Japanese DJ Jun Kamoda Debuts His Infectious Beats at Organic's Two Year Anniversary, Jun 29
Jun Kamoda's music has a certain infectious quality to it. You know that bodies will be moving from the instant you put on tracks like "Blind Disco", led by a samba beat and a simple guitar 1-2-1, or the darker "Body & Soul", which blasts open with off-kilter sax that leads you down a path to compressed cymbals and a womping and unabating bass, both from Kamoda's The Distorted Haunted Ballroom released last year.
That EP, put out on Bristol's Black Acre imprint, is debatably more fidgety and less straightforward than his debut The Clay EP on NYC's Mister Saturday Night Recordings but it's a nod to the Japanese DJ's insatiable energy and the wide-ranging sources that fuel his creativity.
Part of that ingenuity comes from Kamoda's attuned ear for samples courtesy of his decade spent producing music under his Illreme moniker and as one-third of hip-hip troupe Baleine 3000; undoubtedly the foundation for and inspiration behind his love for intricate drums fills, unintelligible vocal snippets, and deep bass.
On Friday, Kamoda joins the Organic crew for their two year anniversary, a fitting collaboration that'll bring out the wilder side of Beijing's lovers of house, among the bushes and palms of Dada. Below we spoke to the Japanese DJ and artist ahead of his China debut about where his enthusiasm comes from and what he's excited to get into while he's here.
Nearly every review or description of your music or performance touches upon your penchant for having “fun.” Where does this playfulness come from and have you always approached your art and life this way?
Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be a cartoonist or comedian. I love those moments when people are laughing or smiling, so sometimes I take an approach to make people do just that.
Your new EP The Distorted Haunted Ballroom came out last month on Bristol’s dance label Black Acre. How did you get involved with the renowned British label?
I sent them some demos because I really like Clap! Clap!'s music, which was also released by Black Acre and who has a huge love for music. I'm so glad to have worked with them.
You also make the colorful, and dare I say playful (!), album art for most of your releases – can you tell us about the process of how you create these pieces? Do you tend to create them before or after the music is complete?
When I was a teenager, I would always listen to electric music with headphones on with my eyes closed. Sometimes I would imagine the movement of sounds and colors. That is the reason why I illustrate the artwork for my music. Sometimes I have a visual answer to my music.
As a Japanese person visiting China, what are you most excited about doing in our fair capital?
I like Chinese food so much but I've only eaten it in Japan. I think that Chinese food in Japan is modified for Japanese tastes, so finally, finally, I can eat genuine Chinese food!
Finally, what are five records that sum up your progression as an artist?
LK - "Dreams"
"(I Wanna) Make Luv 2 U" also makes me happy and I play it a lot.
Kyodai - "lyesa"
Percussion, voice, and noise: these elements are very effective for me.
Fever Ray - "Wanna sip (Olof Dreijer Remix)"
This track is the best remix of 2018 already.
DJ Koze - "Pick Up"
His latest album is so great. You should listen to it if you still haven't.
Cain - "High Call"
Coming soon. including my remix of "High Call"!
Jun Kamoda plays at Dada on Friday, Jun 29, and is supported by Juhstynn and Marc Alexr. Tickets are RMB 60 on the door.
Images courtesy of the organizers, facebook.com/illreme, juno.co.uk, soundcloud.com, youtube.com, residentadvisor.net, residentadvisor.net
