Eccentric Japanese producer, boys be kko, is known for his larger-than-life persona.
Photo Credit: boys be kko – Official
Last year the artist debuted on Labyrinth Records with the critically acclaimed ‘Monnaka’ EP. The release brought the exotic sounds of his Japanese homeland to the label, offering an alternative take on dance music. Now the artist returns with ‘Pico’, an elegantly dance-centric two-track EP which focuses on textured drum work and richly layered melodies, underpinning these elements with club-ready energy and dynamics.
EG caught up with boys be kko to learn more about the release of ‘Pico’, his influences, his newfound fatherhood, and more.
EG: Hi! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
boys be kko: Thanks for the invite. I live in Tokyo and I’m answering these questions while putting my newborn baby to bed.
EG: Great news! Also, congratulations on the release of your latest EP, ‘Pico’. What has the initial reception been like? Do you remember where you first played these ones live?
boys be kko: The first time I played it was in my friend’s car. He is the first person I let listen to kko’s demos, and it was the first time in a long time that he complimented me on it.
EG: So, what’s ‘Pico’ all about? Is there a concept or thread running through this EP?
boys be kko: Watching things like what is happening on the other side of the earth in real-time on SNS, I started to find my tracks transatlantically played at resorts and festivals.
Wouldn’t it be great if the tracks I made while imagining resorts, festivals, beaches, and VIPs were actually played there? ‘Pico’ from a small room far away in Tokyo. Of course, we used a lot of kko spices..!
The artwork also echoes this concept. I used a Japanese “KARE-SAN-SUI” garden as a motif, and it is an imaginary garden that represents the sea and islands with sand and stones. Don’t you think it is perfect for an imaginary resort house track?
EG: What can your fans expect to find on this EP, musically? What was the recording process for these like?
boys be kko: I hope it gives them the urge to dance and becomes one of the most memorable tracks this summer. Well, this is my expectation…I like to make my tracks complex sometimes. I made it so you can ROCK the floor or you can chill at home!
“The first time I played it was in my friend’s car. He is the first person I let listen to kko’s demos, and it was the first time in a long time that he complimented me on it”
EG: This is the 2nd EP you’ve worked on with the team at Labyrinth Records. How is it having them support your music all the way from London?
boys be kko: I will always be grateful to the team. In fact, ‘Pico’ already had many offers, big and small. However, we signed with Labyrinth, who released my 1st EP, which was quite a huge challenge for the label. Because of that experience, we thought they would be able to release ‘Pico’ in the best way.
EG: Labyrinth Records have decided to press vinyl records for a 2 part vinyl encompassing both the ‘Pico’ and ‘Monnaka’ EPs. How much do you play on vinyl and what are the best record stores in Tokyo?
boys be kko: I recommend Lighthouse Records in Shibuya.
EG: In which ways does Japan seep into your music? What does the Japanese electronic music scene look like at the moment?
boys be kko: The Japanese anime and video games that I became familiar with as a child had a huge influence on me. It is no exaggeration to say that Joe Hisaishi, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Nintendo have changed my life.
I rarely go to nightclubs. So I have no idea about the scene, but I’d be interested to see how EG would draw similarities or not with the Japanese scene.
EG: So, how did you come across electronic dance music? Do you remember the first DJ you saw playing live? When did you decide to get involved and learn the trade?
boys be kko: I think my first encounter was with Aphex Twin’s ‘Drukqs’. Around 2011, I went to see Gui Boratto live in Tokyo. In the middle of the show, I saw a girl in the front row crying because she was so moved. Of course, no one was singing sweet Japanese songs, right? I witnessed the strong emotion that electronic music has that transcends language. I continue to make music to experience that emotion.
“I saw a girl in the front row crying because she was so moved. Of course, no one was singing sweet Japanese songs, right? I witnessed the strong emotion that electronic music has that transcends language”
EG: Now, stepping away from the studio for a bit…Have you found any good books, movies, or albums lately that you’d recommend?
boys be kko: The new Studio Ghibli film was good. I recommend the book ‘French Children Don’t Throw Food’.
EG: Right now, social media seems to play a completely prominent role in the development of an artist’s career. What’s your stance on this? Is this bringing us closer than ever, or is it drawing our attention away from the actual music?
boys be kko: All artists will answer that question by saying they keep away. However, in my case, I dig IDs on Instagram, not on Rekords, not on Spotify, not on YouTube.
For example, I search posts that are uploaded a few min after the festival. Because that is the latest reflection of the scene at that moment. So, I am closer to the scene. I can do it in Tokyo, which is far away and challenging to observe directly.
However, whether the bone of music is there or not is another matter. This is something that I have been struggling with for a long time. I think it’s great that artists can draw the line, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are making cool sounds.
EG: What’s next for boys be kko? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023?
boys be kko: I am on hiatus until next year because of the birth of my child! I plan to enjoy raising my child and writing songs in my spare time.
EG: Thank you for your time! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
boys be kko’s new ‘Pico’ EP is out now via Labyrinth Records. Purchase your copy here.
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