DJ MARIA. - Interview with Berghain
In a recent chat with Berghain's Thilo Schneider, the DJ MARIA. shares her journey from Osaka to Tokyo, her love for minimalist techno, and her vision for Japan's post-pandemic club scene.
Here’s the English version of the interview:
[Berghain - Thilo Schneider]: -Please introduce yourself.
[DJ MARIA.]: My name is DJ MARIA. and I am based in Tokyo, Japan. I was born and raised in the city of Osaka and moved to Tokyo when I was 19.
[Berghain - Thilo Schneider]: -Can you give us a brief outline of your musical career as a DJ, how did it all start for you, and how did you become a traveling musician?
[DJ MARIA.]: I was 13, when I stumbled upon electronic dance music for the first time, at a second-hand CD store and was instantly hooked, even if it meant getting an earful from my dad for playing it loudly. Ha! Moving to Tokyo at 19, while I was learning to DJ, I was working in a record store for about 6 years. It wasn't just a job; it was an education, exposing me to a world of music genres and refining my musical tastes. I also joined a local crew and raved with them (I just love(d) to party) - playing at different raves and festivals around Japan and receiving lots of inspiration from great artists at festivals like Labyrinth and Rural. As I uploaded sets on SoundCloud, I started receiving recognition and podcast requests from around the world. Then I joined my current agency heed and I started touring and playing in different places around the world - with Berghain and Bassiani being the highlight!
[Berghain - Thilo Schneider]: -How do you explain that many Japanese techno DJs and producers have such a fine sense of psychedelic, minimalist techno? In which musical and cultural tradition does this stand?
[DJ MARIA.]: In Japan, we value minimalism, seen in arts like "ikebana" and 'Ma'. Our rich music history, with legends like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Susumu Yokota, influences our techno scene. Despite being small, Japan's talent is vast—artists like DJ Nobu, Wata Igarashi and Gonno carry our legacy and will be carrying it in the future. I'm proud of our impact globally.
[Berghain - Thilo Schneider]: -How has the Japanese club scene developed after Corona, how do you assess the current status quo?
[DJ MARIA.]: Post-Corona, the Japanese club scene faced dramatic shifts. Initially, clubs and venues struggled, grappling with uncertainties. Yet, as artists and enthusiasts, we united, resolute in keeping the scene vibrant. From 2022, there's been a resurgence: festivals and club events have multiplied, signaling a gradual return to our pulsating rhythm. I'm inspired by the relentless efforts of promoters and venues in Japan. Today's scene is regaining its vitality, and I'm hopeful for an even brighter future, both for Japan and the global clubbing community.
[Berghain - Thilo Schneider]: -You released your first own EP "Acid Sunrise" last year, what is the idea and intention behind it?
[DJ MARIA.]: With "Acid Sunrise", I trusted my instincts and incorporated elements I love, particularly the bass line and hi-hat. When I completed the track, I saw a sparkling and beautiful sunrise coming up, which felt like the perfect title. Having artists I deeply respect, like Alan Backdrop, Alpha Tracks, Mikkel Rev, and U+2609, remix it was an honor.
-What are your favorite labels and producers at the moment?
[DJ MARIA.]: My musical palate often finds solace in labels like Ute-Rec and Monday Off. A-Biotic's album is one I've relistened to many times lately. Agonis, Accelerationism, Dasha Rush, Tobias., Zara, Varuna, Mikkel Rev, and Sebastian Mullaert are producers I listen to constantly. I also frequently enjoy sets from artists like So-Fi, Jane Fitz and Carl H. Their distinct sounds truly resonate with me.
DJ MARIA. plays at Berghain on the 23rd of September.
