HarderFaster Interviews: Yoji Biomehanika
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 04-10-04 14:52
Surely one of the hardest working men in the industry, legendary international dj cybersamurai Yoji Biomehanika spends so much time on planes he's got a special laptop that doubles as a portable studio! Yes, Yoji is far more than just a dj, but a top producer and foremost, an artist. After an incredible performance at HeatUK's third birthday bash on Saturday night it has now been revealed at Yoji will be playing at BOTH Antiworld & Dance Valley on Saturday 4 December – in fact, Antiworld are flying Yoji & LAB4 between the gigs in a private jet! With world domination nigh, HarderFaster couldn't resist hitting him up with some questions.
RIOT!
HF: Yoji, thanks for giving up your time for an interview. We know how busy you are and that you’d rather be making music. However, you have many fans here in the UK who are wondering what you’re up to. The first questions are from me, then the rest are from your fans on HarderFaster.
HF: It’s been just over a year since your last interview. What have been the highlights of the last year for you?
Yoji: Time has flowed by! I can’t really remember exactly what was going on in my life at the time of that interview. The most important thing and highlight of the year has been the birth of my son!
HF: How has becoming a father changed your perspective on life (if at all…)?
Yoji: I’ve changed mentally. I think I’ve become tougher and more open-hearted.
HF: When you were a little boy, did you ever imagine that you’d become an international superstar? If you weren’t a dj/producer what would you do?
Yoji: My mum was a traditional Japanese dancing mistress. She saw that I had musical talent as a child and she helped me develop that talent. I think she wanted me to follow in her footsteps. I had a very simple traditional upbringing. Europe never crossed my mind. I was always interested in performing live on stage. Looking back, I realize how much mum influenced me. When I was in school, I enjoyed music and art so if I hadn’t become a DJ, I definitely think I would be involved with art in some way. Recently I bought a house I’m really interested in interior design and am eager to help so maybe I’ll be an interior designer - haha.
Yoji strokin' his vinyl
HF: You have been around the music scene for many years now. What changes would you like to see in the future?
Yoji: I don't really like to talk in general about the music scene. We as musicians continue to make exciting new music, the music scene is continually evolving. I must stress that I’m NOT a critic.
HF: During our last interview, we spoke about your mobile studio, in the form of your amazing laptop that you use to compose on the plane. Are you still using the same technology you were this time last year, or has it changed in the last 12 months? What technology would you most like to see next?
Yoji: I changed my computer and got a faster and smaller one. I now use my PowerBook 12” as my mobile studio. As I am constantly flying between Europe and Japan I often have to work while I am travelling. Battery life of 2-3 hours is a real point that continues to annoy me. I sometimes bring spares but they all are too heavy!
HF: What do you do when you turn up to play at a club and they only have a standard pair of 1210s - shoot the promoter?
Yoji: I only get angry when there is good reason! I recently carried CDRs to play, so if there is CDJ, that's enough. If the sound system is cr*p I definitely shoot the promoter, haha. I will never forget an engineer from Creamfields - what a bastard!!!
Yojitime
HF: Your ‘Ultra Pumpin’ parties in Japan are some of the best parties I’ve been to in my life. Would you ever bring ‘Ultra Pumpin’ to the UK? Please say yes!
Yoji: Haha I’m not the organizer so can't make any promises.
HF: You started out in a punk band many years ago. Do you still have a ‘punk’ attitude?
Yoji: Of course.
Yoji Biomehanika
HF: It must be very difficult being away from your family so much, especially now you have a son. How do you cope with travelling such long distances all the time? Please tell me you don’t have to buy omiyage every time you go away!
Yoji: When I have time I go shopping with my manager and/or close friends to find clothes for my son and also sexy wear for my wife, hehe.
Yojitime
Mash Gordon: You've done remixes or had remixes done by some unlikely artists, namely Mauro Picotto and Ferry Corsten, which seems to open up your music to a huge number of tastes. What do you look for in a producer when it comes to remixes? How does it feel to know that some of your music is enjoyed on different dance floors?
