Raiden, a Korean DJ/Producer has consecutively joined us at Ultra Japan and he rocked the crowd harder than ever last year in 2016. He has also joined Ultra Korea and Ultra Miami and he doesn't stop in Asia. He has also spent some time in Japan before becoming the person he is now and recently, he released a track from Nicky Romero’s label “Protocol Records”. Let us find out about his new release and his favourite club around the world.
Q1. We heard your new track "Heart Of Steel" is out on Jan 13th. Can you tell us more about your new track?
This is my first ever original solo track. It was premiered in 2015 on the Ultra Korea aftermovie but I then decided to change its genre from progressive to future bass. I put my heart and soul into this track and I'm very honoured to have had it released on Protocol Recordings.
Q2. Tell us your highlights of last year, career-wise? What is your resolution for 2017?
It was the most unforgettable memory when Fedde Le Grand played my remix when we were on the same stage at Ultra Korea. Starting off with Heart of steel, I plan to work on many solo tracks in 2017 and plan to also work on a few more collaborations with other DJs.
Q3. Where do you get your inspiration from when producing music?
I don't think it's one single thing. There are lots of different ways I've been inspired. For example, I wrote Heart of Steel when I saw a sunrise from a train when I touring Europe in 2015. The audiences I play to always inspire me too!
Q4. Who or what is the biggest musical influence for you? Why is that?
Outside of dance music, it would be The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and especially David Bowie. The way he handled himself outside of his music and how he collaborated with other types of art always stood out to me.
Q5. We heard you studied in Japan before you got into electronic music. What was your first impression of Japan? What was the most surprising or impressive experience?
Yes. I was a guitarist in a band there and I still am! I was also studying there and was surprised at how enthusiastic Japanese people are with their music. First, they have a huge variety of tastes when it comes to their music but they are also very knowledgeable. I played Heart of Steel when in Ultra Japan last year and was surprised to see the audience singing it back to me even when the track hadn't been released.
Q6. Since DJ Mag has started to vote for its "Top 100 Clubs", I want to ask your favorite club and the reasons why you love it.
It's Octagon where I have my residency and it feels like home to me. It ranked 5th on DJ Mag 100 clubs 2016 and you know why when you come to Octagon. Their sound system and audience is always enormous.
Q7. What's coming up next for you in the early 2017?
I'm in LA now working on music and shooting the video for "Heart of Steel". However, I'll be back in Europe to play at the festival in Switzerland and then, I'll come back to Asia to play some gigs with Nicky Romero. The only place I'm not playing with him is Japan unfortunately!
Q8. What is DJ Mag to you as a DJ and producer?
It is an honor to have an interview with DJ Mag. To me, it's the best electronic magazine in the world.
Q9. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.
I was very surprised to see that I have fans in Ultra Japan last year. I still remember their support. Each and every person. I want to take this opportunity to say that thank you so much for all the cheerful support and keep listening my music.
ありがとうございます。
Raiden is another Asian player in the scene who continues to create a buzz not only in Asia but all around the world. He has remixed Fedde Le Grand’s “Keep on Believing” and Florian Picasso’s “Final Call”and now receives a lot of expectations from his fans. His schedules are already packed with Euro/Asia tours and he will also be touring with Nicky Romero in Asia. We hope to see Raiden very soon in Japan again.