Tzucasa is the stage name of Tsukasa, an artist with roots in Tokyo and a life shaped by the vibrant, diverse musical scene of London. Her name embodies the duality of her identity: a fusion of Japanese heritage and the phrase “Mi casa es tu casa,” representing a blend of cultures that define her artistic style. Raised in a musically inclined family, Tzucasa grew up surrounded by jazz legends like Miles Davis and nurtured her creativity through her father’s love for guitar. She began her musical journey with classical piano but switched to guitar at age 11, carving a unique sound inspired by 80s and 90s rock, grunge, and riot grrrl movements. Influences from artists like PJ Harvey and Radiohead can be heard in her eclectic, genre-bending music. Tzucasa’s upbringing between Tokyo and London has led to an unmatched musical flow, giving her a style that transcends conventional genres.
Released on October 27th, 2024, “Robots Bore Me” by Tzucasa is a bold and thought-provoking single that cuts straight to the heart of contemporary frustrations with modern technology. The song takes a hard look at society’s increasing obsession with AI and automation, asking listeners to reflect on what might be lost in our relentless pursuit of convenience. Drawing influence from punk rock and lo-fi aesthetics, this track marks a shift for Tzucasa, both sonically and thematically. It critiques a world where human interaction risks becoming secondary to machine efficiency and digital interfaces, echoing themes from Isaac Asimov’s “Satisfaction Guaranteed”. With its sharp lyrics and unapologetic sound, “Robots Bore Me” taps into a sense of alienation that many feel but often can’t articulate, making this song a fitting introduction to Tzucasa’s upcoming four-track EP.
The production on this single Is a testament to the importance of setting in an artist’s evolution. Recorded at London’s Roundhouse with producer Rookes, the track benefits from the studio’s professional polish without compromising the raw, unfiltered nature of Tzucasa’s musical identity. This is her first time working on a full production in such an environment, and the difference is palpable. The song feels deliberate yet wild, as if every decision from the grainy guitar tones to the crisp percussion, was made to amplify the track’s punk ethos. There’s a deliberate tension between clarity and grit in the mix, with vibrant drums and textured guitars intertwining in a way that feels alive, urgent, and relevant. This friction between studio refinement and punk aesthetics mirrors the song’s deeper message: technology can enhance human creativity, but it must never replace its emotional core.
From the outset, “Robots Bore Me” builds on a rhythmic tension, opening with a restrained ambient pulse that soon explodes into layers of distorted guitar riffs. The shift from subtle beginnings to a gritty, high-energy soundscape is a hallmark of Tzucasa’s dynamic range. As the vocal enters, it delivers biting lines with an edge that feels both introspective and confrontational. There’s a restless quality in her vocal delivery, an intentional imbalance that mirrors the discomfort she feels toward the increasing reliance on technology. Her voice isn’t overly polished, and that’s part of its charm: it’s raw, emotive, and dripping with sincerity. This contrasts beautifully with the subtle futuristic processing applied in parts, adding just enough digital flair to align the production with the song’s commentary on AI.
Lyrically, “Robots Bore Me” stands out for its wit and clarity. Tzucasa doesn’t mask her message behind metaphors—her words are straightforward, even blunt, reflecting a punk attitude of authenticity. She criticizes the idealization of machines and the growing trend to replace human interaction with automated systems, asking a fundamental question: What happens to our creativity and emotional expression when we hand everything over to robots?.
The song’s instrumentation plays a crucial role in amplifying its message. The guitars are deliberately abrasive, with a grainy, lo-fi texture that feels almost rebellious. These tones give the song a sense of urgency, reinforcing the idea that time is running out for us to reclaim meaningful connection before it’s too late. The drums are dynamic and forceful, driving the track forward while providing a rhythmic complexity that adds depth to the seemingly straightforward arrangement. Beneath the fuzz, a vibrant bassline hums steadily, grounding the chaos and giving the track an undercurrent of stability. Tzucasa’s ability to balance these elements showcases her nuanced understanding of rhythm and harmony, setting her apart as an artist with both technical skill and emotional depth.
In “Robots Bore Me,” Tzucasa delivers more than just a punk-inspired rock track; she offers a statement of identity. Her decision to explore these themes through a raw, unfiltered sound reflects her desire to stay true to herself and her emotions. The song’s blend of punk energy, introspective lyrics, and genre-defying production highlights Tzucasa’s artistic vision. It’s a bold introduction to her upcoming EP and a clear indication that she’s an artist unafraid to tackle complex issues with both honesty and flair. With this release, Tzucasa not only solidifies her place as a rising star but also challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with the technologies shaping their lives.
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