Duck Rock is the DJ’s DJ. Having cultivated a legendary reputation from 16 years on the decks, this Japanese beat masher is as unpredictable as he is innovative. Whether twisting classic rock with drum and bass, new wave with breaks, or disco with indie pop, Duck Rock’s style can’t be confined by any single genre, and his fans wouldn’t want it any other way. He’s in Bangkok to show off his skills during the Tokyo Nights series, along with his other compatriots.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Enthusiastic music lover.

What’s up with your name?
“Duck Rock” is the title of a 1983 record by Malcolm McLaren produced by Trevor Horn. Trevor Horn had a big effect on me. The Duck Rock album is composed of electro, scratch, ethnic music and various other genres all rolled into one. My DJ style is similar, so I am “Duck Rock.”

Do you feel that you are a typical Japanese person?
I like typical Japanese things, yes. Of course I like sushi, shiitake, rice and other washoku (Japanese cuisine). I like hokusai katsushika (Japanese painting) and Japanese traditional performing arts, too.

However, when it comes to music, I am not traditional. My favorite kinds of music come from overseas. Here, everybody says, “Oh, you only listen to Western music? But there’s so much good Japanese music.”

But I like ‘50s-‘60s rock ‘n’ roll, country, folk, reggae, Indian music, new wave, electro, old and new skool breaks, and all pop music. My collection is 95% overseas and worldwide music. Exclusively from Japan, though, I like Yellow Magic Orchestra from the 70’s. I guess I am a typical rock fan.

You were born in Oita, Kyushu. Does that have any influence on your music?
Born in Oita... just dumb luck. I come from a family of music lovers. My father and my younger brother always listened to classical music. My oldest sister always listened to overseas rock, pop and new wave so I listened to FM radio programs everyday. My mother always said to me, “Don’t be glued to the radio!”

You were cutting up rock with electronic beats long before it was fashionable. How do you feel now that it has become popular?
I think that good music never goes out of style. Good music stays, regardless of current trends. I don’t deny that it’s a trend right now, but for me it goes far beyond that. I simply like the rock-meets-electronic style.

When was the first time you felt that the electronic sound could blend well with rock?
When I first started my DJ career. I haven’t changed my DJ style or music selection for 17 years.

Which clubbers do you love the most? How different are they?
All in all, clubbers are great all over the place. My most memorable event was in Moscow. In Moscow, Japanese culture was really popular. There were many Japanese restaurants and anime. I played some 1980’s Japanese electro—”We Are Ninja (Not Geisha)” by the Frank Chickens. It had a more far-reaching effect on people than I ever imagined! They loved it! I like Matsumoto City in Nagano, Japan, and of course Ruby Room in Tokyo, as well.

What should Thai people expect from you?
Whatever is necessary... increased frantic effort!

Where will you be when you are 60 years old?
Oh, that’s a tough one. Probably still in Tokyo, or somewhere else in Japan.