ADSR Inspirations pod

Yuri Nagahori - From the Dancefloor to the Studio

Yuri Nagahori is a Tokyo-based DJ, promoter and producer who has been captivating hearts and dancefloors with her infectious beats. Music has been a constant throughout Yuri's life, with early expressions through piano, drums, and dance. Her journey led her to study abroad in Canada, the USA, and the Philippines, immersing herself in clubbing and electronic music culture. Upon returning to Japan Yuri discovered her true calling as a DJ. After honing her skills, she slowly but surely started playing parties herself. Her sets are unique, blending genres from techno to hip-hop, house, and trance. Yuri has graced major clubs in Japan and international venues, and her events have earned a devoted following. More recently Yuri has taken on the challenge of producing her own music to bring her passion to new heights.  In today’s chat, James and Yuri recall her early exposure to music and clubbing adventures in the USA, Canada, and the Philippines. Yuri shares her unique entry into Japan's music scene and the spark that ignited her passion for DJing. The discussion spans topics like pursuing music as a full-time career, gender dynamics in the industry, music production, and her dreams within the realm of music. Yuri also sheds light on how she stays at the forefront of DJing trends and the profound role of music in her life. Connect with Yuri: Website [https://www.yurinagahori.com] Follow us on IG @adsrpod [https://www.instagram.com/adsrpod/]More from us ADSR Collective [https://www.adsrcollective.com/] ♡  Please show some love by rating our show on Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts ♡

Ian Lynam - A life of teaching and learning in design and typography

Ian Lynam is the product of a life lived with post-modern art and endless curiosity. Originally from the small town of Averill Park, New York. He holds a BSc in Graphic Design from Portland State University and an MFA in Graphic Design from CalArts. Since 2005, he has led his Tokyo-based design studio, Ian Lynam Design, specializing in identity design, cultural research, and typography. Currently, he serves as faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts and Temple University Japan, offering his experience and knowledge in art and design. Ian is also a prolific writer and co-founder of the critical cultural online journal Néojaponisme [https://neojaponisme.com], which fosters creative dialogue and exchange on Japanese culture, society, art, and design. When you visit Sailosaibin [https://sailosaibin.com] in Sasazuka, Tokyo, you'll see some of Ian's creations coming to life alongside stacks of books and a carefully curated selection of handcrafted pieces and clothing from talented collaborators, all contributing to a collection that resonates with the contemporary zeitgeist. In the interview, James and Ian touch on his early days in upstate New York, his childhood passion for art and design, and the influence of the American West Coast and Asia on his design sensibilities. Ian's deep involvement in design education and his profound connection to mentoring young designers show how passionate he is about art, cultural affairs and developing ideas. Ian’s latest book “The Failed Painter” is a bite-size exemplification of his storytelling approach that combines design and writing in ways that are compelling and relatable for the artist in all of us. Connect with Ian: Studio Website [https://ianlynam.com] // Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ianlynam/] Follow us on Instagram @adsrpod [https://www.instagram.com/adsrpod/] More from us ADSR Collective [https://www.adsrcollective.com/] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/adsrcollective/]  Please show some love by rating our show!

May Inoue: Expressions in Japanese Jazz

Meet May Inoue, the remarkable young Japanese jazz guitarist known for his electrifying sound and dynamic career. Hailing from Kawasaki in Kanagawa, May's journey into jazz began at just 15 years old inspired by a Mike Stern concert. He later honed his craft at Berklee College of Music and has since garnered recognition from legendary guitarists like Kazumi Watanabe and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Leading the innovative band project Stereo Champ, May skillfully fuses jazz, rock, funk, and psychedelic elements, offering a unique and refreshing musical journey. Despite a five-year hiatus, his latest release, "The Elements," has been well received. In today’s chat James and May discuss pivotal moments such as May's transformative experiences as a youth, his early rock guitar influences, and the profound impact of studying under renowned jazz guitarist Yoshiaki Miyanoue. May reflects on his Berklee College of Music experience, the confidence boosts from his debut album's acclaim, and the evolution of his genre-blurring band project, "Stereo Champ." The pair also delve into May's latest album, "The Elements,". May shares insights on managing a busy schedule and collaborations, his perspective on the global jazz scene, future aspirations, and valuable advice for aspiring musicians seeking unconventional sounds in their work. Connect with May Inoue: Website [https://www.mayinoue.com] // Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mayinoue0514] // Twitter [https://twitter.com/may_inoue0514] Follow ADSR Inspirations on Twitter [https://twitter.com/adsrpod] + Instagram @adsrpod [https://www.instagram.com/adsrpod/]More from us ADSR Collective [https://www.adsrcollective.com/] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/adsrcollective/]

