ALL NEW ALL PRODUCTS HIP HOP RNB NU SOUL

OJIAJI
LOVE & COMPANY

Name: OJIAJI LOVE & COMPANY
Brand: Backflip Records
SKU: HS049
Price: 42.00 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock

€42,00 Sold out

Tax included. Click & Collect free in-store pick up.

HS049

RECORD GRADING :

HOPESTREET
AUSLP 2025

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

TRACKLIST
A1 Be Like a Cloud
A2 Diamonds (feat. Cazeaux O.S.L.O.)
A3 Ordinary Life
B1 Need U (feat. Kee'Ahn)
B2 Love & Company
B3 Her Grace
B4 Nothing Bad

ABOUT
Having carved out his space within the scene as a deft jazz/soul guitarist and songwriter in the raw RnB three-piece Izy, Ojiaji aka Ryotaro is finally presenting his new solo work. His debut album ‘Love & Company’ is a tribute to the art of being present for others, to honor the legacy of his mother’s nurturing spirit, and foster a more empathetic world. Warm, lo-fi and jazzy in nature, the album features some of Melbourne’s finest instrumental musicians from acts such as Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, Nikodimos and more. Eclectic in form, OjiAji’s gentle and soulful voice pulls us in with catchy melodies; his colourful and idiosyncratic guitar playing reminiscent of the leftfield, whimsical sounds of Connan Mockasin and Hether. Love & Company is released via Hopestreet Recordings on Friday, 27th June.

Opening track and single ‘Be Like A Cloud’ follows a beautifully wonky chord progression, accentuated by Mellotron by keyboardist Jake Amy, with restrained, floating vocal harmonies that evoke the song's title, encouraging listeners to express their emotions and hold a space for others to do the same. Warm, hollow-body guitar plucked chords open ‘Diamonds’, as OjiAji’s relaxed vocals pick out an easily hummable tune. The honeyed voice of renowned wordsmith Cazeau Oslo (So.Crates) makes an entrance, the lyrics celebrating the beauty of enduring hardship and staying true to oneself. ‘Ordinary Life’ begins with a breathtaking flute and string composition, bringing to mind the nostalgic romance of 60’s Disney cartoons. Gentle and simple, woody bass is allowed to shine through, and the track opens up to a beautiful plucked acoustic guitar solo. The short interlude ‘Need U’ welcomes the sublime vocals of Naarm singer & songwriter Kee’ahn, whose backing vocals are heard on the single Diamonds, along with Naarm RnB rising star Tiana Khasi. Every track is brought to life by Naarm’s leading instrumental practitioners, Hudson Whitlock (Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, The Pro-Teens,) on drums, Darvid Thor (Karate Boogaloo, Frollen Music Library) on bass and soaring flute and keys from Nikodimos. The album is co-produced with Henry Jenkins (Surprise Chef) and Kuzich (Mwanje, Mandarin Dreams).Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, OjiAji finds his creative voice through music and writing, reflecting on his powerful journey as a Japanese man living life in Australia. Through Love & Company, he hopes to create a ripple effect of kindness and emotional support; a practical guide offering listeners a roadmap for fostering empathy and understanding. The album is a celebration of OjiAji's natural instinct for writing understated yet intricate jazz/soul compositions, and showcases his authenticity as he steps confidently into his new era as a solo artist.

STYLE

Nu soul
Jazzy
Soul

Pickup available at Backflip Records

Product information

IN-STORE PICKUP ONLY - NO SHIPPING AVAILABLE, THANK YOU

Our shop is physical, we do not ship. We believe in the power of record stores in connecting people and love to see who we are selling records to.

Pickup available at Backflip Records:
via Salasco 17, 20136 Milano MI, Italy

Bring your confirmation email when you come to collect your order (usually ready in 2 hours).
In-store pickup is always available during the opening hours.
Info: call +39 375 5246674 or email info@backflip-records.com

Payment option: CARD ON COLLECTION.
Place an order and pay by card upon collection.
Collect your order within 7 days.
Orders not collected after 7 days will be deleted.

Once picked up from the shop, you can return or exchange any unopened or defective vinyl item by handing it in at our shop within 7 days of order collection for store credit.

Our catalogue condition is mint, excellent, and very good plus. We sell both new & 2nd-hand vinyl. All the pre-owned records are carefully cleaned and checked by listening to them all. There is an infinite amount of love in what we do & respect for every record we sell. Once you come to pick up your music, we are at your disposal for any need. Thank you ever so much for your interest in our tiny little shop. We deeply appreciate your support for the independent record shop culture.