Sam Mokhtary is the latest of our DJs to be grilled in preparation for CONTROL.
One half of the Tokyo Indie duo (alongside Mark Birtles), Sam regularly brings the noise to old Tokyo town. Don’t miss the two of them spinning back-to-back at Control… which promises to be a total cracker.
1- What is going to be big this year?
Ripping off Jimmy Somerville.
2- Who is your favorite musician of all time?
I think it has to be the Clash. From the raw punk rock energy oftheir early albums – the perfect soundtrack to an angsty teenage youth, to the politicized musical experimentation of their laterworks – something for those more level headed years. The Clash always found a way to make great music which actually meant something. Add to this that, when they started playing live, Paul Simonon was so clueless on bass he used to have Mick Jones come over on stage to help keep his guitar in tune. Just a few years later and Simonon was penning Guns of Brixton – a rock n’ roll inspiration to us all to grab an instrument and give it a go.
3- Where is your favorite place in Tokyo?
The Cat & Cask. A really local boozer selling great ale in Kanamecho which has been helping speed up cirrhosis of the liver.
4- What are you favorite fashion brands/styles?
I used to work in vintage clothing and I’ve always had a soft spot for garments which tell a story. Be it a dinner jacket donned by “The Captain”, my mate’s (now deceased) Yugoslavian grandfather, or a handmade cowboy shirt with “for my dear hubby” stitched in the back (now in my possession due to gross infidelity) – I feel good knowing my clothes are more interesting than me (particularly at dinner parties).
5- What is the last thing you bought?
Lunch, next Dinner.
6- What is the last song you listened to?
Vondelpark – California Analog Dream XXX – really enjoying this two step thing at the moment.
7- Who is the coolest guy AND the coolest girl on the tokyo party scene at the moment?
That guy in the hat. Seriously though – there’s too much posturing on “the scene”. You step out and there’s style and great outfits galore, but there’s not so much substance. It doesn’t take much to wear some silly get-up and regurgitate what they’re playing in New York or London. The cool kids are going to step up and claim Tokyo, they’re going to create something new. We’re still looking for them…
8- Please recommend a new band, DJ, designer or artist to our readers.
Gallops – They’re by no means the finished product but if they can take it to that other level we could have something interesting on our hands.
9- Fuji Rock or Summer Sonic?
I’ve never been to Summer Sonic. But the name is a bit bollocks isn’t it? (Editors note… Yes, it is!)
10- Tokyo or Osaka?
Despite what those new wavers Japan tell me, Tokyo.
Finally, what do you never leave your house without?
Keys
Thanks Sam!
Check www.tokyoindie.com for regular party listings in Tokyo.
Photo credit; Yosuke Seireiji
