Last updated: 2 days ago
Sleepy Drifter has always been about unity, collaboration, exploring uncharted territory, and breaking rules. There is no solidified lineup, as the participants on each release differ depending on the project. This allows for bandleader Kazuki Hiratani to explore various different genres and styles without feeling restricted to a one-dimensional creative process. Some releases will feature a bunch of his close friends, while some will be entirely solo ventures, but regardless, the goal of Sleepy Drifter is to make each release resonate with the listener, allowing them to relate and connect on a deeper level.
First starting in 2023, Kazuki, with the assistance of <a href="spotify:artist:6Z3QtqykFYdhpbEMzhNvn6" data-name="Cameron Rendell">Cameron Rendell</a> (vocals) and Justyn Gomez from indie pop / rock duo <a href="spotify:artist:38nFFMdMGmTfMGvO4IXWJ5" data-name="PRISMS|SUNSETS">PRISMS|SUNSETS</a> (drums), released the project's debut EP "Broken Heart Syndrome". Afterwards, Kazuki joined Kiwi alternative rock band <a href="spotify:artist:4akuQDfQDU3ZFra7Vqh7yT" data-name="Say Or Do">Say Or Do</a>, which caused Sleepy Drifter to take the backseat.
Now, in 2025, Sleepy Drifter is undergoing a significant transformation in preparation of the project's upcoming debut album. Described by some in the close circle as "post-hardcore Owl City", the new material going forward merges the dreamy soundscapes of the Broken Heart Syndrome EP with the anthemic roar of contemporaries <a href="spotify:artist:3Ayl7mCk0nScecqOzvNp6s" data-name="Jimmy Eat World">Jimmy Eat World</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:6QO9alGi15o1K6XUUFpQVg" data-name="Pseudo Future">Pseudo Future</a>, the destructive doom-laden rage of Japanese post-metal trio <a href="spotify:artist:3EgMK920cIH5aLxFnJ6zSi" data-name="Boris">Boris</a>, the lush textures and pop DNA of the early output of <a href="spotify:artist:07QEuhtrNmmZ0zEcqE9SF6" data-name="Owl City">Owl City</a>, and the hardcore edge reminiscent of <a href="spotify:artist:3NChzMpu9exTlNPiqUQ2DE" data-name="Thrice">Thrice</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:2tl280wIokrLjabzrSKTgU" data-name="Holding Absence">Holding Absence</a>.
First starting in 2023, Kazuki, with the assistance of <a href="spotify:artist:6Z3QtqykFYdhpbEMzhNvn6" data-name="Cameron Rendell">Cameron Rendell</a> (vocals) and Justyn Gomez from indie pop / rock duo <a href="spotify:artist:38nFFMdMGmTfMGvO4IXWJ5" data-name="PRISMS|SUNSETS">PRISMS|SUNSETS</a> (drums), released the project's debut EP "Broken Heart Syndrome". Afterwards, Kazuki joined Kiwi alternative rock band <a href="spotify:artist:4akuQDfQDU3ZFra7Vqh7yT" data-name="Say Or Do">Say Or Do</a>, which caused Sleepy Drifter to take the backseat.
Now, in 2025, Sleepy Drifter is undergoing a significant transformation in preparation of the project's upcoming debut album. Described by some in the close circle as "post-hardcore Owl City", the new material going forward merges the dreamy soundscapes of the Broken Heart Syndrome EP with the anthemic roar of contemporaries <a href="spotify:artist:3Ayl7mCk0nScecqOzvNp6s" data-name="Jimmy Eat World">Jimmy Eat World</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:6QO9alGi15o1K6XUUFpQVg" data-name="Pseudo Future">Pseudo Future</a>, the destructive doom-laden rage of Japanese post-metal trio <a href="spotify:artist:3EgMK920cIH5aLxFnJ6zSi" data-name="Boris">Boris</a>, the lush textures and pop DNA of the early output of <a href="spotify:artist:07QEuhtrNmmZ0zEcqE9SF6" data-name="Owl City">Owl City</a>, and the hardcore edge reminiscent of <a href="spotify:artist:3NChzMpu9exTlNPiqUQ2DE" data-name="Thrice">Thrice</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:2tl280wIokrLjabzrSKTgU" data-name="Holding Absence">Holding Absence</a>.
