Satoko Shibata to Release Reimagined Version of Latest Album: ‘My Favorite Things’

The album ‘My Favorite Things’ by singer-songwriter and poet Satoko Shibata will be released on Wednesday, October 23rd.

‘My Favorite Things’ is a new version of her seventh original album ‘Your Favorite Things,’ which was released in February. This album focuses on Shibata as a solo artist, featuring all the tracks from ‘Your Favorite Things’ in a stripped-down, solo performance style under the title ‘My Favorite Things Ver.’ Takuro Okada, who co-produced ‘Your Favorite Things,’ continues his collaboration on this project. Along with the release announcement, a comment from Shibata has also been shared.

The idea for creating “My Favorite Things” came from Takuro Okada, who co-produced the recently released album “Your Favorite Things.” He suggested making an acoustic version of the album.

Despite having performed solo countless times, I never had a strong attachment to or ideal for this form of sound, so I never felt confident enough to make an acoustic album. I’ve always hesitated. But this time, with Okada’s involvement, I felt there might be a chance to create something good and decided to go ahead with the recording.

As expected, I realized my lack of skill and thought in solo arrangements, and it was a time of facing my arrogance and insensitivity. It was embarrassing and tough, but I am truly glad this recording happened. Without this album, I think I would have continued aimlessly with solo performances. It saved me from a quiet crisis. Music, in any form, is never easy and constantly requires a lot of thought, which I realized through this process. Working with an incredible musician like Okada and revisiting these basic beginnings was an extraordinary luxury.

Additionally, after Toshihiko Kasai helped with miking on the first day, the rest of the recording was done by Okada, our manager Hayama, and myself, wrestling with a large SSL mixer. (I finished without fully understanding the SSL.) Yu Taniguchi taught me the basics of playing the keyboard and was present during the recording, encouraging me when I felt I couldn’t play anymore. I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked with me and provided this invaluable experience. I believe it turned out to be a great album. I hope you enjoy this one along with “Your Favorite Things.” Thank you very much!

Additionally, a solo live show titled “Satoko Shibata’s Solo ’24 ~ My Favorite Things ~” has been announced for November. The performances will take place on the 13th (Wednesday) at ABC Hall in Fukushima, Osaka, and on the 24th (Sunday) at Hulic Hall Tokyo in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Tickets will be available for official pre-sale on Lawson Ticket until August 15th (Thursday), with general sales starting on September 21st (Saturday).