Latest posts by Piper Ruth
(see all)Along with acts like José González and In Flames, Gothenburg, Sweden is also the birthplace of electronic group Little Dragon and their co-founder, Yukimi Nagano. Gothenburg is famously considered a musical haven for all types of genres, many of which have greatly influenced Yukimi and Little Dragon. The Grammy-nominated band has collaborated with artists like De La Soul, Gorillaz, and ODESZA throughout their nearly thirty-year run. This year, Yukimi put a pause on Little Dragon to create her own solo project, For You, produced by Little Dragon bandmate Erik Bodin.
For You captures every corner of Yukimi’s musical influences, taking notes from jazz, indie, electronica, soul, and R&B. The album also covers a variety of introspective and vulnerable themes. Yukimi makes it clear in the spoken word opening track that For You is not just an album name. “Even though it’s about me,” she speaks over a soundscape that jumps from electronic to bossa nova, “it’s equally about you.” Some songs are deeply personal, like the tracks “Elinam” and “Jaxon,” named after her sons. Others open themselves up to the listener to interpret for themselves. For You is less like listening to an album and more like going on a musical journey alongside Yukimi.
“Break Me Down” is one of Yukimi’s most powerful tracks. She tackles themes of growth and strength through a lens of love and honesty over a smooth and energetic mix of snare drum, electric guitar, and keys. With lyrics like “every day I’m reborn like a new reveal” and “every day that I wake / and I let in love and I hope that you know / that my heart’s enough,” Yukimi rejects the idea of self-improvement being a selfish, one-time act and instead frames it as an act of radical love and constant change.