Takkyu Ishino has been in the mix for over a decade. His music reaches just far enough beyond pereferal pop to grab our a attention but keeps its' feet on the dance floor. His beats link pop and subpop(one of the least accredited stations in music). Spending a large portion of his career supporting Denki Groove he has recently stepped up as one of the freshest DJ's on the globe. He is easily one of my favourite artists. This is Takkyu Ishino.
It is time for the west to open up its ears and give a good listen. You will not be disappointed.
His latest release stateside is on the recent installment of
Japan4sale volume 3. Go get yourself a copy to hear the best Japan has to offer.
KM: How old where you when first realized that you wanted to become a musician?
Takkyu: It was when I was 11 years old and heard the Japanese Electronic Band YMO, when moment I heard it, I thought "this is music from the aliens". I was really upset when I realized that YMO were humans.
KM:Is there anything in particular that inspired you to become a musician?
Takkyu: The artists like YMO, kraftwerk, mute lebel that represent the 80's Electro-pop in Europe. Also, Industrial bands such as Throbbinng gristle,cabaret voltaire,spk; The 80's German New Wave bands; and the 70's punk bands have influenced me too.
KM: Where do you draw your inspirations from now?
Takkyu: As a dj I travel to many different places and meet many people which gives me inspiration.
KM: What are some of your favorite western bands/DJ's?
Takkyu: Of course German bands, DJ's. For Bands, I would name kraftwerk and joy division, which is an all time favorite. For DJ's I would name dj woody and westbam.
KM: How about Japanese bands/DJ's?
Takkyu: Ryuichi Sakamoto, the indies band,hovrakin and fumiya tanaka.
KM: Did you have any formal musical training?
Takkyu: I used to learn the organ when I was 4-6, but it dosen't really come in use these days.
KM: How did you get your first live gig?
Takkyu: I don't really remember but I think it was a friends party.
KM: What was your first performance like?
Takkyu: I didn't know how many records I should bring so I remember bringing a ton of records.
KM: Have you ever had a really bad experience at a live show?
Takkyu: A live in my hometown, Shizuoka. We were the first act, and the location was the second floor of the builidng. When the live started the pressure from all the dancing, almost broke the floor so the live was cancelled after 5 minutes of playing.
KM: Could you tell us about your best show and why you think it was your best show?
Takkyu: I'm not sure if it's the best but 3 or 4 years ago there was a Bulgarian total eclipse party on the coast of the Black Sea which was extremely mystical.
KM: What other bands did you play with before Denki Groove?
Takkyu: Mostly Punk Bands, which was an extremely great experience.
KM: How long have you been playing with Denki Groove?
Takkyu: 12 years
KM: Could you tell us a little about what you are working on with Denki Groove right now?
Takkyu: We been on a break for 2 years but we will start again next year.
KM: Could you tell us what events contributed to your solo work?
Takkyu: Mostly events as a dj contribute. For more details check out www.takkyuishino.com.
KM: How often do you use sampling when composing your music?
Takkyu: Depends on the track. But I am careful about sampling.
KM: Have you started tracks for a new solo album yet?
Takkyu: At the moment, that is what I am doing. Last summer, I won't forget the date...August 25, I was almost finished with the album when all the data erased! So I had to restart.
KM: You have laid tracks for movies like Ghost in the Shell. What do you take into consideration when you are working on soundtracks for movies?
Takkyu: It was not the tracks for the movie, it was for the game!
KM: Have you laid any tracks for video games?
Takkyu: ghost in the shell.
KM: Are there any movies coming out soon that you will be contributing music to?
Takkyu: NO.
KM: Do you have any philosophy behind your music?
Takkyu: Just be true to myself.
KM: Do you prefer to be in the studio or on tour?
Takkyu: If I am in the studio too long, I miss touring but then again if I am touring I miss the studio.
KM: How many shows per year do you do?
Takkyu: 30-40.
KM: What advice do you have for young people that would like to break into music or become DJ's?
Takkyu: Don't try to be taught by other people.
KM: How have Americans been responding to your shows?
Takkyu: Not well at all.
KM: When do you plan on returning to America for a tour?
Takkyu: NO plans for America.
KM: Do you have anything you would like to say to your American fans?
Takkyu: Do you people in America hate me?
KM: Will you be performing in that suit you are often pictured wearing?(Its a very sharp look by the way)
Takkyu: NO.
KM: Will you be touring with Denki Groove or coming solo?
Takkyu: Not only solo but I will tour in Japan as Denki Groove also.
KM: How about San Francisco? When and where will you be here again? Let us know. We will buy you a drink.
Takkyu: Hey, not just one drink, buy me a few.
KM: Anything that you would like to add?
Takkyu: Sorry that this was so late.
KM: Hey, no problem!
An interview with Takkyu Ishino
by Keith Martin
