Interview: Papi Shiitake rides the wave to peace and healing

Finding joy is near impossible these days. Brooklyn artist Papi Shiitake couldn’t quite wrap around his head exactly why, struggling to pinpoint what it was about existence that made us so damn stubborn. So, he flew off to Mexico and lounged on the beach. A full moon casting its hypnotic silver glow, he lit up a joint and wound down into a philosophical rabbit hole, “listening to the waves,” as he recalls to B-Sides & Badlands. “It was such an incredible experience I could barely contain myself.”

His new song, “Mexican Moonlight,” bottles up that exact moment. If joy could be really, fully captured, this is what it’s like to bask in its intoxicating fragrance. “So glad I found time that I waited,” he sings on the last line. Production collapses and leaves only the waves smacking against glistening sand, a soothing creative decision to impress the rare occurrence of a life-changing moment. Such musical complexity is as though the listener is being beckoned through a psychedelic labyrinth. And it’s only a morsel of what’s to come.

“Mexican Moonlight” samples a forthcoming LP titled Wabi-Sabi (out November 18). It’s now up for pre-order via BandCamp. “This record has so many more textures. It’s much bigger. I think you can hear that in ‘Mexican Moonlight,'” the singer-songwriter shares. “Also, we had Brandon Bost mix the record, and I think you can really hear his fingerprint. Sonically, it really feels very holistic.”

“I think that each song on the album has this sense of longing. At the time, I wasn’t feeling very whole,” he continues. “I was longing for love, longing a better life, longing for freedom from my own sorrow, you name it. ‘Wabi-Sabi’ is about the journey of feeling complete as you are. Giving yourself permission to just be you.

Below, Papi Shiitake discusses the new music video, influential records, the new album’s one-year delay, and personal evolution.

When you think Most Influential Albums, what comes to mind as those which inform your songwriting now, even on a subconscious level?

‘Back to Black’ comes to mind first. I love Mark Ronson’s production style, and Amy Winehouse is just out of this world. It was the only album I listened to for an entire year. Amy is so good at conveying her emotions, and her performances drip with genuineness. I love it. Also, I love ‘Loaded’ by the Velvet Underground. In some ways, that album is always informing my creative decisions as a songwriter. It’s such a vibe. You feel cooler when you listen to it.

You were busy promoting the album last summer. Did something change, creatively, to result in a delay? Or was it more a business decision?

[laughs] Wow, it’s kind of ironic because the album is named ‘Wabi-Sabi’ — but I knew in my heart the record could be better. These songs are like my children, and they weren’t ready for the world yet. It was kind of heartbreaking, but I’m so glad we waited. The songs are in a much better place, and so am I.

You’ve had animated music videos in the past, but nothing like “Mexican Moonlight.” How did you come to work with Sedryung Hong?

My whole vision for the ‘Wabi-Sabi’ was that everything was bigger and better. I’m always trying to upgrade. I came across Sedryung online and was immediately taken. Being in China, it was super hard to get in touch with them, so I didn’t think it was gonna work. When I got an email back and they were into the music, it became the dream collab. Sedryung is a truly incredible artist.

Conceptually, did you have input into the visual story or give over free creative rein?

So, when I work with someone in a collaborative way, I tend to give the artist complete creative control. If you try to get an artist to do something you want, sure, they can do it. But if you give them free rein to do whatever they want, you’re going to get something truly magical back. I’m always trying to find the spirit of each artist I work with. That’s where all the sauce is at.

You released an EP two years ago. How do you reflect on the person you were then and now?

I feel so, so, so much more comfortable being myself. When I released ‘Quarantine Dream,’ I had not identified as Papi Shiitake for very long. It’s been very freeing to just be me. No bullshit. No filter. It’s honestly a gift. I think I’m a much happier person than I was at that time. Thank you, Lexapro.

What is an aspect of songwriting you hope to nurture even more going forward?

I really want to collaborate more for the upcoming songs. That’s where all the flavor is. If you make a soup and only put in carrots and potatoes, it’s not gonna be very good. I love working with talented artists, writers, and producers. Good ingredients. So, I’m trying to make bangin soup for the next album. You know what I mean?

Follow Shiitake on his socials: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram