Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing all the way from Japan, pioneering hip-hop turntablist, DJ Krush. Mention “pioneering”, “hip-hop” and “Japan” in the same sentence and the response from some may be “What the?” However mention the name DJ Krush to one of his ever increasing number of fans and you will hear affectionate descriptions of his atmospheric production work and inspiring DJing skills.
Through documentaries like the recently released Scratch and books such as Looking for the Perfect Beat by Kurt Reighley the history of DJ’s and turntablism has become readily accessible to those taken in by the ever increasingly popularity of the DJ in music today. Amongst the talk of 1970’s Brooklyn and names such as Afrika Bambaata, Grandmaster Flash and more recently West Coast artists such as Q-Bert mention is made of DJ Krush and his innovative work far across the Pacific in his native Japan. More than ten years ago he was considered a pioneer for his use of turntables as a live instrument and he continues to be at the forefront of pushing boundaries within the Hip-Hop Scene today.
DJ Krush is a man very much in touch with the world around him and at the time of sending him questions for this interview he was midway through an American tour. With previous tours of the US coinciding with such tragic events as 9/11 and the Oklahoma Bombing his message to his fans via his website prior to this tour was one of reluctance as the world prepared for war. At the same time the hip hop scene for which he is so much a part of has its roots in the big ol’ US of A and it is there where he finds many of his collaborative partners.
The past six months has seen some of the world’s leading hip-hop DJ’s and Turntablists tour Australia including DJ Shadow, Q-Bert, DJ Craze and the upcoming tour of Grandmaster Flash. The May tour of DJ Krush is must see add on to this list as he brings with him his own unique flavour of beats and techniques. ITM’s Nojman recently had the chance to send him (via his interpreter) a few questions about his production work, DJing work and life in general.
From reading your bio/website you seem a man very much aware and concerned about the world about you. What kind of impact have events of late had on your own production work? Have their been any noticeable changes in feeling or mood? Is your production work a reflection of and reaction to your concerns?
Yes as my children get older, I cannot help but think about the world they will live in. Obviously those concerns show up in my work. The concept of my latest album SHINSO – A Message At The Depth is a direct response to 9/11. My previous album ZEN was a hopeful album for a new dawning century. Oh, the way that hope has been shattered. It all just seems to be such a waste, you know.
On your website you seemed very apprehensive about your recent American tour because of the current political climate. How has the tour gone? Has the tour altered any of your opinions and fears?
I am playing 24 show in the U.S on this tour. The U.S. is a BIG country. From the media, you get the impression that all Americans are in support of war. Almost a Rambo-type mentality. But in reality, people have different views and opinions and it was very eye-opening to hear the breadth of opinions in the U.S. If I took a poll, I felt I met more people opposed to the war. It surprised me a little. All I know for sure, being from Japan, the only country that has had an A Bomb dropped on it, is that in war, the weak get hurt the most – children, the elderly. I don’t have all the answers but that just doesn’t seem right.
Do you feel your political concerns are reflected in your live/dj performance or is performing more a form of escapism from your fears?
I think the recording process is more for messages and concerns. To DJ and play is more of an escapism for me, I guess. It’s simply about connecting with the audience, sharing a vibe, a time, a flow, a space, a groove. I try to communicate what I feel that night to the audience.
What kind of reception do you get in America? Are you well received?
There are a lot of cities I am going to for the first time. For people who have never seen me before, I guess they are a little surprised. I am not your typical party DJ. I like to show a flow through my set. Some slow tempo tracks etc. In the beginning some people are perplexed. But in the end, the reception has been awesome. The love from the people has been amazing.
I recently watched the American hip hop documentary “Scratch” and noticed you being referred to as pushing the hip hop sound in Japan. How would you describe the Japanese scene? Are there any major differences in the Japanese scene?
There are a lot of new and up and coming artists. There is a hip hop/pop scene and a vibrant underground scene. A group of artists trying to copy US hip hop and another group making a new form of Japanese hip hop or rap.
Who are some of the artists you consider to be most influential on your local scene? Do you draw more inspiration locally from what’s happening abroad?
Tha Blue Herb and Zebra. I have travelled to over fifty countries and I have used up five passports. I get inspired from the world but I “digest” and create those experiences in my room in Tokyo. Inspiration comes from everywhere.
The last time I saw you play was as the sun was setting in Perth for Vibes on a Summers Day in 1998 and have fond memories of occasion. If I were to come and see you now, five years on, what could I expect to be different in the kind of set you play?
Please come and see who DJ Krush is now. With 5 more years under my belt (!), come see what I have in store. I’d like to know what you think after I play.
Australia – what are your memories and what are your expectations for your upcoming tour?
It is one of my favourite countries. Actually it ranks among the top 3 places I would like to live…Beautiful beaches, great people. I am looking forward to visiting again.
You’re considered a pioneer in the use of the turntable as a musical instrument in a live setting. It’s now more than ten years down the track, what kind of things are you now experimenting with (whether for live performance or DJ performance)?
On this tour, I played with D Madness in Texas. He is on my new record. Playing live on stage with other musicians keeps this real and intense for me. On DJing, it’s practice, practice, practice. Can’t get rusty, you know. I still use the same mixer I’ve used for over 10 years. Vestax pmc-20SL (They don’t make it anymore) but it’s a great machine.
There is a lot of showmanship in the development of different hip hop djing styles and techniques – how far can this be taken?
I hope the next generation takes it to a new level. Pioneers make new forms of music and styles. I will keep on doing what I do. I will probably still be DJing when I am 80 years old!. I will have a nurse back stage feeding me by IV. DJing is what I do. I will keep on doing what I do. I want the younger cats to develop what they do. I look forward to seeing new dj styles and techniques.
See you soon.
You can check out DJ Krush on his Australian and New Zealand tour at the following cities:
Friday 9th May
Auckland
St James
Sat 10th May
Sydney
Metro
Sunday 11th may
Melbourne
Prince of Wales
Tuesday 13th may
Adelaide
Minke Bar
Thurs 15th May
Brisbane
Family
Friday 16th May
Canberra
Sat 17th May
Perth
Globe
You can also read ITM’s review of his latest album Shinso: Message at the Depth here.
