The origins of Rhyth Matter trace back to 2011, shortly after the Great East Japan Earthquake. While visiting Yony in New York, the artist Mater recorded a series of demos. When Marihito heard these recordings, he immediately saw the potential for a full-length project and envisioned a concept centered on "Live Dub" with a distinct Basic Channel influence.
Over several years, the project evolved through a rigorous analog process. The multi-track recordings—originally captured on cassette tape, 4-track, 8-track, and reel-to-reel—were eventually digitized into Pro Tools to be meticulously shaped into the final album.
At the time, Marihito was releasing an album through Bill Laswell’s label. When he shared the works-in-progress with Bill and asked if M.O.D. (Laswell's label) would be interested, the answer was a definitive yes. Initially, the album was set for release via a licensing deal with M.O.D.
However, complications during the vinyl production phase at M.O.D. led to the difficult decision to scrap the record release. Refusing to let the vision of a physical LP die, Marihito took the project back to his own label, Personal Affair, finally releasing it on both vinyl and digital formats as it was always meant to be heard.
Produced by Marter & Yony
Marter & Yony: Masateru Yamauchi (Bass, Keys & Synth) & Yoshio Kobayashi (Drums, Percussion, Keys & Synth on track B2:Palm's Dream)
Jody Tenku Miyashita: Electric Guitar on (A2: Leve 13, B1: Alpha Wave)
Yusuke Yamamoto: Synth on (A3: Cosmic Dance, B1: Alpha Wave)
Daniel Jodocy on (B4: Fung-Ku)
Artwork by Marihito "MARI" Ayabe & Namiko Ishikawa
