Ambient folk project Happy Sad has released the music video for “Changeable,” a track from the album The World Is Grand When We See, out now via Epictronic.
Built as a post-classical piece, “Changeable” moves through Eastern-inspired scales and instrumentation, unfolding with constant variation in mood and structure. The composition reflects a clear focus on contrast and movement, with musical ideas shifting rapidly rather than settling into repetition.
The track was originally developed under the working title “NHK Taiga Drama Style”, inspired by the orchestral openings of Japanese historical dramas. These themes, known for their intricate arrangements and frequent shifts, shaped the piece’s structure. Each section was designed to evolve quickly, creating a sense of changing scenery within a short runtime.
Happy Sad describes the writing process as a long-held idea that remained unused for some time, originally envisioned for potential external projects. When no fitting context emerged, it was eventually developed independently into its final form, keeping the original concept intact: a composition built around transition, motion, and emotional variation.
The result is a focused and cinematic work that connects ambient folk sensibilities with post-classical orchestration and subtle Eastern influences.
About the Artist: The Architect of Sound
Happy Sad is the solo project of Hiroaki Kusano, a Japanese artist and sound professional based in the game industry. He began making music during his student years, playing café bar gigs and recording demos. His influences take in soul, British rock, folk, trip hop, neoclassical, world music, and film scores, alongside a strong connection to literature. His recordings balance live instrumentation with programmed elements. To date, Happy Sad has released seven albums and 19 EPs.
Outside of music, Hiroaki has around 14 years of experience as a Sound Designer and Sound Director in the games industry, having contributed to over 60 projects at companies including NetEase Games, FunPlus, NHN PlayArt, and Noisycroak Inc. His work spans music composition, sound design, audio direction, and promotional video production. In 2013, his track “Everyday” won the domestic DJ category and reached the finals of MTV and Lenovo’s CO:LAB contest.
In recent years, Hiroaki has travelled across ten countries in search of sounds and traditional instruments. Encounters along the way with displaced communities have shaped his approach to music as a form of shared human expression.
The World Is Grand When We See is out now via Epictronic. Stream here: orcd.co/twgwws
Connect with Happy Sad: Official Website: happysadsong.com – Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X Twitter) – Streaming: Spotify
