Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2013
Jazztronik, aka Ryota Nozaki, is the indefatigable DJ/producer and promoter behind the long-running house party Jazztronica!!—he also happens to be one of Japan’s best jazz keyboardists. We spoke to him about the crossover between live and electronic music, and his unusual new album, which recasts his programmed music in a live setting.
What is the concept behind Jazztronik Studio Live Best?
Usually my Jazztronik live show is different from my albums—I want to excite the audience with new, live arrangements of my [programmed] songs. But recently fans have asked me to release a “live” album. My band of the past few years is used to my music—they know what I want them to do and I thought that we could record a good performance.
How did you go about choosing songs?
It took a lot of time. I asked musicians, my label staff and friends. This time we chose songs most known to fans.
Which song best says “Jazztronik” and why?
Very difficult. If I had to say, it’s “Samurai.” This is the most popular Jazztronik tune, and not a vocal song, but one in which my piano melody takes the lead. This is important to me.
What were your first jazz and electronic music experiences?
When I was high school student I listened to [jazz fusion group] Return to Forever. I was so excited. For electronic music it was YMO.
Tell us about the tension between “live” and “electronic” in your music.
It’s difficult for “live “and “electronic” music to coexist naturally in a show. Even if I use electronic elements, I always take care not to be controlled by them.
You and other well-known Japanese producers blend jazz and electronics in your music. Why do you think this style is popular in Japan?
Since the ’60s there has been various kinds of mixed music in Japan. Some musicians, like me, are proud of electronic instruments made in Japan. We Japanese don’t have a deep music history, so we are always trying to define our own style.
Tell us about the concept behind your Jazztronica!! parties and how they’ve evolved over the years.
I’ve held Jazztronica!! at The Room in Shibuya for seven years. It’s a very small venue, but widely known for good music. Despite the size, many famous DJs have played there. Jazztronica!! offers experiences only possible in a small club. It’s difficult to put into words. I usually play all kinds of music genres like house, techno, boogie, disco, electro, Latin, jazz and funk, etc. Percussionists and singers play along to my music. The DJ booth is the center of the floor, so people dance, watching us around the booth. The Room is run by Shuya Okino who is known as Kyoto Jazz Massive, and he DJs too. Many foreign tourists come and recently I’ve offered unreleased tunes to the first 30 people.
What’s your take on the Tokyo club scene?
The anachronistic law banning dancing after midnight is really taking a toll.
Tell us about a dream project.
I recently launched my own label 753 (shichi-go-san) Records and want to share our music with the world. It might take a long time. But I’ll do it.
