From the Land of the Rising Sun, DJ Krush is undoubtebly Japan’s most revered hip-hop export. Having toured the globe extensively over his lengthy career, in 2006 he released his critically acclaimed best of album ‘Self Remixed Best’. Far from the norm when it comes to your standard greatest hits compilation, Krush reworked and remixed every track on the album. Touring Australia over the coming week, ITM had the chance to track him down for a quick Q&A.
You tour Australia relatively frequently; what attracts you to our shores?
Luckily Australia gives me chances to play often, and there’s no reason for me to reject. People there are nice and kind and understand my music. I feel relaxed with the atmosphere – it’s a good place to take a rest, if I have enough time!
When you started work on your recent ‘Self Remixed Best’ collection, did you have any particular big goals when reworking your older tracks?
If it was just the release of a usual “Best Of“ I would not say yes. I wanted something new from my present point of view and wanted my “babies” (songs) to wear new cloths, maybe sometimes a Kimono! I wanted also to give a hint of what I will do after this album… for future music I create.
Did you have any particular favorite tracks out of all the ones that you reworked for the remix collection?
All are my babies, and basically I like them all. Sometime I love a bad kid!
Your more recent albums such as ‘Zen’ and ‘Message At The Depth’ have shown you collaborating a lot more with MCs; are there any particular reasons why you’re doing more collaborations these days?
I’ve met a lot of people while I’m touring overseas and had the chance to meet cool musicians. Naturally we‘ve known each other and had chemistry. Sometimes people introduce me and we start contacting each other. The more I do, the more I feel like doing.
Is there a particular artist that you’d love to work with, but haven’t had the chance yet?
Blue Herb, they are from Hokkaido (located north in Japan).
Any hints on what sorts of things might be in store on your next album? Have you started working on anything new?
Not yet, I will think about it after this world tour is finished next spring.
Is your ‘Ryu’ collaboration with DJ Hide and DJ Sak still active? Are you planning on doing any more music with this group?
They are playing constantly. I myself do not mind being in a group with musicians – as long as they are good. I think there will be a chance for us to do something again.
I understand that you’ve also been involved in something called Project; can you tell us anything about that?
In Africa, they have various problem and issues that have to be solved. Meanwhile, there are good things too, like good musician and artists. I feel that I, as a musician, [should] try to introduce and contribute to it.
Any sneak hints of what audiences can expect at your upcoming Australian shows?
Details are not confirmed yet, but I will play my original tracks possibly with some un-released ones. If you give me a groove in the venue something surprising might happen!
Walski says...
Hahaha best eva chris :)