Jonah Yano announces new album Spin and shares two songs

Jonah Yano, an avant-pop artist originally from Japan and now based in Montreal, has announced the upcoming release of his fourth studio album titled Spin. Scheduled for a January 29, 2027 release via Innovative Leisure, Spin expands upon Yano’s evolving sound with a collection of 11 tracks that reflect a broad palette of musical influences.

The album’s creation was a transcontinental process, with songwriting and arrangements developed between Montreal and Hokkaidō, Japan. Recording sessions took place over an intensive five-day period at Port William Sound in Mountain Grove, Ontario, a studio noted for its association with Canadian indie acts such as The Constantines and Land of Talk. This choice of recording venue situates Yano within a vibrant DIY music tradition, emphasizing the album’s intimate production qualities.

Musically, Spin weaves together elements of art pop, Midwest emo, minimalism, and jazz, signaling a deliberate fusion of styles that defies easy categorization. Yano’s long-term collaborators, The Heavy Loop, contribute to the record, supported by additional production from Scott Zhang, known professionally as Monsune. Engineering duties were handled by Jonah Bonnetta, further embedding Spin within a network of Canadian creative talent.

Yano’s personal journey informs much of his artistic identity. Born in Hiroshima in 1994, he relocated to Vancouver at a young age before settling in Toronto in 2016. It was during his time in Toronto that he began experimenting with home-made demos recorded on his phone, eventually becoming a fixture in the city’s underground music community. Over the years, his collaborative efforts have included work with artists across genres, such as BADBADNOTGOOD, Clairo, and Helena Deland, alongside his father, Tatsuya Muraoka.

Spin follows a steady discography progression, arriving after 2020's souvenir, 2023's portrait of a dog, and 2024’s Jonah Yano & the Heavy Loop. The new album’s tracklist features titles that suggest a contemplative and narrative-driven listening experience, including songs like “Shadow Of A Life,” “Holding On,” and the eponymous “Spin.”

To accompany the announcement, Yano has released two tracks from the album, “Spin” and “Holding On,” offering early insights into the record’s sonic direction and thematic concerns. These previews have been received as indicative of Yano’s continued exploration of texture and mood within his broad stylistic scope.

Looking ahead, Yano plans to embark on his first American headline tour in 2027, although specific dates and locations have yet to be disclosed. This forthcoming tour marks a significant milestone in his career, potentially broadening his audience beyond his established Canadian and international fan bases.

Spin represents a pivotal moment in Yano’s artistic trajectory, highlighting his capacity to blend personal history with a diverse array of musical influences. The album is poised to solidify his status within the contemporary avant-pop landscape, while maintaining a distinctly independent and collaborative spirit rooted in Montreal’s and Canada’s dynamic music scenes.

Further details about Spin’s promotional activities and touring plans are expected as the release date approaches. For now, fans and new listeners alike can engage with the album’s early offerings and anticipate a record that promises both introspection and innovation.