Who is Chizawa Q? The 30 second intro
I’m Chizawa Q, an electronic music producer and beatmaker from Japan.
How would most people know you? (What are you most well known for?)
Japanese techno artist with releases from R&S RECORDS. (Ed – R & S Records FTW!)
Please list your relevant links (Social accounts, Mixcloud, gigs etc and a link to a mix)
Listen to Chizawa Q in this intense mix for R and S Records
R & S Records · RSMIX053 – Chizawa Q
Watch Chizawa Q & Masaki Sakamoto – Beluga the first single from the album
Video Credit – @infinite_____vibes
Where are you based, and do you have any regular gigs?
Based in Japan, mainly in the Tokyo area.
Please let us know your next gig dates, and release schedule if you have anything coming out soon
Releasing the album “Xenoverse” on November 22 from R&S RECORDS. Buy it here (Ed – We asked Chizawa Q to do a DJWORX interview as Xenoverse is one of the most interesting pieces of music we have heard in years)
What’s been your favourite ever gig?
Performances at WOMB and club asia in Tokyo’s Shibuya area, as well as gigs in Hong Kong and Taipei.
Why did you decide to become a DJ and/or producer?
While I was part of a rock/rap band, I also had a passion for club music and listened to it frequently. At that time, there was a lot of crossover happening between rock, hip-hop, and techno, so we experimented with this approach in our band, though it didn’t quite work out. I decided to end the band, and I began producing electronic music-based tracks with two other members. Initially, our sound had an ‘80s electro-pop vibe, but later on, I shifted my solo work to a more techno-oriented style. As for DJing, I started performing after working alongside some well-known techno DJs in Japan.
What DJ tech did you use in your early days? (We’d love to see some photos!)
Mainly for production, in my early days I used equipment like the Ensoniq ASR-X, YAMAHA SU700, Roland VP-9000, Roland DJ2000, Roland JP-8000, KORG MS2000R, KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1/ES-1, Sherman Filterbank2, DOEPFER MS-404, JOMOX AiR Base 99, E-MU Orbit-3, E-MU PROTEUS 2000, KORG RADIUS, Nord Rack2, Dave Instrument TETRA, Dave Instrument Evolver, YAMAHA DX200, microKORG, LinnDrum LM-2, Roland TB-303, and more. (Ed – Chizawa wins a prize for the best and most detailed answer so far to this question…)
What is your home DJ tech set up currently?
At home, I have two Pioneer CDJs, a DJM mixer, Technics turntables, and a KORG KAOSSILATOR. I used to have Serato SCRATCH LIVE, but now I use Ableton LIVE.
What do you most often play out on these days?
I’m exploring many new features in Ableton LIVE version 12, which has been truly impressive
What’s on the tech shopping list?
Although I rarely use hardware anymore, I’d like to go back to basics with the latest AKAI MIDI pads and enjoy creating music. I’d even like to share the experience with my son.
Throughout your career is there a piece of equipment that you have just never got on with?
Not so much anymore, but there was a time when I just couldn’t get used to rotary fader mixers. (Ed – Rotary can be difficult to master)
From a DJing point of view what three things do you always take to a gig apart from USB and headphones obviously!
Backup CDRs, a laptop, and adapter jacks.
Can you talk us through your productions? (If any)
I mainly use Ableton Live as my DAW. I work with a range of plugins, often favoring vintage synth types. I also frequently use built-in and free plugins. While I don’t use much hardware now, I occasionally bring it out for recording.
Where would you like to see DJ or production hardware and software go in the future?
It would be cool if more hardware came out with interesting looks or colors. As for software, I’m hoping for AI-powered sound creation tools and new ways to use sampling through AI.
If you still have vinyl at home, how much?
Now I’ve narrowed it down to just my favorites and memories, so it’s about two to three record boxes. (Ed – Same here, but each box holds 1,000 records ;-))
Any DJs or producers that we should watch out for?
I have great respect for KEN ISHII, as he’s another Japanese artist from R&S. His sets are always incredible. (Ed – Facts)
Outside of DJing and production, what tech do you use at home?
ChatGPT has become part of our daily life; my whole family uses it.
Can you let us know three apps that are essential to you?
ChatGPT, Spotify, Instagram.
Watch Chizawa Q – Black Nebula
Video Credit – @infinite_____vibes
What app would you like to spread the word about?
Qobuz. My album “Xenoverse” was awarded the “Qobuzissime” title, and there’s a playlist featuring it, so please check it out.
What non-music related product can’t you live without?
Nintendo Switch. Lately, I’ve been playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with my kids, and we’re all hooked.
Have you been to any great clubs or events recently, either as an artist or in the crowd?
There’s a place called “ZERO TOKYO” in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo. It offers a mix of music, DJing, stage production, and performances, blending Eastern and Western influences. It’s like something straight out of Blade Runner. (Ed – *books ticket to Japan*)
Do you have a favourite sports team?
Shohei Ohtani’s LA Dodgers. He’s a great source of pride for Japan.
Do you have any book recommendations?
Since he recently passed away, I’d like to recommend works by legendary manga artist Kazuo Umezu, such as “Senno” (Brainwashing), and his follower Junji Ito’s “Uzumaki” (Spiral). They’re masterpieces of Japanese horror manga.
Thanks to Chizawa Q for the detailed and thoughtful interview with us at DJWORX. His album Xenoverse is incredible check it out. Also don’t miss our other DJWORX interviews including JFB, Quiana Parks, Pete Gooding, El Figo and many more.