01Profile
A Haruto Kanetsuki Photo
Haruto Kanetsuki
FORESTIÈRE Shop Staff — Shimane, Tokyo
03Interview
Name
Haruto Kanetsuki
What do you do?
FORESTIÈRE shop staff.
Where are you from?
Shimane (south-west Japan) / Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
When I was in the sixth form, I saw a performance by the UK grime artist Skepta, streamed online on the music platform Boiler Room. It was the launch event for his album ‘Konnichiwa,’ which was happening in Tokyo. I distinctly remember thinking, “this is grime.” The fact he was playing in Japan and the Japanese title of his album made me feel at home.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
I'd have to say grime; artists like Skepta and Octavian. I think rap culture is a step too far for me (laughs), but the UK street scene has influenced the way I dress in a small way.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favorite?
The venue has closed, unfortunately, but TRUMPROOM in Shibuya. I hung out there all the time when I was a student; it was a lot of fun. Compared to other clubs, TRUMPROOM had really flashy decor, and another thing I liked was the layout — there were places to sit on either side of the dancefloor, which meant I could take a break.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Skepta again. I’d like to be a guest performer at a show around 2016 when his gigs were blowing the roof off. I’d like the show to be in Japan.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The British rapper AJ Tracey. He was wearing basketball gear on the cover of his 'Flu Game' album that he released a little while back. I used to play a lot of basketball, so I'd like to shoot some hoops with him in the UK if he's into it.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
My boss at work got me into the band Chinatown Slalom. I'm surprised that many alternative artists like that band are not getting the attention they deserve. I'd add Arlo Parks to that list, too. I hope they get more opportunities to shine because they are so good.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What are the concepts / important points of the playlist?
It's essentially a condensed version of all the music I like. The first half is mainly grime tracks, and the second is alternative music. It's the type of playlist I want to hear when I'm in the UK.
The first track you played on repeat?
I got to know the UK through Skepta. I was in the sixth form when I first came across ‘Shutdown.’ To be honest, the music was a bit beyond me at the time (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
I first got into grime when I was in the sixth form, so I’d have to say that genre again and the Skepta track ‘That’s Not Me.’ I really liked having that kind of music on in the background while I played basketball.
One record you would keep forever?
Tom Misch's album 'Geography.' I think I could probably listen to that album forever. I decided against choosing a grime album — I think that music might be a bit too much for an old geezer (laughs).
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I sometimes look at the lyrics while I'm listening, but I tend to focus more on the feeling of the track — for me, it's the impact of the words that counts. The repetition and intense delivery he puts on the word "Shutdown" gives me a sense of power; it really hits home.
Best song to turn up loud?
I was in the car with a mate yesterday, and we were belting out Octavian’s track ‘Molly Go Down’ at the top of our lungs.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
People might find my love for alternative music a little surprising. For example, the artists I just mentioned like Arlo Parks and Chinatown Slalom.
What new bands are you listening to now?
I'm reflecting on all the music I like right now, so I haven't found any new artists.
03Interview
Name
Haruto Kanetsuki
What do you do?
FORESTIÈRE shop staff.
Where are you from?
Shimane (south-west Japan) / Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
When I was in the sixth form, I saw a performance by the UK grime artist Skepta, streamed online on the music platform Boiler Room. It was the launch event for his album ‘Konnichiwa,’ which was happening in Tokyo. I distinctly remember thinking, “this is grime.” The fact he was playing in Japan and the Japanese title of his album made me feel at home.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
I'd have to say grime; artists like Skepta and Octavian. I think rap culture is a step too far for me (laughs), but the UK street scene has influenced the way I dress in a small way.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favorite?
The venue has closed, unfortunately, but TRUMPROOM in Shibuya. I hung out there all the time when I was a student; it was a lot of fun. Compared to other clubs, TRUMPROOM had really flashy decor, and another thing I liked was the layout — there were places to sit on either side of the dancefloor, which meant I could take a break.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Skepta again. I’d like to be a guest performer at a show around 2016 when his gigs were blowing the roof off. I’d like the show to be in Japan.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The British rapper AJ Tracey. He was wearing basketball gear on the cover of his 'Flu Game' album that he released a little while back. I used to play a lot of basketball, so I'd like to shoot some hoops with him in the UK if he's into it.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
My boss at work got me into the band Chinatown Slalom. I'm surprised that many alternative artists like that band are not getting the attention they deserve. I'd add Arlo Parks to that list, too. I hope they get more opportunities to shine because they are so good.
04Playlist Notes
What are the concepts / important points of the playlist?
It's essentially a condensed version of all the music I like. The first half is mainly grime tracks, and the second is alternative music. It's the type of playlist I want to hear when I'm in the UK.
The first track you played on repeat?
I got to know the UK through Skepta. I was in the sixth form when I first came across ‘Shutdown.’ To be honest, the music was a bit beyond me at the time (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
I first got into grime when I was in the sixth form, so I’d have to say that genre again and the Skepta track ‘That’s Not Me.’ I really liked having that kind of music on in the background while I played basketball.
One record you would keep forever?
Tom Misch's album 'Geography.' I think I could probably listen to that album forever. I decided against choosing a grime album — I think that music might be a bit too much for an old geezer (laughs).
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I sometimes look at the lyrics while I'm listening, but I tend to focus more on the feeling of the track — for me, it's the impact of the words that counts. The repetition and intense delivery he puts on the word "Shutdown" gives me a sense of power; it really hits home.
Best song to turn up loud?
I was in the car with a mate yesterday, and we were belting out Octavian’s track ‘Molly Go Down’ at the top of our lungs.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
People might find my love for alternative music a little surprising. For example, the artists I just mentioned like Arlo Parks and Chinatown Slalom.
What new bands are you listening to now?
I'm reflecting on all the music I like right now, so I haven't found any new artists.