The Kyoto Connection Biography
The Kyoto Connection – Biography
The Kyoto Connection is an electronic music project that fuses Japanese soundscapes and melodies with Western harmonies, creating immersive compositions that feel both intimate and cinematic. Founded in 2005 by Argentine musician and producer Facundo Arena, the project has evolved over two decades into a unique voice within the global ambient scene, known for its blend of cultural influences, emotional depth, and accessible music.
Formation and Early Years (2005–2009)
The project began in 2005 with the release of its first album under the pseudonym Alternarama, made available for free under a Creative Commons license. In 2007, drummer Rodrigo Trado and violinist Jesica Rubino joined, and the group released their second album The Second Voyage. Two years later came Out of Japan, an acoustic EP reimagining earlier tracks.
Rise to Prominence (2010–2011)
The 2010 album No Headphones Required marked their breakthrough, blending synthpop energy with Japanese influences. The track H.E.A.T was featured in the indie video game 3030 Deathwar Redux. In 2011, the conceptual EP Father | Son explored life’s cyclical nature, showcasing the band’s growing thematic ambition.
Expanding the Sound (2011–2015)
Their fourth studio album, Wake Up (2013), brought together guest musicians and diverse genres while maintaining a Japanese melodic core. It featured Hachiko, a piano-and-strings tribute to Japan’s most famous dog, and the title track Wake Up, a reflection on consciousness. In 2015, the band celebrated its first decade with the compilation TEN.
Ambient Exploration and Global Reach (2016–2018)
With Kyoto Soundscapes (2016), The Kyoto Connection began integrating field recordings from Kyoto into their compositions. The same year, they released The Middle Way, featuring guest vocalist Lelu Blesa. In 2018, their critically acclaimed Postcards paid homage to Japanese ambient pioneers, recorded entirely on an iPad and an old Akai cassette deck. It reached millions of listeners worldwide and was reissued on vinyl in 2023 by Isle of Jura Records.
New Chapters (2019–2023)
The 2020 releases Kokoro and 1982 captured the pandemic years, with 1982 marking Jesica Rubino’s debut as lead vocalist. Signing with Isle of Jura Records, they released The Flower, The Bird and The Mountain (2022), an ambient work that sold out its vinyl edition worldwide. A Journey of a Thousand Miles (2023) explored the intersection of retro video game sounds and Japanese melodies.
The Japan Tour and 20th Anniversary (2024–2025)
After years of evoking Japan through music, The Kyoto Connection finally visited the country in 2025, performing in Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Okinawa and more, while recording sounds and gathering inspiration for new projects. The band marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, releasing “Four Seasons in Kyoto”, a concept album released in April 2025 through Isle of Jura Records.
Band Members
- Facundo Arena – Founder, producer, composer, synthesizers, vocals.
- Jesica Rubino – Lead vocalist, violinist (since 2007).
- Rodrigo Trado – Drummer and photographer (since 2007).
Their music has been featured in films, series, advertisements, podcasts, and independent audiovisual projects. Their official site offers most of their catalog for free download, along with a 24-hour online radio station dedicated to Japanese ambient music.
Collaborations and Vision
Since 2011, they have collaborated with Sunawai Música, led by Rubén Sanchez, reinterpreting traditional Okinawan songs through diverse arrangements. The Kyoto Connection’s artistic vision centers on self-awareness and resilience, exploring themes such as love overcoming darkness, the transformation of adversity, and the dialogue between light and shadow.
Sound and Instruments
The Kyoto Connection’s sound is shaped by vintage synthesizers from the ’80s and ’90s, including: Roland D-50, Roland Juno GI, Korg Wavestation, Korg Microkorg, Ensoniq TS10, Roland JD-990, Kawai K4, Roland V-Synth, Suzuko Omnichord, Yamaha XG sounds and Korg M1.
