Widely recognized as Japan’s most popular foreign DJ, Vivid has been a mainstay in Tokyo’s night club scene for nearly a decade. Holding several residences at Tokyo’s most popular nightclubs including T2 Shibuya, ColoR, ELE and more! His reputation of energetic and fast pace mixing styles has earned him a following of VIVID fans, who often join his shows putting their hands in the air in the shape of a “V”.
But Vivid isn’t just well known in Japan, HE has become an international resident at some of South Korea’s most famous clubs including Octagon, The A, GRID, and more!
When Vivid isn’t DJing he spends his time producing club ready music that have lead to dozens of releases including being ranked in on Beatport and iTunes dance charts. His most recent remix of the track “VIOLENCE” was featured on edm.com‘s front page (the world’s leading EDM music blog) which earned him 10’s of thousands of plays on his soundcloud. Most recently Vivid signed to the immensely popular DJ Armada Music / Showlandfor his next round of releases which are sure to be big hits!
In addition to DJing and producing, Vivid also produces massive events at ageHa with his company TURNED ON inc. which consistently attract over 1,000 guests!
Vivid is currently setting his sights on Asia, and it is only a matter of time before he conquers it!
We caught up with him to chat ask about his music, producing and what we can expect from him in the future….
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
I just returned from a wild Japan tour celebrating the release of my latest track “Mirage.”
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Currently my sound is a mix between Future House and Bass House. Melodic, vocal chops fill up my breaks, with very heavy bass drops usually with a top lead or mid bass. A few trap snares thrown in for good measure.
What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?
Daft Pink “Discovery”
The Weeknd “Starboy”
Drake “More Life”
Yellow Claw “Los Amsterdam”
Disclosure “Settle”
The Weeknd “Starboy”
Drake “More Life”
Yellow Claw “Los Amsterdam”
Disclosure “Settle”
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
Brohug
Moksi
Khrebto
Vato Gonzalez
Brooks
Moksi
Khrebto
Vato Gonzalez
Brooks
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
I am a big user of NATIVE INSTRUMENTS gear and software. Their KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is incredible, and I can’t start a project without it. Also, their piano plugins for KONTAKT are legendary.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
Without a doubt, the biggest challenge is being original. It is so easy to follow trends, download the latest sample packs, and copy our favorite artists.
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
The Tokyo night club scene regularly inspires me. After a few bites of sushi, I typically check out Tokyo’s underground clubs and the hot discos to get a vibe of what’s trending. Nights out here will often inspire me to get back to the studio asap and take what I hear and turn it into an original track.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting your music together?
When it comes to producing an original track, I usually spend a few hours creating a unique and exciting drop. From there, I work out the break vocals, pianos, and sometimes vocal chops. After I get the idea of the track down, I’ll come back the next day and polish the sound. If I am feeling the track, I can usually have it mixed and mastered within a week or so.
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
Just recently I had a huge gig that had me share the stage with SHOWTEK at ageHa in Tokyo. The production was incredible, and it was perhaps one of the biggest performances I have had in Japan.
And the worst?
I had an awful show out in Nanjing China last year. The DJ booth was surrounded by tables packed with guests staring at their phones. When it was time for me to begin my set, the club lighting all pointed at the DJ booth, and the guests at the table just sat and watched me with their phones recording. The set lasted 2 hours, and I felt like an animal trapped in a zoo!
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I would be a full-time graphic designer. I already own a digital marketing company in Tokyo, and I currently balance my time between music and designing already.
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
Asia only has a few big international festivals, but the ones that do come here are enormous. Performing at Ultra Japan, Storm Festival in China or the big water festivals in Bangkok would be an amazing experience.
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, living or dead, who would it be?
DON DIABLO is a legend to me. His sound, his work ethic, and his style is something I admire greatly. To be able to share the stage with him, would truly be a legendary moment.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Sure! I have an upcoming track releasing on Showland Records/Armada Music in June 12th. Keep an eye on my socials for previews of the track!
Follow Vivid on his social media links below:
