Exclusive Interview with ENA
Music producer from Tokyo, ENA is a major player of the Japanese underground Dubstep and Drum & Bass scenes for more than a decade. Taking influences from early Drum & Bass productions, Rave sound and Abstract Hip Hop, quoting names such as Photek, Krush, Source Direct and Renegade Hardware, ENA is recognized for his tight production technique and massive audio dynamics, as well as for his Djing selection and technical quality.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with ENA, shortly before his performance at Dubway Sessions at Grease on 15th June.
As day job you are producing pop music for major Japanese artists – as an artist you are a major player of the Japanese underground Dubstep and Drum & Bass scenes for more than a decade. How did you get in touch with bass music in the first place?
Maybe that was DBS at Liquid Room Shinjuku. everything was special and was just shocked to me! then into Drum&Bass and some instruments HipHop.
How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
I am not sure it, but always I am saying "Kind of Drum&Bass or kind of Dubstep"
Your Debut Album “Bilateral” was released this year in April. What can you tell us about the album?
This album is my 1st album. it was so simple, I`m always making music, I`ve got so many tunes so I wanted to make an album! then I compiled them. It was simple story but I put lots of new style of music on this. So first time to listen this album,u can not understand this is what. But please listen again and again, maybe u will see what I wanted to make.
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
It's difficult question! Maybe "Analysis Code"which on 7even. When making this song,I don know this is what,it was new experience for me.
What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I`m still making lots of music. just doing "BILATERAL" release tour in Japan and Bangkok! then thinking about EU tour around mid of September to mid of October! and I signed couple of tunes with Samurai Horo Label. that should be more deep sound and interesting sound.
What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
Basically I dont have essential things, like a alcohol, cigarette, and others. so maybe I need internet! hah but Internet can be most essential thing! Some of japanese people are saying want to eat rice and soy source when doing tour,but I don't need them,always enjoying loco foods.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
I played in Berlin with dubmarine crew and Goth-Trad in last year. that party was so nice! worst one... sometime suddenly all sound is gone, some cloud asked me " play more hard stuff as like a skillrex. and there is so many stories about djing. but I dont care, everything is good experience.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Speakers and lights fell down to DJ booth.. it was no funny.
On the 15th of May you will perform live here in Bangkok at Grease. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
Yep! its first time to visit to Thailand! also this time playing with Dragon and Sabre! its gonna be huge night!
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?
In Tokyo,so many Thai food restraint! I'm not sure that's is proper one,but I like it very much! So looking forward to eat some foods in Bangkok!
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Grease?
Last time I played with Dragon in Tokyo.really love his set! That was I didn't expect! Such a deep set! Really looking forward to play with those guys! It's gonna be deep!