, and others that are bright and warm, depicting a story filled with suspense that builds to a shocking climax.

RIKIMARU selected the concept for the album ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’ himself and was involved in the production of both the music and the video, further refining his abilities for artistic expression. 

Throughout the album, RIKIMARU uses hypothetical stories to examine issues in modern society through a humorous lens. “Who am I? Where am I?” These may seem like simple questions, but behind them lie the complexities and contradictions of human beings. Through these philosophical elements, he leaves room for listeners to enjoy the songs while prompting them to think more deeply.

The album songs all follow this pattern, expressing RIKIMARU’s creative style through bold inspiration and philosophical elements that shine a light on the social topics we should all be thinking about.

The album hits levels of perfection you would never expect from a first try, and you can sense RIKIMARU’s determination to move forward as an artist. RIKIMARU will doubtless continue to create music that opens our eyes.

Be sure to check out the streaming link for ‘CLOWN OR CROWN’ here!

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!