Drunken Kong is the project of D. Singh from Tokyo, Japan that started in 2010. He has had multiple releases on such well known labels as Tronic, Octopus Recordings, Stil Vor Talent, and Terminal M. In addition to having multiple tracks charted in the top Beatport Charts, Drunken Kong has had prolific international presence with a residency at Eden Ibiza, played for Tronic vs. Terminal M showcase during ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) and played Tronic Showcase during Sonar Offweek. Drunken Kong has also always been active in the Japanese techno scene, playing regularly at major festivals such as Ultra Japan and in clubs such as WOMB, Ageha, Unit, Vent, Contact and Vision Tokyo. Drunken Kong joins 6AM as he does his first international tour since the pandemic.
First off thank you so much for speaking with us at 6AM, how was your year so far?
Thank you for having me today. This year has been a much better year! I had releases from Tronic earlier this year which did quite well and things are starting to slowly open up. I am finally doing my USA tour which is the first international tour since the pandemic!
So speaking of the year, 2021 is not even done yet and Drunken Kong has already released almost 30 tracks this year. Was this a unique release year for you? Or do you find yourself often creating and releasing this many tracks?
Wow, I didn’t know this. That’s a lot of tracks! It’s been a different year for us, and I am sure for everyone. Most of these tracks were created in 2020, which was when the world stopped. This gave me a lot of studio time so I was in the studio pretty much every day. I love making music so I try to get in the studio as much as I could. I try to finish a track or two a week to keep things fresh, but I think this is the first I have released this many tracks.
Courtesy of Drunken Kong PR
You have a variety of techno styles that you release. You have created a lot of Peak Time Driving with a variety of elements, but also deep raw techno like your track “Phase one,”and even melodic techno like “Flow”. What is the decision and creative process to create all these different types of music? What enables you to create all these different styles?
I don’t really have a process when making music. I just make whatever I am in the mood for. I also like to listen to different styles of music, so this definitely gives me new ideas and inspiration in the studio. I like to make different styles, so that I could play my original tracks in different situations and time slots. Whether it would be at an after-party or a big club or outdoor gig, I will always have some original tracks of mine which I will be able to play in different settings.
“Current Japan scene is going well. It’s still a difficult time with Covid, but I see more parties happening and venues opening. ”
Drunken Kong on the techno scene in Japan
What is the meaning and reason behind the name Drunken Kong? Does it have any influence/meaning over the styles of techno you create?
Drunken Kong originally came from the initials of my partner and I – Dee and Kyoko. We tried to think of something fun and different. We were having fun and at that point, we never expected to release any music or play any gigs. We were in the studio just having fun making music.
Since you have so many different styles, what can the LA techno heads expect from Drunken Kong in your Tronic Showcase with 6AM?
I am really looking forward to the party in LA. LA is a place I spent 10 years of my life during my school years, so it has a very special place in my heart. I am planning to play something that’s driving, deep, with some melodic elements.
“Whether it would be at an after party or a big club or outdoor gig, I will always have some original tracks of mine which I will be able to play in different settings.”
Drunken Kong on his variety of productions
Speaking of different regions, we heard of the Fueiho restrictions on nightclubs in Japan, and that they were officially lifted about 5 years ago. In your experience did the rule really impact the techno scene and your artist project at all?
The Fueiho impacted some venues for a while but overall did not have much impact. Actually, there was a time where I was playing to a full packed room, and then 10 minutes into my set the police came in to stop the party. This was the only time I really saw a party getting shut and this was at a very proper nightclub. Now I feel everything is okay regarding the Fueiho. This won’t stop the music!
- “LA is a place I spent 10 years of my life during my school years, so it has a very special place in my heart. I am planning to play something that’s driving, deep, with some melodic elements.”
- Drunken Kong on his upcoming performance in LA
From your perspective, what is the current state of Japan’s techno scene?
Currently, the Japan scene is going well. It’s still a difficult time with Covid but I see more parties happening and venues opening. Unfortunately, we cannot have international guest DJs due to quarantine rules now, but I think this will change too in the next few months. From 2020 we have seen great growth in the local scene which is a great thing for the Japanese techno scene.
What is the Drunken Kong “secret” to not just to balance, but excel at being a producer, world-touring DJ, and a parent?
It’s really tough with many things going on but for me, it’s all about pushing myself to work even harder. Balancing life as a parent, producer and DJ takes a lot of effort and energy, but you just have to keep going on.
Also, I try to balance my schedule so that I have a few days off every month to meet friends and to relax. This really refreshes me mentally so that I can go back to the studio for some new ideas.
