Hirotaka Shirotsubaki
An electronic musician born and based in Kobe, Hyogo.
He unravels fragments of memory and recollection from the city where he was born and raised, reweaving them into music that captures fleeting moments and landscapes.
Since the release of his album on the Spanish electronic music label ARCHIVES in 2018, he has presented works from various countries around the world.
His activities span a wide range, including composing music for commercials and facility background music, and in 2024 arranging and performing music by Cornelius as stage music for the Shibuya PARCO 5th anniversary project “Parco Cultural Festival.”
He unravels fragments of memory and recollection from the city where he was born and raised, reweaving them into music that captures fleeting moments and landscapes.
Since the release of his album on the Spanish electronic music label ARCHIVES in 2018, he has presented works from various countries around the world.
His activities span a wide range, including composing music for commercials and facility background music, and in 2024 arranging and performing music by Cornelius as stage music for the Shibuya PARCO 5th anniversary project “Parco Cultural Festival.”
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
My musical roots trace back to the first CD I ever bought in elementary school: Burnin' X'mas by T.M.Revolution.
That encounter sparked a curiosity that led me to actively seek out music and carefully refine my own tastes.
At first glance, it may seem very different from the music I make today, but it was a crucial milestone in shaping my aesthetic sensibility toward sound and my personal musical perspective.
That encounter sparked a curiosity that led me to actively seek out music and carefully refine my own tastes.
At first glance, it may seem very different from the music I make today, but it was a crucial milestone in shaping my aesthetic sensibility toward sound and my personal musical perspective.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Tatsuro MurakamiAn ambient artist I’ve been connected with since around last year.
He is a guitarist with roots in Brazilian music, and I was deeply moved by the beautiful sense of space and melody that emerges from that background.
Kobe's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
Although Kobe is a relatively small city, it is also a port town with many residents whose roots lie overseas. Because of this, a wide variety of musical genres have long been performed within different communities.
From my personal perspective, however, it feels like the communities that once existed independently have begun interacting more with one another in recent years, particularly after the pandemic.
From my personal perspective, however, it feels like the communities that once existed independently have begun interacting more with one another in recent years, particularly after the pandemic.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
COFFEE BAR HECKE— 灘区 / Nada-ku
A bar located near Rokko Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line.
Part of the appeal is that I’m a regular there, but more than that, it offers a relaxing atmosphere, and the owner always seems to be playing records that have caught their particular musical radar.
Part of the appeal is that I’m a regular there, but more than that, it offers a relaxing atmosphere, and the owner always seems to be playing records that have caught their particular musical radar.
Record Shop
Tobira Records— 加西市北条町 / Hojochohojo, Kasai-shi
Owned by my friend Hakobune.
I rarely buy records myself, but when I do, this is one of the shops I occasionally visit.
I rarely buy records myself, but when I do, this is one of the shops I occasionally visit.
Café
INIT— 中央区北野 / Kitano Chuo-ku
The interior and atmosphere are wonderful, reflecting the unique worldview of Vincent, the French owner who settled in Japan.
Many artists from the Kyoto - Osaka - Kobe area are regulars, and almost every artist staying through the Artist in Residence Kobe program ends up spending a lot of time there during their stay.
Many artists from the Kyoto - Osaka - Kobe area are regulars, and almost every artist staying through the Artist in Residence Kobe program ends up spending a lot of time there during their stay.
Which local DJs would you recommend?
Matsuo
matsuoshiA DJ who has been a major influence and supporter since my younger days.
His performances span everything from J-pop to ambient music. In Kobe’s DJ scene, or at least within the community I’m part of, loud, chaotic sets filled with noise and aggressive beats often tend to receive the most attention. Against that backdrop, he has consistently prioritized melody and creating a comfortable atmosphere, which is something I’ve always admired.
His performances span everything from J-pop to ambient music. In Kobe’s DJ scene, or at least within the community I’m part of, loud, chaotic sets filled with noise and aggressive beats often tend to receive the most attention. Against that backdrop, he has consistently prioritized melody and creating a comfortable atmosphere, which is something I’ve always admired.