Yoji: It is great when people remix my work. I believe all genres need to flourish in order for the industry to be as good as it can. Artists are trying to create brand-new emotion, everything is developing day by day. We should open our minds to every sort of music.
Seb: You are adored all over the world and play in many different countries like Japan, Australia, UK, Finland, Switzerland and The Netherlands... You could be considered as an ambassador for the HarderFaster generation, but is there a favourite place on this planet for you? Which country do you think has the most enthusiastic party people?
Yoji: No place in particular. I get good vibes everywhere. I was amazed at the size of one party in Holland – it was absolutely massive! The event organizer was really professional and took care of everything so I was free to concentrate on perfecting my performance. From a tourist point of view, I loved Kaikoura Beach in NZ.
Yoji at Impulz, Holland
Danny Luu: What are the main differences between playing in the UK and at home?
Yoji: They are pretty much the same. I think this has to do with my style which stays the same in both countries.
Danny Luu/Tink/Ashley James: How long does it take you to get ready every day?! How long does it take to do your make up? What brand of mascara do you use?
Yoji: Hahaha, it takes nothing. Brand? None in particular - I don't use mascara! Ha, ha.
Tracktion Nightlife: As a promoter in America I have failed to see many of the acts that I listen to in my car everyday. But in October 2003 I had the chance to see the man who I and many consider the godfather of hard dance as we know it today. Your stage presence is unrivalled and when your fans get the chance to look into those star contacts you love to wear and see something deep inside of you, it leaves only one question in my mind. You have already taken us on a wide journey through the dance valleys and sensations of yesteryear, modified your tables to do what no man has done before... my question is... what’s next, where does the man who has broken every barrier and shown us all that innovation is key to creating a new beginning take us next?
Yoji: I cant say anything really. I never know. You never know. That's why it’s exciting!
dj K8-e: What was the best bit of advice you have been given about the industry?
Yoji: I never got any advice.
Yoji with tailing film crew
dj K8-e: Samurai/The Rain have a lot more techy edged sound than your earlier productions, what is inspiring your sound at the moment? And where is the Yoji sound headed for 2005?
Yoji: I can’t pinpoint the exact route of the influence - I’m open to new things. I always keep my eyes and ears open on the look out for any new inspirations for my music. As I said before, it’s very exciting to explore new music and musical styles.
dj K8-e: What's your favourite Yoji Biomehanika remix? (my personal favourite is Wildstyle - Trance Generators).
Yoji: My recent favourites are ‘Get up Get down’ by Eurotrash, and ‘lIgaya’ by Gouryella. And the artist called IK is releasing a remix album by Hellhouse. This is exciting stuff. Check it out!!
Yoji and fans
Seb: Your last mixed CD released here by Tidy Trax was such a success (cf. Mixmag award). Do you have any other plans with them in the future?
Yoji: We haven’t really talked about that yet - nothing is planned. Apart from that, I’m working with Goodgreef next year.
south01: What is your favourite Japanese cuisine?
Yoji: Curry!!!
Thanks to Yoji Biomehanika for his time 
And thanks to HarderFaster members - Mash Gordon, Seb, Danny Luu, Tink, Ashley James, Tracktion Nightlife, dj K8-e and south01 - for the additional questions. Nice one!
Thanks to V.J. FX, Midnight Expressions, MrBicgit and UKClubPix for the use of their images.
Antiworld @ Alexandra Palace
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On:
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Saturday 4th December 2004
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At:
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Alexandra Palace [map]
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From:
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07.00pm to 06.00am (subject to licence)
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Cost:
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From Sept to Oct 01 £ 25+bf, from Oct 01 to Nov 01 £ 30+bf More thereafter
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Website:
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www.alexandrapalace.com
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Ticket Info:
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Onlinestall
You can also email paradisecity@antiworld.net or call 020 8365 8918 / 07940 527 867 to find out how to get the cheapest tickets...and groups offers!
