Far East, Far Out Japanese Superstar
Shinichi Osawa makes music that is so firmly in touch with the sound of now that at times, it is like listening to the soundtrack of a summer that never ended.
This is an outstanding collection of musical re-inventions from a producer who truly is at the top of his game.
Hi Shinichi, an amazing career. A brilliant album that has already seen the light of day last September in your home country Japan – ‘TeppanYaki’ – we all love to eat Teppanyaki, and now we are hearing it! The album that the British public will hear in January features your remixes of the likes of Digitalism, Felix Da Housecat, Benny Benassi, Mighty Dub Katz and Boys Noize- talk us through the album, what remixes are you most proud of – and why did you choose these artists?
“I always wish the latest to be the best. So it has to be Lost Valentinos ‘Thief’. The remixes were offered to me from the artists and not the other way around. In that sense, this is the sum of my recent remix works rather than a selection.”
You were the leader and bassist for the popular band Mondo Grosso which I believe formed in Kyoto in 1991 on the For Life Records label but split up a few yearslater – why?
“The truth is that Mondo Grosso is my own personal unit and it sometimes became a band. So it’s not a ‘split up.’ It still exists as my solo project, although it hasn’t been active for a while.”
Is it true you listen to Folk music in your car?
“Yes it’s true! Outside the club and studio, I often listen to relaxing music like Folk.”
How would you describe the contrasts in what you play at world famous clubs like Womb in Tokyo, to what you play at home on your iPod?
It kind of doubles with the previous question, but the music that I listen privately are barely dance music. I especially like the Folky sounds right now.”
What sort of tracks are you playing right now?
“I play lots of my unreleased tracks. Other artists, it ranges in variety from Nadastrom, Proxy, Sidney Samson, etc.”
You have released tracks under the moniker of Mondo Grosso – Italian for ‘big world’…so tell us…
1.Where is your favourite club in the world?
“World, Kyoto and Womb in Tokyo.”
2.Favourite cities in the world?
“La Coruna in Spain, Bassano Del Grappa and Reggio Emilia in Italy and Kyoto in Japan.”
3.The best holiday you’ve ever had?
The Amanpulo in Bali.”
4.And what country makes the finest music?
“Speaking of when I was into music from the age of 16 to now, I think it’s the UK.”
Good answer dude.
Kyoto, formerly the Imperial capital of Japan…how did you gain access to music as a teenager that brought us your wonderful talent?
“Growing up near Kyoto gave me a big influence to me and my ideas of creation. I learned the virtue of being “different from others” and not to indulge. In the same sense, it was great that my teenage days were in the 80s. I was brought up with New Wave and Post Punk.”
You have collaborated with many artists such as Monday Michiru, Amel Larrieux and Dragon Ash – tell the DMC world community about what the music scene is like in Japan today – who are making waves?
“Like most other countries, there are the Pop overground scene’s and the hip underground scene in Japan – and they’re always going after one another. For the past 10 years, the scene has been filled with Pop music based on pathetic marketing. But finally, we’re having feedback from the underground. Dance music is playing a crucial part in all this.”
What is the big music sound in clubs in your home country at the moment?
“House music.”
What is your favourite ever record?
“I’m a big fan of the 80s Neo Acoustic. I love The Durutti Column.”
If we came back to your house after a club and wanted to chill out, what three tunes would bliss us out?
“Weekend – Nostalgia. Kings of Convenience – Power of Not Knowing. Getz & Gilberto – Corcovado.”
How did the Southern Fried Records hook up happen with ‘The One’ album?
“My management company was looking for a record deal for me in Europe in 2005. I met a few labels through a friend in the UK and I met Nathan of Southern Fried. He is a great friend and I do feel strongly about fate.”
What is coming out next from your studio?
“Around Spring time next year, I think I’ll hopefully be able to show you the production I’m making now.”
Shinichi Osawa ‘Teppan-Yaki’ is out now on Southern Fried Records…
