Aaron Koenig’s ‘IKIGAI’ begins with a relaxed confidence that makes it simple to get into the mood. The song combines elements of blues, funk, rock and a bit of Afro-swing, with room given to the rhythm guitar, the bass, the drums and the electric lead guitar. The bass has a bouncy quality which is what gives the song its sense of movement, while the drums provide a steady rhythmic foundation beneath it. Koenig’s rhythm guitar keeps the various parts together without attempting to take over the mix, and his voice also suits the song well, coming across as natural and straightforward rather than being excessively polished. The production, by Carlos Cortés Bustamante, ensures that all the instruments remain clear and allows the groove to do the main work. The tempo is fast but not hurried. Although there is a lot of energy in the track, it still has a loose and playful feel. Guillermo Salò gets the opportunity to shine with an energetic guitar solo which brings another surge of energy before the song goes back to its original groove. It’s the kind of song that can easily be included in a morning playlist, during a long drive, or on a day when you need something to improve your mood.
The concept of “IKIGAI” gives the song a greater depth than its appealing groove at first appears to offer. Koenig has used the Japanese idea of ikigai — a notion usually explained as the point where one’s passions, their skills, the needs of the world, and what one can earn come together. The lyrics stress purpose, flexibility, and the refusal to be stuck in a single defined role. The image of the “Jack of all trades” fits so well because Koenig has spent many years switching between music, technology, business, and different aspects of life in various parts of the world. The line “You’ll never catch me playing the same game” simply expresses that attitude. It comes across as confident without becoming overly serious. The chorus is also a strong feature of the song since it has direct language that remains in the mind after the song has finished, and the four-part basis of ikigai provides it with a meaningful message. I also appreciate the fact that the song doesn’t turn its message into a lecture; instead, it incorporates the philosophy into an enjoyable blues-funk track. This balance is what makes the lyrics more accessible and easier to connect with.
The reason why “IKIGAI” works for me is because of the optimistic tone it has. Although the song is obviously concerned with discovering one’s purpose, it doesn’t come across as serious or overly reflective; you can appreciate the message simply by enjoying the rhythm. Koenig’s simple way of singing matches this approach, since he doesn’t need to include showy vocal phrases or intricate guitar work in order to make his point. The band provides him with a strong musical base, and the combination of bass, drums, rhythm guitar and lead guitar keeps the song going. Those who enjoy blues-rock, funk, upbeat roots music and positive songwriting should discover a lot to like here, and the song would also be suitable for people who appreciate songs with a underlying idea but still want something catchy and easy to play in the background. “IKIGAI” has a personal feel without being hard to understand, and it serves as a reminder that your interests and abilities don’t always have to fit into a single clear category. It’s sometimes enough just to be curious, adaptable and open to trying new things when it comes to finding your purpose.
Follow Aaron Koenig on Spotify and YouTube. Also Visit his Official Website
About the Author
English