Tracking Transmedia

If you're not already hip to the name Kishi Bashi, it's only a matter of time before you get there. The solo project from indie violinist and master sonic looper Kaoru Ishibashi (who goes by K) has been sending critics into raptures since even before the release of the debut Kishi Bashi album 151A this April. NPR's Stephen Thompson called the Virginia native's “one-man orchestra” of violin, beatboxing and English and Japanese vocals one of a few standouts from South By Southwest. The Washington Post reported at least one woman openly weeping at a Kishi Bashi concert, and Andrew Bird comparisons are already piling on like so many violin loops.