Aaron Koenig’s “IKIGAI” is the sort of song that doesn’t need to force its way into your attention. It settles in comfortably, finding its groove somewhere between blues, funk, soul and rock, with a relaxed confidence that carries the track from beginning to end. The bass does much of the heavy lifting, bringing a lively, syncopated rhythm that gives the song its bounce, while the drums add a loose Afro-swing feel. There’s a proper sense of movement to the rhythm section without it ever sounding rushed. The rhythm guitar gives everything a bluesy foundation, and Guillermo Salò’s lead guitar adds a bit more bite, with sharp phrases that give the arrangement some character.
The production from Carlos Cortés Bustamante is clean without becoming overly polished. There’s enough space for the individual instruments to come through, which is important here because the groove is very much at the heart of the song. One of the standout moments arrives with the guitar solo in the middle. It opens things up nicely, gives the track a burst of energy, and then allows it to slip back into its main groove without making too much fuss about it. Koenig’s vocals suit the music rather well. There’s nothing particularly showy about his delivery, and that seems to be the point. His voice has a straightforward, down-to-earth quality that works with the song’s message rather than competing with it. The idea behind “IKIGAI” comes from the Japanese concept of finding purpose and meaning through the things you love, the things you are good at, what the world needs and what you can earn. Koenig relates that idea to his own life as a sort of “Jack of all trades”, treating versatility not as something to apologise for but as a form of freedom. The line “You’ll never catch me playing the same game” sums up that attitude rather neatly. There’s a strong sense of curiosity running through the song, with Koenig embracing the idea of trying different things, staying adaptable and finding meaning without becoming too attached to one particular definition of success.
It also makes sense when you consider Koenig’s background. He has spent years playing guitar, writing songs, working online, exploring Bitcoin and living a nomadic lifestyle. Because of that, “IKIGAI” doesn’t come across as someone attempting to manufacture a philosophical message for the sake of a song. It feels more like an honest reflection of how he already sees the world. The chorus is particularly effective. It’s catchy without being irritating, and the central idea stays with you once the track has finished. Perhaps the best thing about the song, though, is that Koenig doesn’t take the subject too seriously. A song about finding your purpose could easily become rather heavy or preachy, but “IKIGAI” keeps things light. The rhythm gives the subject plenty of energy, while the guitars make sure the song still feels rooted in blues and rock. There’s an optimistic quality
Follow Aaron Koenig on Spotify and YouTube. Also Visit his Official Website
English