SOTA, a man of many faces: designer, DJ, catalyst — and above all, an incredibly nice guy with a gift for creating meaningful connections. After years, we finally reunite on the dancefloor. This time, not in his massive metropolis of Tokyo, but in our very own stomping ground, Rotterdam — at none other than B45’s homescape, MONO. Before he kicks off the night, we asked the man of the hour some questions.
You bridge hip-hop with more electronic sounds as a DJ and via your events in Tokyo nightlife. Can you tell a bit about how you developed this eclectic yet vibrant musical style?
I just play songs I like, regardless the genres. In Tokyo’s night club scene, communities are separated clearly by genres, and I don’t like it. I always want to mix all communities to make a new community by myself.
You often DJ with you friend Gen under the name WASP. What’s behind the name WASP an how did you start off DJ’ing as a duo?
We met at the pre-camp for my uni and clicked immediately. We both have been DJing since high school, so it was all natural to start DJing as duo. About the name of WASP, it used be the short for something, but it’s became off the concept gradually, so now it’s disclosed.
Tokyo is your home. Which places and venues inspire you in this city?
I was born in Bunkyo area, which has many traditional old buildings. Now i live in Meguro area, which is more like around the center of Tokyo. It’s convenience for me as a dj, to live around the center, but sometimes I miss my home neighborhood, which is more calm and slow.
You started your own brand SOL soonerorlater. It’s been taking off recently. Can you tell us a bit about how you got into fashion?
My father is a fashion designer, so it was all natural to get interested in fashion when I was young. There was a point that I felt DJing is not enough to express myself, so I started this brand.
How do you connect DJ’ing and fashion?
Music and fashion has been always connected in my opinion. I just want to express my thoughts and feelings through making clothes or DJing.
Which song do you know will always land when you play it?
It depends on what party I’m DJing at, but all time my fav is “some kind of game” by against all logic. I like it’s energy!
What role does music play in your life?
Music is a part of my life!
Thanks SOTA!