A veteran DJ / producer of some 20 years standing, the Osaka born and bred Akio Nagase is probably best known for his long-running Makedub events. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Basic Channel, Carl Craig, Smith & Mighty, and Chicago`s Trax Records he’s released music on a variety of labels in his homeland, and now has a new record coming on Singapore’s Darker Than Wax. His Roots Magic E.P. contains dance floor dub-wise, jazz-juiced house, balearic beat piano rollers and TB-303 touting funky alternatives. Hopefully there’ll be a full interview with Akio-san sometime soon, but until then here’s his all time Japanese Acid House Top 10. 

YMO / Nanga Def

I can’t believe they released this song in ’93! The serious side of YMO with a blend of African rhythm and a 303.

909state / Serial Killer

He is a fellow DJ and artist from Osaka – who makes a lot of simple and cool music. 

Kuniyuki / Acid Air

A very respected artist. Authentic tribal acid grooves backed up by delicate compositions.

Akira Arasawa and Ground / Multi Gud Z

This is a different kind of acid house – like a musical journey, it`s a collage, a collection of techniques.

Takkyu Ishino / Jack Taro

A Japanese artist who was one of my biggest influences at the beginning of my career. The sound he creates is loved by the Japanese dance floor. My hero.

Haruomi Hosono / Laugh-Gas

The originality and perfect groove are unique and timeless.The best acid house song in Japan.

ECD / A.C.I.D.

A different kind of acid house by the legendary rapper ECD, who laid the foundation for Japanese hip-hop. Hardcore Spirit!

Akio Nagase / Like A Acid House

Here I  tried to create a “free world of acid house” – fusing the traditional music of various countries with my 303.

Gonno / Desolation 303

Rocking the floor slowly and exuberantly. This is THE sound of acid house.

Tsumami / Acid House

This song has a cool 303 groove and intertwining vocal samples at the end. Tsunami is an artist I found on Bandcamp and now play a lot.

Akio Nagase`s Roots Magic E.P. is available to order now on Darker Than Wax.