Carnival of Soul

Japan’s MIYAVI is set to drop a new album called Holy Nights on April 22.

Holy Nights is the first of two albums the rock guitarist will release this year, one before and one after the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

It will feature covers of iconic Japanese rock and pop songs reinterpreted through his signature guitar sound, as well as rearranged renditions of his own numbers that he often performs in concert.

“Holy Nights represents the world that we live in,” the rocker explains. “What can music do? Every time I face the problems around the world, I always feel so helpless.

“But there are things that only music can do. There are things that can be conveyed to people only through music. I believe so strongly and create with that thought in mind. I am very confident that the songs are relatable to the era and everyone that lives in it.”

More information, including the track list and main visuals, will be revealed March 3. MIYAVI also announced a five-stop domestic tour promoting the album, which kicks off May 8 in Osaka.

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New Album “Holy Nights” 2020.04.22 OUT . Holy Nights, –when the sky is so clear that it seems like the stars could be grasped by hand, and when the night feels calm enough that the sound of the flowing wind seems visible, if you look around, the world is burning. . The title, “Holy Nights”, represents the world that we live in. . Extreme weather conditions around the world, growing refugee problems, the continuing gap between the poor and the rich, the world is facing more and more problems than ever before. On the other hand, us living in developed countries to some extent, can live without any problems without knowing the problems the world is currently facing. . It’s a great blessing, and we should be grateful about it, but in the meantime the environment we live in is changing every moment. . I feel terribly uneasy about this. . What can music do? Every time I face the problems around the world, I always feel so helpless. But there are things that only music can do. There are things that can be conveyed to people only through music. I believe so strongly and create with that thought in mind. . We sing. . Within the long history, the process of us being born and surviving in this era may only be an instant, but like the stars floating in the night sky, we shine and live everyday to the fullest. . Many important melodies came to life this time, too. I am very confident that the songs are relatable to the era and everyone that live in it. Please stay tuned. . . #Repost @miyavi_staff MIYAVI New album “Holy Nights” will be released on April 22. . The first public release of NEW visual photography. . MIYAVI“Holy Nights”JAPAN TOUR 2020 schedule released. . Photographer: @drielycarter Creative Directors: @dyanjong + @aniistoll Producer: @annee_elliot Motion director: @dyanjong Motion DP: @ryankevin Stylist: @tiffanichynel Styling assistant: @meghankucich Grooming: @makeupbyyukina Lighting: @thelightscientist Digitech: @dianawking Photo assistant: @jackbusterstudio Prop Stylist: @jamesmrene Prop Assistant: @joseph_kenneth Illustrator/translator: @lisakogawa_ Art Director/Designer: @winonapeace . #MIYAVI #LDH #MYVCREW #HolyNights #JAPAN #TOUR #2020 #LIVE

A post shared by Miyavi Lee Ishihara (@miyavi_ishihara) on Feb 13, 2020 at 8:10pm PST