Yuki Nakagawa

Born in 1986, this Kansai-based musician and performer is a self-taught cellist who has developed a unique approach to both composition and performance. While drawing on the cello’s reputation as the instrument closest to the human voice, his style simultaneously reimagines the instrument—employing extended techniques that treat the cello as a percussive object, and using handmade bows to explore new sonic territories. His work spans a wide range of genres and disciplines—from contemporary music and club culture to theater, dance, and contemporary art—collaborating with artists and collectives across diverse fields. In 2023, he contributed cello to The Butterfly Drinks The Tears Of The Tortoise, the latest album by Australian duo CS + Kreme. In 2022, he co-founded KAKUHAN, a duo project with Koshiro Hino (of goat and YPY), which has since appeared at major European experimental music festivals including Rewire, Unsound, Moers Festival, Intonal, and Outfest. His debut solo album is scheduled for release in 2025. Recipient of the 2024 Kyoto City Special Arts and Culture Encouragement Award. Photo: Yoshikazu Inoue