Thank you for joining us! Could you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
Larry Heard is scheduled to visit Japan this April and we (CYK) are thrilled to be a part of it so that I included some of Larry Heard's tracks in my set this time. I aimed to create a vibe that resonates with his style and the surrounding atmosphere. Also, we don't usually play during the daytime, so the music went for a more relaxed and easy-listening feel.
How do you discover new music these days?
Hmm, Lately, I've been browsing record store websites for new releases and spending a lot of time on Bandcamp. Those are the two main ways I look for new music.
Do you go to actual stores to search?
I occasionally drop by local places, like Union in Shimokitazawa... but not often, to be honest.
Do you use Spotify or AppleMusic (when looking for new music)?
I listen to them, but not really for digging. When I'm looking for new stuff, it’s primarily through record store websites or Bandcamp.
Besides DJing, is there anything else that stimulates your creativity?
Aside from DJing.... I don't do it intentionally, but since last year, I've been exploring more live music scenes since last year. I've been to a Janet Jackson concert the other day, and it was very inspiring. The whole vibe of her performance and how she owns the stage is just something else. Being up there myself as a DJ, I really think there’s a lot to pick up from that kind of energy and presence.
That’s interesting! I felt your performance today was very spectacular!
Thanks! lol. I also got feedback from my wife about the movements. Some of that comes from feedback from my wife, who used to dance. She’ll tell me after a party, "Your moves are weird," or "That might not be the best way to get into it". It’s great to get such candid feedback from someone not directly involved in DJing.
AHS is eager to showcase DJs who are new to the scene, as well as those considering diving into DJing. Do you have any advice for people who are interested in starting their DJ career?
Wow, that’s a tough one. What can I say? Many people who come to CYK's party are pretty keen on spinning vinyl. Honestly, it’s all about practice.
Is it all about getting as much gig experience as possible?
Yeah, it's not just about the gigs, really. I think everyone, including myself, should focus more on practicing."
How did you start DJing? How did you get started?
I saw a really early Disclosure and Scream btb set at BOILER ROOM, and I was like, "Wow, I want to do this! I wanted to be a DJ. I came to Tokyo for going to college and started DJing at a places like Solfa. That was around 2013, so I've been DJing for about 10 years now.
Did you have any friends in your hometown (Hokkaido) who listened to Western music?
There weren't many. However my father was a jazz drummer, so we had Western music in the house, but it wasn't played very often. Looking back, I realized, "Oh, my dad was listening to such great stuff." The first time I started listening to Western music was when Michael Jackson died, in 2009?
What do you have up your sleeve for 2024?
We have just decided to have a party for CYK at Circus on June 7(Currently closed), which is the birthday of our members Naoki Takebayashi and also my birthday is on the 8th. The guest is Kornel Kovacs from a Swedish label called Studio Van Haas, which we have loved since our early days. I have a great party coming up. That will be the first one. There are about three more parties coming up in this year. Please look forward to them.
