Japanese techno duo SUDO are marking a milestone moment with the release of their new EP ‘We Are Free’ on Drumcode. Known for their sleek productions and high-energy DJ sets, the pair dive deep into the creative process behind the record in this exclusive interview. From the inspirations that shaped ‘We Are Free’, to reflections on Japan’s evolving techno scene, their production heroes, and the balance of working as a duo, SUDO share fresh insights into their artistry.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5vebUxve6qmU4bud2y4Yze?si=sK1XkgjITray3 cIQ5YyndA
As two brothers collaborating with one another between Berlin and Osaka, tell us about your workflow and how you create music together. What does each person bring to the project?
I’m mostly works on the technical side, and Takashi often focuses on the ideas and direction of the tracks. We do online studio sessions where Takashi gives feedback on the base track I makes.
Back when I have lived in Kobe, we worked together in the studio all the time, so we know how does it works really well.
Do you go in with a plan or just let things flow?
There’s no set way we make tracks, but usually start with an idea and build it into something real. Ideas can come from anywhere — maybe recording a cool track we heard at a party, get inspired by another genre, hear someone playing music on the street, Even when I’m lying in bed before I go to sleep.. Sometimes we are just messing around on a synth, and a track comes together fast from a loop. Making music is a deep, endless process for us.
Who are your production heroes?
Actually a lot but, Wehbba and Egbert. We’re always surprised and impressed by their work.
What’s a dream bit of studio gear you’d like to add to your collection?
Next on our list is definitely the Prophet 6. We love it so much that we’d even want to make a whole album using just that synth.
Do you set career goals and try to manifest certain things or just let things flow? If so, what would you like to achieve in 2025?
We want to create music that lasts and that we can be really proud of. That’s what matters most to us.
Outside of music, what sort of hobbies or practices do you both have to keep balance in your life?
I like manga and anime, and often finds inspiration in their soundtracks. I also love cooking and see a lot of similarities between cooking and making music — like choosing the right ingredients, adjusting the heat, and knowing exactly when and how much spice to add.
Takashi loves motorcycles and rides a big Harley, and he is great at connecting people as well. Also visiting Tenkawa Shrine in Nara, which feels like the home of our soul, is one of Japan’s most important places dedicated to the god of arts. In the past, artists like Brian Eno and Vangelis have performed there. We’ve also been honored to play during sacred ceremonies at the shrine, and the powerful energy of the place has had a big influence on our music. We’re very grateful for this connection.
Share a musical recommendation you can’t stop listening to.
I’m a big fan of Japanese composer Hiroyuki Sawano, especially his music for the anime Attack on Titan. I’ve listened to it countless times.
What’s coming up next in terms of your studio projects?
We have a collaboration track with the legendary Jam El Mar from Jam & Spoon coming out on Zoomer. We were also offered a remix of a track from The Matrix by Juno Reaktor, and it’s just been completed. We love the movie, and it was a huge project, so it’s a real honor.
And we’re also working on a remix for Hungarian artist Gaga, which will be released on his label, Darkface Recordings.
We’re planning to collaborate with several amazing artists. We just released a new EP ‘We Are Free’ on Drumcode on July 25, and after that, we’ll focus more on our solo projects. Next year, we’re really excited because there’s a chance we might remix a track for one of our heroes— someone we truly admire.
Please tell us about the respective cities you live in (Berlin and Osaka) in terms of the club scenes. What is inspiring you about them? Where should people go if they visit?
In Berlin, it’s not just the music but the energy and free spirit of the people and the city that really inspire me to create. I play every month at CarneBall Bizarre in Kit Kat Club, which is a really unique place. There’s a dress code, but inside, no one uses their phones. Everyone’s free to express themselves and feels totally liberated — the vibe on the dance floor is always amazing.
Osaka has an incredible energy too, coming from its people. It’s known
as the city of comedy and really gives you a boost of vitality. The club scene isn’t huge yet, but it has a lot of potential.
Just last weekend, I was invited as a guest to a show in Osaka hosted by my friends Drunken Kong. They usually run regular parties at places like Womb and really know how to build a great event. They brought a lot of energy and motivation to the Osaka crew. As a result, the party was a huge success with a lineup made up entirely of local Japanese artists. It was really inspiring to see, and it made me feel excited about the future possibilities for the scene here.
Can you highlight some up and coming artists we should have on our radar?
I’m not sure if she’s officially “up-and-coming,” but YOZÉ is a very talented producer and DJ. She has a really wide range of styles, and I really like her sound.
What’s your most anticipated gig of the summer fans should check out?
Isao is currently back in Japan, and we’ll be touring Japan and South Korea. Every gig is special, but our show at Womb in Tokyo on August 15 is definitely one to watch. Last year, our friend Drunken Kong’s event, Intention, was packed and had an amazing vibe, so we’re really looking forward to this one as well.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The We Are Free EP, recently released on Drumcode, means a lot to us. Huge thanks to Adam, the Drumcode team, and Bart for their support and for trusting our music. We hope the energy we put into the studio makes its way to you on the dancefloor.