Last Japan

With the demise of pirate radio - a cult-era which gave DJs a platform to etch their name into the minds of music hungry listeners, been are the days where people would stay up late to tune in and record the latest tunes on to tape, rewinding the latest sounds to set alight clubs across London’s underground scene countless times. In a day where every other person can claim to be a DJ, it seems harder than ever for talent to rise above such a saturated market, as a quality DJ. However, London producer and internationally acclaimed DJ, Last Japan, has certainly been turning a few heads. With exclusive and visionary sets, he does not attach himself to trends but looks to the future. Showcasing the most current artists around, his sets are always bursting with the unexpected. Interweaving classic with cutting-edge, expect a dynamic performance, his mixing skills reflecting his unwavering need for perfection. Last Japan takes the crowd on a unique, sensory journey setting a distinctive mood that only he can be identified with. Last Japan’s versatility and selection has not gone unnoticed, his mixes highly sought after from a wide spectrum of genres and outlets including SBTV, Rinse, SSENSE fashion, Mixmag and BBC Radio 1. He’s also been asked to curate music for a London based fashion show and as if making a name for yourself within the UK isn’t hard enough, Last Japan hasn’t stopped there, making a firm presence internationally. Using his NTS Radio show, Circadian Rhythms, to his avail, he explores the latest tracks and up-and-coming artists hosting guests such as MssingNo, Dark0 and Sully as well as giving exclusives of his own boundary-breaking tracks. His last Thursday of the month 8-10pm slot is fast becoming a vital reference for aspiring artists. Already firmly set within the UK underground scene, this Summer Last Japan went one step further, proving his ability to take the industry head on by independently releasing Ride With Us, a gutsy 12 track mixtape including features from Trim, Mr Mitch and Prince Rapid. Described by Last Japan as a collection of “night tracks [and] space music”, the tracks take the listener on a musical journey through the dark fringes of London city. The deep subs and sonic layers creating a sinister representation of city life. Mixmag described first release Harca as a creeper, a sound description of the escalating and intensifying sound that Last Japan builds within these tracks. Last Japan released a limited number of self-produced tapes including his own artwork and photography, bringing back the collectable item and highlighting his expression through all art forms. The tape has gained support from Mumdance, Julie Adenuga, Compa, Benji B, B. Traits, Blue Daisy and many more. His recent production, with dark, contrasting sounds and textures, also caught the eye of the infamous producer, Zomby, with Last Japan featuring as the sole collaborator on his 33-track album, With Love. The track Pyrex Nights reflects Last Japan’s ability to fuse the most current of underground sounds into something vanguard. Last Japan has had a run of highly acclaimed and indisputably innovative releases on independent labels such as Bullet Train, LNUK and Signal Life. His success has not come as any surprise with a strong musical background, playing four instruments since childhood and going on to study a degree in music production. His identifiable creativity and technical ability give him a notable edge. His production has been credited with heavy Radio 1 and 1Xtra support from the likes of B.Traits, Toddla T and Benji B. His production skills have also won him the attention of commercial giants, Nokia, using tracks produced by himself and fellow producer Luke Oldham working together under the alias N55 for an advert featuring Last Japan making use of his acting skills! Leading sound design company Radium Audio also selected several of his tracks to work alongside their features used for an animation festival in Australia, highlighting Last Japan’s commercial prospects. His sound is described as eclectic covering 2-Step Garage, infused with Grime, Funky and Dubstep, having mainstream appeal to an ever growing, young and musically aware audience.