Cornelius Unveils New Album “Refractions” with Star-Studded Collaborators

Japanese musician, producer, and composer Cornelius—known professionally as Keigo Oyamada—has announced the release of his highly anticipated album Refractions, set for August 19, 2026, via Eat Your Own Ears Recordings. The project features a lineup of acclaimed collaborators, including Sean Ono Lennon, Shintaro Sakamoto, Arto Lindsay, and Bid from the Monochrome Set, marking a continuation of Cornelius’s signature eclectic style.

Tracklist and Collaborations

The album’s 10-track lineup includes a mix of experimental and melodic compositions. Standout features include:

• “Aeons” (feat. Sean Ono Lennon) – A track centered on a “tight plastic groove,” with Lennon’s smooth vocals layered over guitar and keyboard stabs.
• “まざらない / Mazaranai” (feat. Shintaro Sakamoto)
• “You Make Me Cyborg” (feat. Bid from The Monochrome Set)
• “Mirrors” and “Twisting & Glistening”, which showcase Cornelius’s signature fusion of electronic and organic textures.

Previously released singles “Refractions” and “夢寝見 / Yumenemi” have already generated anticipation for the full project.

Cornelius on Creativity and Evolution

In a statement shared with Stereogum, Cornelius reflected on the album’s themes:

“As the world and my surroundings changed at an intense speed, I think all of that inevitably shaped this work. Rather than expressing these ideas directly, I approached them structurally—exploring continuity, transformation, and multiple coexisting states within a single, uninterrupted flow of time.”

The statement underscores Cornelius’s ongoing exploration of time, identity, and sonic innovation, hallmarks of his career spanning multiple decades.

Context and Legacy

Cornelius, born Keigo Oyamada, has long been a pioneer in blending genres, from jazz and electronic music to pop and experimental sounds. His work with bands like Cibo Matto and solo projects has earned critical acclaim, with Refractions positioning him as a continued force in contemporary music.

The album’s release comes as the music industry navigates shifting trends, with artists increasingly prioritizing interdisciplinary collaborations and conceptual depth.

What’s Next?

Following the album’s release, Cornelius is expected to embark on a global tour, with dates and venues to be announced. Fans can also look forward to live performances of tracks from Refractions, further cementing his reputation as a visionary in modern music.