Aki Onda has three new albums on the horizon. The first one, Rupture, was inspired by the southern Italian folktale of Tarantism. Myth would have it that a bite from a tarantula would provoke extreme spiritual possession in its victims, leading to frenzied dancing and a series of folk dances, called the Tarantella. The legend and practice were widespread until the 18th century, though have since faded into obscurity. Recently the theme was also the subject of a project by FLEE in 2019 with the release Tarantismo: Odyssey Of An Italian Ritual.

“I was inspired by the phenomenon and began to listen to the traditional folk music of the region,” explains Onda. “These are quoted into the tracks, mostly in indirect ways but occasionally directly sampled.”

The other two release forthcoming include his first duo album with Japanese artist Nao Nishihara on Fttari, and his third album with frequent collaborator Akio Suzuki on Hasana Editions. Both expand on his interest in sonic explorations and the use of handmade instruments and found objects.

Listen to the title track “Rupture”.