East Meets West: Sienná’s Musical and Cultural Fusion – ‘Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂’

In the vibrant tapestry of the underground electronica scene, one artist has been captivating audiences with her brilliantly bizarre creativity, and she goes by the name Sienná. Hailing from Kyoto and now based in Oslo, this singer-songwriter has been steadily expanding her cult following on an international scale. With her latest release, the enigmatic musician presents her 10th original creation, the 6th full album titled ‘Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂,’ which emerged into the sonic realm on May 16. Sienná, true to her ‘east-meets-west’ philosophy, infuses her experimental soundscape with an unmistakable love for cultural fusion. Her 9-track opus delves deep into her boundless approach to songwriting, creating a lush and layered tapestry of cinematic-electronic music that knows no boundaries and defies conventional rules.

Sienná

Sienná’s compositions, ever dynamic, oscillate between dreamy and rhythmic landscapes, drawing listeners into a world both complex and accessible. She possesses a remarkable ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that unfold like a tale, intertwining various instruments to create vivid sonic templates. And when the moment calls for it, she fearlessly unleashes her otherworldly vocal prowess, breathing life into her melodies with sultry and haunting tones.

The album title ‘Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂’ embodies the core principles of the discipline of Tea in Japan, each representing a different aspect: Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity), and Jaku (tranquility). These principles not only form the foundation of the tea ceremony but also serve as a guiding light for incorporating balance into our daily lives. The album concept however, expresses the sacred landscape of the Tenkawa Shrine in Nara (Japan) and the wabi-sabi philosophy.

As we embark on this musical journey, the album opens with “So May it Be,” an ethereal instrumental piece that unfolds like a gateway to a sonic universe yet unexplored, setting the stage for introspection and self-discovery. It paves the way for the subsequent piece, “Ajikan Meditation 阿字観,” where Sienná encourages us to open our hearts and delve into the depths of our being. Through counting from one to ten and closing our eyes, we are urged to seek our true desires and welcome them into our lives, embracing the present moment. Inhale the moment, exhale your inhibitions, and give yourself permission to let go.

“Encircle Me Now” follows, another instrumental composition that envelops us in its atmospheric embrace, guiding us further into Sienná’s world of sonic exploration, paints an exquisite picture, inviting you to surrender to the music’s rhythmic embrace and let it cradle your spirit.

The journey continues with “Evils In, Fortune In 鬼は内 福は内,” a throbbing instrumental piece that reflection on the duality of life. Through the intricate layering, she urges us to find harmony amidst chaos. In “Four Stones, Three Waters, Eight Forests 四石三水八ツの森,” Sienná weaves a musical tapestry that paints a picture of nature’s beauty and tranquility. The track envelops us in the serenity of the natural world, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its harmonious essence.

“One Life, One Encounter 一期一会” takes us deeper into Sienná’s musical realm, where she reminds us that each moment is precious and that our journey unfolds one step at a time. Through mesmerizing vocals, she encourages us to follow our hearts and embrace the flow of life, allowing it to carry us forward. Flow gracefully, recite the words of the sky, and journey onward with unyielding resilience.

As the album progresses, “Red Bird Arises, Dragon Awakes” sweeps us away with its insistent momentum, evoking a sense of mythical awakening and drive. It leads us to the title track itself, “Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂,” an instrumental masterpiece that embodies the essence of Sienná’s creative vision. Through carefully crafted melodies and sonic textures, she captures the spirit of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, inviting us to imbibe these principles into our own lives.

The album concludes with “Pay It Forward,” also released as a single and video. A captivating piece that encompasses the beauty and interconnectedness of our existence. Sienná prompts us to engage with our senses and truly appreciate the world around us, encouraging us to nurture, create, and share the precious gift of life. Sienná explains that the track was created as a result of playful improvisation and scrabble words that ended up making good sense in the current world we are living in.

Sienná’s ‘Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂’ is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft, as well as her willingness to push the boundaries of musical expression. Through her artistry, she invites us to embrace the fusion of cultures, to delve deep into ourselves, and to find harmony in the cacophony of life. Her music is an invitation to explore the realms of the unknown and discover the beauty that lies within. So, let us join Sienná on this mesmerizing journey and allow her enchanting melodies to captivate our hearts and minds.

Learn from the past, live fully in the present, and embrace a future illuminated by hope. ‘Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂’ is a testament to the power of music to uplift, inspire, and transform. Let us find, catch, sense, and feel the magic she weaves with her melodies. It’s time to pay it forward, for the most beautiful gift is in our hands, waiting to be shared with the world.