The second episode of our section dedicated to Jazz:Re:Found and its top-notch lineup takes us all the way to Tokyo, where DJ Koco aka SHIMOKITA, began working his magic on turntables back in 2011. In just over 10 years, his name and extraordinary skills in digging and spinning rare grooves have made people dance in clubs and festivals all around the world. And it won’t be any different in two weeks when he spreads his refined and funky vibes across the Monferrato Hills.

DJ Koco’s sets combine classic hip-hop, funk, soul, and jazz, delivered with flawless timing and expert scratching. His deep understanding of music history and skillful execution make his performances a captivating journey through the roots of modern music.

To get you acquainted with “Japan’s best-kept secret of turntablism,” his musical wizardry, and refined taste, we invited him to answer our festival-dedicated Q&A and compile a playlist with his influences.

To dance away DJ Koco's set, make sure to be under Jazz:Re:Found Main Stage
at 10.30PM on Friday 30th of August

What motivated you to accept the invitation to perform at Jazz:Re:Found, and how does the festival’s vision align with your artistic vision?

After seeing the lineup of past performers at Jazz:Re:Found, I was even more eager to attend the festival than to perform there.

Jazz:Re:Found prides itself on pioneering innovative jazz music, which closely aligns with the aims of your sets. For someone who has never seen you perform live before, could you share the key influences and origins of your unique sound?

I am honoured that Jazz:Re:Found felt a connection with my work. The roots of my music style lie in hip-hop, and I believe that if festival-goers listen to my performance, music fans of all generations will appreciate those origins.

This will be your first performance at Jazz:Re:Found. Had you ever heard about it before, and are there any aspects of the festival’s ethos and setting that you are most looking forward to experiencing?

I had heard about it before in Italy, but there’s still so much I don’t know. I’m excited to see what I’ll discover.

Jazz:Re:Found is set in the picturesque Monferrato area of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. Have you ever been to the area, and what are you looking forward to experiencing, visiting, eating, and/or drinking once there?

This is my first time visiting the Piedmont region. If there are any must-see spots or local dishes, I’d love to hear about them.

We know that you performed in Italy before. What can you tell us about your previous music experiences?

I played at the Tunnel Club in Milan and at the Organic Music Society festival in Macerata. At both events, I could fully feel the love for music.

Is there any local or Italian act at large that you are passionate about or who has inspired your sound?

I hope to meet them at Jazz:Re:Found this time.

The festival lineup constantly features a diverse array of top-notch acts. Which other artists participating in this year’s edition are you excited to see perform or possibly collaborate with?

I want to see as many performances as I can, as long as time allows.

Jazz:Re:Found always gathers a uniquely eclectic audience. How do you usually prepare your performances to connect with such a diverse crowd?

I haven’t made any special preparations. I’m just going to give my all on stage so the audience can fully enjoy the performance.

Performing at such festivals is also a unique opportunity to present and promote your music in front of thousands of music lovers. Do you have any projects you are eager to introduce to the Jazz:Re:Found audience, and what are your plans for the future?

Starting this year, I’ll be releasing 45s with the band I’m involved with. The details are still a secret.

If you were to wear the clothes of the Jazz:Re:Found PR and invite people to the festival and your set, what would you say?

You will become a witness to the magic.