Japan's Grandfather of Hip Hop speaks with Lady KMD on his upcoming tour and things close to his heart and soul.








Here are three things you probably already know about DJ Krush;

1. He’s Japanese.
2. He makes great tunes.
3. He’s in Australia this week playing shows….

Here are three things you maybe didn’t know about Krush;

1. He’s a grand father (yeah, I know, he doesn’t look old enough).
2. He’s a campaigner for children and the anti-nuclear movement.
3. He’s a man of few words… read on…

Q. You are one of the original members of JAG. What is JAG and how did you get involved?

JAG is led by my management producer. I’m involved in this project with the hope that I’d be of help somehow for the children in need.

Q. How has your involvement with such an emotive cause influenced you personally, and musically?

Being a parent myself, it has definitely given me the opportunities to think about various issues. I’m sure there are many opinions, but I believe that I should start with doing what I can do. I’d be happy if you could join me by starting with doing something you could do now.

Q. Could you please tell me about your work with fellow Sony artist and anti-nuclear campaigner, the legendary and eclectic Ryuichi Sakamoto?....

My approach to his campaign is the same as JAG; I participate in it with the hope that my music contributes to such activities. I still have many things to learn and I can’t talk a good game yet, but I do feel that if there’s anything that I can do within the scope of my activities and life, I must go for it.

Q. Do you ever feel that African issues and the anti-nuclear message are widely ignored by people? What inspires you to remind them?

Little by little, but steadily, the message is reaching. This interview is a great proof! Having people recognize what problems are out there now is already a big step forward.

Q. What are you spending time on at the moment?

1. Musically / professionally;
Recently, I’m spending a lot of time touring around the globe. Along with that, I’ve started working on some new projects such as my next album.

2. Personally / for fun;
Recently I’ve been performing overseas a lot, so I haven’t had much time to relax. But a while ago, when the cherry blossoms were blooming, I was hanging out in my neighborhood with my grandchild at the back seat of my bicycle.

Q. You are a grandfather now (nice work!) – what influence do you feel you are exerting on the new generation?!

As opposed to our generation, these days, you have everything from information to goods even before or by the time you start walking or talking. There are things, good and bad, that I get influenced from the sensitivity of such generation who have grown up in a convenient era.

Q. The Japanese underground collectives are producing some unique sounding, and thoroughly enjoyable music. Do you grow through your collaborations and do you feel that you help represent this scene when you travel?

Let’s see… Well, I don’t feel that I am nurturing a new generation, but if there’s something that they can absorb from me, they can feel free to take it from me as much as they want. There are many interesting artists in Japan; they should go out to the world more often.

Q. It seems to me that you embody upfront truth, in your music, your interviews, and your involvement beyond necessity. Would you agree with this statement?

Yes. I’d be really happy if anyone feels that way….



DJ Krush is an original member of JAG, an organisation supporting children all over the world who have been exposed to unimaginable suffering at the hands of others.

Australian gigs COMING UP NOW PEOPLE!
Thu 22 May – ANU Bar, Canberra
Fri 23 May – Prince, Melbourne
Sat 24 May – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
Thu 29 May – Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide

He’s touring the globe basically, so check his website for info…
DJ Krush: www.sus81.jp/djkrush/
African JAG Project: www.africanjag.org/