Shizuoka
1 artist
Local Scene
HAL
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
I've noticed more and more DJs from a younger generation emerging, and it feels like the city's music scene has become much more vibrant. It's not just the number of parties that's growing, but also the number of young people who genuinely love music.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
dazzbar— 静岡 / Shizuoka
This is my home venue and a place where I've shared countless unforgettable nights since I was a teenager. The sound system is exceptional, and it's always a joy to DJ there.
Rajishan— 静岡 / Shizuoka
With the booth facing the intimate dancefloor, it's a place where both DJs and the audience can become completely immersed in the music. I also love the drinks, which are carefully crafted by the owner, Miura.
Café
喫茶 瑪瑙 / Kissa Menou— 裾野 / Susono
A music café in Susono where you can enjoy the owner's carefully curated record collection, centered on ambient and jazz, along with delicious coffee brewed slowly using a traditional cloth filter. It's the kind of place where you completely lose track of time. One of my favorite memories is helping paint the walls and floors before it opened.
Label / Series
International Anthem
Not in Shizuoka, it hardly needs an introduction. It's one of the labels whose every release I look forward to.
Soul Quest Records
A relatively new label from London releasing soulful and sophisticated dance music, including deep house, jazz, and broken beat. I play their records in my DJ sets quite often.
Artists
Artist Interviews
What are your musical roots?
Thanks to my parents, I grew up listening to '90s and 2000s hip hop and R&B from a very young age. After I started dancing in elementary school, I was also exposed to jazz, funk, soul, and many other styles of music.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Cam O'biI love the way his powerful yet warm, rounded beats are paired with melancholic synths and basslines. I always make a point of checking out the projects he's involved in.
- 2.CousinThe way rhythm unfolds within its floating, atmospheric soundscapes is incredible, and the low-end is outstanding.
- 3.JiyuA jazz collective from Copenhagen. Their music is a fascinating blend of spiritual jazz, ambient, hip hop, and many other influences, making it a joy to listen to. I also featured one of their tracks in the mix I contributed this time.