Japanese producer and beat maker Chizawa Q marks his highly anticipated return to R&S Records with the announcement of his forthcoming album Xenoverse and the release of the first single, ‘Beluga,’ a collaboration with Masaki Sakamoto.
Having first caught the attention of the influential Belgian label with his 2006 EP ‘Lost Asia’ (which was remixed and re-released in 2022), Chizawa’s return reinforces R&S’s commitment to nurturing visionary artists. Xenoverse promises to be a significant contribution to the label’s legacy, pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
R&S Records has built its reputation by championing genre-defying music, and Chizawa’s latest project exemplifies this. The album’s lead single, ‘Beluga,’ introduces listeners to a dark, brooding soundscape, layered with tribal rhythms and deep vocals. Its dynamic build—from shuffling hi-hats to jazzy stabs—cements a groove that feels both timeless and futuristic. Drawing inspiration from Detroit techno greats like Underground Resistance and Kenny Larkin, as well as European jazz-techno innovators Steve Rachmad and Dave Angel, Chizawa Q skillfully blends old-school vibes with a forward-thinking approach to production.
The accompanying visuals for ‘Beluga’ are just as captivating, using trippy, film noir-inspired imagery to match the abstract tone of the track. With Xenoverse, listeners can expect an album that spans a wide spectrum of electronic genres, featuring collaborations with artists such as Masaki Sakamoto, Kowalewski, and Dan Sama, alongside remixes from the acclaimed Makoto Shimizu. Chizawa Q is at the forefront of Japan’s burgeoning electronic scene, and with Xenoverse, he reaffirms his place as a bold, innovative force in contemporary music.