Will Robinson: Carving out his own path in Japan

Originally from sunny Australia, Will Robinson first came to Japan on a working holiday visa as a way to take a break from studying graphic design. Fast forward 14 years, and Will has established himself entirely in Japan. He dedicated himself to mastering the language and earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts. Will currently works as a freelance custom furniture creator and craftsman. He draws inspiration from Japan's nature and traditional craftsmanship. Over the past few years, his nomadic lifestyle has taken him from Tokyo to Southern Chiba's seaside, to Nagano's mountainside and currently to the enchanting Amami Islands. In each place, he has embraced a specific extreme solo sport like skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing that aligns with the local culture and geography. This diverse range of experiences has undoubtedly enriched his artistic perspective, enabling him to find inspiration in different aspects of Japanese life and nature while continuously honing his craft. In this episode, James and Will chat about what it took to gain a firm grasp on language skills in Japan and how Will got accepted into a Japanese art university. Throughout their conversation, they discuss essential turning points in Will’s life, his approach to art, as well as his current passion, woodworking. Will emphasizes the importance of preserving and honouring disappearing traditions and crafts, not only in Japan but globally. He discusses the potential of bringing a foreign perspective to Japanese art and how he wants to promote artisanal techniques and their stories. In this episode, Will subtly reveals how Japanese aesthetics influence his lifestyle and art. Connect with Will: Portfolio [https://cargocollective.com/willrossrobinson] // Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/willrossrobinson/] // Food pop-up [https://www.instagram.com/willsyskitchen/] Some of Will’s mentors and lumber inspiration in Tokyo: 株式会社　京和木材 [https://www.instagram.com/shirokane_kyowamokuzai/] + 京和木材　加工場 [https://www.instagram.com/kyouwa_mokuzai/] Follow us on Twitter [https://twitter.com/adsrpod] + Instagram @adsrpod [https://www.instagram.com/adsrpod/] Please show some love by rating our show!

Drew Damron: Adventures from Libraries to Mountains

Drew Damron's journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in Japan from Grand Rapids Michigan over seven years ago. Originally planning a brief stay while pursuing his Master’s of Library and Information Sciences degree, Drew's fascination with the country’s culture, traditions and nature has captivated him ever since. As a community-oriented librarian and archivist, Drew has already left his mark on two major Tokyo libraries, bringing his skills for archiving and connecting people to the forefront. Beyond his dedication to libraries, Drew's adventurous spirit extends to his love for outdoor activities. An avid trail runner, rock climber, and skier, he finds solace and mental fortitude in Japan's natural beauty. Drew also channels his outdoor experiences into his role as a contributing writer for The Japan Times, where he shares his adventures and insights within the realm of outdoor lifestyle content. In this episode of ADSR Inspirations, we dive into Drew's exceptional career path, from his early days as a library assistant to his current role as Senior Librarian at Temple University. Drew shares insights on how to work at foreign libraries in Japan. He also speaks about the role and connections between libraries and artists while sharing his own passions for drawing and writing. Drew gets into his love for outdoor activities and exploring the mountains of Japan. He connects the physical to the mental and speaks to the balance of the body and mind in art and in everyday life. Connect with Drew: Website [https://www.drewdamron.com] // Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drew.damron/] // YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@drewdamron1163] More from us on ADSR Collective [https://www.adsrcollective.com/]Follow us on Twitter [https://twitter.com/adsrpod] + Instagram @adsrpod [https://www.instagram.com/adsrpod/] Please show some love by rating our show!