PREMIERE: Ari Tsugi - Mėnulis pt. II (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Ari Tsugi share new single Mėnulis pt. II ahead of upcoming album.
International psychedelic jazz collective Ari Tsugi return on 26 September with Mėnulis pt. II, a hypnotic glimpse of their forthcoming album Ryto Vėjas ir Mėnulis (Morning Wind and Moon), out 22 October via Slnko Records.
The single arrives with a visually rich video by London artist Alesh Comptom, who blends footage from the band’s Glasgow recording sessions and recent European tour with a Gen Z lens on memory and connection.
Mėnulis was written in the wake of a breakup. Founding member Mashu Harada describes it as a reflection on separation as both painful and transformative: “Mėnulis pt. II begins in E major, a parallel shift from the original minor key – symbolising reconciliation after loss.”
The track grew from Harada’s sketches into a collective creation. Vocalist Alma Rechtman’s lyrics drift through imagery of mist and reflection, while Mateusz Sobieski’s saxophone solo threads around her voice in a charged dialogue. Percussionist Alex Palmer, bassist Mischa Stevens, drummer Joe Weisberg, guitarist Clément Gaud, and keyboardist Angus Macdonald layer in vibrant textures, grounding the song’s expansive mood.
Ari Tsugi’s sound moves fluidly between jazz improvisation, psychedelic soundscapes, and Brazilian rhythms, reflecting their roots across France, Scotland, England, Hungary, Japan, and Slovakia.
Their new record, produced by Lithuanian Vilo Jokubaitis and captured in a single live take, continues the band’s exploration of connection, distance, and renewal. Ryto Vėjas ir Mėnulis will be available on vinyl and digital platforms from 22 October.
Mashu Harada, the guitarist, composer and co-founder of Ari Tsugi sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
When I was 3 or 4, singing a tune for Santa Claus at Christmas and receiving sweets gave me a first memory of music achieving something for me. I was very shy in the moment but my ego was nurtured. But as I grew older, it became less about personal gain and more about sharing joy and feeling part of a community.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Fabiano do Nascimento - His musicality and guitar technique has been very big inspiration for our album “Ryto Vejas ir Menulis”. His music is really beautiful with a depth and sensitivity. Learning his music sparked the idea for the compositions in the album. Would love to collaborate with him :)
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
We are releasing our second album Ryto Vejas ir Menulis which means (Morning Wind and the Moon) through Slnko Reocrds in October. We are also planning a UK / EU tour in February 2026 - Dates to be announced.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Japanese-french-psychedelic-spiritual-jazz inspired by folk and Brazilian music (hahaha).
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I think the fact that we have gathered so many beautiful souls in our collective and sharing meal all together when we were doing residency for making new albums. It made me feel like wow, so lucky to be able to create something beautiful all together.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
In Japanese music is “Ongaku (音楽)” - On (音) means sound and Gaku (楽) means enjoyment. So if you are enjoying the sound that you are making you already won the game! Everything that comes after is a bonus.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Shin Sasakubo - Amazing artist from Japan who is trained in classical and Andes music. Absolute master of classical guitar. He made so many albums and he keeps creating a lot!! Check him out.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Obrigado Brazil - Yo-Yo Ma.
Check Menino from this album what a beautiful tune <3 It reminds me of my partner who showed me this song. How nice.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to study about the universe. I study Science and I am pursuing a PHD in a research project for Nuclear fusion materials engineering. I also love learning about consciousness and practice meditations. Connecting with people is always nice too :)
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Sound engineer, and stuff (gear/instrument) you need for recording, and the desire to record.