5 Japanese Electronic Music Artists For Your Playlist
From techno to house, dubstep to hip-hop, here are five Japanese electronic artists to watch out for.
Despite Japan's reputation as a high-tech wonderland, the number of musicians making electronic music is very small. Of course, there are techno-influenced pop bands like Capsule and Perfume, and many bands incorporate elements of EDM (electronic dance music) into their work. However, compared to Europe, the UK or the US, where genres such as techno, house and trap are well represented, Japan is relatively quiet.
However, this can be seen as a blessing in disguise. While foreign artists may not be as influenced by their electronic music peers, Japanese artists tend to do their own thing by creating unique and genre-bending music. That makes it even more special.
Here are five Japanese artists to add to your music streaming playlist. Whatever genre you choose, you're sure to find something worth watching here.
1. Ken Ishii
Techno originated in America and became popular in Europe. One artist who is constantly on the sidelines is Sapporo-born producer and DJ Ken Ishii, who has been around since the early 90s. Although Ishii has always been influenced by foreign techno (Detroit techno melodies and sound design that regret European success), the results are always up to you. Ishii's chops, whether from the 90s or this year, always sound like him: crunchy TR-909 drums, quirky melodies and futuristic sounds.
Its extensive catalog can be intimidating if you're a beginner. So the best place to start is Jelly Tones , their breakthrough in 1995. Released under the label of Belgian perfumers R&S, it represents the classic Rise. Watch the video, directed by anime director Koji Morimoto, which combines Akira's dystopian surrealism with Ishiya 's beats.
2. Nujabes
Peter Rock. J Dilla's timpani. These are all hip-hop production giants whose sample-driven beats are changing the way we think about music. However, along with these artists, it is worth mentioning another Japanese hip-hop producer, Jun Seba, who is known as Nujabes.
By combining jazz samples with delicate rhythms, he creates tracks that instantly create a mood, an atmosphere. That's why they call it the godfather of lo-fi, the Internet genre that serves as the soundtrack to many a late-night studio. Check out samples of "Luv(sic)" or "Shiki no Uta" from the Samurai Champloo soundtrack .
Nouzhabes sadly died in a car accident in 2010, ending his climbing career. But his musical influence lives on.
3. Gothic-traditional
Go to a club night in Tokyo and you'll probably hear something commercial like an open house or the sound of electronic music. One man who has made it his mission to make sure that's not the only option is Goth-Trad. He's been busy since the 2000s with his Back To Chill nights, giving the bass-heavy genre room to thrive.
He is also an artist. Although known for dubstep, don't expect Goth-Trad to be some kind of Japanese Skrillex. His output was much darker and more diverse than Sonny's. Breakdowns, distortions, industrial beats, lush bass and a penchant for experimentation brought him closer to post-rave artists like Blawan or The Bug who shared a passion for reggae.
Their hit Mad Raver's Dance Floor is the best place to start, but don't forget newer albums like New Age and Psionics , which are equal parts rhythm and noise.
4. Soichi Terada
Where Goth-Trade makes long dark soul music, Soichi Terada is the complete opposite. The hottest guy in dance music and always with a bright smile, he creates a deep and welcoming house that you can't help but feel.
Originally inspired by the music he heard in 1980s New York clubs, Terada has carved out an incredibly fertile field of classic deep house. Lush bass lines and smooth beats set soft synth chords and enough melody to get the dance floor moving. Fans of Old School House will find the music very familiar, even if they've never heard it before.
Non-native fans may want to check out his chip work, such as the soundtrack to the classic video game Ape Escape , or his Omodaka project, which fuses 8-bit audio with Japanese folk music.
5. Creons
And Sapporo? The northern city not only has Ken Ishii (see above), but also Krion (pronounced "in Korean" but means maple leaf in Russian), a new dance music producer making waves around the world. Forbes Japan included in the list of 30 under 30 in 2020.
While most Japanese teenagers spend their free time shopping or clubbing, Krion spends his time in front of the computer creating songs. His breakthrough was "iPhone Bubbling," a catchy tune that deftly replicates the iPhone's iconic notification tone. Now working in the tech house/melodic techno genre (think slower tempo than techno with a greater emphasis on melody), his releases are gaining momentum thanks to his recent collaboration with dance music veteran Sasha.
Creon left Sapporo for the more cosmopolitan San Francisco, but the style he developed at home in his bedroom continues to influence his productions. Really worth a look.
Who are your favorite Japanese electronic DJs and musicians? Let us know in the comments!