- Could you tell us about the theme or concept behind this DJ set?
I’m on tour at the moment, so I’ve mainly been playing records from whatever I have with me in my bag. That includes records I picked up in South Korea, some that I’d already been carrying before coming to Japan, and a few that I found here in Japan just yesterday.
One of the highlights was the record I played at the very end of the set—a beautiful 7-inch by a Japanese artist that I recently discovered. It was the B-side, “Sing Song Kokoro no Mama o,” from Tetsuo Saito’s single “Ima no Kimi wa Pikapika ni Hikatte.” I thought it was a great way to close the set. It’s such a wonderful piece of music.
- Other than the Tetsuo Saito single, were there any records you were especially excited to play or wanted to share with the audience today?
Yeah, definitely. As I mentioned earlier, a lot of the records I played today were recent discoveries. One record I was especially excited to play was Danny Krivit’s edit of “Lupita,” which I used to open the set. The Spanish lyrics are such a distinctive part of the track, and I felt it perfectly captured the mood I wanted to set from the very beginning.
Another recent favorite is a 7-inch called “El Revoltoso,” a Peruvian cumbia record that I recently found. I wanted those first few minutes of the set to have that kind of Latin flavor and energy.
From there, I gradually moved into other styles. I always try to create a natural connection between Latin and world music influences and house music. Then, toward the end, I like to bring things into a more Balearic direction and let the set land there.
- How many times have you visited Japan so far?
It’s my fifth time. I’ve played at different places every time I’ve come to Japan, including MITSUKI and AOYAMA TUNNEL.
- From your perspective as a DJ, what do you think about Japan’s record culture and club scene?
I think it’s really amazing. Every time I come to Japan, I’m surprised by how much beautiful music there is to discover. When it comes to records, you can pretty much find anything here. That’s why I think Japan is one of the best places in the world for digging records.
- What is the current state of record culture and the club scene in your country, Mexico? We’d also love to hear about any characteristics that feel uniquely Mexican, as well as any especially popular genres in the scene today.
Mexico’s music scene has developed in a unique way. While there are some important clubs, much of the culture has grown through independent parties, collectives, and community-driven events. These spaces have become an important platform for experimentation and local expression.
At the same time, vinyl culture is experiencing a great moment, especially in Mexico City. We’ve seen the growth of record stores, listening bars, and hi-fi cafés, many of them inspired by Japanese listening culture. People are becoming increasingly interested in collecting records and exploring music beyond mainstream genres.
I think it’s a very exciting time for vinyl culture and music appreciation in Mexico.
- What do you find appealing about DJing with vinyl records?
Of course, sound quality is part of the appeal. On a great sound system, I do think vinyl offers a different listening experience.
But what attracts me the most is the ability to discover and play rare versions, bootlegs, edits, and obscure 45s that people don’t hear every day. Sometimes they are familiar songs reinterpreted in a different language, unusual covers, or unique edits that surprise the audience.
I love those moments when people recognize a melody but realize it’s not the version they expected. It creates a sense of curiosity and connection on the dancefloor. For me, that feeling of discovery is one of the most beautiful things about DJing with records.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
Besides DJing, cooking is probably what stimulates my creativity the most. I enjoy the process of experimenting, refining ideas, and sharing the final result with others. In many ways, it feels very similar to building a DJ set.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
For me, the most important mindset as a DJ is to stay curious. I’m always trying to understand the energy of the room and what people might be looking for that night.
At the same time, I think it’s important to bring your own personality into the set. The goal is to find a balance between connecting with the audience and sharing your own musical perspective.
- What plans do you have for 2026?
My plans for 2026 are to release a couple of EPs that I’m currently working on, as well as an edits EP that I’m very excited about. I’d also love to play in more cities across Mexico, and I’m currently planning a tour through South America.
- Finally, how did you feel about playing at ELLA RECORDS today?
It was great. It was a hot but beautiful morning here in Tokyo. Being here and playing music with you all was like a dream come true for me. I also had the chance to play on this amazing E&S rotary mixer. In fact, it was my first time using one, and I was really impressed. It’s a fantastic mixer. The sound system was great as well, and everything here was just wonderful. I’m really happy to have been here today. Thank you very much.
