Hagaki 葉書 by FloFilz

FloFilz’s new album 'Hagaki' – out September 12th on Melting Pot Music – is a musical love letter to Japan—a sonic travel log that blends jazz and beats with Japanese music and culture. Recorded in both Berlin and Tokyo, FloFilz invited fellow musicians, beatmakers, and singers such as Takuya Kuroda, Nao Yoshioka, Toshiki Soejima, Budamunk, and Matt Wilde to join him on his journey. Acclaimed music and travel photographer Robert Winter was responsible for the outstanding visuals that accompany the album.

FloFilz is recognized as one of Germany’s most in-demand producers. Born in Germany, he grew up in Belgium before moving to Berlin in 2020. A classically trained violinist, he began making beats in 2012 while still performing in orchestras.

His music is a seductive blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop-influenced grooves. Deeply inspired by London’s jazz scene, FloFilz has collaborated with artists such as Alfa Mist, Kofi Stone, MF DOOM, Kojey Radical, JuJu Rogers, Wun Two, Bokoya, Jerome Thomas, Summers Sons, and J. Lamotta.

In 2014, FloFilz and Melting Pot Music launched an album series that explores the culture, vibe, and landscape of cities he loves—both musically and visually. The visual side is handled by Robert Winter, a well-known music and travel photographer immersed in Germany’s hip-hop and beat producer scene. For the first album, 'Metronom', FloFilz, Robert Winter, and Melting Pot Music founder Olski traveled to Paris. For 'Cenário' (2016) and 'Transit' (2019), they visited Lisbon and London. Each album is released as a high-quality gatefold edition and includes a 20-page photo book.

For 'Hagaki', the fourth volume in the series, FloFilz traveled to Japan, where he spent a full month working on music and visuals. 'Hagaki' means 'postcard' in Japanese. The album is a multidisciplinary love letter and a dialogue with Japanese culture and music. FloFilz had visited Japan several times before—playing shows in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto; enjoying some of the best food he’d ever had; and discovering rare records in meticulously curated record stores. He also ventured beyond the big cities, hiking through mountains, forests, and along coastlines. These experiences deepened his appreciation for how Japanese culture emphasizes harmony with nature. The attention to detail and sincerity found in Japanese art and craftsmanship are qualities that also define FloFilz's approach to music-making.

'Hagaki' is dedicated to Tokyo, the Japanese capital and the most populous city in the world, with over 37 million residents. FloFilz, Robert Winter, and Olski immersed themselves in the city and its culture. They visited jazz joints, ramen shops, record stores, tea houses, temples—and even more record stores. They attended performances by local jazz artists like Uyama Hiroto and Manchester’s own Matthew Halsall at the iconic Blue Note club. FloFilz performed at the Jazzy Sport x Roland Anniversary Party and was invited by Ella Records for a DJ set and an in-depth video interview about record culture and digging.

During their trip, they reconnected with old music friends and made new ones—from Mitsu The Beats, Budamunk, and Lidly to the entire Jazzy Sport crew and the welcoming team at Ella Records. FloFilz also hit the studio with trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, vocalist Nao Yoshioka, guitarist Toshiki Soejima, and some of Tokyo’s most respected beatmakers.

open.spotify.com
music.apple.com
Instagram
YouTube
SoundCloud