Genre-defying ambient/folk discovery Happy Sad has released the video for “It’s Raining in Guangzhou,” a track from the album The World Is Grand When We See, out now on Epictronic.
Born from a raw demo captured during Kusano’s time spent living in China, “It’s Raining in Guangzhou” is an exquisite translation of environment into audio. Heavily inspired by the city’s intense subtropical climate, the track beautifully captures the juxtaposition of sudden, torrential downpours against a sprawling urban backdrop.
Musically, Happy Sad leans into an utterly intoxicating, comfortable groove. He effortlessly weaves the dusty, nostalgic textures of lo-fi hip-hop with the rich, fluid chord progressions of neo-soul. The result is a vivid, abstract landscape that places the listener right alongside Kusano as he wanders, isolated yet entirely present, through the neon-lit, rain-soaked streets.
Watch the video here:
About the Artist: The Architect of Sound
Happy Sad is the solo project of Hiroaki, a Japanese artist and sound professional based in the game industry. He began making music during his student years, playing café bar gigs and recording demos. His influences take in soul, British rock, folk, trip hop, neoclassical, world music, and film scores, alongside a strong connection to literature. His recordings balance live instrumentation with programmed elements. To date, Happy Sad has released seven albums and 19 EPs.
Outside of music, Hiroaki has around 14 years of experience as a Sound Designer and Sound Director in the games industry, having contributed to over 60 projects at companies including NetEase Games, FunPlus, NHN PlayArt, and Noisycroak Inc. His work spans music composition, sound design, audio direction, and promotional video production. In 2013, his track “Everyday” won the domestic DJ category and reached the finals of MTV and Lenovo’s CO:LAB contest.
In recent years, Hiroaki has travelled across ten countries in search of sounds and traditional instruments. Encounters along the way with displaced communities have shaped his approach to music as a form of shared human expression.
The World Is Grand When We See is out now via Epictronic.
Stream the album here: orcd.co/twgwws
Connect with Happy Sad:
Official Website: happysadsong.com
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Streaming: Spotify
Epictronic 
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