Check out our interview with Iconic Japanese Techno Duo Drunken Kong who just released their new EP ‘I Want To See’ on Drumcode today!
Drunken Kong is the project of D. Singh and DJ Kyoko. In 2010, the two started their project when one day, they suddenly decided to make a track together. Since then they have released two albums on Christian Smith’s label Tronic, The Signs Within (2017) and Where We Start (2020) as well as numerous EPs and singles on Tronic and other labels such as Terminal M, Stil Vor Talent and Octopus Recordings. All 7 tracks of their EPs in early 2017 on Tronic and Terminal M have entered Beatport Top 100 Techno chart at the same time, which has made an impact on the Asian and global techno scene.
In 2022, Drunken Kong was the 2nd Japanese artist to play at Berlin`s Love Parade (now called Rave the Planet) and they also played at Beon1x Festival in Cyprus along with Carl Cox, Boris Brejcha, Paul Kalkbrenner, Deborah de Luca, Paco Osuna and many more.
Follow Drunken Kong @drunkenkong
Welcome to Naluda Magazine Drunken Kong. Please tell us a little about yourselves?
Thanks for having us. We are based in Tokyo and we have released on labels such as Tronic, Terminal M, Still Vor Talent and many more.
Describe Drunken Kong in 3 words?
Happy, groovy and energetic.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
We both started of as a DJ so things gradually took off for us and releases did help alot.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Driving, unique, peak time.
Do you ever get nervous?
Not anymore.
How did you guys met?
We met at a friends party. It was a small casual event with at a very cool DJ bar.
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
There are many artist that inspire us. Artist like Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Christian Smith, Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Laurent Garnier have always influenced our sound.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
When playing in Japan, usually we like to go eat and have drinks. Not an after party, but something more casual vibe with friends and other DJs. We feel its always good for us to do this so we can connect with different people which is very important to do.
Best stage you have ever played?
Its a hard one to say. There are so many good experiences and memories but Ultra Music Festival Resistance stage would probably be the one that first comes up when thinking about this.
What’s your favorite club to DJ in?
We cant really choose a favorite since there are many amazing clubs around the world.
Tell us about your new EP “I Want To See?”
I Want to See is our new EP on Drumcode. It features 4 tracks all with a different style.
We have focused on groove and vocals for this release.
What’s the story behind the release?
We have always wanted to release on Drumcode and it finally happened!
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Its definitely rewarding to be able to travel around the world and to see people dancing to your music.
For us, it can get challenging trying to balance artist life and parenting. We are still figuring out the best balance.
What’s your advice for the newer DJ’s / Producers?
Never give up and think outside the box when producing. Being original is very important.
What was the first record that you bought?
It was a Japanese pop album but not sure who’s it was.
What’s next for Drunken Kong in 2023?
We will head to Europe in July with some dates in Spain, Germany, Croatia and North Macedonia. You can find the details on our socials.
What advice would you give to your younger selves and why?
Start producing as early as as you can and to not be shy of asking for help when you are stuck.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Probably my grandfather to find out more about my roots.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Less is more.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Just to chill and drink with friends.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To be able to do what you love.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ramen noodle
How do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Probably doing the same thing as now but we are sure our sound will keep evolving.
What do you think of Social Media?
Its good and bad. Its great to see artist’s activity and personal life but artist shouldn’t be booked based on their number of followers. It should be about the music.
Where we can follow you?
You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.
