An Album Showcasing a New DJ KAWASAKI

—How did you two first meet?

YamamotoActually, the first person we met was Shuya Okino. And it was by chance in London! That was the summer three years ago, and that winter, Okino introduced me to Kawasaki at The Room.

KAWASAKIIt wasn't just that we hit it off; as we talked, I learned he was a music lover, and we became friends through music. Despite his profession often leading him to places frequented by celebrities, he's incredibly interested in underground music. For instance, he's into people like Danny Krivit of BODY&SOUL, close to the artists that myself and Okino respect. Even while living in a glamorous world, he hasn't been swept away by it and maintains his own strong core values—I truly respect that.



YamamotoFrancois Kevorkian once said in an interview, "The music one listens to is related to one's identity." I agree with that, and I believe the attitude one takes towards listening to music can be applied to other things as well. You both have a foundation in "jazz," right? This is my interpretation, but jazz is a music of anything goes; it has a structure, but there's an element of deliberately breaking it. I think that kind of free style is reflected in your personalities. That's why talking with you is so enjoyable and why I find myself drawn to you.

—Have you listened to "PARADISE" yet?


But this song draws from the lineage of US house, incorporates influences from Detroit techno, and is also inspired by the 1980s. To create music like this, you first need to know its history. I believe that song is the result of sublimating the history of music you've listened to through the lens of "DJ KAWASAKI." It's catchy yet has substance, a song that balances pop sensibility with an underground edge.

Their Collaboration Comes to Life at eleven in December

—What led you, as an F1 racer, to start DJing?

YamamotoHonestly, I've never strongly felt the desire to become a DJ. Above all, I love listening to music. I started buying records around high school, and as my collection gradually grew, I eventually got turntables. While practicing mixing records, I somehow ended up doing what people call "DJing."



That's called "emotional preparation," and he must be able to do it unconsciously all the time. That quick switch is truly indicative of someone who competes in the professional world.

YamamotoIt's crucial in any sport, but especially in racing, concentration is paramount. It's a world where not a single mistake is permissible. So, the moment I put on my helmet, get in the car, and am ready to drive, everything shifts into a state of intense focus on the race. It's the same the moment I stand at the DJ booth; concentrating on what needs to be focused on at that moment has become a habit.

KAWASAKIYou give off an aura that says, "Don't talk to me" (laughs).



YamamotoPartly because I don't drink much normally, but I once DJed after having a drink, and I couldn't do what I wanted to do. My judgment on what to play next or how to react to the crowd's response became lax when I was drinking. Of course, some people can turn alcohol into energy.

KAWASAKII'm the latter. Of course, I want to drink, but I also want to be on the same wavelength as the audience. I worked in clubs and learned the trick of momentarily igniting the atmosphere with the help of alcohol, so I utilize that to liven things up. I think I'm looking at the floor from a staff member's perspective while also being a DJ.

—Will there be another opportunity to see you two perform together?

KAWASAKIOn December 10th, Sakon, DAISHIDANCE, and myself, along with a few others who are still to be confirmed, are planning a release party for "PARADISE" at eleven.

Those Who Transmit Must Present Newer Things

—What are your particularities regarding DJing?

YamamotoAs long as I'm DJing, I want to convey my message to the audience. This has been passed down through club culture for a long time, so whether I can do it or not, I want to do the same and convey my feelings.

KAWASAKII always want to be true to myself. While being myself, I also want to evolve my playing. I aim to show that accumulation with each album.

—Recently, house music elements are often incorporated into pop music, making it more popular. Do you feel any changes in the scene due to this?



In that sense, it provides more opportunities for people who don't usually go to clubs to attend, which I think is good for revitalizing the scene.

—What about changes in the club scene?

KAWASAKIIn terms of music, I feel like electro is becoming more prevalent. The style is shifting from American deep house to European electro house.

YamamotoMinimal and techno are also common. While the music changes, I believe the energy of the people who come to these places is what's important for club culture. In that regard, I feel there are fewer people with a sharp edge now than before.

KAWASAKIThe audience listens to a wider variety of music, so perhaps those who transmit should be the ones presenting newer things. I dislike DJs who play a "preordained" parade of hit songs. I believe that's not what being a creator is about. Of course, as an entertainer, I play songs people want to hear, but I also want to mix in the music I've learned, and I hope people will delve deeper through my albums.



—Could you tell us about your future plans?

KAWASAKII'm starting a national tour to support "PARADISE."

YamamotoRegarding my upcoming race schedule, it begins with the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Italy, Singapore, and then the Japanese Grand Prix in October, after which we head to Korea, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi. This season, I'm competing as a regular driver for the HRT F1 Team, so I want to concentrate on each race and do my very best. Thank you for your support!

KAWASAKIIt will be fun to see how we've both grown while catching up after not seeing each other for a while. We're planning a grand event at eleven in December, so please come and join us!

—Thank you very much.



"PARADISE" Japan Tour