Since its release, Hikaru Utada’s single “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” has captivated audiences worldwide, claiming the top spot on rankings for both Japanese and international digital music platforms.
Amidst a whirlwind of excitement fueled by their media appearances in Japan and the highly-anticipated music video release, fans can anticipate another treat: a remixed version of the track scheduled to drop on August 25.
The new remix, “Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku’s Twice Upon a Time Remix),” was produced by DJ and record producer ☆Taku Takahashi, who formerly collaborated with Utada for “DISTANCE (m-flo Remix)” and performed original remixed versions of Utada’s songs at a special DJ event held last year.
This highly-danceable remix is a fresh take on the original version.
“I’m so happy to have been offered the opportunity to work on the remix once again,” said ☆Taku Takahashi. “I felt a strong connection to the original song, which motivated me to give it a unique twist to make the remix sound completely different from the original one.
Despite labelling it as a remix, we introduced fresh vocal elements, and we had a lot of fun working together as if it were a session, openly sharing our viewpoints and diligently bringing it to completion.”
On the day the remix comes out, Hikaru Utada will make their guest appearance on “TCY Radio” on block.fm hosted by ☆Taku Takahashi, from 9 pm Japan Time.
To commemorate the release of the remix track, a live-streaming event featuring “Hikaru Utada Only mix DJ” by ☆Taku Takahashi will also be held on the day, from 10 pm Japan Time. Don’t miss this special occasion, to be streamed from the @hikki_staff Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/hikki_staff.
An exclusive opportunity awaits a group of 10 pairs (comprising 20 individuals) of “TCY Radio” listeners. They will have the chance to receive invitations to the “TCY Radio” public broadcasting and the grand release party set to take place in Tokyo.
Complete instructions on applying for this exceptional experience will be unveiled during today’s “TCY Radio” broadcast starting at 9 pm Japan Time.
Release Information
“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made-” (Theme song for Japanese film “KINGDOM: The Flame of Destiny”)
https://erj.lnk.to/UtadaGold
“Gold -Mata Au Hi Made- (Taku’s Twice Upon a Time Remix)”
https://erj.lnk.to/zUr9CD
About ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo, block.fm)
DJ, Music Producer, Founder of block.fm
Taku Takahashi launched his career in 1998 as the DJ/Producer of the J-pop music group “m-flo.” The group quickly rose to prominence and, over the last decade, has sold over 2 million copies of their 30 singles and ten albums.
Taku Takahashi is also well known for his solo work as a producer/ songwriter, remixing music for prominent artists such as Calvin Harris, The Ting Tings, Passion Pit, Morgan Page, and Hikaru Utada, spanning various genres from all over the globe.
Winning the “Beatport Music Awards 2011 Top Tracks” with his “Incoming… TAKU Remix”, he has proven himself an elite player in the Japanese dance music scene. Taku Takahashi also supervised the soundtracks for the hit Japanese anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” and made waves in the music industry for his work with the drama/movie ‘’Nobunaga Concerto’’.
In 2011, Taku Takahashi embarked on his most ambitious venture, establishing Japan’s first and only Dance Music Radio Station, “block.fm”. Currently boasting over 40 programs, including exclusive mixes from world-famous international DJs, block.fm is gaining substantial attention as its fan base rapidly grows.
Praised for his prominent role in the Japanese dance music industry, Taku Takahashi was voted the number 1 DJ for three years by Japan’s most well-known dance music publication “iLOUD” for their annual “DJ 50/50” top DJ list.
About Hikaru Utada
Japanese singer-songwriter and producer Hikaru Utada is one of the most influential artists in the J-pop and global music scene. Since debuting on 9 December 1998, Utada has achieved many remarkable milestones in their career.
Their first single, “Automatic/time will tell,” sold over two million copies, propelling them to become one of Japan’s top artists at 15. Just months later, their debut full-length First Love shattered domestic CD sales figures, holding the record for best-selling album ever in the country today.
Their 2001 album, Distance, further established their status as the 21st century’s first Japanese superstar, breaking numerous records.
Utada’s creations boast a unique blend of pop, R&B, rock, and electronic music elements topped with innovation and timelessness.
Beyond their mesmerizing sound, Utada’s songwriting is a hallmark of their career, crafting profoundly introspective and emotionally charged lyrics that resonate with their audience on a profound level.
Utada’s ethereal vocals effortlessly convey vulnerability, strength, and rawness. They are actively involved in music production and maintain creative control over their artistic vision, including directing the recording process.
Throughout their career, Utada has received many awards and accolades, including multiple Japan Gold Disc Awards, Japan Record Awards, and recognition as the Best Asian Artist at the MTV Asia Awards.
Recently, Utada’s artistry reached new heights with the release of the eighth album, BAD MODE, which garnered high domestic and international praise.
Multiple music outlets included it on their “Best of 2022” lists, including prominent American outlet Pitchfork. In 2022, Utada made their festival debut at the globally recognized Coachella Festival in California, joining celebrated label 88rising as part of their exhilarating showcase.
Additionally, Netflix debuted the series First Love, inspired by Utada’s eponymous single, in late 2022. It achieved tremendous success in Japan and across Asia, prompting their older songs to chart on streaming rankings.
With their exceptional talent, innovative sound, introspective lyrics, and emotional vocal registry, Utada continues to leave an indelible mark on contemporary music, inspiring generations of global audiences.
Their artistry remains a shining example of the power of art to push boundaries, break fresh ground and reach new milestones.
About “KINGDOM: The Flame of Destiny”
Plot:
War orphan Shin embarks on a journey with the young king, Eisei, to unify China. Suddenly, a large enemy force led by Zhao starts to invade Qin. Eisei assigns the great general Ohki to lead the battle as commander-in-chief to solve this national crisis.
Shin is named Hishintai for his squad and a reckless special mission from Ohki. While Ohki’s return to the battlefield leaves a mystery, the story reveals Eisei’s formerly unknown past. Shin’s destiny moves toward the dream he shared with his lost friend – to become a great general.
Release date: 28 July, 2023
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Writers: Tsutomu Kuroiwa & Yasuhisa Hara
Music: Yutaka Yamada
Cast:
Kento Yamazaki, Ryo Yoshizawa, Kanna Hashimoto, Nana Seino, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Amane Okayama, Takahiro Miura, Anne, Yuki Yamada, Masahiro Takashima, Jun Kaname, Masaya Kato, Mitsuomi Takahashi, Yusuke Hirayama, Ainosuke Kataoka, Koji Yamamoto, Masami Nagasawa, Hiroshi Tamaki, Koichi Sato, Takao Osawa
Based on: “KINGDOM” by Yasuhisa Hara (Serialized in Weekly Young Jump by SHUEISHA)
Credits: ©Yasuhisa Hara/SHUEISHA ©2023 “KINGDOM” Film Partners
