Taking over Tapes #127 is the Tokyo-raised and now London-based DJ, An Toi. For the past decade, they’ve been gaining prominence as one of the young representatives of Tokyo’s music scene, recognised for its richness, knowledge and open-mindness.

Their sound signature transcends the boundaries, crafting a unique cosmic and hypnotic atmosphere that blends elements of techno and new wave with house and disco at its core.

TRACKLIST

Mind over MIDI - Bakterial Soup
Dorisburg - Untitled
Urulu - Transworld
Bambounou x Bruce - Final Conference
Johnny Hunter - Basically
Volodymyr Gnatenko - Dwelm
The Diyeis - Morenas [Viajero Mix]
Bushwacka! - Bluntski
Jonny From Space - Mambo n.305
Julian Anthony - Open Minded
Stones Taro - Got Funk [Raggamuffin Mix]
Riddimz of Praise - Synaptic Pulse
Reflex Blue - Gore
Cakkou - Saint Glinglin
Churashima Navigator - Torisashimai [Harikuyamaku Remix]

Hey Hitomi, great to have you on the Tapes series! Why don't you start by introducing yourself? 

Many thanks for including me in the series! I'm Hitomi, part of the DJ duo An Toi from Tokyo. Now that I've moved to London, Manaha and I perform in different cities. 

Tell us about this mix - where did you record it & favourite track inside? 

As I created the mix, I envisioned the transition from winter to spring, drawing inspiration from my first winter here. My goal was to capture a connection with nature and its beauty using minimalistic, pleasant, and groovy electronic sounds. Despite all tracks being carefully chosen, I am happy to have Torisashimai by Churashima Navigator as the closing track! The fusion of strong electronic beats and Okinawan folk music is the reason why I enjoy it. I made the recording at the Pirates studio!

What’s the ideal setting to listen to it?

When you want to concentrate on something.

Being previously based in Tokyo tell us about the party scene there - what made you move to the UK? 

Since I've had the opportunity to perform in different special locations in Japan, mainly in Tokyo, I also became curious about exploring beyond Japan. London is a big capital for music especially and seemed a lot of things going on, so I decided to make the move!

Tokyo seems to have a lot of small communities where people can be creative and supportive and they're all close together. It makes for a different relationship with the audience and the venue, which I apprieciate.

London is a large city with numerous opportunities in each different scale to explore music in various venues and festivals. It's truly exciting!

You also run a club night ‘TOGENKYO’ in Japan - do you have any plans to bring it to London? Where do you see the future of the platform?

In 2022, we launched the ‘TOGENKYO’ series in Tokyo with the goal of crafting a utopian space where individuals can experience freedom and harmony on the dancefloor whilst getting lost in music that transports them away from the challenges of everyday life.

We welcomed 50 minimals as a new member of our Tokyo team and I look forward to merging our innovative ideas to create exciting projects in Tokyo or beyond someday, embodying our party spirit!

Dream line-up to play with?

I think all from this mix will be a great line-up! 

Anything exciting in the pipeline to mention?

I am excited to be playing in Corsica Studios on 16th May and see you there!

Follow An Toi —

instagram.com/hi_this_is_hitomi
soundcloud.com/the-antoinettes-1