Are you looking for a culture shock?: DJ MOPPY
Kunio Teramoto, aka DJ Moppy, is a collector, selector, and explorer in pursuit of psychedelic music from around the world. He fell in love with Turkish music during his first visit to Istanbul in 2011, when he discovered a 45 rpm record by 3 Hürel. That moment marked the beginning of his record-digging journey. Since then, Teramoto has organized Anadolu Rock parties in Japan and written Japanese liner notes for reissues by many musicians, including Selda Bağcan, Alpay, and Gökçen Kaynatan.
Tune in:
A selection of radio shows recorded by DJ Moppy for Bangkok-based independent station ZudRangMa Radio can be streamed on his Mixcloud account. In particular, the Turkish Psych Grooves series is ideal for getting a sense of Kunio’s unique approach.
“When exploring a new genre, the key is to listen to as much music as possible. It may sound like a cliché, but after listening extensively, you begin to grasp the essence of the genre.”
Do you remember your first encounter with DJing and digging culture?
I started collecting records in the late 1980s, when I was in high school. At the time, many indie bands in Japan were releasing records, and I was collecting them.
I first encountered DJ culture when I moved to Tokyo for university. In the early 1990s, the Madchester movement was gaining attraction in Tokyo as well. There was a record store called Warsawa in Kichijoji, and I used to attend the parties they organized. Later, I started my own parties with friends from my university’s music club.
We recently witnessed an amazing Turkish hip hop set by you in Tokyo. How do you keep yourself updated in terms of new music from other countries? What has been the key to developing such a broad understanding of global music?
I primarily gather information about music from other countries through the internet and platforms like Apple Music. My interest in Turkish hip hop was sparked by watching the film Crossing the Bridge. However, at first, I was navigating blindly, simply searching for “Turkish hip hop” online and listening to every artist that came up on Apple Music.
When exploring a new genre, the key is to listen to as much music as possible. It may sound like a cliché, but after listening extensively, you begin to grasp the essence of the genre, and your ability to identify quality records improves. Nowadays, there are so many ways to discover new music without buying records or CDs, making it an exciting time for those eager to explore unknown sounds.
What is the most surprising recent addition you made to your fantastic record collection?
The field recording album Sounds of Egiali – Amorgos, recorded on the Greek island Amorgos in the Aegean Sea, was truly remarkable. Originally released on cassette in 1988 by a Dutch label, it was reissued recently by Art Into Life, a Japanese label.
The album is a collage of islanders’ daily sounds, traditional songs, waves, and the buzzing of bees, all woven together into an artistic masterpiece. While it was likely created from an ethnographic perspective, I personally appreciated it as an ambient and experimental work.
In what kind of environments or at what kinds of events do you most enjoy DJing, and why?
Of course, it’s fun to play Anadolu Rock in front of Turkish music lovers and get hyped together. But what excites me even more is playing music for people who have never heard it before and seeing their surprised reactions.
I love experiencing culture shock myself when listening to other DJs, so I enjoy being the one to give that experience to others as well.
Recommended music venues to visit in TOKYO, by DJ MOPPY
If you’re looking for an exciting musical experience, I recommend Forestlimit in Hatagaya or Bonobo in Jingu-mae.
Recommended for a single day in TOKYO, by DJ MOPPY
If you like Istanbul’s modern district, then Shinjuku and Shibuya would be good choices in Tokyo. If you prefer Kadıköy in Istanbul, then Shimokitazawa and Koenji would be great. These neighborhoods have a similar vibe, with many musicians, theater performers, and artists living there. If you want to explore Tokyo’s historic areas, you should visit Asakusa, Yanaka, and Nezu on the eastern side of the city.
DJ MOPPY’s favourite late-night eating spot in TOKYO
China Café 8 is a 24-hour Chinese restaurant that’s handy when you miss the last train. They have five locations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Ebisu, and Roppongi. I recommend their colorful dumplings, which come in green, red, yellow, and other vibrant colors.
TEENAGE KICKS: DJ MOPPY’s early influences in JAPAN
I was greatly influenced by the playwright Shūji Terayama and J.A. Seazer, who composed music for his theater group Tenjo Sajiki.
DJ MOPPY’s favourite record stores in TOKYO
Piaonal Records, Organic Music, Vinyl Delivery Service ve Los Apson.
