- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
The week before recording the mix, I had gigs at various venues with slightly different vibes, so my record bag was filled with an interesting and colorful selection. I picked out about 30 electro-beat records from that collection and headed to ELLA Records. When I arrived in Shimokitazawa, the ELLA staff treated me to coffee, and we had a fun chat about the weekend at the shop, which put me in a relaxed mood as I entered the booth. Because of that, I think I ended up choosing and mixing records that are fun and friendly to listen to.
When recording a mix, I usually play a roughly equal balance of new and old records. I also focus on tracks that suit my current mood or that I'm particularly enjoying at the moment. For this mix, I featured a track from the iconic 90s techno label Hybrid (Akilah Bryant – Arachnophobia) in the middle section, which has been a staple in my record bag for a while. After finishing the mix, I did some light digging in the store while chatting with everyone, and I found a remix record (Koop – Glömd) by Cari Lekebusch (the owner of Hybrid) on the shelf. It's not something you come across often, so I thought, "This is a really great record store." (laughs)
- What methods do you prefer when searching for new music? Do you still enjoy browsing for music in record stores, or have you come to prefer online purchases?
Given my constantly on-the-go lifestyle, I keep digging for music whenever and however I can, whether online or offline. Digging through records at stores has always been a joy and the ultimate relaxation for me, so I won't ever stop. I often come across non-dance records in stores, which is always a delight.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
When DJing, I always aim to take lots of risks and explore new sounds.
- What plans do you have for 2024?
In October, I'm planning KINO (Phonotheque)'s first tour in Japan. In November, I'll be participating in an event with VLADIMIR IVKOVIC, who will be returning to Japan for the first time since Rural 2023. I'm also hoping to release an EP this year. As a lifelong project, I started a label called A.S.F.RECS last year, which is connected to the A.S.F. party I host at Mitsuki.
