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April 22, 2015
iPad for Creatives | DJ Toshio Matsuura Introduces His Recommended Applications!
Feature｜iPad for Creatives
DJ & Producer Toshio Matsuura Presents
Will the iPad Lead to More DJs?
A DJ who debuted in 1990 as United Future Organization (U.F.O.) and has continued to be active worldwide to this day,Toshio Matsuurafocused on apps as music tools. We visited him at a DJ gig to hear his thoughts.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Shuhei Nishida
My Inner World is Changing Dramatically
— How many apps have you downloaded?
I haven't had it for long, so just a few music-related apps.
— What apps do you usually use?
The main reason I bought the iPad was for an app called "TOUCH OSC," which I recently installed. I thought it would be perfect for "digital DJing," where you DJ using a computer without records or CDs.
TOUCH OSC
I connect the iPad's multi-touch interface to DJ software and systems like "Traktor Scrach Pro" on my laptop, using it as a physical controller. Since it doesn't require external hardware like turntables or CDJs, I can set up my DJ environment anywhere. I travel overseas frequently for work, so I can use my downtime on planes or trains, or in hotel rooms, to plan my sets and rehearse by actually playing sounds. I expect it will become even more indispensable in the future.
— Have you felt any changes in your life since getting the iPad?
Perhaps my luggage feels a little lighter (laughs). The reason I introduced the iPad for DJing in the first place was that I wanted to inject some "new energy" into my 20 years of DJing and music production. For example, when I get an unexpected inspiration in my daily life, the ability to immediately capture that feeling or idea and give it form by creating sound on the spot, along with music production tools like "KORG iELECTRIBE" which I also have installed, is incredibly significant.
TOUCH OSC
A physical controller that allows wireless remote operation of music software on computers and other devices via Wi-Fi. Its outstanding communication sensitivity, enabling five simultaneous operations, is a key feature.
Category｜Music
Price｜¥600
0.4 MB
Languages｜English (Japanese not supported)
© 2008-2010 RJ Fischer
KORG iELECTRIBE
A virtual analog beatbox featuring radical sounds, unique functions, an intuitive track-making style, and 64 preset patterns.
Category｜Music
Price｜¥2,300
5.6 MB
Languages｜English (Japanese not supported)
© 2010 KORG INC.
I also think it can be used for presentations of my fashion brand "M line." The greatest appeal is that its potential can be freely customized according to the user's individuality and ideas. Since I can now type emails without hesitation, which was difficult on the iPhone, my response speed will surely improve (laughs).
— Do you think the emergence of the iPad will impact the music scene?
The fact that music creation and DJing have become more accessible is a significant change, I believe.
The ability to create music with my own hands, rather than just listening to it—perhaps young people who start playing it like a game, get hooked, and then become DJs will emerge in the future.
Of course, even if they don't pursue a career in music, I'm simply happy that opportunities to engage with music will increase.
The impact of the iPad on the music scene... I don't know what will happen globally, but I feel my inner world is changing dramatically.
— Thank you very much.
Toshio Matsuura｜MATSUURA Toshio
Formed United Future Organization (U.F.O.) in 1990, laying the foundation for Japan's club culture in its early days. Released five full albums over 12 years in 32 countries worldwide, receiving high acclaim. Currently, in addition to DJ activities, he is involved in agent work for international artists, designs for his own fashion brand "M line," and hosts Inter FM's "TOKYO MOON."