SONOS CLUB : AKIRA
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has influenced your sound?
AKIRA: My musical journey started when most others do, as a child. I was brought up by my mum, who showed me everything—all genres, including dance music, particularly acid house and some jungle. Music was always around growing up and has always been an important part of my daily schedule. I’m Japanese-Afghan, but I’ve only ever known North London. My sound influence is heavily UK-based. I’d like to say it’s Japanese/Afghan, but it’s not. London through and through.
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
AKIRA: I think just being exposed to so many genres had the biggest impact. I went to a school where it seemed like only one genre was liked. Don’t get me wrong, I probably listen to more rap than dance music, but it felt as if no one wanted to appreciate anything else. It’s helped my DJing because I try my best to play a mixture of genres in my sets and expose people to music they haven’t necessarily heard before.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
AKIRA: Honestly, I don’t really integrate my heritage directly into my music. Maybe I should. I can’t say it impacts my sound, though I’m always excited to hear Asian/Arab-inspired music. It has more of an impact on my brand itself. It’s called Buntai, which is a Japanese word for 'squad,' and the general visual branding is Japanese-inspired.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
AKIRA: It’s quite rare that I plan a set out. Most of the time, I know what my intro song is, and the rest is played based on crowd reaction. I’ll always have songs I want to play, and there are certain ones I keep going back to. It’s important to stay on the hunt for new music, but what may feel like an old tune to you is brand new to someone in the crowd.
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
AKIRA: I’m always looking for new music, whether that’s just scrolling through SoundCloud or coming across stuff on social media. I tend to have one day a week where I spend a few hours really digging for tunes, though some days are better than others. My main sources are SoundCloud and Bandcamp, but I’m lucky enough to get sent a lot of music from amazing producers regularly—whether it's label submissions or artists reaching out for me to play their tracks.
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
AKIRA: There’s not a huge crossover, to be honest. There’s a balance between staying fresh and being true to yourself. People say you do need to keep up with trends to stay relevant, but I believe staying true to your own style will always take you further. Individuality is key. I don’t overthink my roots because, at the end of the day, I don’t see myself as being different from my peers. Being proud of your background is important, but it doesn’t need to define your entire identity.hahaha
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
AKIRA: Luckily, I haven’t run into any major hurdles because of my heritage. The only thing I’ve experienced is being referenced as a 'good look' for certain things. It might sound a bit off, but honestly, my background’s only had a positive impact on my career.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
AKIRA: It's so important. I see firsthand how one-sided some events can be, whether it’s male-to-female or white-to-BIPOC. I believe artists should be booked based on merit, not used as a 'token' just to make promoters feel better about themselves. We need more BIPOC promoters in the scene to level the playing field and create spaces that truly embrace diversity.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
AKIRA: All the time. Like I said, my background has only helped with bookings and made me stand out. I’d like to think it helps BIPOC people feel more comfortable seeing someone like me on a lineup, but I can’t say that for sure. Thankfully, in London, most of the events I go to are so diverse and open that you don’t really notice any imbalance. I know that’s not the case everywhere, though.
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
AKIRA: I’m really happy with the dubstep revival. Not that it ever really died, but it finally feels like it's getting the love it deserves. There’s always been a strong underground following, and I think that’s important to keep sacred. But pushing it into the wider, mainstream audience is also a good move—it's creating a lot of opportunities for smaller producers who’ve been struggling to take their careers to the next level.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
AKIRA: God knows. I just hope to naturally evolve and move with the times. My taste is always changing, but good music is good music. I’m not closed off to any sound now, nor will I be in the future.
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
AKIRA: Alex Perez with Yeat
Sicaria B2B Neffa T with Vybz Kartel
Chris Stussy B2B Don Toliver
Mike Dean with President T and Sox
Akira b2b Jaz b2b Modula with Earl Sweatshirt
Because imagine.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
AKIRA: Get yourself out there. Don’t sit around waiting for someone to book you—make it happen yourself. Don’t wait for your dream booking; create it. Build your own community and show love to those who support you, because they’re everything. Reach out to others in similar positions, collaborate, and lift each other up. It’s always WHO you know.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
AKIRA: Accepting that you’re allowed to have mental blocks is key. Don’t expect to be on form 24/7—you’re allowed to have unproductive days. Take time to reflect on the good you’ve done. A lot of people hit their goals and move on to the next without appreciating what they’ve just achieved. Tell your mates when you’re not feeling great they’ll probably tell you they’re feeling the same. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others online, but instead of letting it make you feel like you’re not doing enough, use it as inspiration.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
AKIRA: I love when people who don’t typically listen to dance music hear me play. There’s something special about introducing people to new sounds. If I can play a show and have even one person walk away with a track stuck in their head, something they’ve never heard before, then I know I’ve done my job right.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
