Cosmic Mount Washington yard pop via Tokyo, Elkins, and Nashville.

Yohei Shikano is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter based in Mount Washington, a hillside neighborhood that has over the past decade become a refuge for many artists in Los Angeles. We’ve known Yohei for quite a few years now from his touring days to working behind the counter at Jacknife Records to helping us capture the room recordings at our listening bar before it closed during the pandemic. Throughout all these years, Yohei has continued to cultivate his “yard pop” sound, a delicate fusion of Americana, psychedelic free folk, and Japanese rock, which he records in the quiet sanctuary of his garden.

Yohei’s Echo You Know was originally released on CD by Think! Records and cassette by Perpetual Doom in 2024, but is now getting the proper vinyl treatment through Zürich-based label Second Thoughts Records, who we happen to now be distributing. I guess things happen serendipitously like this!

Reminiscent of Happy End, Haruomi Hosono’s pioneering Japanese rock band before YMO, The Beach Boys’ catchy pop harmonies, and Paul McCartney’s raw drum machine versions, Echo You Know is a beautiful collection of cosmic garden music that feels deeply rooted in community — the album features numerous guest contributions from friends who often stop by to play, sing, and hang. Warm, analog production and vintage electronics give the songs a nostalgia-laced quality filled with cosmic beauty and melodic brilliance.

Echo You Know will be available on vinyl on December 19th. Pre-order is available now via In Sheep’s Clothing Records.

In celebration of the vinyl release, we asked Yohei to share five selects that inspired his “yard pop” sound. His picks trace his influences, time spent performing in Nashville, along with the many friends from his extended community.

Heron – Yellow Roses

I started recording my music in my garden out of pure necessity. We live in a very small cabin and my wife created a beautiful garden right outside. I had no reason not to record my music out there.  

This British folk group Heron, they had recorded their music outside in their garden. Bird songs, wind and guitar strings are all equally important elements to their music. If they can make it sound that beautiful, I thought I had a chance.  

The track Tabula Rasa from Echo You Know is a direct tribute to their music.

ZZ Top – Asleep in the Desert

My dear friend / collaborator Mark Neeley turned me onto this as I was working on Echo You Know. The hypnotic texture of this track resonated with me. 

There’s something special about having instrumental tracks on a record.

John Hartford – All Fall Down

Nashville banjo mad man John Hartford has been an inspiration for me.  

I love how he tunes his banjo. Check out Dave Hollands fanatic bass playing too. 

Akron / Family

“Songs He Took With Him” was a tribute to my late friend Miles Cooper Seaton from Akron / Family.  

We used to talk about the magic of giving birth to songs.  

I often think about the songs he took with him.

The Beach Boys – Don’t Worry Baby

This is just a special song for me  wanted to share with you.