Ambient electronic producer Mattia Cupelli released his ‘Mono No Aware’ single & video on the 20th of June via MC Records. While based in Rome, Cupelli draws inspiration from around the world, including artists such as Nicolas Jaar, Nils Frahm and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The influences of Japanese composer Sakamoto can be directly felt right from the start.
Mono no aware (物の哀れ) directly translates to “the pathos of things”. A Japanese flute, or Shakuhachi, is accompanied by wind-soaked drones throughout and there is such a slow build that the base is only introduced more than halfway through the song. 
The video too has a slow build, starting with simple loops of nature – oceans, clouds and leaves and a consistent “reel line” appearing over all of them, reminiscent of old films and continuing the line of nostalgia that is established. As the tempo climbs, the loops quicken and one is left with the inevitability of the passing of time.
“It’s about nostalgia – something that was lost and found again. The concept of my sound is to find a balance between the modern/minimal classical parts, and the progressive electronic elements. Also, I love the unusual sound of ethnic music from around the world. This is why I decided to use the Shakuhachi on this track. I like to incorporate these sounds in my music, merging the ancient world with the modern digital one.” – Mattia Cupelli on his new single. Stream the new single on Soundcloud here.
By Sarah Britton
