SUDO delivers trance-infused techno mastery for Drumcode debut

Japanese brothers Isao and Takashi Sudo, known as SUDO, have been pivotal in the electronic music scene, evolving from rock, jazz, and new wave into a distinctive techno sound.

They started organising their own events in Kansai, Japan, before making waves internationally with releases on labels like SCI+TEC and MINUS.

This year, the brothers reached a significant milestone with their ‘Real World’ EP as a debut on Drumcode.

The collaboration with the label happened when Bart Skils shared their demo with Adam Beyer, who supported the tracks at major gigs.

Speaking to Mixmag Asia, Isao mentions: "I had a lot of Drumcode vinyl since the 90s and Adam Beyer was our hero. At that time it was just a dream, like a huge mountain, but we started to make music as SUDO and little by little, we started to make music that we were happy with, and after 10 years it finally became a reality.

Title track ‘Real World’ is a deep, trancey composition inspired by Underworld’s ‘Rez’, featuring barrelling basslines and ethereal melodies that create an immersive, futuristic experience. It is also currently sitting at the number one spot in Beatport’s Techno (Peak Time / Driving) Chart.

‘Construction’ blends peak-time techno power with warm, analogue breaks, offering a mesmerising ambient interlude that elevates the track.

Finally, ‘Mercury’ rounds up the listening experience as a transcendental tech-trance piece, designed as an end-of-set anthem that captures the nostalgic, fleeting moments of a party winding down.

Reflecting on their creative journey, SUDO shared that a pivotal moment was their decision to focus on the music they genuinely enjoyed rather than chasing trends.

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"A few years ago, we decided to quit making music that suited the big label's taste and concentrate on making music that we were truly and genuinely happy with," they said

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This philosophy is evident in the release; "The ‘Real World’ EP has a lot of elements of our musical history, as well as our roots back from ‘90s, and the high-energy taste of that era," the brothers added.

Listen to SUDO ‘Real World’ via Drumcode here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.