City Nomads Radio, Culture, East Asia, Interviews, Japan, Music & Festivals, Singapore, TravelMarch 31, 2017August 19, 2024

City Nomads Radio: Shigeki

PUBLISHED March 31st, 2017 05:50 pm | UPDATED August 19th, 2024 02:39 am

From eclectic to innovative, Shigeki plays a diverse mix of styles; from deep and soulful house to tech and progressive house to nu disco and electronica. He first discovered his passion for house music after he migrated from his native Japan to Australia in 1999, establishing himself as a credible master of the decks ever since. He has played at some of the Southern hemisphere’s biggest events, including Sydney Mardi Gras Party, Sleaze Ball, Big Queer Nation, Harbour Party, Inquisition, and Toybox.

In 2005, Shigeki made his international debut at Happy in Singapore; this spurred his subsequent relocation to the island nation three years later. Shigeki continued growing his international following with residencies at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, Kyō, PS.Cafe ASH Park. He has also played alongside big names in house music including Francois K, Miguel Migs, Oliver Dollar, Kiko Navarro, Horse Meat Disco and Robert Owen.

Where were you born?

I was born and raised in Nagoya, Japan. The home of miso-stewed udon noodle soup and tonkatsu with thick miso sauce.

What’s your earliest memory of music?

I started playing my parents’ records when I was about three, and their collection was everything from Japanese enka to jazz and mambo. During my teenage years I used to make mixtape of my favourite songs on cassettes and make extended edits by using the record and pause buttons.

Would you like to live somewhere else or do you think you’ll be in Singapore for life?

I’ve lived in Singapore for nine years now. It’s taken me on an amazing journey and I’m very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people. I don’t know if I’ll stay here for life but I’m definitely up for many more adventures here.

Looking back at the past year, is there one gig that stands out as the best one you’ve played?

Playing at Wonderfruit in February was an incredible experience for me. The room which I played in was made out of raw material and looked like a sexy hideout. There were so many smiley faces dancing and the vibe was electrifying. I didn’t want it to end.

Where is your favourite place in the world to visit?

I can think of a few places but I choose Santorini. Apart from the obvious beauty of the island and the colour of the ocean, I love roaming on the narrow cobblestone streets and finding nice places to hang, drink and eat. The sunset is also magical; it’s a very happy and peaceful place for me.

For you, is the dancefloor a lonely place where you lose yourself in music or a communal place where you feel connected to everyone?

It’s more latter than former. I like to feel the sense of community when I go out, be it for music or others, and I enjoy hanging with new and old friends on the dance floor. If I lose myself in music, I still like to do it with my friends.

Do you still go out to a party as a consumer rather than for work?

I don’t go out to parties as much as I use to. It’s age, ha! I do enjoy checking out special happenings where there’s something unique. I recently went to the One More Time concert where I danced to the club classics performed by a live orchestra. It was incredibly mind-blowing.

What is your comfort food in Singapore?

My comfort food has always been noodles so I make ramen, udon and soba at home all the time. In Singapore I love Hokkien mee, bak chor mee, crab bee hoon, Singapore laksa…I can’t have enough of it!

[mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/citynomadsradio/city-nomads-radio-34-shigeki/ width=100% height=120 hide_cover=1 light=1]

Tell us more about this curated mixtape you’ve put together.

I took inspiration from my set at Wonderfruit and the DJ sets I heard during Sydney’s Mardi Gras. It’s a groovy disco and house set with queer twists. It’s got elements of 80’s disco and early house and 90’s house music. Hope you’ll like it.

Any shouts?

Thanks for listening! You can find me playing regularly at PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill and W Hotel in Sentosa. I also play at Yum Yum Disco Dong with Bobby and Ritz, and at Kyo as Made In Japan with Dodgy Yamamoto. See you on the dance floor!

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To stay updated of Shigeki’s upcoming gigs and latest news, follow him here:
Facebook | Soundcloud | Mixcloud

Sharmaine Khoo

Sharmaine has a discerning ear for the latest tunes, an appreciation for the visual arts, and carries an unwavering passion for culture and holistic wellness. A big lover of nature and a familiar face at music gigs, she’s always eager to explore the scene!