California-based composer and sound artist Jake Bowman has released “Emesis”, an experimental sound project built from field recordings captured inside the Mega Don Quijote store in Shibuya, Tokyo, in November 2025.
After returning to South Pasadena, Bowman processed the recordings using resonators, reverbs and modulation effects to create a dissonant ambient soundscape.
The project draws on the sensory overload of the Don Quijote shopping experience, particularly its dense mix of consumer displays, sounds and activity. The recordings include skincare product advertisements, designer bags, Japanese sex toys, employee announcements and the sounds of intoxicated visitors gathered around the store’s only restroom.
Through layers of distorted ambience, “Emesis” combines the store’s everyday sounds with uneasy, shifting textures. The work explores the overstimulation associated with excessive consumer environments and the physical reactions they can provoke.
Originally from Blythe, California, Bowman is based in Pasadena and creates conceptual experimental music and sound work focused on visceral responses from listeners.
His credits as a performer, engineer and producer include work connected to Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Chad Hugo, ScHoolboy Q, Curren$y, Lex Luger, Terrace Martin, Joey Bada$$, Statik Selektah, Burna Boy, Madeon and DJDS.
“Emesis” is available on streaming platforms.
