NEW SINGLE: Jun Parker 'Dreamy World' + Tanzaku CD

Jun Parker celebrates Tanzaku CD with the release of a new CD, featuring the single 'Dreamy World' and the artwork of Japanese illustrator niina

Full of nostalgia and a love of retro formats, Japanese-Australian songwriter Jun Parker is releasing a Tanzaku CD for Tanzaku CD Day this Monday 7 July, featuring his previous two singles ‘Tonight’ and ‘Tailor Made Love’, and a new track ‘Dreamy World’. Known for incorporating city pop sounds through his music, and named in GQ Japan for it, this latest single sees Jun returning to lyrics in Japanese as he releases ‘Dreamy World’. 

Tanzaku CDs first gained popularity through Japanese musical culture of the 1990s, and, like many retro physical formats, have seen a resurgence in artists celebrating the long-gone format. The minidisc singles are referred to as “tanzaku CDs” because their packages are similar in shape to “tanzaku” paper strips, which are used to write wishes and hung on bamboo trees for the traditional Tanabata star festival, held each July 7. Jumping to take part in the resurgence of the CD format, Jun first released a Tanzaku CD in 2023 for Tanzaku CD Day featuring his previously released singles, and is ready to unveil his new release this Monday 7 July. 

"I’m excited to support a retro physical format I grew up with. In a world where history is so easily forgotten, I believe we need to keep it alive. Once could be a chance, twice is intentional, and three times is a commitment. The number three also stands for many things, including unity. So being part of the Tanzaku CD campaign for the third time means a lot to me, featuring three tracks: ‘Tonight’, ‘Tailor Made Love’, and ‘Dreamy World." - Jun Parker

Out on all streaming platforms and Tanzaku CD on Monday 7 July, ‘Dreamy World’ was written in the trio of songs around the concept of dreams, with floaty rhythms layered over a subtle, funky backdrop – in a contemporary City Pop style Accompanying the single is a visual created by Japanese illustrator niina, who has a rare gift for capturing nostalgic scenes of youthful romance in Japan, tying in perfectly with the mood of the song.

Based in the rural coastal town of Portland, Jun was born in Japan and grew up in Australia, bringing together the East and West through his reinterpretations of genre and culture. Imbued with modern production techniques and his global perspective, his music and intercontinental collaborations redefine Retro Tokyo sound and City Pop, intertwining Australian landscapes and seascapes with retro sentimentalism. Jun’s music has resonated with audiences locally and globally, receiving support across major national radio stations in Australia, including SBS, ABC, Triple J, and Double J, with his live show making it all the way to Europe in 2024 for a show in Lyon, France.

Delve into the dreamy depths of this new single from Jun, and the revival of his favourite retro format, the Tanzaku CD.

Tanzaku CD out Monday 7 July
Featuring ‘Tailor Made Love’ and ‘Dreamy World’