- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
In 1980s New York, there was a club called The Saint, often mentioned alongside Paradise Garage. For this mix, I focused on the mid-tempo disco sounds known as “Sleaze” or “Morning Music” that were typically played there in the early morning hours. At The Saint, after the peak-time high-energy disco and Hi-NRG sets, DJs would slow things down toward dawn, playing not only older soul and disco records at lower tempos, but also romantic ’80s synth-pop and new wave. This mix reflects that atmosphere, blending those elements into a set that spans from the ’70s to the ’80s. My usual DJ style leans more toward upbeat house and disco during peak time, so having the chance to explore this side of my roots was very special.
- Was there a track among the ones you played today that served as a key track for your set?
It’s not a particularly expensive record, but “When Your Heart Is Weak” by the synth-pop act Cock Robin is considered one of the classic tracks associated with The Saint. I played the 12-inch version today.
Another key track was “Walkin’” by the Italo-disco duo Dhuo, which is also a Saint classic.
Similarly, Gaznevada’s “Special Agent Man”, another Italo-disco classic, was reportedly played frequently at The Saint in the early morning hours. For this set, I chose the dub-like “Female Version.”
- Until just recently, you were a staff member at ELLA RECORDS and had been helping with AHS bookings from the early days, but now it was finally your turn to perform. How did it feel to actually do it?
Because it was recorded in one take, it was definitely nerve-racking. Without an audience, it can be difficult to maintain the right energy throughout the set. I usually play mostly with digital files these days, so figuring out how to shape the set within those limitations was a challenge. In the end, I decided to focus on older disco records, which are one of my roots as a DJ.
- Has your experience working at a record shop ever fed back into your DJ activities? If so, could you give specific examples of how it influenced you?
I gained a lot of knowledge about older records. Especially with city pop and Japanese ambient music from the late 2010s onward, I was able to rediscover many records from my own collection in a fresh way. I’ve always been drawn to new releases, and being able to connect them with older records across genres really helped broaden and deepen my musical perspective.
- What do you think is the appeal of DJing with vinyl?
Although I usually rip vinyl and play digitally, the physical process of DJing with records—taking a record out, dropping the needle, cueing, matching the pitch, mixing, and putting it back—is incredibly sensual. That ritual is one of the biggest appeals of DJing with vinyl.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
Travel, without a doubt. Beautiful scenery, good food, conversations with people, and moments spent in nightclubs while traveling all serve as important sources of inspiration for my music.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
When playing dance music, I try to balance my own ego with carefully reading the dance floor. It’s impossible—and stressful—to meet every expectation, but I always try to stay open and meet the audience halfway.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
I wouldn’t call it advice exactly, but exploring your roots can really broaden your playing style, and that ultimately becomes your individuality as a DJ.
- What plans do you have for 2026?
I’ve spent 18 years in Tokyo—half of my life. Recently, I’ve been connecting more with people in Korea and Southeast Asia, and as a way to refresh myself, I’ve decided to relocate my base to Thailand. My initial goal is to gradually connect with underground communities across Southeast Asia.
