MIDORI AOYAMA: Tokyo-based DJ, Radio Host, Record Label Organizer

In this episode of Nonnative Creative, we meet Tokyo-based Midori Aoyama. He is a DJ, producer, and party organizer forming bridges between Japan and the international underground music scene. His long-running party EUREKA! has brought a wide range of respected artists to many of Tokyo’s nightlife venues over the last ten years. With artists like Detroit Swindle, Ge-Ology, Atjazz, Lay-Far, Kyodai, and Mad Mats included in the event’s history, EUREKA! has gained recognition as a force for quality house music in Tokyo’s underground scene. As a DJ, Aoyama’s domestic performances have included appearances at Fuji Rock and Electric Daisy Carnival—internationally, tours have taken him to London, Stockholm, Seoul, and Paris. In 2017, he played at renowned venues Claire (Amsterdam, ADE) and Garito Café (Mallorca).

In 2016, he launched Eureka Records, an independent house music label featuring international collaborations. The well-received first EP Coffee Time was made in collaboration with Sweden-based Crackazat; this success continued to Red Light, the label’s second EP (2017), in collaboration with Bobby Masalo (Amsterdam) and Jamie 3:26 (Chicago). The highly-anticipated third EP (with Paris-based S3A) is currently in the works and is slated for release in 2018.

His latest expansion began in February 2018 with the launch of platform Tsubaki FM, an independent music resource. The initial phase of the project is focused on production of a weekly live broadcast from Tokyo that is hosted by Aoyama (in both Japanese and English). He curates a lineup of local and international DJs to feature as guests, sharing music from around the world (with a focus on house, soul, and jazz).

Aoyama, having proven his ongoing dedication to quality house music, looks to realize his further ambitions for Tsubaki FM, Eureka Records, and his events. With high expectations to meet both domestically and internationally, he aims to preserve the things that make him unique while exploring collaborative opportunities. In this interview, hear his thoughts about his work in Japan and in other countries, and what he hopes to do in the future.

Interview Transcripts: English, 日本語

Find more about Midori:
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ozMJnR
Instagram: https://goo.gl/EjEuoF
SoundCloud: https://goo.gl/eMsJwV
Twitter: https://goo.gl/25ZLAz
Website: https://goo.gl/TgLdAz
Tsubaki FM Facebook: https://goo.gl/ph3pek
House of Eureka Facebook: https://goo.gl/PPKamy

Video Credits:
Camera, lighting, audio: Meg Igarashi, Aiza Elloso
Logo, Monogram, Design Guidance: Jan Vranovský

Special Thanks (alphabetical order):
Oiran
Otai Record School
The Room