MDC Interview#69 " Nagazaki "
Nagazaki, DJ/Producer/Graphic & Sound Designer/Cofounder of Prototypes Records, specializes in Industrial Hardcore music, drawing inspiration from genres such as Breakcore, Dubstep, Hardtechno and Neurofunk.
Nagazaki blends hyperactivity and melancholy in his own productions. His distinctive style is characterized by varied kickdrums, an abundance of breakbeats, enigmatic vocals and micro-edits, making him one of the most versatile and eclectic producers on the new Industrial Hardcore scene. With a repertoire ranging from Bass music to Breakcore and, of course, Industrial Hardcore, Nagazaki is renowned for his powerful and unpredictable DJ sets. Prepare for sonic destruction and anticipate the unexpected.
https://www.instagram.com/nagazaki_hc
Q. Last year you went on a world tour with Prototypes Records. What kind of tour was it?
Yes last year we celebrated the five years of Prototypes Records, and to mark the occasion we wanted to organize with promoters from all around the world some parties. We planned things in North and South America, in Europe and we also did one event in Japan! It was a great way to meet friends and producers who have been involved in the label. It’s hard to pick one that have been particularly impressive because every city and country has it’s own vibe. The tour on it’s own was fantastic!
Q. You've done singles for Phyllobates Records and Hong Kong Violence, and a vinyl release (Serial Killers Remixes) for Kool & Lethal Records. I think your area of activity has expanded and become more global, but has your state of mind changed at all?
I released several tracks on different labels, and I’m glad they all liked what I sent. But having a wider audience doesn’t change my state of mind towards music. I don’t feel pressure about people who listen to my music, I put enough pressure on myself to come up with different things and always try to improve hahaha. I make the music I want, whenever I want, I only try to send things that labels would release, for instance I won’t send IDM/Glitch tracks to Hardcore or Hard Techno labels. That said, I’m really glad to have a really open minded audience, it’s easier for me to express myself through different type of music.
Q. You released “Alternative Structures” on MURDER CHANNEL. Could you tell us about the theme of this EP?
For me, Alternative Structures is a project that allows me to do something different. I've reworked the way I make music, and unlike all my other projects, this EP is mainly focused on melodies and synths.
I'm not really sure of the theme myself haha, a lot of things have inspired me over the last few months, lot of things have influenced me, mangas like BLAME! / 20th Century Boys or video games such as Signalis / Control / Silent Hill 2 / Death Stranding. I've also been listening to some producers who attracted me to new sounds, like Shinra Knives, Arca, Lorn, Aphex Twin and many more. I'm no longer motivated by “pain” or edgy feelings, the funny thing about this EP is that most of the tracks can give a feeling of sadness (with the exception of track 3) until the very last one, which I think is a more optimistic track, but as always, nothing was really intentional.
The idea of Alternative Structures was a challenge for me, to be able to write music, not just kicks and distortion, but something you can listen to in a more relaxed way. As for the artwork, it's a patchwork of different renders I did with Midjourney, as I told you earlier, the whole project was done with different techniques and tools, including the artwork. It represents the different aspects with which I approached the project
Q. There are parts of “Alternative Structures” that feel like they use jazz scales and progressions, but is that intentional? Also, I hear that your parents liked music from the 1970s. Do you think that this is reflected in your music?
There's probably a connection haha, but it was probably unconsciously.
Since I have very little knowledge of music theory, creating these chords and melodies was sometimes hell. The link between my productions and the music of the 70s would probably be the melancholy tone. I really like the minor scale because it evokes much more emotion than others. Besides, I also like jazz chords like those you can hear in some Igorrr tracks (another producer who also influenced me a lot).
Q. How do you compose melodies? When do melodies come to you?
In general, I like to start with the root note and make a few chord progressions I like, then experiment with some toppling keys. FL Studio's piano roll is very useful for creating melodies very quickly. Sometimes I also use FL Studio's auto-chord tool, which can help me find inspiration and start building things on top of that.
