Mitsune (JAP, D, GR, AUS)

Mitsune plays newly interpreted Japanese folk songs and original compositions full of virtuosity, driving beats, and infectious group singing, bridging tradition with the wild and innovative sounds of psychedelic, cinematic, and ritual music, managing to breathe new life into ancient stories. The Berlin-based quartet, featuring two female shamisen players, complemented by percussion and bass, presents modern folklore full of driving rhythms, raw emotion, and extravagant costume design. With their multicultural lineup of musicians from Japan, Australia, and Greece, Mitsune has garnered worldwide attention and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone and Songlines Magazine ("consistently excellent," "an ensemble with an ocean of potential"). Their 2022 album Hazama made it into the top 10 of the Transglobal World Music Charts and was nominated for the German Record Critics' Award. A follow-up album is set to be released in 2025.