Interview with DJ Rinaneko

As a resident DJ, Dj Rinaneko mostly works for Electro label “Mad Skippers” managed by DJ Tsuyoshi and “Tokyo Decadance” whose events numerous people attend.

Like her DJ name indicates, the style she plays creates a free and distinctive experience for the audience by blending groaning thick bass lines, eccentric consonances and an always developing rhythm while adding poly-rhythmical electro and breaks.

DJ Rinaneko’s music constantly adopts new styles since her interests are how people are entranced by music and how to intensify the dance floor. Therefore, her music turns out hard, deep, vigorous and ravishing sounds which she uses to bring about this experience.

Nowadays this original character and her skills are appreciated worldwide. ,,She plays not only all over Japan but outside of the island as well and has had a successful tour in Europe.

In addition, under a different DJ name,” NEKo” which is a Dark Psychedelic Trance unit featuring DJ Rinaneko and DJ PsySuke(aka Smash), they produced an instrumental track where they collaborated with a well-known artist, CPU(aka Beatkrush), who is the founder of Nutek Records. ,,

The track is released by 3D VISION, Digital Drugs and Nutek Records.

Her most recent work, “SAKURA”, is a remix of an old Japanese folk song and is released by Beatport. ,,The track is included on the album “CPU on Acid”.

Rina, it is a pleasure to meet you. Can you tell us how you came up with the name DJ Rinaneko?

Rinaneko came from a image of my music. my style is free and has a distinctive atmosphere which is like a cat and I want to make people happy so, I chose the name Rina (happiness in Hebrew) neko (cat in Japanese) which can be translated as Happy Cat.

What first drew your attention to DJing? Were you always into music growing up?

I started to be DJ at end of 2006 because I went to the total solar eclipse festival in Turkey. Before that, I didn’t want to be DJ because I just loved to dance in the sound world but I saw people from all over the world became one with the same rhythm on the dance floor at the total solar eclipse night.

It was wonderful!!

It’s not easy to describe how impressed I felt.

So, I decided to be DJ at that time. Right now, I want to share this experience with students. I hope I can show them how wonderful djing is!

Who and what are your influences?

I used to like Hip Hop, R&B and Eurobeat when I was teenager. Then I found Trance music. The music was so interesting for me and the experience change my whole outlook on life. After That, one of my best friend Samy who is a Trance artist:CPU taught me Electro that was equally striking for me. So, I really like Electro and Trance music and love to dj and dance with them right now.

What images and emotions do you want your listeners to come away with?

I want to give my audience image of happiness and try to surprise them with interesting ideas.

What do you look for in a beat?

I’m looking for tracks that have a big bass, funny ideas and that open up to a big world of sounds.

How do you decide what you are going to play every night?

I usually decide on a theme for each party.

One day, It can be Pop Electro, other day more Trancy, Technoish or Electro breaks…It depends on the party and line up.

Can you tell us a little about the club scene in Japan?

The Japanese scene is very good. There are few big festivals and a lot of parties in Tokyo. And Japanese people loves dancing and drinking! There are many great clubs, some even have a world wide reputation for their sound quality.

You have traveled quite a bit including a tour in the US. How was your experience here?

It was a great experience. I played Electro and Breaks at an Industrial party in LA. I played quite the Dark side of Electro for them because the promoter and the customers wanted it.

My friend Cevin Key(a member of Skinny Puppy)helped me join to the party.

Actually the party was great. everyone was so fashionable and loved dancing on my music.

My little brother that lives in LA and his friends also came to the party and they enjoyed my gig. I was so happy about it.

You are a very successful DJ. What led you to producing too?

I think it is the next step in the development of my career. Being only a DJ, you only get to play other people’s music. I felt it was necessary to learn producing so that I can express myself to the fullest. Of course I’m still learning.

Tell us a little about your project “Sakura”

This track was made by me, my partner and CPU. Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese. We went for Hanami which is a Japanese event in Spring. (Eating and drinking under the cherry blossom trees)/ This is where I got the inspirations for Sakura because it was so beautiful and filled me up with great energy.

Is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?

I have a lot of favorite artists. Elite Force, Tom Deluxx, 4kuba, The loop of Fury, Far too loud, Meat Katie, Zodiac Cartel…I can’t choose one because they are all great artists and DJs. If given the opportunity, I would like to collaborate with them.

Do you think there is a language barrier when it comes to music?

Music and dancing can leap any language barrier. I think that music is one of the common language of humans.

You are also one of the hottest female DJs around. Have you done much modeling work?

I have worked modeling job for more 10 years. But I like djing more then modeling right now because djing can build a bond and touch a string in people’s heart.

How would you describe yourself when you are not working and what do you do in your free time?

I like to stay home with my three cats and scratch their bellies for hours or I go out with my friends and we drink and eat a lot.

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

I am so thankful for all the love that has been given to me.

I will do my best to keep being an interesting dj. And I hope people will continue to enjoy my music. Please keep up your support!

Where can we find out more about you?

You can visit my Facebook or myspace. And, you can enjoy few my Dj mixes on soundcloud.

Promotion Video : http://youtu.be/PGHRMuY6zDM

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dj.rinaneko

myspace: http://www.myspace.com/djrinaneko

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/rinaneko

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