Shoji Meguro creates music that feels like a curated lifestyle. It is a high-gloss, effortlessly cool blend of genres that shouldn't work together but do: think 70s funk basslines meeting 90s hip-hop beats, topped with J-pop melodies and heavy rock riffs. The sound is distinctly urban, evoking the feeling of navigating a sprawling metropolis where every alleyway holds a secret and every rooftop offers a cinematic view.
What truly sets him apart is his use of 'English as texture.' By utilizing English-language vocals in a way that prioritizes rhythmic flow and phonetic appeal over literal narrative, he creates a vibe that is catchy yet unobtrusive, allowing the music to function as both a focal point and a sophisticated backdrop. His arrangements are dense and meticulously polished, often featuring prominent brass sections and intricate slap-bass work that gives the tracks a physical, driving energy.
If you are looking for an entry point, start with the Persona 5 soundtrack for its peak acid-jazz sophistication, or dive into Digital Devil Saga for a heavier, more experimental rock-fusion experience. It is music for people who want their daily life to feel like it was directed by a visionary filmmaker.
Shoji Meguro (目黒 将司, Meguro Shōji; born June 4, 1971) is a Japanese composer, guitarist, and video game designer. Formerly an employee of the game company Atlus, he is best known for his work in their Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series. His music spans several genres, such as rock, electronic, J-pop, jazz, and symphonic. Meguro has also designed indie games and was the creative director of the PlayStation Portable remakes of Persona and the Persona 2 duology.
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