Ken Ishii is one of techno’s most unassuming and talented influencers. He’s an innovator whose contribution to the genre as a DJ and producer is far-reaching.
A student of the musical curriculum taught by Detroit’s techno godfathers in the ‘80s, Ishii is an artist in flux. He’s a gifted creator with a singular sound. In a world of fleeting trends and fads, the secret of his longevity is his creative focus and diligence.
Throughout his catalog of enduring singles, EPs and full-length albums (fun fact: Ishii composed the music for the opening ceremonies to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan) issued since 1993, he’s fluidly explored a wide swath of styles — everything from funky, breakbeat-infused tracks to auspicious, ambient-bathed explorations.
Ishii closed out 2020 with “Bionic Jellyfish,” a crushing, no-nonsense single for Electropical Records. It’s tailor-made for whenever we can have raucous warehouse parties again. The enthralling release includes bristling remixes by Drunken Kong and Luca Morris & Mozzy Rekorder.
We spoke with the Tokyo-based techno titan shortly after the single’s release to discuss “Bionic Jellyfish” and his passion for brewing craft beer. Continue Reading
