14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHRISA TANIGUCHI

Tokyo-based producer and DJ Risa Taniguchi returns to Chris Liebing’s CLR with the ‘Magnetic’ EP. She has released four EPs for the label, alongside releases on labels such as MOOD, Second State and more, and has won support from artists including Amelie Lens, Perc, and Daniel Avery.

Risa Taniguchi’s ‘Magnetic’ EP opens with the title, riding on thumping kicks, distant bell tones, and cavernous sub-bass that gives the groove its full weight. Carefully sculpted details, from groaning textures to dusty hi-hats, add depth throughout as the track unfolds into a driving and cinematic techno workout. ‘Masks’ keeps the pressure high with a more extroverted energy, layering hammering percussion, fractured synth lines, and vocal yelps into an urgent peak-time cut charged with tension and momentum.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hello, my name is Risa Taniguchi. I'm a DJ and producer based in Tokyo, Japan, and an enthusiast of Ramen and wines. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Claude Achille Debussy. I'd love to show him what electronic music has become over a coffee, then hear what he thinks about synthesizers, drum machines, and clubs. I wonder if he'd be horrified—or secretly fascinated. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Definitely teleportation. Being able to instantly travel between Japan and Europe would change my life. I love touring, but long-haul flights are the only part I dread. If I could teleport instead, I'd happily play twice as many shows.

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

I'd choose Memento. I love the way it plays with memory, perception, and time. I think it would be fascinating to write a score that subtly blurs the line between reality and confusion, using sound to make the audience feel as disoriented as the main character. 

Q: Who influenced you the most in your music career and why?

Ludwig van Beethoven. I've always loved the passion and intensity of his music. It feels bold, emotional, and timeless. Even though I make techno, I think that emotional power is something I always aspire to in my own work. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

I started my journey as a DJ. After spending years discovering and playing music, I wanted to express my own ideas, so I began producing. Since then, it's been a continuous journey of learning, creating, and performing around the world while staying true to my sound.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

Start by copying the music you love. Recreating your favorite tracks is one of the fastest ways to learn. Over time, you'll naturally discover your own voice. Also, don't be afraid to ask for honest feedback from people you trust. It might be tough to hear sometimes, but it will help you grow much faster. Keep practicing, stay patient, and trust the process.

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

One set I'll never forget was playing the small stage at the Fuji Rock Festival pre-party many years ago. The place was packed with people as far as I could see, and it was an incredibly special feeling to play for such a huge crowd in my home country. That moment made me realize how fortunate I was to share my music with so many people in the place where I was born.

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

I think my style is always changing. I really respect artists who can keep pursuing one specific sound for many years, but for me, my taste is constantly evolving little by little. The energy I want to express changes, and what the audience responds to also changes. So rather than staying in one fixed place, I try to keep growing while still keeping something that feels true to me.

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

I'd probably choose UK bass music. It's actually where my roots as a DJ began. I love its groove, rhythmic complexity, and the freedom to blend influences from so many different genres. Even in my techno sets and productions today, I often find myself inspired by those rhythms and energy.

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

1- The Chemical Brothers – "Believe": I'd never heard a bassline like that before. I still remember getting literal goosebumps the first time I heard it. It was one of the tracks that made me realize electronic music could be powerful, emotional, and full of energy all at once.

2- Space Cowboy – "I Would Die 4 U": It was constantly playing at the café where I worked part-time at the time. Before I knew it, I was singing along every day. It became one of those songs that naturally pulled me deeper into electronic music.

3- Denki Groove & Scha Dara Parr – "Saint Ojisan": I first heard it at what was probably the trendiest hair salon at the time, and I remember thinking it was the coolest thing I'd ever heard. Until then, I'd never really listened to Denki Groove. Looking back now, it feels almost surreal that I get to share lineups with Takkyu Ishino today.

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

I'd say the northern part of Okinawa—just not in the middle of summer. The combination of beautiful nature, the ocean, and a slower pace of life creates an amazing atmosphere. I think an open-air rave there, surrounded by nature, would be something really special.

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

Hopefully, I'll have a few collaborative releases coming out soon, which I'm really excited about. I'll also be touring Europe in August and October, so I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the amazing crowds there and sharing some new music.

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I have a WSET Level 3 qualification in wine. I love tasting wines from different regions and learning about how terroir shapes their character. It actually made touring even more enjoyable because I get to discover local wines wherever I go.