It’s a rare thing to find an interview with Keita Sano as he is a man of few words. Even though he’s been making multi story releases for over twenty years, I guess when you’re as notorious but understated as he is, blowing your own trumpet is not really on the agenda. With fans like Optimo, Dj Nature, Ivan Smagghe, Catz’n Dogz, Eric Duncan, Felix Dickinson and Jaques Renault in his corner, Keita Sano is one of Japan’s finest exports in the world of underground house and techno.
Having performed live in New York City, London, Miami and Milan, Keita spent a couple of years soaking up the Berlin music vibes. He’s put out music on Strictly Groove, Let’s Play House, Holic, Mr Saturday Night & Mad Love, and now back home in Okayama, he has caught the ears and eyes of Delusions of Grandeur with his Love is Emotion EP. On the week of the release, we put some questions to this Japanese underground super hero.
Thanks for talking to us today. Where are you this moment and how are you spending the day?
Hey. Thank you for inviting me. I’m in Okayama City in Japan. It’s a really nice day.
Where are you from, where were you born?
Okayama City in Japan is where I was born and where I live today.
What do you love about where you are living?
What I love about Okayama is – the weather is real nice, and the food is pretty delicious 😊
How long have you been making music?
So I’ve been making music for around 22 Years now.
What inspired you to begin, what were you listening to at that time?
At the time I was listening to a lot stuff like Jungle, gabba, UK Hardcore.
Are you a DJ too?
No, I don’t DJ, I focus on producing.
When did you first start to produce?
Well… I first started to produce when I was just 13 years old.
What was your first release?
My first release was on the New York label Mister Saturday Night. Mister Saturday Night is a Brooklyn party and record label run by Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin. It was called ‘People Are Changin’ and it was out in 2014.
What do you feel has been your most notable release?
That’s a really difficult question to answer I’m afraid. What do you think? 😊
What challenges have you faced on putting out music if any?
Well, the only challenge I really face is working out and knowing if the music is right for the dancefloor!
What is the main nightspot where you are?
There are so many places in Okayama City. Really… everywhere is good. A particular favourite is Pine and Sons in Okayama.
Does it attract many international DJs there?
Yes, the city attract a lot of international DJs for sure. We’ve had Theo Parrish and Harvey. People like that.
Is there a good place to dig for vinyl records where you are based that you can share?
Yes there is but I am going to keep that to myself..ha!
What other great artists should we watch out for from where you are from?
You have to look out for SHIZA and Daisuke kondo. Both these artists are ones to watch.
How did you connect with Delusions of Grandeur?
Well, I got in touch with Tom and Jamie at Delusions of Grandeur simply by sending in some demos. They liked the tracks, and the rest is history.
Any fave releases or artists on DOG for you?
Yes of course! I’m a big fan of the label. In particular I like the Mark E releases.
How do you feel about your new EP on Delusions of Grandeur?
Well, all I can say is… I really hope you enjoy the sounds and hope the music makes you happy.
What are you working on next that you can share?
Now that’s another secret I’m afraid 😉
buy KEITA SANO – Love Is Emotion EP – Delusions of Grandeur https://keitasano.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-emotion-ep
https://keitasano.bandcamp.com
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