- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
I selected a mix of old and new records, spanning from listening-focused tracks to club sounds, aiming to create a natural groove born from the flow of the DJ mix without overplanning.
- Can you tell us about your approach to creating mixes?
By repeatedly immersing myself in tracks and letting them sink into my being, I naturally develop an understanding of the music and how to approach it in my own way. This applies both to live sets and mixes—combining an intuitive feel for the groove with musical theory, I strive to create a flow that suits the moment.
- 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?
Visiting record stores is an essential experience for me. The carefully curated selections, the atmosphere of the shop, and communication with the owners all create a world that excites and stimulates me. Locally, I love spots like "Little Bird" in Fukushima, "Proceed Music Store" in Sendai, and "Rana Musica" in Shimokitazawa. At the same time, I enjoy discovering new music by checking databases like Discogs and staying up to date with trends from both domestic and international distributors and independent labels online.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
It sounds like your creative pursuits are deeply intertwined with your environment and community in Fukushima. It's great that you draw inspiration from both music and design, using the connections you have with local creatives to fuel your work. If you ever need assistance with translating or shaping content related to your passions, feel free to reach out!
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
The key is to keep going while enjoying the process. I also encourage you to attend clubs and live music events as much as possible. By immersing yourself in the real experience of music and valuing the connections you make with the music and the people around you, I believe you’ll start to hear music in a deeper, richer way.
- What plans do you have for 2024?
To close out 2024, I’m excited to be hosting an important event with my partner, MONKEY Sequence.19. We’ll be organizing “K.I.S.S.” on December 14th (Saturday) at Fukushima NEO. In the Tokyo area, I’ll be DJing at “SOUND MANEUVERS in Tokyo” at Solfa in Nakameguro on December 21st (Saturday), and then at ILLAS in Shimokitazawa on December 22nd (Sunday). In the Tohoku region, I’ll be performing at SANDINISTA in Yamagata for the “WEEKENDER” party on December 30th (Monday), where OCCA will be the guest. DJ SAITO, an incredible DJ from the same region, will also be performing—definitely check them out! I’ll be sharing more details and updates about these events on social media. I’m looking forward to carefully engaging with each of these events and finishing 2024 on a high note!
