Bumped into Soichi a few weeks ago... 🙂🙃 Not sure if I already told the story about how we met, yet? Either way, here it is once again. Back in 2013 (or was it 2014?) Antal asked me if I had an idea for a release for Rush Hour. I remembered how much I loved the few 12”es from an obscure Japanese artist in my collection. (I think my old buddy @lexx_72 once tipped me off to some of Soichi’s releases being available on Juno). Antal liked the idea and told me I should see if I can reach out to Soichi. I thought, hmm, so I just write the guy? Ooohhhkay! Soichi had a rudimentary label website back then, and an email address in the contacts. I introduced myself and lined out my idea for an anthology of his early house music work, and literally a few hours later Soichi replied that he liked the idea, and sent me a download link with 40-50 tracks to choose from. It was that simple. Fast forward... we put out the compilation and played many many parties together ever since. Rush Hour released the album “Asakusa Light” with new material in 2021, and Soichi is back on the road with his uniquely human and infectious musical energy. ✨ We will play together in a park in Glasgow later today. 🌱 Ps. For the curious out there - check out his “Omodaka” project as well. It’s wild and imaginative and fun.