Exclusive Interview with DJ Kentaro
Known the world over as both a turntablist and as a sound creator, Japan's DJ KENTARO first entered the consciousness of the global music community by scoring a landslide victory at the world's biggest DJ battle, the DMC 2002, to become the first ever Asian Champion of the World. Since then he has performed shows across the globe. April 2006 saw Kentaro sign to Ninja Tune as an artist and the resulting album, his debut solo full-length "ENTER", blew minds worldwide with its original rhythms and borderless sound design. After going to number 1 on the indie charts on Oricon in Japan, it also topped the iTunes Dance Chart with both album and single going to number 1.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Kentaro, shortly before his performance at Q Bar on 30th August.
You first entered the consciousness of the general public in 2002 by becoming the first ever Asian Champion of the World at the world's biggest DJ battle “DMC World DJ Championships” and simultaneously you achieved the highest score in the history of the competition (10/10 from every judge) – all this at the young age of only 20 years. What did this title mean for personally and for your career?
Well, a year before (2001), I was placed third in DMC World, so all I wanted to do was to win DMC Japan championship in 2002 and get a ticket to enter DMC World championship again and I was able to win Japan and World too. After that the title got me so busy, the busiest ever. I think I had like nearly 100 shows in the following year lol.
You evolved from a celebrated turntablist to a respected and successful producer touring the world. How would you describe your own music in just a few words and - out of all tracks you have made - which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Well, my new record “Contrast” that came out last year was more of my dance music side of production work which I can play and perform when I do live or DJ.
"Step In" feat. Foreign Beggars (UK) was a big hit last year, and its remix done by Tha Trickaz (FR) was #3 at Beatport chart. It’s a heavy bass music, dubstep influenced a touch.
You did a highly successful mix CD series called “Solid Steel” for the prestigious record label “Ninja Tune” in 2005, then in 2006 you signed with label and your first album ‘Enter’ came out in 2007. Your second album “Contrast” followed last year. What can you tell us about your latest album?
Like I said, it was more of my floor like tunes of record, I had DJ KRUSH (JP/Kikkake) which was the 1st single from the album, I had C2C (FR/Next Page) who is French Grammy winner of 2012, Foreign Beggars(UK), Kid Koala(CA), D-Styles(US), Matrix & Futurebound(UK), MC Zulu(US), Fire Ball(JP), and so on.
What are you currently working on? What is on your agenda for the near future?
I have my festival called “BASSCAMP 2013” in Tokyo Japan that is coming out in August, just working on that and also making new tunes for my new label as well.
You travel a lot. What are the things you miss the most when you are on tour?
Traveling isn’t that bad, but maybe it will be nice if there are Japanese convenience shops in Europe or America lol.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Not sure about worst gig, but last tour in France (5 festivals) was just mad fun! all stage was massive stage like over 10000 capacitiy, and most fun part was I got to tour with C2C who were in my last album “CONTRAST”, they are so huge now in France their live set crew was over 30 people involved with 3 big tour busses! Insane!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
I love Thai food. I come to Thailand at least once a year (DJ or holiday either). I m ok with medium spicyness. Not so much lol.
You made your Bangkok debut at 808 in 2008, followed by two gigs at Bed Supperclub in 2009 and 2010. Your latest performance here was in 2012 at the Altitude party on the rooftop of the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel. Did you keep those performances in good memory?
Yes, of course. My man David Milligan (Champion Sound) is the man who brought me out to Bangkok for the 1st time back in 2009, and since then Bangkok is always my favorite spot to play in.
On 30th August you will return to Bangkok for an exclusive performance at Q Bar. Are you excited to return to Thailand? What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
Yes, can’t wait to be back in Bangkok, my set will be similar to my record “Contrast”, so please cop my tunes and will see you all in Bangkok! Peace!