Liquid Drop Groove and radiOzora are introducing a truly diverse Japanese artist, A&R label head and party organizer, DJ YUTA, known not only for being a key actor in the Japanese goa-psytrance scene, but also for his unique nu goa/acid and techno sounds. To go along with his brand new techno mix, here’s an introduction from the man himself.

– What were some of the events or experiences that set you off on this journey?

– Hi Firstly, let me introduce myself a little. My name is YUTA, I dj and manage the label A&R, and also organize parties, such as for techno label Liquid Drop Groove and goa trance label Matsuri Digital. Now let me answer the question. I had an unexplainable experience about 15 years ago, it was a real TRANCE experience and changed everything. Music, outlook on life, hobby, I guess even my personality changed after all. Since then all trance related things and culture has become my whole life, and I understood more clearly that music supports me all the time.

– How was your alter ego born?

– I think that a position will form a person. So I really thank my family of party community, work colleagues and friends who cheer me up. I think every person who I have around has raised me.

– Who have your greatest teachers been, your greatest inspirations? Musically speaking, who has had the greatest influence on your musical soundscapes?

With time these change, however all of them are my teachers and inspire my taste in music and a way of life, etc…

MASA / TSUYOSHI SUZUKI / Artman / MINORU / SLUM / Ray Castle / James Monro / Marcus Henriksson are my greatest teachers.

– How has your sound, your taste in music developed throughout the years?

– In the last few years I have changed to be more creative.

I have been buying old vinyls for my goa trance collection, but this archaeological thought has changed and I’m trying to create new ones. For example, I was looking for old gems on the web and at shops, but lately I found it better to make own ones. Taking out my favorites tones and phrases from old tunes and removing the unnecessary parts, and rebuilding it.. So this lets me embody them in new styles such as psychedelic techno, techno but with influences from trance music.

Also as a hobby, I’ve launched a new label that concentrates on chill/ambient and downbeat, as the concept is music for a cafe shop.

Wide musical variety and infinite possibilities lighten me up.

– Which one of your releases/tracks are the most characteristic of your sounds or stand the closest to you for some reason?

– MATSURI TRIBE is the compilation album that I released in 2016 and I think the track “Unexpressed” by Marcus Henriksson symbolizes me. I told Marcus my passionate thoughts about my style, and we discussed each other’s directions and ideas again and again.. Marcus composed it.

– What projects are you involved in? (Or would love to experiment with?)

– For now the biggest emphasis is on holding the Liquid Drop Groove Festival in Okinawa. It’s at the world’s greatest diving spots surrounded by the beautiful coral sea. Also Okinawa is a deeply historical place where shamanism exist. I think that a TRANCE experience that impresses people is not only music but the environment is also as important and has a sufficient effect. So I am going to make this project a lifework.

About MATSURI: We started MATSURI BEATS BOOKINGS. Although I decided not to hold the MATSURI TRIBE FESTIVAL for a change this year. In 2018 we’re hosting the MATSURI TRIBE FESTIVAL for a few thousands of people, as we are attracting overseas festivals to Japan. I would like to further strengthen the network in Japan and globally.

– Who do you think are the most cutting-edge newest sound makers in the scene? Who are your newest discoveries?

Marcus Henriksson, ETNICA, JOSKOT, TSUBI, Emmanuel Top, Boston 168, Christian Wunsch, Ricardo Garduno, Alien Rain, Assalti Industriali, Skizologic Takaaki Itoh, A.Mochi, Hironori Takahashi, IORI, Rezonance Mood

– At home?

– I work at home or search for new tracks, also meet friend, sometimes I make time to relax

Currently my boom is ordering furniture from my friend.. I like to have “Only One” things so lately I have fixed the home sound system set up and am now waiting for new furniture.

– Most memorable gigs, experiences?

I have too many memorable gigs… So let me pick from those in 2016.

Matsuri Digital in GOA, ECLIPSE FESTIVAL in Indonesia, MATSURI TRIBE FESTIVAL, Psy-Fi Festival, Woodstower Festival, Liquid Drop Groove in Dommune (Similar with Boiler Room), Liquid Drop Groove “Flip Out Gathering”

– Musically speaking what’s still on your bucket list? If it wasn’t this, what would it be?

I want to travel the whole world. And as an extension hobby I have an apparel brand called “Guruguru Hyena” making clothes with MASA. If I have more time I want to expand it too.

– What are your other passions in life?

No other… MUSIC is my everything.

– What are you working on at present? What are you looking forward to the most？

– I am looking forward to “Ozora One Day in Tokyo 2017” and next week I have a “Liquid Drop Groove New Year Party” with Tsubi and Josko, exciting, these upcoming events! I will be in Goa again next month so I can work hard because of it.

I am really honored to share my mix on RadiOzora! So Ozora heads, let’s hope to see you all in the summer at Ozora Festival in Hungary!

Thanks and Big Hug, Respect.