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Universal Soul Series: Introducing Japanese Soul Singer Nao Yoshioka

Universal Soul Series: 

Introducing Japanese Soul Singer 

Nao Yoshioka 


As I've said many times before, Soul is Universal...

 I've interviewed artists all over the world and one of the things that brings these artists together is the love of Soul Music. Authentic, pure sounds of raw emotions, romantic engagements. The very matter of love, life and happiness, a little bit of sadness, but knowing that it all can turn around and work together for the good. Soul Music is like a mother that nurtures; feeding the spirit man (or woman), igniting a rush of aesthetic feelings, it consoles and leaves you with a Happy Feeling...humanity can relate to all of that, no matter where and how you were raised!

With that being said, I'd like to introduce to you a young lady that I met last year at the Indie Soul Mixer in New York City.

Her name is Nao Yoshioka...






And boy oh boy, did she tear her set up!!!

I knew that she was headed somewhere in her journey of soul searching and guess what she found, The Light.

Headlines read: "Japanese Soul Singer Nao Yoshioka Brings ‘The Light’ with American Debut".
Thanks to George Littleton and many others, we know can get a taste of Japanese Soul here in the states.



Japan’s Sweet Soul Records and Purpose Music Group joined forces to release Nao Yoshioka’s US debut, The Light,  on April 28th. The first single “Make the Change” will be released on March 31st. So, be sure to check it out!

Purpose Music Group co-founder George Littlejohn says, “We are excited Sweet Soul Records in Japan chose to partner with us at Purpose Music Group and NIA Distribution to introduce the very talented Nao Yoshioka to the American soul market”.

Nao has been on the radar in Japan for a couple of years after releasing breakout song “Make the Change”, which was released domestically on Sweet Soul Records. “Nao has recorded a very solid, and impressive debut album and we are honored to partner with Purpose Music Group and NIA Distribution to help spread the message of “Make the Change” throughout North America and to show the world that Nao is more than ready to take her place on the world stage.” says Michael Harris, Senior Manager at Sweet Soul Records.

The Light draws upon emotions and feel-good energy to self-esteem and loving oneself, to strong messages of change and hope. Known as a progressive soul singer, Nao also pays homage to the masters and delves into the classics and gospel while also dabbling in rock and funk. Yoshioka tackles Etta James, Sam Cooke, and Nina Simone with sophistication, dedication and tremendous style. Her renditions are crisp and capture the era eerily. Hard to believe she’s a young soulstress, barely 27 years old. There’s even a live recording tribute to Marvin Gaye.

Production, songwriting and guests include an international base of artistry which includes: Shirma Rouse (The Netherland), American soul singer Brian Owens, native Australian singer-songwriter Orly,  super talent rapper and soul singer Sacha Vee (New Zealand), Dani Elliott (backing vocalist for The Roots), Japanese trumpeter extraordinaire, Takuya Kuroda and Soul's Living Legend, the incomparable, Stevie Wonder among a list of others.

Through music, bringing the masses together to share in the exchange of love is the best thing since sliced bread. Get a taste of heaven by supporting this young songstress with a lot on her plate. She's ready to serve it up seaside with a side of Soul!

Watch Nao Yoshioka perform live at the Indie Soul Mixer last March!





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