SAKURA TSURUTA (original) (raw)

Sakura Tsuruta’s path through electronic music has never followed a straight line. Blending delicate, dreamlike melodies with driving beats, she’s carved out a sound all her own — one that resonates far beyond her home base in Tokyo.

Her debut single “Dystopia” made an immediate impact in 2019, climbing into Beatport’s Electronica/Downtempo Top 100. It was a bold introduction that hinted at the scope of what was to come. In 2020, she released her first EP Made of Air, earning critical recognition at home. Two years later, her debut album C / O was picked up and reissued by Mule Musiq, marking the beginning of a growing international presence.

That momentum carried her into 2024, when her second album was released through the UK label All My Thoughts. Inspired by the hidden brilliance of gemstones, the record shimmered with intricate textures and emotional depth — garnering praise from Resident Advisor, The New York Times, and Mixmag. To celebrate the release, she crafted a mix for BBC Radio, offering listeners a deeper glimpse into her evolving sound world.

Her work as a music-maker extends into immersive audiovisual performances, fashion shows, and sound installations — lending her unique sonic vision to projects that push boundaries.

As an educator, Sakura is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. She teaches music production both domestically and internationally, working with universities and conservatories, and partnering closely with her alma mater, Berklee College of Music, to empower emerging talent.

She’s also a vocal advocate for gender equality in music. Whether speaking out through platforms like Billboard Music or appearing on the cover of _Forbes JAPAN_’s “100 People Saving the World” issue in 2023, Sakura continues to use her voice and her music to create space — for herself, and for others — in an industry that’s still evolving.

Through it all, she remains committed to innovation, connection, and carving out new sonic futures — one beat, one melody at a time.