DJ Chart: Takeshi Kouzuki

Takeshi Kouzuki is a Nara-born, Kobe-based DJ whose taste for Chicago house and acid always shines through in his productions. He started making music in 2007 after meeting Jamal Moss, aka Hieroglyphic Being, who subsequently asked him to put together an EP for his own Mathematics imprint. Japanese Rhythm landed in 2008, putting Kouzuki on the map and prepping him for releases on quality labels such as Hotmix, Abstract Acid, Kinda Soul and Snuff Trax.

Takeshi is an undeniably talented producer who, like a lot of sincere Japanese guys, doesn't like to blow his own trumpet too much. His EP Whirlwind is out now on French label Macadam Mambo. The three-tracker exhibits a slew of synthetic bloops, marrying acidic melodies with jakbeat percussion – hypnotic stuff.

Here, he presents an exclsuive ten-track selection for The Skinny. Check out his mix for densinghour too, complete with a nice little foreword from none other than Takeshi's manager and loyal companion, his dog.

Hieroglyphic Being – Galaxy (Milkyway edit) [Klang Elektronik]
Mathematics head honcho Jamal Moss is probably one of the most influential artists of our time. I love most of his work and I'm really proud to belong to Mathematics as well. This record, released on Klang, is really particular for me. When you listen it, it's like entering into an experimental space where can you definitely understand the meaning of techno as the future of music.

G4 – Who Loves You [Thug Records]
This is classic deep house music that I really love and in which I can totally lose myself. The singing voice is amazing, so much soul in it. I first heard about G4 with the Dream 2 Science LP re-released last year on Rush Hour, from the first hard-to-find issue on Power House, which I consider as an essential must-have.

Simoncino – Easing The Cosmic Streets [Mathematics]
Nick Anthony Simoncino is another member of the Mathematics family, all his musical work sounds steeped in 80s Chicago spirit. It always seems very simple but it's very special and very intense, and all his productions are made with hardware, just like in the old times.

Willie Burns – Dr. Monkey [L.I.E.S]
Willie Burns is always original and powerful, so it's not a great surprise to find him on the super label L.I.E.S. with this extremely well produced track. Very UK sounding, bleep-inspired. So much tension on this one.

Audio Atlas – Italy [Mathematics]
Mathematics again! The two years waiting for this track to be released on wax meant listening to it on Soundcloud every single day until it was out. So deep and mental, it sounds really late 80s with that beautiful synth rhythm. When I listen to it, I feel so good that I need to hear it again!

Isoul8 ft. K.Tatham – A Silent Force (Long Ride mix) [Kinda Soul]
All the tracks from this EP are dope and very representative of the Kinda Soul imprint; it was really hard to choose one. You can feel the energy of a jungle paradise, so far from the environmental whirlwind we are in. It reminds me of the old Joe Smooth productions, like Truth.

Mituo Shiomi – Fine Female [Macadam Mambo]
Mituo is like my brother, we've known each other for a very long time, and released an EP together on Hotmix last year. I'm so proud of his music, so rough and pure but also very poetic.

Ike Release – Cosmic Supreme [Mos Deep]
Ike Release makes great music, very energetic and mostly Chicago-oriented. This track is very intense and brings in beautiful harmonies and noises simultaneously. Floor burner!

Caltrop – Lenny [WT Records]
One of my most played tracks this year. It's so intense, I like to play it when the mood becomes serious and I want to get the audience's attention. Caltrop is really a good artist!

Spirit Of The Black 808 – Track Two [Eargasmic]
Here is a disco-inflected tune that works so well on the floor. Lots of good samples used here, particularly the beat of Ahzz's New York's Movin'. Party time!