-- What's the theme or vibe behind today's DJ set?
Actually, while I was preparing this set for ELLA RECORDS back in Korea, I was thinking of playing a more chilled-out morning set. But then I went to a party with my friend, and I was still carrying that party vibe with me, so I ended up playing a few more danceable tracks than I originally planned.
Then I finished with one of my favorite tracks, something that gets everyone to throw their hands in the air.
-- Could you tell us what kind of crew Patina Sound System is?
Patina Sound System is a crew with a vision of introducing people to diverse music in different and unique locations. Since many music-listening clubs operate during the night, we wanted to hold more day events so people who prefer the daytime could also come out and enjoy music.
In many of our events, including listening sessions, brand collaborations, and dance events, we use the vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers, the same speakers David Mancuso used at the legendary club The Loft.
-- Was there a particular song from today's set that you especially wanted to share with the audience?
Yes. I played "오래된 친구 (Old Friend)" by the Korean band 빛과 소금 (Light and Salt). It's from my dad's vinyl collection, and it was the last track I played today.
The title has the meaning of a long-time friend. It also reminds me of my hope that Korea and Japan will stay good friends for a long time. So I was really happy to play it here today, and I'm glad I could share it with everyone. I'd definitely recommend giving it a listen.
-- Could you show us one more record?
Yeah, of course. This is the track I played right before that. It's one of my favorite songs, "That's the Way Love Is" by Ten City. I didn't bring the record sleeve, but the song starts with this acid-influenced vibe, and then these really beautiful vocals come in.
-- We've heard that Korea's club scene has a lot of energy right now. What do you think about the current club scene in Korea?
I think a lot of Koreans, or just people in general, are becoming more and more open to different kinds of music. Not just mainstream music, but also disco, funk, R&B, soul, and many other styles.
I also think that people in Korea are starting to develop their own musical style. Before, a lot of people would try to copy someone else's style, but now everyone is trying to find their own sound. I think that's why Korea's underground club scene is becoming more exciting.
People are looking for more diverse music, so I really believe the Korean club scene is booming right now. I think everyone should come and experience it.
-- What kind of music is popular in Korean clubs right now?
In the underground scene, I'd say minimal techno is probably the biggest trend right now. But of course, there are still plenty of disco and house lovers in Korea, just like me.
-- What's the record shop scene like in Korea these days?
There aren't as many record shops as there are in Japan, but there are still some really nice ones. Some shops specialize in underground music like house and techno.
On the other hand, there are also old-school record shops run by elderly owners. Some of the shops in Sindang-dong have so much dust on the records that you almost have to wear a mask when you go inside. But it's always nice to talk with the owners in those kinds of shops.
Recently, more and more young people in Korea have become interested in vinyl, so more people are visiting record shops than ever before.
-- What inspires your creativity outside of DJing?
I actually majored in acting, and I am still attending acting school. Before, it felt difficult trying to balance DJ life and acting life, but one day I realized they were not so different after all.
Acting and DJing are both similar in that they are ways of expressing myself and delivering a story to the audience. That connection brings these two different arts together, and both of them give me creativity as well as the energy to keep going.
-- What's the most important mindset for you as a DJ?
These days, I believe enjoying it is the most important thing. Not just playing, but also cherishing moments like digging, organizing my collection, listening again to tracks I found years ago but forgot about, and going to clubs to listen to some of my favorite DJs.
In my opinion, all of those moments are important as a DJ, and truly enjoying them fuels me for my next gig. In the end, nobody is forcing me to DJ. I DJ because I want to enjoy those old memories and new experiences.
-- From your perspective as a DJ, what do you think about Japan's record culture and club scene?
I really love it. This is my fifth time in Japan, and every time I come here, I leave with so much energy. I really admire the way people enjoy music and how much they respect vinyl and record culture.
The first record shop I visited on this tour was Disk Union. I saw people who had probably just finished work, still wearing their suits, digging through records. I remember thinking, "That's so cool."
In Korea, it's mostly DJs and dedicated music lovers who go record digging. But in Japan, it feels like everyone is walking around with a Disk Union bag. I just love it. The energy and love for music here are really incredible.
-- Lastly, how was your experience DJing at ELLA RECORDS today?
To be honest, ELLA RECORDS is one of my favorite record-related media platforms. I'm not just saying that because we're filming. I genuinely love it. I've discovered so many great record shops thanks to the ELLA RECORDS YouTube channel.
At the beginning of today's set, I was a little nervous. But by the end, I thought, "You know what? Whatever. It's all about the music." After that, I just had so much fun. This was actually the last DJ set of my Japan tour, and I received so much energy from everyone here.
Thank you so much to everyone who came today.
