HiToshi, a DJ and vinyl enthusiast from Helsinki, has quickly gained recognition in the electronic music scene over the past five years. HiToshi's entry into the Helsinki DJ scene was a twist of fate, with a last-minute gig at Tanner opening doors to more significant opportunities, including performances at Flow Festival. With an eclectic vinyl collection and a fluid approach to DJing, he brings a unique blend of genres to his sets.
In addition to his DJing and regular appearance, he contributes as a producer at IDA Radio Helsinki, supporting the local community from grassroots level.
And what a classy did he provide! Smoothly shifting between raw house, disco and acid - it's safe to say HiToshi embodies the Helsinki music community's spirit, encouraging openness to diverse musical experiences on the dancefloor. He's gaining more and more internationl attention, and rightly so - an upcoming EU tour and appearance at HÖR being concrete examples of the quality of his craft.
Hi there Hitoshi, how are things? Can you introduce yourself briefly to our listeners?
Hallo! It's HiToshi, real name is also Hitoshi:) I moved to Helsinki about 5 years ago (wow, time flies) and had my first club gig at Vum in 2022. So, I am still quite new to the scene! I think I am most known for playing disco music in a vinyl format, but I got into electronic music and clubbing through techno music in Berlin, and I love to play music without boundaries!
What's been keeping you busy lately?
Always digging for new music <3
And preparing for my Europe tour! It is my first proper tour, and I am so excited and at the same time, grateful to have this great opportunity. I cannot thank enough!
Also, weekly gigs in Helsinki:)
Do you have any fond musical memories from your childhood?
One is singing "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles when I was really small, probably like 3 or 4?:)
The other one is also when I was maybe 7ish, my father came home really excitedly because he just bought a limited edition Michael Jackson 25th-anniversary album. And we put the CD in the player and started listening together. "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller"… :)
OK, I guess I have a lot of musical memories from my childhood that don't fit here :D
I also loved listening to Beethoven with my grandpa!
What drove you to electronic music in the first place?
I went to Berlin and visited Berghain when I was 20? That was just mind-blowing.
What about DJ'ing, and how did you get started?
I always liked digging records but hadn't really thought about DJing, to be honest. I just loved playing music for people and always looked for new music.
BUT, how I got into this Helsinki DJ scene is that there was a last-minute cancellation at one event, a 5-hour vinyl-only listening session at Tanner. When I was playing, Lil Tony walked into Tanner, and we talked for about 5 minutes.
A few weeks later, I was asked if I wanted to play at Flow festival 2022. At least that's how I remember it:) And after that, I started getting gigs in Helsinki regularly.
Also, I would like to thank Marc Fred, from whom I bought the first record in Finland, and who gave me a gig at Tislaamo.
So, I was just lucky to meet amazing people here!
Do you have any memorable experiences to share from your early days as a DJ?
I would pick one from Flow 2022. There was a technical problem with the turntable, and they had to change it during the set. So the music stopped for a while, then my friends started to call (scream) my name, and that was just overwhelming and one of the happiest moments.
I would never be where I am without friends and supporters...!
You are an avid vinyl fan and record collector. Tell us a little about your collection and how you go about finding records to buy?
I always check new releases, like almost every day. I order from a record shop mostly from Germany for new releases. For second-hand records, I like buying from local record shops in different countries when I travel:)
Early in my career, it was mostly disco, but it got more electronic, I would say. I just collect what I like regardless of the genre:)
When you select records for your sets, what's your approach like?
Very indecisive...and I don't really plan a set. I only have a rough plan based on my mood. It sometimes changes completely 1 hour before the gig or during the gig.
What drives me the most is my own mood and THE AUDIENCE!!!
Do you have any good stories to share about live shows or DJ'ing?
The most recent one was in Istanbul; there was someone with a lighter, and every time I put a cigarette in my mouth, she just lit it up:D
Someone kept sending me hearts in the front row in Istanbul too haha. And all the compliments I receive after the gig are like, I'm gonna cry :*
Name three to five secret weapons that you almost always carry in your bag?
1. Freeez - I.O.U (remix)
2. Roby & Topo - Under The Ice (remix)
3. Unknown Artist - Blue Monday remix
Do you have a comfort record, one you can put on that makes you feel good no matter what?
Silk - Somethin' 'Bout The Way dub mix
I just need to ask, how's your vinyl record collection organized?
It's not really organized, but somehow I know what I'm looking for and where it might be. But I really need to start properly organizing before it's too late.
What's your take on the current state of electronic music?
It's just my opinion.
I feel like it's very driven by the speed, as the velocity of BPM. Fast music can be good, don't get me wrong. But speed isn't the answer. You can do all the cool moves and so on. But the quality and the conversation with the crowd should come first.
For me, clubbing is almost like meditation. You can soak yourself in the music, relax your body but at the same time, pay attention to all the musical details, and you pick your own rhythm in the groove.
I am still learning a lot, but I feel like new DJs are a bit missing the point of the warm-up. (Not Helsinki DJs but in general.) Warm-up affects a lot of the direction of the night, and a night becomes complete with all the DJs of the night.
Let's talk about Helsinki. You are involved in various aspects of the local music scene from having a residency at Kaiku and working as a producer at IDA Radio Helsinki. Can you talk about your beginnings?
I think it was the last day of the application for IDA Helsinki. I was like, should I, or should I not. But I sent it anyway.
Next day, I got a reply from Amanda (thank you, Amanda, we miss you!), and I was in! As part of my internship, I worked at IDA every day, and I have met so many amazing people! And wonderful music!!!!!
What's the scene like today in Helsinki?
After the pandemic, I think so many new talents have emerged, and I am so happy to see that!!! So many different concepts, genres, and so much love in their events:)
About the Helsinki audience, I could say "don't be shy :)" and be more open to different types and approaches to music. After playing in different countries, it's so interesting to see different characteristics of each country. And I feel like the Finnish audience sticks to their comfort zone quite strongly... unless they had a bit more than a couple of drinks, which is after 2 am;)
That being said, I LOVE HELSINKI...!!! It always brings me such joy at each gig:)
Can you name a few local acts, events, or locations that should be on people's radar?
1. DJ JVS (Instagram), solid, cool, charming, he should be all over the world.
2. Yala Collective (Instagram) This one comes from a personal interest! I haven't been to their event, but I think it's a must!!!
So the mix, can you tell us a little something about that?
My favorites from relatively new releases and a vinyl-only mix! Quite housy but this is what I've been feeling :D
Many thanks, anything else?
<333
DJ profile
HiToshi
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Instagram | Soundcloud
Osaka born, Helsinki based DJ. Became familiar to the Helsinki audience in the past year, organiser of Kaiku’s Thursday program Torjantai and Sextales & Cocktails at Tanner. Played in Flow Festival 2022 and 2023, and frequently seen in clubs such as Kaiku and Post Bar. Had an Asia tour in February and on the way to Europe tour in Berlin, Tbilisi, Istanbul and Zagreb.
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By 
By