sakura / faint (a short story)

Acclaimed composer & pianist Cephas Azariah presents a brand new double a-side, ‘sakura / faint (a short story)’ on Anjunachill.

Always drawn to classical composition, Cephas studied Music Theology and the Arts at Middlesex University and began composing film & TV soundtracks right away. His debut LP ‘Joy Paradox’ was released in late 2024, drawing on the full spectrum of his influences. It marked his introduction to the neo-classical, ambient, and electronic space, receiving heavy support from the likes of BBC 6 Music, KEXP, Wonderland, CLASH, and Ólafur Arnalds.

In between singles, EPs and a collaborative project with Christian singer-songwriter Elle Limebear, Cephas has continued to grow his presence in the ambient, neoclassical space, performing at a sold-out London headline show as well as various intimate events.

His latest gentle offering is a piano-led, electronic double a-side ‘sakura/faint (a short story)’, it “opens with an ostinato on my favourite Omnisphere synth patch that resembles early blossom season”, Cephas explains. Written with a variety of piano sounds and light-hearted textures, ‘sakura’ defines the end of winter and short days, with the promise of brighter days ahead. The follow-up track ‘faint (a short story)’ marks the end of our longing for light, “a short, beautiful and inevitable tag within nature’s cycle, once the dark days are gone, we are left with days that are bright and long”.

Cephas Azariah ‘sakura / faint (a short story)’ is out now, on Anjunachill.