New Music Download: “Ice Princess” Remix Combines Acoustic Cello and Rap

“Eru is one of the finest artists I’ve ever heard,” says music critic Michael Sherwin of the 23 year old cellist, “possessing a blend of passion, expression, flawless intonation, assertiveness, suavity, and beauty of tone.”

Indeed, since Graduating from the Juilliard School just over a year ago, Eru has performed as soloist in some of the most celebrated symphony halls in the world.

Lest you think classical music is boring or dusty, let us assure you that Eru is anything but that. We caught up with her in London, where she was performing with the Royal Philharmonic at Wembley Hall. Looking like a dark and mysterious femme fatale merged with a cute and bubbly Japanese pop idol, Eru is at once inviting and warm, and guarded and unflappable.

“I knew I had to do something different,” says Eru, resting her bow on her lap, dainty and feminine in her hands. “But I just didn’t know what yet. I was getting lots of offers to tour with smaller groups, and play with wonderful orchestras. But to be honest, nothing bores me more than that!” Eru giggles as if she feels ashamed about admitting this in public. “And then I had the opportunity to meet Angelica [Cob], Azealia’s manager – and in this one meeting at her house, she really opened my eyes. She’s very direct. And I actually started feeling a little shaky and uncertain.”

Angelica Cob, of Prospect Park has had her share of success stories. She’s known for discovering Katy Perry and lately Azealia Banks who recently played at the Coachella Music Festival.

“Angelica mentioned something about what cello might do for Azealia’s rap pop Ice Princess. And I just couldn’t stop thinking about that. I thought about it non-stop for weeks. And then one day I woke up and I knew I had to do this before I went on the Zelda tour.”

Eru didn’t have much time and worked furiously with a composer friend in Manhattan who goes by the moniker ZeniF. After a couple of intense recording sessions, they emerged with the cello/rap remix. (Listen to it on soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/erumatsumoto/ice-princess-azealia-banks-eru-zenif-remix). “It was immediately obvious that we had something special on our hands,” says the “Ice Princess” remix collaborator. “And it was amazing working with Eru. She’s outrageously gifted.” He’s not the only one who feels that way about Eru. Six-time Grammy Award winning record producer Steve Lillywhite had this to say about her: “It’s not often you come across a classical musician who is comfortable in both her own world and a contemporary world as well. Eru is truly one of those special players.”

This up and coming cellist is obviously going to make some musical ripples, both with her cello and with her on-screen presence. She recently knocked people’s socks off with an appearance in a broadcast on Fuji TV in Japan about the Chopin Festival.

“I’m more excited about this song than almost anything I’ve ever done in my life so far. Period.” says Eru, with large shimmering eyes that make you feel that you’re in the presence of a real life Disney Princess. “I just hope people kind of… like it!” She giggles again. And you realize there’s nothing insincere about Eru. Perhaps she’s somewhat naïve. But that’s OK. The world could probably use a little more of what she’s got.

We can’t wait to see what comes next from this unpredictable music minx. But for now, we’re glad to have the opportunity to listen to the magical and somewhat haunting strains of cello which transform the track, Ice Princess, in ways you may not even notice until you’ve listened to it several times. “You can listen to it 20 times and still find something new each time,” says one fan. And as a recent comment on her facebook page says “Éru is truly awesome and amazing – talented is even not enough to describe [her].” We agree.

Listen to the Eru x Azealia Ice Princess cello remix here:  https://youtu.be/ZUYjPxJPER4

For more information please visti: https://www.facebook.com/erucello or contact: info@erumatsumoto.com

About Eru

Eru Matsumoto has been charming international audiences with her unparalleled artistry and grace since age 6. As a multi- faceted and award-winning soloist and principal with numerous orchestras, Ms. Matsumoto has traveled extensively, regularly performing in celebrated venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall.

At age 16, Eru was accepted to the Juilliard School under the tutelage of the late David Soyer, widely considered to be the foremost master of cello pedagogy and a distinguished pupil of the legendary Pablo Casals. Upon graduation, her career path has included major performances and recording sessions internationally, working with British and Hollywood Academy-Award winners. She’s also collaborated with major pop recording artists in both Japan and the US., and contributed the theme music for Sony’s popular video game series, Everquest. This is her facebook page erucello