15 Years GRETCHEN: DJ KRUSH

Cutting-edge beatmaking, abstract jazz and soul samples, trippy hip-hop soundscapes, introspective sounds, and subtle scratching techniques—these are just a few of the defining features of DJ Krush’s universe, and more than enough reasons to invite him. Another good reason: Our Gretchen is turning 15, and we share a long history together. So it was immediately clear: These two belong together. And there’s also a new album: Inspired by the pulse of the city, “TOKYØHUM” is a dark, immersive narrative dedicated to the invisible energy, tension, and atmosphere of urban life.

Inspired, fascinated, and motivated by the legendary 1983 film “Wild Style,” the Japanese artist Hideaki Ishii, aka DJ Krush, won several DJ contests in Tokyo’s clubs before founding what is perhaps the best Japanese hip-hop crew, “Krush Posse,” in 1987, where he served as the backup DJ. Since 1992, he has been working on solo projects and released his debut album, “Krush,” in 1994. His second solo album, “Strictly Turntablized,” was released on the London-based Mo Wax label and made it onto the indie charts of the renowned NME. The London-based label was all the rage at the time and, like no other, stood for dark, smoky hip-hop beats and jazzy samples. Alongside labelmate DJ Shadow, he was hailed as the godfather of trip-hop in 1995 and is considered one of the pioneers of turntablism. He describes his music as a samurai sword, whose blades reflect the various aspects of life.

After three more albums on Mo Wax, he moved to the major label Sony. The visual elements and instrumentation of his sound—which seems to become increasingly minimalist and atmospheric from album to album—stimulate his listeners’ imagination and can be far more seductive and evocative than words.

DJ Krush’s style defies categorization, as he gives his sound a different twist on every album. Yet he apparently never forgets his roots: classic Japanese melodies are always at least as prominent in his tracks as influences from jazz and soul. After taking eleven years to release the album “Butterfly Effect” (2015), he returned in full force in 2017 with “Kiseki”—behind the turntables and at the mixers. On the rather cinematic album “Cosmic Yard” (2018), Krush completely dispensed with vocals or rap, relying instead on naturalistic sounds, plenty of dub, as well as jazz and orchestral samples. “Trickster” (2020) was an ambitious instrumental album that leaned more toward the experimental, atmospheric end of hip-hop and electronic music than toward traditional hip-hop structures. This evolution continues on “Saisei” (2024): The tracks are densely and minimalistically arranged, featuring complex beats, deep basslines, and cinematic soundscapes. An intense and meditative blend of abstract trip-hop, ambient, and electronica.

In his sets, the turntable wizard uses his two turntables and mixing console like live instruments, pushing their sonic capabilities to the limit. DJ Krush is always a very special experience live, and we’re really looking forward to seeing him and hearing his new album.

Cutting-edge beatmaking, abstract jazz and soul samples, trippy hip-hop soundscapes, introspective sounds, and subtle scratching techniques—these are just a few of the defining features of the DJ Krush universe and more than enough reasons to invite him. Another good reason: Our Gretchen is turning 15, and we share a long history together. So it was immediately clear: These two belong together. And there’s also a new album: Inspired by the pulse of the city, “TOKYØHUM” is a dark, immersive narrative dedicated to the invisible energy, tension, and atmosphere of urban life.

Inspired, fascinated, and motivated by the legendary 1983 film “Wild Style,” the Japanese artist Hideaki Ishii, aka DJ Krush, won several DJ contests in Tokyo’s clubs before founding what is perhaps the best Japanese hip-hop crew, “Krush Posse,” in 1987, where he served as the backup DJ. Since 1992, he has been working on solo projects and released his debut album, “Krush,” in 1994. His second solo album, “Strictly Turntablized,” was released on the London-based Mo Wax label and made it onto the indie charts of the renowned NME. The London-based label was all the rage at the time and, like no other, stood for dark, smoky hip-hop beats and jazzy samples. Alongside labelmate DJ Shadow, he was hailed as the godfather of trip-hop in 1995 and is considered one of the pioneers of turntablism. He describes his music as a samurai sword, whose blades reflect the various aspects of life.

After three more albums on Mo Wax, he moved to the major label Sony. The visual elements and instrumentation of his sound—which seems to become increasingly minimalist and atmospheric from album to album—stimulate his listeners’ imagination and can be far more seductive and evocative than words.

DJ Krush’s style defies categorization, as he gives his sound a different twist on every album. Yet he apparently never forgets his roots: classic Japanese melodies are always at least as prominent in his tracks as influences from jazz and soul. After taking eleven years to release the album “Butterfly Effect” (2015), he returned in full force in 2017 with “Kiseki”—behind the turntables and at the mixers. On the rather cinematic album “Cosmic Yard” (2018), Krush completely dispensed with vocals or rap, relying instead on naturalistic sounds, plenty of dub, as well as jazz and orchestral samples. “Trickster” (2020) was an ambitious instrumental album that leaned more toward the experimental, atmospheric end of hip-hop and electronic music than toward traditional hip-hop structures. This evolution continues on “Saisei” (2024): The tracks are densely and minimalistically arranged, featuring complex beats, deep basslines, and cinematic soundscapes. An intense and meditative blend of abstract trip-hop, ambient, and electronica.

In his sets, the turntable wizard uses his two turntables and mixing console like live instruments, pushing their sonic possibilities to the limit. DJ Krush is always a very special experience live, and we’re really looking forward to seeing him and hearing his new album.

Presented by hhv & Radio 1

For this event, we’re offering discounted tickets to make culture accessible to people on a tighter budget. These tickets are limited and available only through TixforGigs. We trust in your judgment: If you can, please book standard tickets and leave the discounted tickets for those who really need to save money right now.