Kevin Bronson on March 29th, 2011

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The solo debut of Aska Matsuyima – aka ASKA – started innocently enough: The pianist recorded the song “There Are Many of Us” and shared it with friends, one of whom was filmmaker Spike Jonze, who used the track in his short “I’m Here.” That’s enough to inspire anybody, right? The Japanese-born, L.A.-based songstress, a co-founder of the L.A. Ladies Choir, proceeded to write more, getting some A-list help (Flea, Nick Zinner and Money Mark are among the collaborators) along the way. The EP, out today on Manimal, showcases her quirky compositions and haunting vocals – think a less ornate Bat for Lashes – with a subtle electronic backdrop. A full-length album is en route, later this year.

||| Download: “I’m a Hunter”

||| Also: After the jump, check out the video (directed by Aska and Ariana Delawari) for “Almost There”: