Raku Ito
Raku Ito is a DJ from Akiya, Kanagawa, now based in Melbourne.
Centered around ambient and techno, his practice explores sound through immersive listening experiences.
Blending the memory of place, traces of nature, low-end vibrations, and experimental sonic textures, he creates soundscapes that invite listeners to slowly sink into the music.
Centered around ambient and techno, his practice explores sound through immersive listening experiences.
Blending the memory of place, traces of nature, low-end vibrations, and experimental sonic textures, he creates soundscapes that invite listeners to slowly sink into the music.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
The first time I heard Aphex Twin, it felt like I had encountered an emotion I had never experienced before.
His music quietly embraced the hidden sadness and loneliness deep within me, transforming them into something that felt almost like comfort.
That experience remains the foundation of the depth and sense of space I continue to seek in music today.
His music quietly embraced the hidden sadness and loneliness deep within me, transforming them into something that felt almost like comfort.
That experience remains the foundation of the depth and sense of space I continue to seek in music today.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.KugelI haven't had the chance to experience a live set yet, but I'm deeply drawn to the dreamlike, psychedelic atmosphere in her mixes, as well as the way tenderness and sharpness coexist in their music.
Melbourne's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
What I love about Melbourne's music scene is that it feels open to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background.
It's inspiring as a DJ and genuinely enjoyable as a listener.
Once you're on the dance floor, dancing becomes a natural form of communication, and you can feel people connecting with one another through music.
It's inspiring as a DJ and genuinely enjoyable as a listener.
Once you're on the dance floor, dancing becomes a natural form of communication, and you can feel people connecting with one another through music.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Bar Waxflower— Brunswick, Melbourne
A place where the balance between the sound system and the space is just right.
You can have a conversation while still listening deeply to the music.
The vinyl selections are tasteful, the speakers sound beautiful, and the atmosphere captures both the warmth and sophistication that Melbourne is known for.
You can have a conversation while still listening deeply to the music.
The vinyl selections are tasteful, the speakers sound beautiful, and the atmosphere captures both the warmth and sophistication that Melbourne is known for.
Record Shop
Alley Tunes Records— Hawthorn, Melbourne
A record shop I visit regularly in Melbourne.
It offers a wide selection of techno, ambient, experimental, and electronic music, with an underground feel that always leads me to sounds I've never encountered before.
It offers a wide selection of techno, ambient, experimental, and electronic music, with an underground feel that always leads me to sounds I've never encountered before.
Café
Plug Nickel— Collingwood, Melbourne
A café where I stopped for coffee one morning, and the music perfectly matched the time of day.
It never demanded attention, but blended naturally with the quiet atmosphere of the morning and the surrounding streets.
It reminded me how music can gently shape a space without overwhelming it.
It never demanded attention, but blended naturally with the quiet atmosphere of the morning and the surrounding streets.
It reminded me how music can gently shape a space without overwhelming it.
Label / Series
Kalahari Oyster Cult
Although it's not in Melbourne, I'm drawn to the way psychedelic freedom and playfulness coexist with strange yet beautiful musical expression.
Which local DJs/artists would you recommend?
Paper-Cuts
partydown99When I experienced their set in Melbourne, I was deeply influenced by their refined track selection, impeccable judgment, and the strong sense of aesthetics that radiated through every sound.
OK EG
okegmusicI'm drawn to the hypnotic, deeply immersive soundscapes and the way experimentation coexists with a strong sense of the dance floor.
The music carries your mind far away while keeping your body moving.
The music carries your mind far away while keeping your body moving.
Moopie
moopiedailyA DJ whose storytelling is so beautiful that it feels like following a single narrative, even with your eyes closed.
I'm fascinated by the way they seamlessly weave together a wide range of genres and guide listeners through a deep, flowing musical journey.
I'm fascinated by the way they seamlessly weave together a wide range of genres and guide listeners through a deep, flowing musical journey.
Showcases
Artists from Melbourne
Born and raised in Bandung, Toby is a DJ and producer with a deep passion for electronic music.
He started his journey in early 2020 and has been working with Norrm Radio since 2021, where he has expanded his knowledge of electronic music and the industry surrounding it.
Over the years, Toby has built his career as a resident DJ at Palette Sensory Bar and Norrm Radio Bar, while also performing at venues across Bandung, Jakarta, and Bali, including Peels and Zodiac.
His sets flow seamlessly, blending genres while maintaining a steady pulse for the dancefloor.
Beyond DJing, he produces his own music and has recently launched Sweet Spot, an independent electronic music label dedicated to pushing fresh sounds forward.
He started his journey in early 2020 and has been working with Norrm Radio since 2021, where he has expanded his knowledge of electronic music and the industry surrounding it.
Over the years, Toby has built his career as a resident DJ at Palette Sensory Bar and Norrm Radio Bar, while also performing at venues across Bandung, Jakarta, and Bali, including Peels and Zodiac.
His sets flow seamlessly, blending genres while maintaining a steady pulse for the dancefloor.
Beyond DJing, he produces his own music and has recently launched Sweet Spot, an independent electronic music label dedicated to pushing fresh sounds forward.
Born and raised in Bandung, Toby is a DJ and producer with a deep passion for electronic music.
He started his journey in early 2020 and has been working with Norrm Radio since 2021, where he has expanded his knowledge of electronic music and the industry surrounding it.
Over the years, Toby has built his career as a resident DJ at Palette Sensory Bar and Norrm Radio Bar, while also performing at venues across Bandung, Jakarta, and Bali, including Peels and Zodiac.
His sets flow seamlessly, blending genres while maintaining a steady pulse for the dancefloor.
Beyond DJing, he produces his own music and has recently launched Sweet Spot, an independent electronic music label dedicated to pushing fresh sounds forward.
He started his journey in early 2020 and has been working with Norrm Radio since 2021, where he has expanded his knowledge of electronic music and the industry surrounding it.
Over the years, Toby has built his career as a resident DJ at Palette Sensory Bar and Norrm Radio Bar, while also performing at venues across Bandung, Jakarta, and Bali, including Peels and Zodiac.
His sets flow seamlessly, blending genres while maintaining a steady pulse for the dancefloor.
Beyond DJing, he produces his own music and has recently launched Sweet Spot, an independent electronic music label dedicated to pushing fresh sounds forward.