System 7 are a band encapsulating all that we love here at #itchysilk: (not exclusively)-electronica/techno music and Japanese culture. The duo of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy formed the band back in 1989. Having worked with names like the defining A Guy Called Gerald they are pioneers and established stalwarts of the UK music scene. Indeed, in a time where bands/ artists come and go System 7 have that rare characteristic (as it were) of longevity.
Longevity has ensured they have put out 13 albums since their genesis-the last being Café Seven (2018)-an album complete with some sterling remixes to boot. In 2020 they released their fourteenth album Field Of Dreams on double CD. This release keeps with the System 7 modus operandi of bringing more than just a standard one dimensional release. Here they delve into the wonderfully diverse, vibrant culture of Japan by teaming up with branded saké from the Aramasa brewery of Akita.
In truth System 7’s relationship with Japan has been long standing. Indeed, System 7 created Field Of Dreams by starting out playing a unique live set to the sake as it was fermenting! System 7 performed before the fermenting sake in May 2017 at a special event in a 17th century traditional rice barn in the brewery compound in Akita, playing a set of ambient tracks from Mirror System complete with psychedelic video projections. It was a special event, titled Honotori Sake Infusion.
The sake-making process would then need to continue for another year. The duo then wrote an inspired new track featuring elements blending traditional Akita folk songs and sounds sampled during the sake brewing process. The System 7 sake called Love for the Phoenix 2018 was ready for release in July 2018 and limited to 3000 bottles.
From a music aspect the album features some thundering collaborations from Japanese artists like Yusuke Sato and Artman (a.k.a. DJ K.U.D.O.). It is an album adding further quality to an already bulging discography where they once again explore a field of musical dreams.