01Profile
A Elena Midori Photo
Elena Midori
DJ/Visual artist — Tokyo
03Interview
Name?
Elena Midori
What do you do?
DJ/Visual arts.
Where are you from?
Tokyo via Germany.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones at CIRCUS TOKYO in 2017. They are both running the record label called Fractal Fantasy which is my favourite label that I’ve been following, and their gigs are equipped with visual installation using cameras that turn a show into a literally virtual experience. I think that’s the future for gigs or club events.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
My life here has been taking place mainly in the alternative club and music scene, where you just play what you think fits best. It’s important to me to never stick to just one genre, combining the ones that are the most unexpected suits me best. Eurodance, Trance, Gqom, Hard drum, and for sure Deconstructed club, not so big in Tokyo still, they are the most favourite of all.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
CIRCUS TOKYO. It’s located far from the closest stations with nothing you would find in the surrounding areas, so it’s an ultimate space for those that are actually looking forward to the gigs. They are like family to me.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Propellerheads. Although we have a gap between our generations it’d be super fun to do a live set together. I want to create visuals using an interactive system or swap elements of their drum samples with updated new sounds for reconstruction.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Drawing session with Iglooghost, for sure an artist from the recent history, but under the conditions that we use only non-dominant hand and green acrylic to make it fun. He has great taste for visuals when you look at some of his artworks such as the Animal Crossing look-a-like characters.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
I don't think our generation knows much about Bauhaus. Even though they were only active for a short period of time, they have influenced so many bands and artists in various genres all over the world. I get some idea that the style and sounds they created have definitely influenced the current music.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Bela Lugosi's Dead' by Bauhaus. This is the track that made me aware of this specific UK sound that brought it so far and is deeply rooted in music history and also made me aware that there could be many influences in wide aspects. I must have been about 14 back then, clingy days (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Pressure' by The 1975. This song just captured my state best from that whole album (the self-titled, 2013). I used to listen to that album, any single free minute! Sometimes it's just fun allowing yourself to fall back to sweet, moving pop-rock, haha. Nice piece of nostalgia almost.
One record you would keep forever?
'Amnioverse' by Lapalux, released in 2019 from Brainfeeder. He's got a unique style that makes his sound hard to categorize into certain genres. Got hooked since it came out, still listening to it almost weekly.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Gorillaz - 'El Mañana'.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Creep' by Radiohead. A classic track indeed.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Zubon to Bou' by Shintaro Sakamoto. It’s a cool track with very interesting wordplay there.
New bands are you listening to now?
Kareful, wave producer from Liquid Ritual. He produces super emotional hip hop (laughs), I mean something not too serious, while being one half of the collective called Liquid Ritual.
03Interview
Name?
Elena Midori
What do you do?
DJ/Visual arts.
Where are you from?
Tokyo via Germany.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones at CIRCUS TOKYO in 2017. They are both running the record label called Fractal Fantasy which is my favourite label that I’ve been following, and their gigs are equipped with visual installation using cameras that turn a show into a literally virtual experience. I think that’s the future for gigs or club events.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
My life here has been taking place mainly in the alternative club and music scene, where you just play what you think fits best. It’s important to me to never stick to just one genre, combining the ones that are the most unexpected suits me best. Eurodance, Trance, Gqom, Hard drum, and for sure Deconstructed club, not so big in Tokyo still, they are the most favourite of all.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
CIRCUS TOKYO. It’s located far from the closest stations with nothing you would find in the surrounding areas, so it’s an ultimate space for those that are actually looking forward to the gigs. They are like family to me.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Propellerheads. Although we have a gap between our generations it’d be super fun to do a live set together. I want to create visuals using an interactive system or swap elements of their drum samples with updated new sounds for reconstruction.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Drawing session with Iglooghost, for sure an artist from the recent history, but under the conditions that we use only non-dominant hand and green acrylic to make it fun. He has great taste for visuals when you look at some of his artworks such as the Animal Crossing look-a-like characters.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
I don't think our generation knows much about Bauhaus. Even though they were only active for a short period of time, they have influenced so many bands and artists in various genres all over the world. I get some idea that the style and sounds they created have definitely influenced the current music.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Bela Lugosi's Dead' by Bauhaus. This is the track that made me aware of this specific UK sound that brought it so far and is deeply rooted in music history and also made me aware that there could be many influences in wide aspects. I must have been about 14 back then, clingy days (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Pressure' by The 1975. This song just captured my state best from that whole album (the self-titled, 2013). I used to listen to that album, any single free minute! Sometimes it's just fun allowing yourself to fall back to sweet, moving pop-rock, haha. Nice piece of nostalgia almost.
One record you would keep forever?
'Amnioverse' by Lapalux, released in 2019 from Brainfeeder. He's got a unique style that makes his sound hard to categorize into certain genres. Got hooked since it came out, still listening to it almost weekly.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Gorillaz - 'El Mañana'.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Creep' by Radiohead. A classic track indeed.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Zubon to Bou' by Shintaro Sakamoto. It’s a cool track with very interesting wordplay there.
New bands are you listening to now?
Kareful, wave producer from Liquid Ritual. He produces super emotional hip hop (laughs), I mean something not too serious, while being one half of the collective called Liquid Ritual.