Despite two rounds of translation slightly turning it into a game of 'Japanese Whispers'. Tomas Olesen is thrilled to interview one of his idols - DJ Krush.
What was the first record you bought?
The first record I bought was probably an anime song from a Japanese hero series in my childhood.
You are who the world thinks of when it comes to Japanese hip hop. But the Japanese hip hop scene is big now isn't it?
It's been 20 years since hip hop landed in Japan. There are some young talented artists who have a strong style and they are becoming more interesting.
Your sound is very unique, there's a real deep warmth to it despite often having spooky, almost sad, sounds. Do you think your music is a reflection of you or of the world around you?
It is both. I spice the sample up with my imagination. The recipe for the spice is my top secret!
What equipment do you use in your production? Do you have a favourite bit of equipment and why?
Vestax PMC20SL / Rane Serato Scratch Live / Ableton Live 8 / Emu SP-1200. It is important to use equipment with which you are adept in terms of making your own style. But at the same time I never forget to seek a new sound by using new equipment.
There's clearly a lot more to Krush than just hip hop, for instance your album with Ronny Jordan. Is jazz a big part of your life?
I've got a big influence from London jazz music which made me think how to express that free and wide sound with my turntables. Hip hop influence isn't enough for me to describe my music. I needed more colours, more paints without thinking of genre. It was necessary to use a lot more paints and brushes in order to complete my style. Therefore I can not limit my music to one thing. My music is a genre called “DJ Krush”.
You've travelled all over the world. Apart from family and friends, when you're away what do you miss most about Japan.
It is OK for me to leave my family for a while as I'm used to it, but it is very hard for me to live without Japanese food!
Is there any new music from you on the horizon, anything you want to shout out?
Next year is the 20th anniversary of my solo project. I'm planning to put out some material and to tour so please watch out for what I'm going to do.
You've reached a level of success that few artists manage. What do you feel you still have left to achieve?
I still got a lot of things that I want to do, so I just keep going.
What would you most like to be remembered for?
There is a lot, it's hard to specify..Hmmm.... oh yes, I've got a grandchild which was a very big event. I might give him a DJ equipment set and create a second “DJ Krush” and tell him to be bigger than me!
DJ Krush plays London's Electric Ballroom on Thursday 29th April
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