O-Arc

MINIMALISM, FRAGILITY AND BOLDNESS IN HARMONY. ALTERNATIVE AMBIENT ZEN POP FROM HYBRID DUO O-ARC

O-ARC is the creative collaboration between Masa Iida, singer/songwriter from Yokohama, Japan, and London-born guitarist & co-writer Neil Mason.

While their influences are eclectic. Lou Reed, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, David Sylvian, to name a few. The uniqueness of O-ARC's music comes from their minimalist approach. The genre is Alternative, the mood is ambient, but the musicians are clear that what they are creating is ZEN POP.

In deceptively simple arrangements, guitar parts and vocals are interwoven to create a beautiful and compelling vibe. Neil's delicate but intense playing creates a colourful sound collage, over which Masa floats haunting melodies with his distinctive mellow voice. His lyrics are poetic and profound, and the whole combines brilliantly to put the listener in a meditative state. With all these elements their music is incredibly refreshing and soothing.

Masa and Neil met in Camden, London in 1999 while playing on different projects. It was in late 2002 that Masa invited Neil to contribute to the recording sessions for Masa's first EP (entitled MASA) and they have been performing and composing together ever since. The duo feel that their music suits being played in unconventional spaces, and consequently gigs have included ICA London, Tate Britain, Whitechapel Gallery, Comme des Garsons Boutique in Dover Street Market, and Art Car Boot Sale at Brick Lane.

In 2008 they were nominated for 2 awards on internet radio station ABC: Fame Game's The Effigy Awards Final?EV ?EBest Artist in Style (adult alternative category) and Best Song in Style (adult alternative category) for their song So Beaten.

In 2009 they changed their duo name from MASA to O-ARC to reflect the fact that this project was now longer Masa's solo project. In In February they supported Sean O'Hagan's High Llamas tour in Tokyo, Japan.

The name O-ARC is inspired by the concept of enso (which means circle in Japanese). Closely linked to Zen philosophy, enso represents enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, the void, and the moment. It is believed that only someone who is spiritually complete can draw a perfect circle.

The darkness and deceptive simplicity of O-Arcs music falls
somewhere within a parameter set down by gothic american folk singer
Sandy Bull and the early Cherry reds more Illusive moments as in
the music of Eyeless in Gaza.

The voice and guitar are all we need in O-Arc's world this EP veers
from the lost joy of 'where to go ' and the the rolling cautious
optimism of ' Hope' to the menace of ' there is only'.

These songs defy definition but are the sound of two artists in
control of their destiny. Quite wonderful.

Sean O'Hagan (High Llamas)


Now here's something to charm your ears --
a duo of very charismatic vocal style,
coupled with adept and tasteful guitar accompaniment.
Nice compositions, good soulful music --- beguiling!

mikegibbs(composer/arranger/musician)

www.o-arc.com
www.myspace.com/oarc
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/O-ARC/51255994680?ref=ts