Sansyou Invites Us Into the Forest with New EP Every Living Thing

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, Sansyou’s new EP turns the tranquil beauty of the forest into music.

Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese art of immersing yourself in the forest with all your senses. It sounds simple, yet anyone who has ever wandered through an untouched forest knows there’s something magical about it. The silence, the scent of the trees, the light filtering through the leaves—few things have the ability to quiet a restless mind and draw you into the living rhythm of the woods.

It’s this feeling that runs through Sansyou‘s new EP, Every Living Thing. Time spent surrounded by nature inspired songwriter and guitarist David Nicholas to write these six new songs, featuring the voices of Brittany Jean Valint and Kelli Miyahira. Recorded with Jarrett Nicolay (bass, keys and drums) and Scott Gould (loops and drums) at Mixtape Studios. “Immersing myself in nature restores the positivity that is depleted by these times, and inspired these songs,” says David Nicholas. “I hope listeners feel rejuvenated as they experience the music and images together.”

The accompanying imagery continues that same mood. Featuring model Miki Hamano and a series created by Michael Blank, the visuals feel like a natural extension of the music. As Miki recalls: “The shoot was incredibly relaxing, and posing freely in that beautiful, living forest made me feel beautifully connected to the world around me.”

Like a slow walk through the woods, Every Living Thing brings a sense of calm to the present moment—something we could all use. The opening track, Lovers Of Joy, sets the tone with warm guitars, calm vocals and just the right touch of nostalgia. Listen below.