VLOT, a talented producer and DJ from Tokyo, is driving the underground waves of the Japanese hip-hop scene to resonate globally through collaborations with Asian artists, including those from Thailand. He plays a crucial role in connecting cultures through music under the label ‘bpm plus asia,’ aiming to showcase the unique voices of Asian rappers. Drawing inspiration from roots that are not different from the core of this music genre, VLOT strives to create a unique musical experience.
His first album, titled “WHO IS VLOT?,” playfully teases his role as a skilled producer behind many great tracks, while also inviting listeners to explore the realm of hip-hop music in his style and that of his musical partners. To push the boundaries beyond his Japanese identity.
Recently, he teamed up with FIIXD at the OFF THE HOOK “Highest in the Room” event as a DJ, experiencing the Thai hip-hop fans for the first time. He was impressed, noting that Thai artists have a truly unique style. After the event, the Cosmos team had the chance to talk to VLOT via email about the differences in hip-hop culture between Japan and the rest of the world, the obstacles and efforts involved, and his first performance in Thailand that left a significant impression on him in this Transmission column.
To start, could you please introduce yourself to our Thai audience?
Hi, this is VLOT. I work as a producer and DJ in Tokyo.
How would you describe the current landscape of the hip-hop production scene in Japan?
Hip-hop is listened to all over the world, and the scene in Japan is currently getting bigger and bigger every year.
Your record label, ‘bpm plus asia’, is known for its collaborations between Japanese and Thai artists. What stands out to you about Thai rappers?
The song I made with LEX and 1Mill in 2022 was my first time working with a Thai rapper. After that, I visited Thailand several times for production camps and other events, and had sessions and communication with various artists. Everyone was very friendly, and their attitude towards music and sensitivity was very stimulating.
How would you compare the Japanese hip hop scene to the Thai hip hop scene? What similarities or differences do you notice?
What I particularly noticed was that I was surprised that most of the Thai artists I met could actually speak English. Hip-hop originated in America, and as Asians, we have been influenced by this culture, digested our admiration for it, and felt a sense of commonality and camaraderie in transmitting our own lifestyles from Asia.
What unique challenges do you face as a hip-hop producer in Japan compared to other countries?
Tokyo may be particularly unique, but I feel like the rent is high and there are very few recording studios. If there were more studios that could be rented more openly, I think the community of various artists and producers would become more active, and many more interesting things would be created.
How has the Japanese hip-hop scene evolved since you started, and where do you see it heading in the future?
I’ve been working in Tokyo for a long time, and I think the Japanese hip-hop scene is the most exciting and diverse I’ve ever seen. It’s getting more and more interesting.
You recently performed at OFF THE HOOK “Highest in the Room“. Was this your first time performing in Bangkok? What were your impressions of that day?
It was my first time DJing in Bangkok, so I was a little skeptical about how it would turn out, but it turned out to be a great success. FIIXD asked me to DJ the next day as well, so I ended up DJing the next day as well, which was really fun.
FIIXD is a well-known Thai rapper. How do you find his performances? Are they different from those of Japanese rappers?
I met him for the first time this time, and we had a session together the day after the show, and he’s also a DJ, and the music he makes comes from a variety of genres, and I think it’s very diverse and musical. I was surprised.
During your visit to Thailand, aside from performing, what other experiences or activities were you looking forward to?
The chicken burger from a hamburger shop called Quikie Burger has been my favorite ever since I first visited Thailand, and I was able to eat it twice this time and was very satisfied lol.
Are there any Thai artists you’re particularly interested in collaborating with in the future?
I’ve released a song with 1Mill once, but I’ve never had a session with him, so I’d really like to do one
What’s next for VLOT? Are there any festivals or venues you’re eager to perform at?
I would like to perform at Rolling Loud in Thailand. It’s one of my dreams to see my name in that lineup.
Finally, what message would you like to share with your new Thai fans?
From Tokyo to Asia, and from Asia to the world, we will collaborate with colleagues from all over the world to create a big movement, so please keep an eye on our future activities.
Follow VLOT’s updates on Instagram.
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