INTERVIEW | DJ Shuya Okino: His Tumultuous 25-Year Musical Journey, Chronicled in His Autobiography "Occupation: DJ, 25 Years"
INTERVIEW | Commemorating the Publication of His Autobiography, "Occupation: DJ, 25 Years"
Shuya Okino's Quarter Century and His Future, Documented in His Autobiography
Shuya Okino, who has created world-class music originating from Japan through various projects including "KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE," has published his autobiography. The title is "Occupation: DJ, 25 Years". Within this book lies the story of his failures and successes, as he has consistently sought new values. At the beginning of the interview, he uttered the surprising words, "I never thought about writing an autobiography."
Photographs by NISHIMURA TomoharuInterview & Text by IWANAGA Morito (OPENERS)
DJing is a Job of Crafting One's Own World
—This time, it's about your autobiography. What was the impetus for writing it?
Initially, we were discussing a business-oriented book, but the editor suggested, "Instead of a how-to book, wouldn't it be more interesting and helpful to depict your life, Okino-san?" That's how it started. I hadn't considered writing an autobiography, but I thought it might be interesting. Plus, it was the 25th anniversary of my DJ career.
I deliberately included "DJ" in the title. Paradoxically, I wanted to show that a DJ is not just someone who plays records and makes people dance. People who don't know might pick it up thinking it's just about that, but as they read, they'll realize it's more. For me, DJing is about gathering various people, things, and concepts to create my own world.
The content is about my musical journey. As I started writing, I realized how much has happened. It's been a real rollercoaster, with even life-threatening moments... Each time, I met different people, and the scene evolved. I thought that part would make for an interesting read.
—Among the encounters you've had so far, is there anyone you wanted to read this book first?
That would be Shinichi Osawa from "MONDOGROSSO." We spent a very intense period together from our early twenties until we went abroad.
Osawa-kun and I are different people, so I imagine his feelings are different. But as I looked back on him, I had many reflections of my own. So, I sent him the galley proofs first.
No One is Entirely Bad or Entirely Good
—The book also describes failures that made your blood run cold. What does "failure" mean to you?
I try to avoid failure if possible. But when we fail, we learn what not to do, right? By continuing to learn "don't do this," we eventually arrive at "this is okay."
I didn't write about it in the book, but there was a time I was almost sued. It was when I was producing a track with an international artist. In Japan, if you use music in a commercial, the usage fee is waived. I assumed this was standard worldwide and used the song. When I told the co-producer, he said, "No." I was nearly asked for 25 million yen in usage fees. I traveled there multiple times to negotiate, but it was no use.
Ultimately, it was resolved by a single phone call from someone who happened to be the legal counsel for Led Zeppelin, an acquaintance of a friend. Although I managed to avert the crisis, I learned that even with friends, there are things that need to be confirmed beforehand.
—You once mentioned that people are instinctively drawn to stories of others' misfortunes. In this autobiography, you seem to be deliberately exposing those aspects.
Things don't always go smoothly for anyone. But people who are in the public eye often don't show that. I think people who are struggling day to day find it interesting because they can empathize when they see it.
In reality, seeing myself flustered on the scene is not cool at all, so nobody wants to expose that. But in this book, I've deliberately put it into words and dramatized it.
Moments of effort and moments of failure. Fortunately, for me, they've alternated. But isn't that true for everyone? No one is entirely bad or entirely good.
—After finishing the writing, has your state of mind changed?
I realized I need more material. Not material for the autobiography, but things I can talk about as a DJ. I need to express what only I can do through my actions and words. Looking back on these 25 years, I felt it wasn't bad, but if what comes next isn't even more interesting, then it's meaningless. That's why, like my recent letter to Prime Minister Abe (※), even though it's not in the book because it was after the final edits, I need to do more things like that.
※ In September 2014, Okino announced a petition to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe requesting the easing of club regulations, which was submitted to the Diet. International DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Jeff Mills, Alex From Tokyo, and Patrick Forge were among the signatories.
Some people might have a glamorous image of the creative world of DJing. But having made this my profession for 25 years, I've had my share of rough experiences, so I hope people can read this book and laugh, thinking, "So that's what it's like." Of course, I've also written about wonderful experiences. Through my journey, I hope to convey the true essence of "life."
"Occupation: DJ, 25 Years"
Author | Shuya Okino
Price | 2160 yen
Publisher | DU BOOKS
On Sale Now
http://diskunion.net/dubooks/ct/detail/DUBK095
"MISSION"
KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET
Release Date | April 15 (Wed)
Price | 2916 yen (UCCJ-2121)
8 Tracks
Participating Musicians | Shinpei Ruike (tp), Ken Kurihara (ts), Yusuke Hirado (p), Katsuhito Koizumi (b), Masayoshi Amakura (ds), Guest: Naruyoshi Kikuchi (ts)
"KYOTO JAZZ GRAPHIE presents
"KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET tributes to BLUE NOTE RECORDS"
Shuya Okino x Naruyoshi Kikuchi Special Jazz Dinner at Hyatt"
Date | April 26 (Sun)
Time | Doors Open 18:00, Performance Starts 18:30
Venue | Hyatt Regency Kyoto, The Ballroom
Tel. 075-541-3161
Price | 12,000 yen (includes dinner and first drink)
Performers | KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET with Naruyoshi Kikuchi / Shuya Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE) / Yoshihiro Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE)
http://kyoto.regency.hyatt.jp/ja/hotel/news-and-events/events/kyoto-jazz-sextet.html
Kyoto Jazz Sextet "Mission" Special Live 2015 Guest Naruyoshi Kikuchi
Date | May 25 (Mon)
Venue | Billboard Live TOKYO
Time | 1st Set: Doors Open 17:30, Performance Starts 19:00 / 2nd Set: Doors Open 20:45, Performance Starts 21:30
Price | Service Area: 6800 yen / Casual Area: 4800 yen (includes 1 drink)
Performers | Shinpei Ruike (tp), Ken Kurihara (ts), Yusuke Hirado (p), Katsuhito Koizumi (b), Nobuaki Fujii (ds), Shuya Okino (se/mc), Guest: Naruyoshi Kikuchi (ts)
http://www.billboard-live.com/pg/shop/show/index.php?mode=detail1&event=9434&shop=1