This short performance video captures DJ Krush doing a solo turntable-and-laptop set at the site of the ZÅjÅ-ji”‹ Temple in his native Tokyo, Japan. The footage captures not just the turntablism itself, but Krush walking to the temple and setting up his equipment. As the sun slowly rises, the seeming black and white of the setting lets in hints of blue and Krush’s music gains depth and complexity. Fittingly his raw audio includes wooden flutes, finding a commonality with the ancient traditions of the venue. Simple beats are layered amid echoing effects. As a sonic artifact, the video documents not just the sound of his performance but the sound of his preparation: cables being snapped into place, equipment being arranged. The multi-camera shoot moves easily back and forth between framing Krush’s stage setup and providing extended glimpses of his fingers in action. Later, in the open-air setting, bird calls provide an uncanny parallel to Krush’s own vinyl manipulation.
Video originally posted at youtube.com. More on the set at thump.vice.com. The video was directed by Toshihiko Morosawa. More from Krush at sus81.jp/djkrush.