Shinichiro Yokota is a pretty big deal. If you don't know the name, you really might be missing out. The Tokyo based artist has been creating some of the most interesting music to come out of Japan in the last 20 years. His partner in crime is Soichi Terada. Terada established 'Far East Recordings' in 1988 and since then the two have been pioneering the underground house scene of Japan. The simplicity of instrumentation is key for his music. It brings together synth, bass, and momentum to create something that is both playful and extremely infectious for dancing
How is life in Tokyo at the moment?
Tokyo living is comfortable.
Can you tell us a bit about the new album? You are a keen believer in the simplicity of instrumentation. Is that a goal in this release? What were you trying to get across with this body of work?
Yes. How to make music is almost the same as 30 years ago. I try to make it as simple as possible with few tracks.
You have stated that your first keyboard was a Casio MT-40, which was polyphonic. What is your go-to Keyboard at the moment?
Now I use Rhodes Mark I when composing.
Are there any sounds/ artists in the Japanese music scene that you are into at the moment?
Actually, I have not listened to new music. (Lol) I like Haruomi Hosono's new album "HOCHONO HOUSE" if I choose one.
Would you rather: every time you winked it made a ‘ding’ sound or every time you pointed at someone with finger guns it made a ‘pew’
Is this a joke?(Lol) If so I choose ‘ding’