For the twenty-second installment of our interview series, we introduce the duo Drunken Kong.

Drunken Kong is the project of D. Singh and DJ Kyoko. They have released two albums on Christian Smith’s label Tronic, The Signs Within (2017) and Where We Start (2020) as well as numerous EPs and singles on labels such as Octopus Recordings, Stil Vor Talent, Terminal M, and more recently in Drumcode.

They have always been active in the Tokyo techno scene, playing regularly at major festivals such as Ultra Japan and in clubs such as WOMB, Ageha, Unit, Vent, Contact and Vision Tokyo. The two are constantly attracting new fans with their unique sound and groove. With their powerful DJ style and charisma, the two are able to constantly amuse the audience while expanding their ideas and skills to the next level.

We chatted with them about their recently released EP ‘I Want To See‘, plus a few more aspects of their career. Read the full interview below. 

Hi guys, Luis from Living Techno here, it’s a pleasure having you in our interview series, thank you. First of all, how are you and where in the world are you taking this interview?

Thanks so much for having us. We are doing great!! We are currently in Tokyo, Japan.

How did you know each other, and how long have you been working together?

We have known each other for 17 years. We started working together in 2011, so it’s our 12th year.

Exactly when and why did you guys decide to start with the duo ‘Drunken Kong, what’s the story behind?

Our project first started when we decided to make a track just for my partner Kyoko to play during her set. It was just fun listening to your own tracks at clubs and to see people enjoying it.

Do you guys also work individually, outside the Drunken Kong Project?

We used to, but ever since we formed our project, we just focus on this.

How is this year 2023 going, and what do you expect for the rest of the year?

2023 has been going great! We are very happy for our release on Drumcode and to be playing at different parties domestically and internationally. We have a few tours coming up in Europe, South America, US and Asia.

How is the electronic music scene in Tokyo, what has changed, what has improved, what do you like most about your local scene?

The Electronic scene here is great. Things are slowly getting better here after the impact of Covid. There are many more parties and we are getting a lot of tourists here too, which also helps the scene. We love the Tokyo scene because there are so many things going on every day. You can always find a party somewhere in Tokyo.

You guys have already signed a large number of releases on major labels worldwide, is it in your plans to open your own record label some day?

As of now we don’t have any plan but maybe one day!

Congratulations for your new ‘I Want To See EP’ which will be out this month on Adam Beyer’s imprint Drumcode. How do you guys feel about it and how did your EP end up being released on Drumcode, what’s the story behind it?

We are super happy with our release on Drumcode. Drumcode has always been a label which inspired us so we are truly honored. It all started when we sent Adam Beyer a demo at the end of last year. From there things slowly started moving.

Can you tell us about the production processes and inspiration behind each track of the EP’?

The inspiration behind this EP came from a few vocal samples we came across. These vocals really stood out for us so we knew what kind of track we wanted to make. Based on these samples, we really focused on building a groove and keeping things simple, but with impact.

How long did it take to make this EP, do you guys usually always work together in the studio, or do you divide the tasks in some way?

The total amount, it took us maybe around 2 months to create these tracks but after testing it during our sets, we did make adjustments, really taking our time to finalize the tracks.

We usually divide the tasks. I work first to create loops of different moods and then we both work together in the studio to decide which ones to work on. Then I would layout the track and then we would both sit again in the studio to makes changes.

We have a similar workflow also for mixdown. This way works better for us. Sometimes if we work from the start in the studio, our ideas can clash so we feel things are smoother with tasks divided.

Could you describe your new EP in one sentence?

We would say this EP is groovy and driving!

Any other upcoming releases already scheduled that you can give us some details about?

We have a track coming out on KD Raw for a 100th release special VA and we are also working on other projects at the moment which we hope to be able to share the details soon!

To this moment, what do you guys would consider your most significant achievement in your career as an artist?

For sure our release with Drumcode. It’s been our long time goal to make an EP release with the label!

As professional producers that you are, what advice would you like to give to anyone who is starting to produce their own music?

Never give up and try to be original. Focus on developing your own unique style.

I remember that I saw you D. Singh in Guatemala this year, an incredible night, what do you remember from that night and how have your visits to Guatemala been?

Yes, that was an amazing party! I have always had a great time in Guatemala. The people are so nice and the energy from the dancefloor is just crazy!

Thanks for your time guys, to close the interview, can you guys tell what the purpose of your music is?

The purpose of our music is to make people enjoy. We see it as a tool to communicate with people all around the globe. We are very happy that we are able to do this!

Check out Drunken Kong’s debut on Drumcode ‘I Want to See’ out now:

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