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Headliners:
Infected Mushroom! (Israel) Exlusiv CD Launch "I’m the Supervisor" Out now
Astrix (Israel) EXCLUSIVE CD LAUNCH "ARTCORE"!
Lab 4! (UK)
Yoji Biomehanika (Japan)
Mauro Picotto (Italy)
Chris Liebing! (Germany)
More Info:
Enrico : 0044 (0) 7940 527 867 (North London)
Fabry : 0044 (0) 7904 167 916 (Camden Area and more!)
Maria : 0044 (0) 7813 684 399 (All Areas)
HOW TO GET THERE:
Travel by Rail to Alexandra Palace Station or Underground to Wood Green and then by free shuttle service or W3 bus.
VERY IMPORTANT NEWS:
Last Admission @ Alexandra Palace is @ 01.30 am!!!!!
There is no re-entry at this venue.
10 International Live Acts, 200.000 Watts Of Sound Systems,
Bars, Stalls, Chill - Out Space,
Performers: Kwalilox & Headfunk Pyro Circus & Steph!!!
7000 CAPACITY!!! 11 HRS OF MUSIC!!!
The First Psychedelic Party @ Alexandra Palace Ever!
*** Subject To Licence!
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Trance. Acid Trance. Euro Trance. Hard Trance. Tech Trance. Psy Trance. Nu NRG. Hi NRG. HardStyle. House. Bouncy House. Deep House. Funky House. Hard House. Prog House. Tribal House. Vocal House. Acid Techno. Deep Techno. Funky Techno. Techno.
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DJ's:
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Headliners:
Infected Mushroom! (Israel) EXCLUSIVE CDLAUNCH - "I’M THE SUPERVISOR"!
Astrix (Israel) EXCLUSIVE CDLAUNCH - "ARTCORE"!
Lab4! (UK)
Yoji Biomehanika (Japan)
Mauro Picotto (Italy)
Chris Liebing! (Germany)
Psygate Main Room Present:
"The HOMmega Concert":
Five Live Acts:
001) INFECTED MUSHROOM (Israel) EXCLUSIVE CDLAUNCH "I’M THE SUPERVISOR" OUT NOW!
002) ASTRIX (Israel) EXCLUSIVE CDLAUNCH "ARTCORE" OUT NOW!
003) G.M.S (Spain)
004) PSYCRAFT (Israel)
005) DALI (Israel)
Djs:
Eyal Yankovich (Israel)
John 00 Flemming (Uk - Exclusive Psychedelic Set)
Riktam Vs Bansi (G.M.S - Spain)
Kristian
Simo
Metaphase
Druid
Peace
Second Main Room:
Antiworld Vs Goodgreef:
Uplifting Hi Energy & Atmospheric Trance + Hard Dance!:
Two Live Acts:
001) LAB 4 (UK)
002) NUW IDOL (UK)
Djs:
Yoji Biomehanika (Japan)
Paul Glazby
Alex Kidd
Shan
Mark Eg
Beamish
Oberon
Simon Eve
Fabry
Eduardo Herrera
Zeus
Phil Able
Matt Handy
DJ Centurian
And a lot more to be confirmed.
Third Main Room:
Teknoworld:
Urban Techno, Funky & Hard!
Three Live Acts:
001) D.A.V.E The DRUMMER(UK)
002) SECRET CINEMA (HOLLAND)
003) POUNDING GROOVES (UK)
Djs:
Mauro Picotto (Italy - Meganite) www.mauropicotto.com
Chris Liebing (Germany - 3 Decks, Effects & Final Scratch)
Tsuyoshi (Japan - Exclusive Techno Set & London Date)
Michel De Hey (Holland)
Chris Liberator (Uk)
D.a.v.e The Drummer (Uk - 3 Decks, Effects & Final Scratch)
Sterling Moss (Uk - 3 Decks, Effects & 909!)
Animatek
Mikelangelo
Gas
Mark Axel
Fabsid
Soylent
Grazer
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Other Features By HarderFaster:
HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in!
Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference
HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in!
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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