15 questions with… Hinako Omori

Hinako Omori combines analogue synths with plugins to mesmerising effect, with her new album – recorded at Real World Studios – dazzling with rich textures and transformative atmospheres…

After learning classical piano, studying music technology and training as a sound engineer, Hinako Omori has dabbled with many aspects of the music industry, working for gear companies before playing on records by the likes of Kae Tempest, Georgia, and EOB. She is now focussing on her solo material and after releasing a couple of EPs, has announced her debut album “a journey…” which is out next month. It’s a deeply personal and evocative record, mixing binaural field recordings with sparse and emotive electronics and was recorded at her home studio – a mix of analogue synths and processing plugins – and the mighty Real World Studios…

1 Tell us how you got into music

Hinako Omori: “I’m a musician and composer based in London. My journey in music started with learning classical piano when I was at school, and around the time of college I became interested in sound engineering, which I went on to study at university.

“My music technology teacher at college opened my eyes to synthesisers, and since then I’ve been fascinated by them and the ability to create your own sound worlds using these magical machines. Since leaving university I’ve enjoyed working in different areas of music, from record labels, festivals, as an assistant to a film composer and at music equipment/ software manufacturers. I feel very grateful for these opportunities, as it’s been an eye-opening introduction to various facets of the ever evolving musical landscape.”

2 How did you get successful?