Shane Sato’s debut album ‘Until We Meet Again’ released on vinyl LP
Shane Sato is a Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter raised in Southern California and currently residing in Los Angeles. Shane started playing the drums at the age of 5, later picking up the guitar, bass, piano, and trombone in his adolescent years. His musical journey began with him playing in several rock bands, wind ensembles, and jazz big bands throughout college, keeping his musical learnings diverse throughout his early life.
Now focused on producing his own original compositions, Shane has released his music independently, garnering over 2.5 million streams between his debut album, Until We Meet Again and a handful of beautiful collaborations with other artists and friends (most recently Airwaves Deluxe). He has received a myriad of positive support for his releases, notably with several tracks being featured on multiple Spotify editorial playlists, including Fresh Finds Jazz and Morning Rhythm.
Shane Sato‘s debut album Until We Meet Again is a collection of 7 instrumentals and 1 vocal tune sitting somewhere between jazz fusion, lofi hip hop, city pop and neo soul. Originally released only digitally, the album went on to garner over 700,000 streams in just over 6 months through pure organic momentum (no marketing), with fans clamouring for a physical release, which convinced Shane to publish a limited-edition vinyl due out on March 14th 2025.
This album is dedicated to Shane’s mother who sadly passed away in 2022, with the original release date July 19th, 2024, which would have been her 59th birthday. All of the artwork for the singles and the cover art for the album feature paintings by Shane‘s mom, which he ironically found hidden in a bin in the garage after her passing.
One song in particular is named after her, “Sumiko” (her middle name), while the title track “Until We Meet Again” was recorded on the piano that she used to play when Shane was a child. The album is a tribute to a woman who played an instrumental part in Shane’s musical formation, from first sparking his interest in music through her collection of CDs, to driving him to all of his drum lessons up to giving him the trombone she once played in high school.
“Gospel Type” is an album highlight, an uptempo jazz funk instrumental that features Mo’Dali on electric guitar. The song highlights a powerful guitar motif and bass counter melody that are supported by a driving rhythm section of drums, bass, guitars and keys. Written originally as a type beat demo, this record has since come alive as a result of recording live instruments in the studio.
“I Feel Alright” is the only vocal track on the album, it was written by Shane Sato and co-produced with Coastal and features Nashville artist Oli-J on vocals, as well as Glen Turner II on tenor saxophone. The song took form in Los Angeles completely by accident: Oli-J showed up a day early to a Shane and Coastal session, and the three decided to use the time together to pivot and write to an old demo in Shane‘s folders. After the song was done and Oli-J‘s vocals were cut, it was only fitting to reach out to Glen Turner to bless the track with his warm saxophone tone and creative melodies.
From the funky trumpet of album opener “Peach and Love” to the lush pads and tasteful piano lines in “Discovery” featuring LA native Kiefer on keys, passing by the chill midtempo beats of “Synaptic Plasticity”, or the loungy vibes of “Gardenia”, musically this record offers a little bit of something for every listener.
With Shane Sato’s musical journey picking up speed and momentum, we’re sure this is only the first you’ll hear of this gifted artist, who is no doubt one of the fresh names to watch out for this 2025!
‘Until We Meet Again’ out on LP / Digital on Mar. 14th 2025 via Sumiko Records
