Sprouting his career as a DJ, remixer, and an arranger since the mid 90s, RAM RIDER has been conquering more and more ground throughout his career, producing and offering tracks to TV shows, movies, and other artists. Performing on the main stage on Day 3 at the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO, he sure made the venue go haywire. Hear us speak with him on the differences between the Japanese and those abroad in music making as well as what J-pop culture means to him.

―― Have you ever performed at the MOSHI FES before?

RAM RIDER: This is actually my first.

―― With that said, what are the differences between “MOSHI FES” and all the other festivals/events you’ve previously participated in?

RAM RIDER: It’s quite rare to have a foreign audience in an event held domestically. So it was refreshing to see that there were areas that were actually prioritized for foreigners. It was nice that they could see us up close. It’ll be great if they could bring their memories at MOSHI FES back home and talk about it to their friends.

―― I’m sure you have the chance to perform with artists abroad at certain events, but are there any differences you’ve caught on to while you were at it?

RAM RIDER: There’s not much difference in terms of what we do. But in terms of engaging with artists after shows – I feel I don’t get to meet many Japanese artists after the show. But there are a lot of times I meet with artists from abroad – whenever they come to perform in Japan.

They give me some very honest feedback, and they tell me straight up that they love the stuff I make. It’s such a delight to hear that from them.

―― It’s like you guys finally were granted the opportunity to see each other.

RAM RIDER: Right. What’s even better is that they use my remixes at their shows.

―― So you were saying how in terms of the music, there’s not much difference between artists in Japan and artists abroad. Tell us more.

RAM RIDER: It’s all about how much distance you lay from the original track. For example, you would take the original track and assume it’s taking a certain approach, and then you pick it apart and brainstorm ways you could approach it differently. I don’t feel that trail of thought is any different.

―― Japanese DJs have been appraised highly from years back, but it seems that recognition has spread upon the public more since after the year 2000. Is there anything you’ve been keeping in mind since then?

RAM RIDER：Hmm, looking back on DMC, it’s easy to tell that DJs from Japan, Korea or other areas of Asia have been quick to follow their footsteps. I don’t have that many tricks under my belt, so I make sure I have a clean production when I’m producing the track. That goes with all my tracks, and I hope they’ve all got their own strengths so that it live ups to be the catchy track it’s supposed to be.

―― I’m sure all DJs aspire to broaden their horizons by performing in other parts of the world as soon as they get the chance to do so. How do you demonstrate a “Japan-esque” element while you’re at it? Have you held that component close?

RAM RIDER: To me, a “Japan-esque” element would be, first and foremost, the language. I feel after the 2000s, there was a time where there was an increase in the number of bands, artists and song titles that were spelled out in Japanese. I think it’s great that the language went global.

We, as artists, pretty much use the same equipment, the same instruments; and the speed in which information travels doesn’t differ from region to region. So I truly believe that what keeps us special is the language.

I’ve done a couple of tracks that retain the Japanese element – say TEMPURA KIDZ, I used the shamisen. You don’t have to do anything fancy to express the fact that you’re a “Japanese” artist.

――What do you mean by “fancy”?

RAM RIDER：For example “kawaii” has so many different meanings to it. Fashion has so many different ways to unveil itself in one outfit, even if it’s something they’ve adapted from abroad. It’s recently struck me that it’s very Japanese to give everything a twist.

―― What does J-pop culture mean to you?

RAM RIDER: It’s difficult to squeeze all of what it is into one word, but I like how it’s a loose concept, in a good way of course. The Japanese are very curious and flexible in taking things in. I think that’s a huge appeal. The idol culture is also interesting, because it’s not about being the best singer or the best dancer, but the characteristics/themes specific to each group, that draws fans to each group.

ーーWhat are some moments that left an impression throughout your activity abroad?

RAM RIDER: I wasn’t sure how well known I was when I first made my way over to LA for the ANIME EXPO. But when I played “Eureka Seven” which happens to be one of my most celebrated tracks in my career, the reaction was explosive. I knew at the time, I had to keep my excitement in, but that just blew my mind. Watching that was solid proof that there’s a good number of people who are into J-pop culture/anime culture.

―― I’m sure there are a lot of foreign fans who got to know you through J-pop or anime. How do you feel about that?

RAM RIDER: I’m trying to be as humble as I can about the number of people who enjoy my music – but it’s certain that there’s a set number of people who have followed me through my career, so I hope to keep them entertained whilst also drawing more people to my music.

I realized I shouldn’t be a recluse, being passive and reading about how the world is fascinated by Japanese culture. I wanna get involved in the whole movement. I have to actually go to the country and see for myself what people are actually obsessed with.

――Any countries you’d like to visit in the future?

RAM RIDER：Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam if in Asia. It’s more difficult to raise countries that I don’t want to go to, actually. I’ve never been to France, so that’s also on my list.

――We’re excited for what’s to come.

RAM RIDER：Thank you very much.

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Interview: Atsushi Yamada

Photos: Yuta Mukaiyama / Words: Toshinori Tanaka (SHUTTER)