Ending his lengthiest break between album releases, MIYAVI is ready to make a powerful return to the global music scene with a new project that the Japanese rock guitarist says “represents a three-year journey of sonic exploration.”
Billboard can exclusively confirm MIYAVI’s long-awaited Lost in Love album is slated for release this October via Rise Records. Nicknamed the “Samurai Guitarist” for his distinctive slap-guitar style, MIYAVI’s latest project comes after establishing himself as a trailblazer in the industry with more than two decades under his belt, earning multiple hits on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and making his debut on the U.S.-based Alternative Digital Song Sales chart in 2021 with his PVRIS collaboration “Snakes.”
“This album represents a three-year journey of sonic exploration where I allowed the creative process to lead the way,” MIYAVI tells Billboard in a statement. “I intentionally took my time with this record, stepping outside my artistic comfort zone to push my boundaries and craft my best work. It’s been a vulnerable place to be after so many years in the music industry, but I knew it was necessary.”
With new collaborators such as funk legend George Clinton and enlisting longtime musical partners including Lenny Skolnik, MIYAVI says Lost in Love symbolizes his international viewpoint as an ever-evolving artist.
“I was fortunate to collaborate with a diverse group of artists whose influences have woven their way into the album with MIYAVI’s signature guitar serving as the unifying thread,” the Osaka-born musician adds. “My life has always been split between Japan and the U.S., and that duality is deeply reflected in this album. Some tracks hit hard, while others are just pure fun, giving the record a split personality. Lost in Love is the culmination of a lifetime of experiences, encapsulating all the facets of who I am as MIYAVI.”
The 42-year-old shares such experiences on the LP’s first song, “Broken Fantasy,” which delves into MIYAVI’s near identity crisis after relocating his family from Tokyo to Los Angeles after he found critical and commercial success starring in Unbroken, the Oscar-nominated Angelina Jolie-directed film released in 2014. The George Clinton collaboration “I’m So Amazing” displays his ability to blend different eras and genres into his signature sound for a universal message of how to maintain one’s confidence. The album closes with “One More Time,” a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Melody, highlighting their challenges and love while supporting his family through a demanding career.
Elsewhere, tracks such as “We Stay Up All Night” and “Real Monster” continue MIYAVI’s exploration of identity and connection as displayed on his earlier records, while “Mirror Mirror” offers a raw introspection into the rock star’s inner struggles with lyrics such as “All my life I’m fighting for you” capturing his internal monologue.
Fans got a taste of Lost in Love via February’s double single release of “Broken Fantasy” and “Tragedy of Us,” as well as the stomping, ominous rock-pop anthem “Eat Eat Eat,” released last month. In addition to his forthcoming album, MIYAVI recently joined Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming action comedy The Wrecking Crew alongside Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.
MIYAVI’s Lost in Love album drops Oct. 9. Peep the full tracklist below:
“Intro”
“Broken Fantasy”
“Tragedy of Us”
“Eat Eat Eat”
“We Stay Up All Night”
“Real Monsters”
“Mirror Mirror”
“I’m So Amazing” (feat. George Clinton)
“You Already Know”
“Put Your Hands on Me”
“If You Know How to Dance”
“One More Time”