On the world stage, no DJ is quite as impressive and captivating as Yoji Biomehanika. Achievements such as rising to #32 in last year’s DJ Magazine Top 100, as well as #14 in the Dutch DJ Awards, and winning the 2003 title of Best DJ at the UK’s Hard Dance Music Awards have helped this “rock star trapped in a DJ’s body” evolve into the Yoji Biomehanika phenomenon that is present today.

Renowned for consistently unleashing world class productions and remixes such as Hard Style Disco through Hell House and Eurotrash’s Get Down Get Up on his listeners, his high energy and flamboyant live sets are a showcase of creativity and innovation. The superstar himself will be on Aussie shores by the end of this week, and he recently got busy on the email with ITM’s Miss Riz.

Originally from Kobe, Japan, the enigma that is Yoji Biomehanika was born after his band came to an end at the end of the 80s. A fan of music, especially avant-garde sounds, since his teenage years, Yoji found influence from styles ranging from Progressive Rock to Noise Music, before reaching dance music.

“I was always into music (so) this was a natural progression”, he writes.

This progression has seen him become not only Japan’s number one DJ, but also the “lord” and “master” of the Hi-NRG, Nu-NRG and hard trance genres with his ability to keep the BPMs fast and furious combined with the famed Yoji resonance that is melodic and elevating.

Holding residency at GIGA, one of Tokyo’s leading dance clubs, for 5 years now Yoji has his own spin on how he keeps things fresh and exciting not only for the clubbers, but also for himself.

“My music has been always advanced and I believe that people have been always (able to) get new stimulation from me. So, I think my fans and GIGA fans have (don’t have) much interest in common trends.”

With so many prominent night club and event billings on his resume including ID&T’s Sensation Black, Dance Valley, Godskitchen Global Gathering, Mystery Land, Godskitchen UK, Gatecrasher, Slinky, Judgment Sunday, Creamfields, Ageha Tokyo, Yoji is surely qualified to comment on the genre of electronic music across the globe.

“Everywhere is a little different,” he submits. “What I can say about Australia and I think most DJs agree with me is that the crowd is really up for it and energetic.”

Yoji adds that he loves playing in Australia, a scene that describes as being one of the “most fresh” when compared with Europe and Japan.

Specifically, “in Osaka, and also in Tokyo, the places appropriate for gigs are reducing now,” Yoji explains. “In order to clean and renew crowded areas where many clubs are located, the government forces clubs (to close) causing many troubles. Open time, age limits, noise problem, drugs etc. Too many problems (exist) in club scene.”

So what can Australian audiences expect from his upcoming gigs?

“I never want to be misunderstood; I have never played on stage after making scripted plans of my set. I do not know myself what will happen on a stage!” he explains.

With mixing recently completed on a CD from Pharmacy, which will also feature local DJ Hellraiser, fans ranging from the newly converted right down to the hardcore ‘hanikas’ will be able to get their hands on more Yoji.

In the past, he has stated his desire to become one of the “top DJs of the galaxy”, and when questioned on his tactics for this Yoji’s answer is quite simple really.

“There is really no plan. I will produce and play music for my fans and as long as they are enjoying it, I will continue to do it!”

Dates
Friday 8th September @ Pharmacy (Family), Brisbane
Saturday 9th September @ Pharmacy (Festival Hall), Melbourne – day time event
Saturday 9th September @ Transmission (Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre), Sydney – night event