WATCH: Daisuke Kazaoka performs dub remix album live in one-take video

Japanese artist Daisuke Kazaoka has released a 43-minute video titled ‘Soundscape Live Dub Session’ on YouTube.

The session is a one-take performance of his new album ‘Soundscape from Another Planet’, which takes Kazaoka’s acoustic, folk-rooted 2024 debut ‘Soundscape’ and transforms it into a deep, atmospheric journey using traditional Jamaican dub techniques—delay, reverb, filtering.

“In reggae, there is a culture of releasing an album and then releasing a dub version of it,” he states to Mixmag Asia. “I have always loved reggae, so I simply wanted to be a part of that world.”

Filmed in a single continuous take and paired with stark monochrome visuals by filmmaker Kenta Ito, the session captures Kazaoka performing solo—looping guitar, melodica, and vocals while applying live dub effects like echo, delay, and filters.

“Because it is a live recording, there are some mistakes and rough edges, but at the same time there is a boldness, interesting arrangement, and momentum that comes from improvisation,” Kazaoka explains.

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A self-taught multi-instrumentalist from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Kazaoka handles everything—from songwriting to drumming, mixing, and mastering—on his own.

He’s known for blending Japanese folk, psychedelic sounds, and deep reggae influences into a deeply personal musical vision.

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“I don't remember where I learned it, but I love the saying: ‘Music has no borders, but music reflects environment.’ I like music that reflects the environment, local, atmosphere, and worldview of a place or country,” he explains to Mixmag Asia.

He continues: “I love reggae and dub, but I am not Jamaican,” he says. “And I also love Japanese 70's music, Asian music, and African music. I want to do music that is honest to my background while respecting the culture and music I love. My music is one result of that.”

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

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