Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Autobiography ‘Music Sets You Free: A Memoir’ Announced

Explore the intimate journey of legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto in his new autobiography, ‘Music Sets You Free,’ revealing his life, art, and legacy.

A Musical Legend Opens His Heart

For fans of electronic and cinematic music alike, the name Ryuichi Sakamoto resonates with a unique blend of innovation and artistry. Now, the late composer’s life story is coming to print in a heartfelt autobiography titled Music Sets You Free: A Memoir, announced on June 9 and set to release on September 22 via HarperVia, an imprint of HarperCollins.

This memoir promises a deeply personal glimpse into the life of the “godfather of electronic music,” tracing his journey from a young piano prodigy to an international pop and classical music innovator.

The Story Behind ‘Music Sets You Free’

What makes Music Sets You Free truly special is that it compiles the translations of Sakamoto’s two previously published Japanese memoirs, Music Makes You Free and How Many More Times Will I Watch the Full Moon Rise? Meticulously translated by Sam Bett, the book was created with full collaboration and support from Sakamoto’s estate and management.

HarperVia describes the work as “the complete autobiography from the legendary and fearless musician, composer, and activist.” It’s more than just a recounting of career milestones; the memoir dives into the complexities of Sakamoto’s reflections on mortality, especially poignant after his battles with cancer and multiple surgeries.

“An affirming, beautifully written testament to art, life and sound, Music Sets You Free is a lasting gift from a true musical great.” – HarperCollins

From Yellow Magic Orchestra to Hollywood

Sakamoto first stormed onto the global music scene as a founding member of the groundbreaking electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra. Their pioneering sound helped shape the future of electronic, synthpop, and techno music in the late 1970s and 80s.

Beyond band fame, Sakamoto’s career as a film composer elevated his status to legendary. He scored iconic movies such as The Last Emperor, which won him an Academy Award, as well as Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Revenant. Each soundtrack showcased his ability to weave emotion with experimental soundscapes, creating unforgettable cinematic moods.

His obituary captured the essence of a man who never stopped exploring the pop song’s boundaries, stating, “Over the decades, he remained fascinated with the pop song, testing the endurance of its form through different methods of musicianship – even while holding on to his earliest and dearest classical inspirations.”

A Life Marked by Art and Activism

Sakamoto’s influence stretched beyond music. In 2023, the year of his passing at age 71, his estate joined the ‘No Music For Genocide’ campaign, a cultural boycott initiative advocating for the removal of artists’ music from streaming platforms in Israel, in protest against the genocide in Gaza. This move aligned with the activist spirit Sakamoto carried throughout his life, standing up for justice and humanity through art.

The campaign garnered support from many notable artists such as Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Amyl & The Sniffers, Paramore, and Rina Sawayama. Sakamoto’s estate publicly shared on social media their commitment to this cause, emphasizing that much of his catalog had already been removed from digital platforms in Israel.

The Legacy Continues

Music Sets You Free is more than an autobiography; it’s a richly layered narrative about passion, innovation, and resilience. Through it, readers will experience the full arc of Sakamoto’s life—from the exhilaration of musical discovery to the contemplative moments facing life’s fragility.

For those who have admired Sakamoto’s work, the memoir offers a chance to connect with the man behind the music — a true sonic innovator whose influence will echo for generations.

FAQ

• What is the release date of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s autobiography?
  The memoir Music Sets You Free: A Memoir is scheduled for release on September 22.
• Who translated the autobiography?
  The book was translated from Japanese by Sam Bett, with full collaboration from Sakamoto’s estate.
• What does the memoir cover about Sakamoto’s life?
  It includes his early piano experiences, rise as a global pop star, and reflections on mortality following cancer treatments.
• Which bands and artists were part of the ‘No Music For Genocide’ campaign alongside Sakamoto’s estate?
  Artists like Massive Attack, Paramore, Fontaines D.C., and Rina Sawayama joined the campaign to remove their music from streaming services in Israel.
• What are some notable films Sakamoto composed music for?
  His famous scores include The Last Emperor, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, and The Revenant.

If you feel inspired by Ryuichi Sakamoto’s incredible journey and want to keep his memory alive in your space, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate his musical legacy every day.