SONOS CLUB : KENJI

Originally from Japan, now based in London.
Rooted in Shizuoka’s dance culture.
Playing across clubs, bars and dance events since 2020.
Vinyl at the core, moving through disco and house while shaping each set to the room.
Always exploring new sounds through records.

INTERVIEW

What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?

How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?

KENJI: First of all, I try to understand the crowd. If possible, I like to listen from the opening DJ, or at least the DJ before me.That helps me find clues about what the audience is enjoying that day. I take over from there and try a few tracks that I think they'll connect with. When I play something and the crowd responds exactly how I imagined, it's a really rewarding feeling. Once I've built that connection, I gradually crossover into my own style. That's how I create a set that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience.

Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?

KENJI: My hometown, Shizuoka, really shaped my musical identity. It’s a place famous for Mount Fuji and green tea. I was living in Tokyo before but moved back to Shizuoka in 2020 because of COVID.

There are many amazing artists there who I really respect. They taught me how to play vinyl and what makes a good party.
In Shizuoka, there’s a culture where older DJs teach the younger generation about music, and that knowledge gets passed down over time.

I think it’s a really beautiful part of the scene. I’m based in London now, but someday when I return, I hope I can also share what I’ve learned with the next generation.

How do you keep your sets fresh and unpredictable?

KENJI: Playing records is very important to me, and the fact that I can only bring a limited number with me sometimes makes the set more unpredictable.
When I’m preparing my record bag, I try to imagine the atmosphere of the venue and think about the DJs I’ll be playing with, so I usually bring more records than I think I’ll need.

But there are always many moments when things don’t go the way I expected. When that happens, I try to open up my thinking completely and search through my record bag for the next track.

Those moments often lead to directions I couldn’t have predicted myself, and I think that’s when something unique can happen.

What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?

KENJI: If I had to pick one recent musical discovery, I'd say Giant Steps in London. It's a party inspired by David Mancuso's Loft parties. Compared to my hometown, people in London are much more open-minded and genuinely responsive to music. Every time I go out, I'm inspired by how much people truly love music.

Before coming to London, I thought a good DJ always had to keep mixing. But Giant Steps completely changed my perspective. They often let an entire record play through on an incredible sound system, focusing on the music itself rather than constant mixing. Seeing people completely immersed in the music made me realise that being a great DJ isn't just about technique-it's about creating a meaningful musical experience.

I also love how artists perform so freely and how people dance without worrying about what anyone thinks. Because London is so multicultural, many DJs proudly represent the music and culture of their own countries, and I really admire that.

Those experiences have given me more confidence to represent my own musical identity. Now, whenever I visit a new city, I always make a point of exploring the local music scene because I believe every place has something unique to teach me.

The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?

KENJI: I think it's probably nothing special, but I try to keep the basics right. I make sure I get enough sleep, eat well, spend some time in the park to refresh myself, and give myself time to do nothing.

If I've had a big night out or a busy weekend DJing, I make sure I properly rest the next day. I don't think it's good to try to do too much all the time, so I try to keep a good balance.

When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?

KENJI: When I'm feeling creatively stuck, I usually start by changing my environment. I might go to a park, visit a record shop, or simply listen to music in a different way, like using headphones instead of speakers.

Record shops are especially inspiring because I'm surrounded by music and often discover records I've never heard before. Even changing where or how I listen to music helps me hear things from a fresh perspective.

But I've realised that it's easy to keep looking for inspiration outside of yourself, whether that's buying new records or searching for new music. In the end, I think the answer is usually already inside you. Sometimes the most important thing is to slow down, reflect, and trust your own taste and instincts.

How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?

KENJI: I don’t really see myself as someone at the center of the scene.
If anything, I think of my role as more of a connector within music. I enjoy sharing the music I love and introducing records or sounds that people might not know yet.

I’m especially interested in connecting music from Japan and from my friends to new people overseas. It’s something I genuinely enjoy, and if that helps bring different listeners and artists together, I’m happy.

How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?

KENJI: I think electronic music has always been a powerful form of self-expression, and one of the few places where people can truly come together regardless of their nationality, background, or culture.

Since moving to London, I've been amazed by how open-minded people are. DJs play music from all over the world, and people don't care where it's from or what language it's in. If they connect with the music, they dance. If they hear something they love, they'll even ask what the track is. Seeing that has made me realise that music can go beyond language and nationality.

I think that's how electronic music culture is evolving. People are becoming more open to different sounds, cultures, and perspectives, and that's making the scene more creative, more welcoming, and more inspiring for everyone.

What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?

KENJI: I think DJs can help move the scene forward by supporting artists and building communities that can continue into the future.

Music has always created spaces where people can come together. Everyone has moments when they want to dance, connect with others, or discover something new. Having a community where people can share those experiences and discover new music is something really special.

I think that kind of human connection is something we should continue to protect, no matter how technology develops in the future.
I don't feel like I've achieved that on a big scale yet, but if there is even one person in front of me who is enjoying the music and dancing, I will keep playing.

Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?

KENJI: Outside of music, I’m very interested in exchanging local cultures from around the world. When I first came to London, I had the chance to encounter many amazing artists and things through wonderful connections—people and scenes I would never have known about if I had stayed in Japan.

At the same time, I realized that many of the cool and inspiring people I know in Japan are also difficult to reach or discover from London. One of my goals is to become a bridge that connects those worlds.

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.