Q. Which song from “Alternative Structures” is your favorite?
Hard to say! I could say all of them, because they're all part of a whole, haha. But I particularly enjoyed working on “Only In Movies”/“Symbiosis” and “A Kind of Confusion”, I think they really represent the idea of the EP. Melancholic, experimental and glitchy music.
Q. I think Nagazaki is recognized as a Hardcore/Breakcore artist. Why didn't you release this EP under a different name?
I didn't use different aliases because that was part of my project. I want to make music, not just hardcore or breakcore. I like the fact that you can't predict what the next release will be, and that gives me more freedom to experiment and try new things, learn new techniques. And as I said earlier, people who listen to my music are open-minded enough to listen to Nagazaki's experimental work hahaha.
Q. You made a promo mix for “Alternative Structures”. Could you tell us the criteria for your song selection?
I wanted to show what were my main influences for that EP, it could have been longer but I want to save tracks for the next one hehe!
It's been a while I know all these tracks and I often find myself listening to them when I'm looking for inspiration or working. For me, these tracks are a kind of landmark when my brain needs to calm down and think. I love the atmospheres of these tracks, with a melancholic mood that seems so soothing.
Q. What kind of vision do Nagazaki and Prototypes Records have for the future? What would you like to do?
Making music we love haha, we are already working on cool stuff! We would like to continue to promote talents from the Industrial / Crossbreed scene. I personally would like to include more Breakcore music and artists on the label, also making more connections with other actors of the scene, create a cool, rewarding environment for producers, labels and party organizers.
Q. You and Iridium have always supported new producers. What do you feel about the recent trends among new producers? If you have any advice for new producers, please let us know.
I don’t follow the trends that much haha, when it comes to industrial hardcore lately I’ve been really interested about Gathering Storm, these guys are making super cool tracks, it’s definitely the kind of music I want to produce and play. Another one is Holly, even if I don’t consider him as a new producer, he is one of the most talented and versatile artist I know. And also Respawn, really promising, he seeks to improve, I love his energy!
Here is a list of advices that would (I hope) help new producers:
- Learn the basics of music theory, it will help you to understand chords / keys / scales / arrangement, you can’t break any rules if you don’t already understand them.
- Learn sound design, nowadays It’s really important to make unique sounds and have your own signature.
- Train your ears by listening to all types of music, it can give you new influences.
- Mixing your sound while you're producing will save you time and keep the general idea fresh in your head.
- Be patient, making music is a long process. Produce the music you want to hear, remember that trends are ephemeral, and music is not a product.
Q. What do you do when you're not making music? What do you spend your time doing?
Well I may be super boring haha, I like video games, even if I'm bad at them (I still have a toxic relationship with Tekken haha), watching films and TV series, listening to music, reading books and mangas, or working on 2D/3D designs. I consider a good day a productive day!
Q. What is your opinion of the current French music scene? Are there any interesting movements, collectives or clubs?
As far as I know, our scene in France is very broad, there are lots of different producers, parties and collectives, but unfortunately I don't know any established crews who do 100% Industrial / Breakcore events. These days, Hard Techno is the most popular musical genre in clubs, which is cool, but the productions have become a little too redundant for some time. There are still occasional Hardcore events all over the country. From time to time there and also Drum & Bass / Neurofunk parties, but I’m a boring guy, I don’t go out that much haha.
Q. Please tell us about your future schedule.
Well booking-wise, my schedule is a bit empty at the moment, I will play at Dominator on July 19 on the HKV stage and I really can't wait for this, but so far that is my only confirmed event this year. We (as Prototypes) will travel a bit this year but I can’t say more haha.
As for the releases, I have to work on new projects, really cool collabs with really amazing people are on the way! Same as before I can’t say much (no spoil!). In general I would like to focus myself on more Hardcore/Breakcore projects and sometimes more ambiant experimental music. I still have my "new" Patchers I will finally release and some fresh sample packs. 2025 is very promising!
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