Singer-songwriter A-ko (pronounced Eiko) has released her first album, GENE. In addition, the music video for the lead track “good morning” from the album has been released on A-ko’s official YouTube channel.
“Good Morning” was created in the excitement of finding out they would be performing at SXSW in the US. It features an impressive trumpet interlude, percussion and chorus, and while it’s cheerful, it also has A-ko’s unique languidness and groove, so please pay attention to the worldview of the lyrics that give a sense of transience.
The music video was directed by Shun Takeda, who has teamed up with Aiko for the fourth time after “trank,” “Wakusei,” and “LAZY.” The entire video was shot in Los Angeles, USA, with Aiko appearing in various locations, including Santa Monica Beach, the subway, and a rooftop overlooking downtown. The video captures the atmosphere of Los Angeles, which matches the worldview of the song, so we hope you enjoy it along with the song.
The first album “GENE” is a-ko’s first full album, containing 13 songs in total, including “Atashi no Zenbu wo Aisenai,” which attracted attention as the opening theme of TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 “Hatsukoi, Zarari,” her major debut single “Wakusei,” which was played on 36 AM and FM stations nationwide, and five new songs “good morning,” “Beige and Pink,” “miss u,” “Tsumaran,” and “Borderline.” The Blu-ray “MACHINE” will also include newly shot acoustic live footage and behind-the-scenes footage from the “SXSW” stage held in Texas, USA in March 2024.
There will also be special first-come-first-served bonuses at different stores, using the album artwork and booklet designs. The number of these bonuses is limited, so be sure to buy early at a CD shop to get the first-come-first-served bonuses.
They are also set to hold their first free live show, “Good News Sessions,” on July 23rd at Club eX in Shinagawa. Those who purchase the first album “GENE” during the period will be entered into a lottery to receive an invitation to purchase “GENE” online or at Tower Records Shibuya or Shinjuku. The second round of applications will close at 6:00 PM on July 12th, so be sure to check out the details on the Tower Records special page and apply.
Be sure to check out the GENE special site, official website, and various social media accounts to make sure you don’t miss out on A-ko’s future developments.
Ako Comment
The first album “GENE” has been released.
“My identity is inherited from the great works of the past, from history.
What if my own work was included as part of that larger flow?”
This is the meaning behind the name.
Listening to music at a loud volume can be a lot of fun sometimes, so be sure to turn up the volume a little higher than usual!
Thank you.
a-ko-good morning: MUSIC VIDEO
a-ko 1st album “GENE”
Released on Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Purchase the CD here
Streaming link
a-ko “GENE” special site
CD + Blu-ray
PCCA-6311 ¥4,180 (tax included)
CD Only
PCCA-6312 ¥3,080 (tax included)
CD Track List
01.Good morning
02. Planet
03. You can’t love all of me
04.miss u
05. Beige and peach
06. Angel
07. samurai
08. Emotion
09.racy
10. Boring
11. LAZY
12. Love is always
13. Borderline
Blu-ray bonus footage: “MACHINE”
・Acoustic Live in LA
01. Planet
02. good morning
03. Borderline
・Vlog: Ako touring in SXSW TX, United States
First-come-first-served shop benefits
If you pre-order a-ko’s “GENE” at the participating stores listed below, you will receive the following shop-specific first-come-first-served purchase bonuses on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amazon.co.jp: Mega Jacket
Rakuten Books: Can badges
Seven Net Shopping: Pick
Tower Records and TOWER mini stores, Tower Records Online: Sticker A
Nationwide HMV/HMV&BOOKS online: Sticker B
*Purchase benefits will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the offer will end once all stock has been exhausted.
*Some stores may not offer the bonuses, so please check when making your reservation or purchase.
*If you make a reservation on the EC site, if you would like a product with a bonus, please be sure to order from the bonus cart.
(Please note that some EC sites may not allow you to cancel pre-ordered items.)
ako Free Live “Good News Sessions”
Please be sure to read the notes carefully and we look forward to receiving your application.
Date and time: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 18:30 OPEN / 19:30 START
Venue: Club eX, Shinagawa
Admission fee: Free
Shipping:
“GENE” CD + Blu-ray / PCCA-6311
“GENE” CD Only / PCCA-6312
*One serial code will be given for each CD purchased. Up to one person can apply per serial code.
*If you have any questions regarding the serial code, please contact the store where you purchased the product.
*All tickets for this performance will be electronic.
*This performance will also be live-streamed. Please note that audience members in the venue may appear in the footage.
*At the meeting time (18:30~), you will be asked to line up in order of your serial number and the reception will begin. If you are late for the meeting time, you will be guided to the back of the line regardless of your serial number.
Serial number distribution and application period
Please enter the serial code provided by Tower Records when you pre-order and purchase A-ko’s 1st Album “GENE”.
Second reception
Application period: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 0:00 – Friday, July 12, 2024, 18:00
*Tower Records Shibuya and Shinjuku stores will be open until closing time, and Tower Records Online will be open until 6:00 p.m.
Winner Announcement
We will send an invitation email to the winners instead of an announcement. Those who were not selected will not receive an invitation email. Thank you for your understanding.
Winning email will be sent on Thursday, July 18, 2024
Details/Serial code application form
https://www.pc-campaign.com/akogenelive
Purchase CDs from Tower Records Online here
CD+Blu-ray https://tower.jp/item/6386684/
CD Only https://tower.jp/item/6386685/
Event Inquiries
Pony Canyon Customer Center
Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-13:00/14:00-17:00 (excluding weekends, holidays, and company designated days)
https://www.ponycanyon.co.jp/support/inquiry
Inquiry forms are available 24 hours a day, but responses will only be sent during business hours.
When contacting us, please be sure to include the campaign name.
Artist Information
Official Website:https://akolondog.net/
Official YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@mjgptw___ad
Formula X:https://twitter.com/mjgptw___ad
Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mjgptw___ad/
profile
Singer-songwriter. She began her career as an artist in earnest in 2020. A-ko produces many emotional songs herself. Her creative team, londog, also takes the lead in producing music videos and other works, making her a very diverse group.
The group released their first EP, “Potential MISTY,” in September 2020, their second EP, “ANTI BLUE,” in January 2021, and their third EP, “Steal your heart,” in December 2023, on their independent label, londog. To date, they have released three EPs and 15 singles.
In 2023, A-ko’s first Tokyo-Osaka tour, “A-ko Live Tour 2023 “l’m crazy now, over you”” will be held at Umeda Shangri-La and Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO, which were sold out.
The band will make their major debut in February 2024 with “Wakusei” through Pony Canyon/IRORI Records.
They will release their first album, “GENE,” on July 10, 2024, and will hold the “a-ko Live Tour 2024 “Umbilical Cord”” in August.
