Born and raised in Sapporo, Japan, and now based in Austin, Texas, Qrion, real name Momiji, takes a moment before the show to share on her current direction, recent collaborations and how she is exploring her sound, plus we gain perspective on the Japanese culture.
Discover more of Qrion’s story as she comes off the stage at Anjunadeep Explorations Festival in Albania and plays FNGRS CRSSD x CROSS POLLINATION, Lane 8’s This Never Happened showcase at Waterfront Park in San Diego tomorrow.
I know the Japanese are always up to some quirky and cool new trends. I love those shirts that are in English but make no sense. What is popular in pop culture right now in Japan?
“I feel like Netflix shows have been especially popular in Japan lately. For example, there’s a dating show called Love Joto featuring “yankii” a Japanese subculture that is somewhat similar to rebellious or slightly outlaw types in the U.S. Tattoos are still heavily stigmatized in Japan, so it’s quite unusual to see a woman with a large dragon tattoo covering her back appearing in mainstream media. I actually learn about most of the latest trends in Japan from my younger sister!”
What is your favorite Japanese dish?
“Japanese curry and rice 100%.”
When was the last time you saw or were in contact with Lane 8, Massane, and/or anyone else from the lineup? Any recent updates or changeups for the event?
“I saw Massane just last week! Since we both live in Texas, we often get together to work on music or go out for a meal.”
What are one or two songs you listened to today?
“‘Loved’ by Four Tet and ‘Reflection’ by IDEMI”
Any good mishaps, funny or just favorite moments while you’ve been touring the world recently?
“When I was touring with Massane, we finished one of our shows at around four in the morning and were absolutely starving. The only place still open was a 24-hour McDonald’s, but it was drive-through only. Since we didn’t have a car, we stood in line together pretending to be one. It was such a ridiculous and funny moment.”
‘Rapid Eye Movement’ is a tune! How did that track start with Rinzen? How did you two get in touch, and how do you feel you complemented each other in the studio?
“The process came together very naturally. I happened to be spending an extended period of time in Los Angeles, so I visited Rinzen’s studio and we spent a few hours working on the track together. After that, we exchanged stems back and forth and finished it remotely. I work in Cubase, while he uses Ableton, so we each brought a slightly different workflow and perspective to the track, which complemented the collaboration really well.”
What worlds of music do you like mixing together recently? Any newer niche directions you feel your music is heading? Please share a little about how you approach each set, especially this B2B with Massane.
“Recently, I’ve enjoyed mixing more melodic music with tech house, while making sure each set still has a sense of movement and tells a story from beginning to end. Since our B2B set is a little shorter this time, I think it will be a great opportunity for Massane and me to play some of our unreleased demos and test out new music together.”
How is life in Austin? What is something you enjoy about the city?
“I mostly stay at home to avoid the heat, making music with friends and chill.”
Who are some Asian pop artists, or just musicians in general, that you like?
“Skrillex”
Could you speak on how Japanese culture is ahead of most of the world with their daily tech? Like, do they have better cell phones, or how are cities more equipped with technology there right now?
“Japan certainly had a strong reputation for being technologically advanced in the past, but I’m not sure that image is as accurate today. With the yen remaining very weak against the dollar and the economy feeling somewhat stagnant, Japan does not seem to be developing as rapidly as some other parts of Asia. Personally, I feel that China has made much bigger advances in everyday technology in recent years.”
Where do you hope technology takes us from here? Besides chores, what is one thing you’d love technology to do for you or achieve for mankind?
“I would love to see technology that can better support people’s mental health. Of course, the human mind is incredibly complex, and I don’t believe machines or AI can simply “cure” someone, but I do think they can coexist with us and offer meaningful support.
Some people worry that AI will take jobs away from humans, but ultimately, it is humans who create and develop AI. I hope we can build technology that helps us without crossing the boundary between support and control.”
With remixes for Röyksopp and CRi as well as support by the likes of Mall Grab, Lane 8 and Eric Prydz, Qrion has landed within our favorites. After tomorrow night, Qrion is off to Pier 62 with Spencer Brown in Seattle, then the Courtyard by Marriott in Denver.
Okay, now for the moment you’ve been subconsciously hoping for, its time for, Love Joto, internationally known as Badly in Love.
