“RISE” By Joey Sachi (EP)

Rising out of Tokyo’s ever-expanding creative underground, Joey Sachi makes a confident and emotionally resonant entrance with his debut EP, “RISE,” released on December 4th, 2025. This four-track body of work is more than a simple introduction, it’s a carefully formed statement of intent, creativity, and self-trust. Written, recorded, and produced entirely in Tokyo, “RISE” captures an artist at a pivotal moment, learning how to let go of perfectionism and lean fully into creative freedom. In close collaboration with producer AKINAT, whom Joey met in Sydney, Australia, the EP thrives on mutual understanding, deep trust, and a shared instinct for sound and emotion. That bond is felt across every track, giving “RISE” a cohesion that is rare for a debut project.

“RISE” lives in a fluid space between electronic pop, alternative R&B, and atmospheric dance music, drawing inspiration from artists like Kenya Grace and Flume while maintaining a voice that feels unmistakably Joey Sachi’s own. There’s a sense of intimacy throughout the EP, amplified by the fact that it was created in Joey’s tiny home studio in Tokyo and later mixed by Tristan Hoogland. Rather than aiming for glossy excess, the production leans into restraint, texture, and emotional clarity. The result is a project that feels personal without being insular, modern without being trend-chasing, and exploratory without losing focus.

The EP opens with “circuits,” a track that immediately sets the tone both musically and thematically. Built around the mantra “it’s not that deep,” the song represents a turning point in Joey’s creative mindset. As a self-described sensitive soul, embracing that philosophy was no small feat, yet it becomes the driving force behind the track’s playful, genre-blurring energy. “circuits” dances along the edges of electronic pop and R&B, subtly revealing the influence of years spent absorbing ’90s R&B while filtering it through a contemporary lens. The production feels light on its feet, almost buoyant, allowing Joey to explore freedom and fun without losing emotional substance. As an opener, it works brilliantly, welcoming listeners into the world of “RISE” with openness and confidence.

Following that momentum is “grace,” one of the EP’s most striking and emotionally pure moments. Produced by AKINAT and written in a single day with minimal changes, “grace” captures Joey Sachi at his most instinctive. Inspired by people who have the power to shift our perspectives and reveal beauty in everyday moments, the track unfolds gently, favoring mood and atmosphere over dramatic structure. Influences like Kelela subtly surface in the song’s smooth, understated delivery, but Joey’s voice remains front and center, carrying a sincerity that feels unfiltered. “grace” is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful songs are the ones that aren’t overworked, those that arrive naturally and are trusted enough to be left alone.

The emotional depth of “RISE” truly comes into focus on “back to square one.” Built around an idiom Joey admits he’s used more often than he’d like, the track explores the idea of starting over in its many painful and liberating forms. It tells the story of separation, of loving someone enough to let go, and of finding yourself at rock bottom with no option but to rebuild. There’s a quiet ache in the songwriting here, shaped by hindsight and the knowledge of how differently things might have unfolded with more wisdom. The production mirrors this emotional weight, minimal yet textured, allowing the lyrics and vocal delivery to take precedence. “Back to Square One” stands as one of the EP’s most relatable and mature tracks, showing Joey’s strength as a storyteller.

Closing the EP is “7 Seconds,” a track that feels reflective and grounding, tying together the themes of release, self-awareness, and emotional growth that run throughout “RISE.” While less overtly narrative than “back to square one,” “7 Seconds” thrives on atmosphere and feeling, offering space for listeners to sit with their own interpretations. It functions almost like an exhale at the end of the journey, a moment of stillness after movement. As a closer, it reinforces the EP’s cohesion, reminding us that while each track stands on its own, they are all part of a larger emotional arc.

What makes “RISE” particularly significant is not just its sound, but what it represents for Joey Sachi as an artist. This is his first substantial body of work, and yet it carries the confidence and clarity of someone who understands the value of restraint and trust, both in collaborators and in oneself. The EP reflects a period of intense creative momentum during the first half of 2025, where each song naturally led into the next. Rather than forcing cohesion, Joey allowed it to emerge organically, embracing the idea that “perfect is the enemy of good.” That philosophy is embedded in the DNA of “RISE,” giving it a sense of honesty that resonates deeply.

“RISE” is a debut EP that succeeds because it feels real. It doesn’t overexplain itself, nor does it chase trends for validation. Instead, it invites listeners into Joey Sachi’s world, a space shaped by emotional sensitivity, genre curiosity, and a growing sense of artistic freedom. Available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more, “RISE” positions Joey Sachi as an artist to watch, not just in Tokyo’s vibrant music scene, but on a global scale. This is a beginning rooted in self-discovery, and if “RISE” is any indication, Joey Sachi’s upward trajectory is only just getting started.

Written by Manuel