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www.planetnotion.com |
| Makoto |
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| 06/04/2007 |
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 When Tokyo's drum n bass ambassador sent his first experiments to LTJ Bukem, the UK don advised Makoto to make his beats less hectic and shift some arrangements. Now Makoto is a favourite on the global circuit, with his second jazzed-up album about to drop. Looking good!
How healthy is the drum n bass scene in Japan? Not healthy enough; there aren't many drum n bass producers or good DJs here and parties always rely on overseas DJs. But I’m positive, I hope everyone is making an effort to evolve!
Sampling a celebrated tune like 'Feeling Good' on 'Spangle' was bold was it difficult to get clearance for this? No comment!
Are there any other classic tunes you'd like to re-work? If I could, I wouldn't re-work, I'd make an entirely new version.
Do drum n bass MCs annoy you or can they enhance a set? Not at all, I always work with Deeizm MC. We've worked together for ages now; we always know what each other's doing. I totally trust her. I also know that the MC is a crucial part of drum n bass culture.
Do you prefer instrumental tracks - what does a vocal bring?
I like both. It depends on how good the music is. Why is the new album called 'Believe In My Soul'? I had a really negative time over the last few years. I had to believe in what I was doing to deal with it. 'Believe In My Soul' just came into my head one day.
How would you describe your brand of drum n bass? People say my music is soulful, but I’ve never tried to make it soulful on purpose!
Which tune(s) are you feeling right now? Always Marky, Nu:tone, Mistical and Nookie…Tunes!
Tell us about some of the more obscure samples you used on the album? The sample for me is like an instrument. I didn't use them like loops, just like tones from a keyboard.
What do you listen to when you're relaxing? Nothing. Music gets me too excited! How different are London crowds? Obviously Japanese crowds are very quiet, but London and others are not. Do you listen to any bands? Sometimes old funk bands from the 70s. Do you think that dance music and drug culture will always be linked? I really don't know, as I didn't grow up taking drugs... Chill out mate, we're not the Old Bill! Do you still buy records? I DJ using Scratch Live with my laptop. Vinyl sounds warm, but there's no places to cut dubplates in Japan and I don’t like playing CDs, so I've got no choice! 'BELIEVE IN MY SOUL' IS OUT 2ND APRIL (GOOD LOOKING). CHECK OUT THE REVIEW HERE! |