DJ Krush - interview

You’re considered one of the pioneers of hip-hop and DJ’ing in Japan. How did the scene look like, when you started? Do you have any favorite memories from that period? Was there a particular record or artist who inspired you the most? 

In 1983, the film Wild Style, which was released in Japan, brought me and hip-hop together. Without this film, DJ KRUSH would not exist today. It changed my life that much. When I was young, I was looking for something to get into. I wanted to be sure of who I was and I was looking for a way to express myself. That's when I came across hip-hop. Breakdancing, graffiti, rap and DJing...... I naturally chose DJing - I chose DJing because I loved music. I was drawn to the comfort of being able to express myself as I am on the street. That was the beginning of hip-hop.

What do you think about how the DJ and music scene in general has evolved? 

Digital advances have diversified musical styles and changed the shape of consumption. The amount of information has exploded and is now easily accessible to all. In this context, it has become increasingly important to hone one's individuality. We need to take in diverse influences and feed on them to find our own sound. Unknowingly, we are influenced by many different things. That is why I constantly remind myself not to lose sight of myself.

Over the years you had the chance to meet and record with many legends, some of whom are unfortunately no longer with us. You’ve recorded a couple of songs with Guru for example - how do you remember creating songs such as “B-Boy Mastamind” or “Most Wanted Man”? Do you have any stories involving Guru you want to share? 

Recording in a New York studio. They watched me with serious interest as I input the drum data into the sequencer. I still remember that scene. 

One of the most beloved albums from your discography is “Ki-Oku” with acclaimed jazz trumpeter, the late great Toshinori Kondo. What’s the story of this album? How do you remember Toshinori, what have you learned from him? 

The album 『KIOKU』 was produced by staying at Kondo-san's studio. The result is a wonderful piece of work with his soul in it. We hope that 『KIOKU』 will touch the hearts of as many people as possible, while keeping our memories of him in our hearts.

There’s one more legend that I want to ask about - have you ever had a chance to connect and work with Nujabes? 

We have met and talked, but there have been no music-related work opportunities.

Congratulations on over 30 years of incredible solo career. Do you have any favorite music or live-related memory from all these years that maybe you'd like to share?

I am a member of Bill Laswell's Method Of Defiance. I was also with two great musicians who have now passed away, Hitonori Kondo and Bernie Worrell (P-FUNK). I also got to play with Bernie Worrell of the original P-Funk. It was a really gorgeous line-up. With jazz influences and turntables, I pursued a free and expansive style. In the process of exploring my own expression beyond the boundaries of hip-hop, I felt the need for new colours and paints. This was when I realised that I needed diverse tools to fully express myself without being restricted by genres. I wanted paints that could be painted in any colour and a brush that I could manipulate at will.

Your music does not easily fall into one category, you’re always open to musical experiments - whether it’s recording with jazz musicians like Toshinori Kondo or Akira Sakata, or incorporating traditional Japanese instruments. Is there a musical challenge you feel you still want to take? 

Collaborating with Kondo Toshinori and Sakata Akira was an exciting experience. In my future musical activities, I would like to try my hand at fusing different cultures and genres of music. I would like to pursue my own unique musical expression by deepening it further.

Do you have any advice for the aspiring producers and DJ’s out there? 

Pursuing their own unique musical style, while valuing continuity and originality, develop your own path by honing your sensibility and constantly evolving.

Do you have any message for your fans in Poland? 

Your energy is our inspiration!