INTERVIEW | DJ KAWASAKI Reimagines Disco Music with His New Album 'BLACK & GOLD'

INTERVIEW | DJ KAWASAKI Reinterprets Disco Music

New Album "BLACK & GOLD" Released!

Following his previous album "PARADAISE," which showcased a new side of DJ KAWASAKI with Detroit techno, he now turns his focus to disco music. He tackles the burgeoning movement of disco edits gaining traction in the analog scene. What is DJ KAWASAKI's creative and stylish reinterpretation of disco? We spoke with him about his new album "BLACK & GOLD."

Text by FUJITA Mayu (OPENERS)

"Disco will continue to evolve; it's an exciting scene."

──When did the genre of disco start gaining attention?

The late 1970s disco era is being re-evaluated, thanks to the massive hits created by new songs built upon disco samples by creators like Joey Negro and Gramophonedzie, and disco edits by Detroit techno DJs such as Theo Parrish and Moodymann. It's also a trend in the fashion scene, with Frida Giannini, Gucci's designer, adopting "70's disco" as the theme for her Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Musically, "edits" allow us to enjoy disco with a new interpretation, different from the original songs, and I believe the disco scene has the potential for further evolution. These are truly challenging times, and people may be carrying social frustrations and anxieties. Perhaps people are naturally drawn to the glamorous and glittering image associated with the word "disco."

DJ KAWASAKI

──Why did you decide to focus on "disco"?

Previous Album "Paradise"In "Paradise," I explored the fusion of Detroit techno elements with a dramatic worldview, under the theme of "romance." During that time, I revisited Theo Parrish, a representative artist of Detroit techno, and was struck by his soulful, funky "black" disco and his live-instrumentation-focused style, including jazz-funk. Carl Craig, in a set I heard, also skillfully blended late 70s electric disco with techno. The seamless match between the looped, edited old tracks and techno was astonishing. Inspired by their sets and the direction of my previous album, I decided to select tracks that could be called "Black Disco" and express them through my own interpretation. The title "BLACK & GOLD" refers to the Black in soulful and funky "black" disco, our theme. Gold represents the glamour associated with the word disco.

──What do you find interesting about disco as a DJ?

I believe there's a magic, like that of a live session, in music performed by humans. You can see the performers' emotions, and the clash of their high-level skills creates a chemical reaction that programmed music can't replicate, breathing soul into the song. I'm also excited about the prospect of discovering more hidden gems I haven't encountered yet.

──How did you select the classic tracks to cover?

I chose tracks from the sets played by Detroit techno DJs that I could interpret as "Black Disco." Some of these are now classics at The Room.

Beautiful women create the sparkle unique to "disco"!

──Was the original song "Let The Music Play," featuring vocalist Yeo Hee, created specifically for "BLACK & GOLD"?

I wanted to include one track of new-generation disco, as I create it, on the album. Also, I wanted to challenge existing masterpieces with melodies I composed. The reason I approached Yeo Hee was actually suggested by Shuya Okino, who told me about her singing on YouTube. After seeing her perform, I was captivated by her talent and visual appeal and decided to offer her the collaboration.

Korean Singer Yeo Hee

Her English is perfect, and she's beautiful. The recording was meticulous yet challenging. Although she's young, she has a strong professional attitude, and I believe she has the talent to blossom as a singer and entertainer, with the potential for future success.

──What was the intention behind incorporating live instruments like the violin and trombone?

To strongly evoke a disco and boogie feel this time, I brought in Kenichi Ikeda (ROOT SOUL), who has worked with us at THE ROOM for many years, as co-producer. His funky live bass playing is actually the core of the album. Instead of using trendy synths, I wanted to express novelty through patterns even with live instruments. For the violin and trombone, I collaborated for the first time with Mei Segev and Mio Fujimura. The presence of these beautiful women, I believe, brought out the sparkle of "disco" and a sensuality that machines cannot replicate.

Jacket of the previous album "Paradise"

──The jacket for this album is an illustration by Hisashi Eguchi, isn't it?

Since this is a concept album with a strong focus on covers, I wanted to differentiate it from the image of a typical original album shot by photographer Yasumasa Yonehara. I'm a big fan of Eguchi's "Stop!! Hibari-kun!" and his representative work "Susume!! Pirates" was a big hit during the disco heyday (77-81). Another reason is that Eguchi himself was very fond of new wave music from that era, which was played in discos, like Kraftwerk, Devo, and Talking Heads. Regarding the female image, I requested a woman with that "Eguchi-esque" quality, like Hibari-kun. Although Hibari-kun is male... (laughs).

An experimental album in a sense

──What's the best way to enjoy the album?

It was honestly challenging to come up with arrangements completely different from the originals, as they are all masterpieces. However, as Kenichi Ikeda and I worked together, we made new discoveries. Sometimes we meticulously calculated and crafted patterns, and at other times, songs came together as if in a jam session. In a sense, it became quite an experimental album. If you have the chance, I'd love for you to listen to the original songs and compare them to my versions to see how they've changed. I would be very happy if this album sparks your interest in disco and jazz-funk, the roots of my music, and other excellent classic songs from the past.

──House, Detroit techno, disco... what kind of music next?

My interest in house, Detroit techno, disco, and jazz will never fade, and I continue to draw power and courage from them. While playing big parties as a DJ is fantastic, I'm currently re-examining what I truly want to do. I believe playing honestly, as I've cultivated at The Room, is important.

An overwhelming sense of euphoria from the fusion of House, Techno, and Disco!
DJ KAWASAKI's New Generation Disco is Born

DJ KAWASAKI New Album
"BLACK & GOLD"
now on sale
TOCT-28046 (EMI Music Japan)
2500 yen

Nationwide Release Tour Decided!
April 27 (Fri) Daikanyama AIR, April 28 (Sat) Osaka NOON, and more
Check below for dates in other cities and details such as album tracks!
www.extra-freedom.co.jp/release/black_and_gold/