01Profile
A DAIGO SAKURAGI Photo
DAIGO SAKURAGI
Musician — Tokyo
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
DAIGO SAKURAGI (D.A.N.), Tokyo. Shimokitazawa and Sangenchaya area.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Honestly, it’s got to be Radiohead. I saw them for the first time at Summer Sonic 2016. They are the band I’m very much influenced by, plus Thom Yorke is my hero, so I was so excited like a kid and went all the way to the front raw.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I guess it’s the club or dance music scene. My heart goes for the Honest Jon’s for their constant releases of cutting-edge sounds. I found about the label through Moritz Von Oswald’s release. And then there's football. I like Arsenal. I also can't forget about local pubs (laughs).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, London. We did a gig once in 2017 which I cannot forget about the beer smell from the floor, I mean they are quite laid back about things in a good way of course, and I liked the chilled out vibe overall.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
The Slits, because they must be crazy (laughs). D.A.N. and The Slits, both bands playing back to back in a dingy pub.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd love to fiddle modular synths with Rob (McAndrews), who's in James Blake's band and goes by the name Airhead. I actually met him in London a while ago and we had a pint each together, so I kind of know him already in away though.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
A female DJ called TTB. I saw her at a party that I happen to be while I was in London which was quite shocking for me. She started off with tribal stuff followed by some bass music but her vibe was all fun and playful. She’s such an energetic girl like ‘gyaru’ in Japan. She barely mixed the tracks as if she just changed whenever she felt enough though, her taste was superb. Top-notch selection.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
You know when you go to the after-party at someone’s house bringing people you just met at the club? London has this culture and I put in some tracks that I found or recommended from those nights together with some of my favourite tunes.
The first track you played on repeat?
‘Morning Glory’ by Oasis. I used to be a football kid in middle school and the film ‘Goal!’ pulled me into listening Oasis which was quite a dramatic experience.
One record you would keep forever?
‘In Rainbow’ by Radiohead. Might be such a mediocre answer but I think I should mention one that was played to until the record worn out.
Best song to turn up loud?
‘Frontline’ by Pa Salieu. Thanks to most London DJs who were playing this track, it starts playing in my head under the influence of alcohol.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘I Want It That Way’ by Backstreet Boys. I was still in primary school when my mum played this on repeat and I often sang along.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
I suppose it’s slowthai right now. Simply makes me feel stronger (laughs).
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
DAIGO SAKURAGI (D.A.N.), Tokyo. Shimokitazawa and Sangenchaya area.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Honestly, it’s got to be Radiohead. I saw them for the first time at Summer Sonic 2016. They are the band I’m very much influenced by, plus Thom Yorke is my hero, so I was so excited like a kid and went all the way to the front raw.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I guess it’s the club or dance music scene. My heart goes for the Honest Jon’s for their constant releases of cutting-edge sounds. I found about the label through Moritz Von Oswald’s release. And then there's football. I like Arsenal. I also can't forget about local pubs (laughs).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, London. We did a gig once in 2017 which I cannot forget about the beer smell from the floor, I mean they are quite laid back about things in a good way of course, and I liked the chilled out vibe overall.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
The Slits, because they must be crazy (laughs). D.A.N. and The Slits, both bands playing back to back in a dingy pub.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd love to fiddle modular synths with Rob (McAndrews), who's in James Blake's band and goes by the name Airhead. I actually met him in London a while ago and we had a pint each together, so I kind of know him already in away though.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
A female DJ called TTB. I saw her at a party that I happen to be while I was in London which was quite shocking for me. She started off with tribal stuff followed by some bass music but her vibe was all fun and playful. She’s such an energetic girl like ‘gyaru’ in Japan. She barely mixed the tracks as if she just changed whenever she felt enough though, her taste was superb. Top-notch selection.
04Playlist Notes
How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
You know when you go to the after-party at someone’s house bringing people you just met at the club? London has this culture and I put in some tracks that I found or recommended from those nights together with some of my favourite tunes.
The first track you played on repeat?
‘Morning Glory’ by Oasis. I used to be a football kid in middle school and the film ‘Goal!’ pulled me into listening Oasis which was quite a dramatic experience.
One record you would keep forever?
‘In Rainbow’ by Radiohead. Might be such a mediocre answer but I think I should mention one that was played to until the record worn out.
Best song to turn up loud?
‘Frontline’ by Pa Salieu. Thanks to most London DJs who were playing this track, it starts playing in my head under the influence of alcohol.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘I Want It That Way’ by Backstreet Boys. I was still in primary school when my mum played this on repeat and I often sang along.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
I suppose it’s slowthai right now. Simply makes me feel stronger (laughs).
D.A.N. | Take Your Time (2020)
D.A.N. | Curtain, Tempest (Sessions at Red Bull Music Studios Tokyo) (2019)
D.A.N. | Sundance (2018)