Hailing from Sendai, Japan, Grooveman Spot/DJ Kou-G, aka Kouji Asano, returns to Aotearoa after an eight-year hiatus. A world-famous producer and DJ and an original member of the infamous Jazzy Sport crew, he has a lengthy back catalogue ranging from hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, house, and techno to Japanese city-pop.
His legendary first visit to Aotearoa back in 2009 won him many fans and brought about collaborations with local musicians - Hollie Smith, Julien Dyne, Isaac Aesili and Mark de Clive-Lowe. A typical three-hour set allows Kouji to express his vast musical palette and skill in reading and manipulating a dancefloor.
With his eighth new studio album, Lie-Sense, released via Scotoma Music in Japan, he focuses more on the sound of Los Angeles, with a sound deliberately showcasing R&B, or rather, slow jams.
Renowned for her colourful, vibrant illustrations and installations, Japanese artist Kyoko Shirai from ULO in Raglan will be painting live on stage alongside Kouji on the night.
