Ken Ishii Interview
Japan’s original techno pioneer speaks…
Ken Ishii is a dance music icon in Japan. First coming to prominence in the early nineties, he was one of the first DJs and producers to pioneer electronic music in the Far East. By the mid nineties Ken had begun to garner recognition in Europe and America through his releases on such seminal labels as Richie Hawtin’s Plus8. After starting his own label in 2002, 70Drums, Ken went on to release some truly incredible albums such as ‘Sunriser’ and ‘Future in Light’ both of which helped cement his reputations as one of techno’s great international talents - so we were thrilled to be able to interview Ken Ishii about his music and why Japan has such a fantastic reputation for its clubs…
Endclub.com: Your last album 'Sunriser' came out in 2006. Have you got plans to get back in the studio?
Ken Ishii: I just got back from the mastering studio! I have been working on compiling a remix album of 'Sunriser', entitled ‘Daybreak Reprise’, and I have just finished it. It will be released this summer in Japan and probably in winter in Europe. It's a double CD which includes one CD with all the remixes and another with my DJ mix that includes the remixes and a few new tracks of mine. The remixers are Los Hermanos, Jerome Sydenham, Orlando Voorn, Fabrice Lig, Spirit Catcher and more.
You've produced for a wide range of sources, from adverts to video games. Would you ever consider writing the score for a film? If so, what kind of film would you like to write for?
Actually I have done one. It was for a Japanese film called ‘Whiteout’. I produced the theme ‘Iceblink’ and a few other tracks for it. Those tracks are included on my own album ‘Flatspin’ as well. The film is quite mainstream. If I get another chance I would like to do a more experimental film or documentary stuff, like ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ by Francis Ford Coppola for example, as they seem to give you more freedom with the music.
The video for 'Extra' was directed by Koji Morimoto, one of Japan's leading Anime directors, in 1995. Are you still interested in Anime?
No, not really now. However I still see him sometimes in clubs. He likes techno. Last year I did a special party in Tokyo and Osaka which featured the video for ‘Extra’ together with the exclusive visuals live by Morimoto's team. They mixed the original scenes and newly produced hi-tech versions of them. The parties were a great success.
There's a strong futuristic and technological theme running through your work, but also a nod to the traditional, using elements of Japanese folk music. Are the two elements important to you? And how much do those two sides of Japan – futuristic and traditional – influence your work?
Yes. I always like to combine those different elements to create an original atmosphere in my music, as if it is music from both the future and the past or somewhere totally unknown. My music is based on electronics but I like to listen to ethnic music a lot, especially Asian stuff. Those rhythms and melodies can not be digitally calculated, which gives refreshing ideas to straightforward dance beats.
Your first release was under the name Utu on Richie Hawtin's Plus 8 label. What do you think of the direction that techno has taken since then, and what do you think of minimal?
I think techno has accomplished its first big mission - it's made this music known worldwide and created a scene everywhere, even though the music's nature is very underground. Now it's at the stage where it can diversify. I treat minimal as one of the new styles of techno. Some good some bad, just like with all kinds of music.
Tokyo has a fantastic reputation worldwide for the quality of its clubs, what do you think it is that makes it so special?
The best thing is the crowds. They always have respect for DJs and what DJs do, and they react really well to the DJs. Also most of the clubs have good sound systems, even when it's a 150 person capacity venue.
If someone was going to Tokyo, where would you recommend that they visit, and what would you insist that they see?
To cover both sides of the city, futuristic and traditional, I recommend Roppongi Hills, the area around Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Asakusa for the temple and street market and Tsukiji for the fish market and hundreds of sushi restaurants.
Which are your favourite clubs to DJ at worldwide?
Air and Ageha in Tokyo, Florida 135 and The Loft in Spain, Fuse in Brussels, Rex in Paris and Zouk in Singapore.
What Japanese producers or bands are making great music right now?
Oh it's a difficult question for me; I don't check new music much. A guy called Afra is interesting. He's a human beatboxer and plays various stuff, not only hip hop but techno!
Published: 9/06/2008
