Masaya Ozaki is a composer originally from Niigata, Japan, who currently resides between New York and Iceland. His work is deeply influenced by the transient nature of space and the subtleties of sound within physical environments. His compositions often blend elements of field recordings with experimental soundscapes and acoustic instruments, drawing inspiration from nature, human interaction, and the impermanence of moments. Ozaki views sound not just as a medium, but as a form deeply intertwined with the spaces it inhabits, something that he explores extensively in site-specific projects like "Echoes," which involved live performances inside a lighthouse.
Ozaki’s latest album, Mizukara (2024), is a reflection of his personal and artistic journey, primarily shaped by his experiences in Iceland. The album embraces minimalism and introspection, incorporating field recordings, sparse instrumentals, and the textures of the Icelandic landscape to explore the fluid relationship between self and environment. The title of the album, which translates to "oneself" in Japanese, mirrors this focus on the delicate interplay between the inner world and the external environment.
In recent years, Ozaki has become deeply integrated into the Icelandic music scene, collaborating with local artists and performing at various festivals such as the Dark Music Days, the Extreme Chill Festival, and the Reykjavik Art Festival. His performances often feature site-specific compositions and concerts, which explore the acoustics of unique locations. His collaboration with the Icelandic ensemble Skerpla and participation in live events across Iceland reflect his continuing exploration of sound as a spatial experience.
Ozaki has discussed his evolving approach to music in recent interviews, such as with The Reykjavík Grapevine and RUV Radio, where he emphasized his shift from purely sound-based compositions to ones that deeply consider the environment and space. His relocation to Iceland has profoundly influenced his work, encouraging him to further merge the boundaries between music, nature, and architecture.
尾崎雅也、新潟県出身。ニューヨークとアイスランドを拠点に活動する作曲家。自然、人間関係のはかなさ、そしてその背後にある一瞬にインスピレーションを見出し、儚い存在としての空間、小さな瞬間の背後にある繊細さ、その瞬間における感受性、そして極めて物質主義的な世界における音の未来をテーマに作品を制作する。作品は、フィールドレコーディングやアンサンブル、ダンス、映像、実験的アートのための作曲として具現化される。