01Profile
A Rih（YOUENKINGYO) Photo
Rih（YOUENKINGYO)
Artist/Dancer — Gifu/Tokyo
03Interview
Name
Rih（YOUENKINGYO）
What do you do?
Artist/Dancer.
Where are you from?
Gifu (central Japan)/Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The DJ LCY / L U C Y. I saw them for the first time at the STAR FESTIVAL in Kyoto the other day. They are a female techno artist and stunning from a visual perspective. I didn't know them before the show, but the energy emanating from behind the decks gave me shivers. There is often a certain degree of readability in DJ sets, but LCY was different. The set was very erratic, but the sounds they created were naturally cool. It was a beautiful chance encounter.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
I know it's a Japanese subculture, but Harajuku fashion. There is a lot of rock influence in Harajuku style, but if you trace it back, I think you'll find UK influence there. That's why I wore Dr. Martens boots and 25cm thick soles — I was quite the sight in the Japanese countryside where I grew up (laughs).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
A club called Eight in Nagoya. It's a small hip-hop club, and as I used to hang out in Nagoya more often than Gifu, Nagoya is like a second hometown for me — or at least a very important destination on my life journey. I was so happy to be able to perform there, and I have nothing but good things to say about Nagoya.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse by a million miles. Her voice has been a lifeline for me, and I think I’d be completely overcome with emotion if I could join her on stage to sing ‘Valerie’ together. In my dream scenario, we would do it in London rather than Nagoya or Tokyo.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would absolutely love to spend an hour with Amy. Hanging out in the spots she liked to go to, just listening to music and chatting together woman to woman.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
They are not UK artists, but I'm a big fan of the two drill rappers, Bene Baby and Choppa Capone.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What are the important points of the playlist?
My musical tastes have been influenced by the US rather than the UK, and I'm not overly familiar with UK music, but I wanted to create a bold playlist mixing classic songs with drill tracks that are on people's radar right now.
The first track you played on repeat?
I think something like John Lennon's version of 'Stand By Me,' although I know that track isn't originally from the UK. The first artist I listened to where I was conscious I was listening to UK Music was probably Amy Winehouse and her track 'Tears Dry On Their Own'. I only discovered Amy after she passed away and was heartbroken. My bandmate Nina gave me a copy of 'Back To Black' on vinyl, and I wore that record out listening to it.
A song that defines the teenage you?
That’s really hard to answer, but I’ll say ‘Anarchy In The UK’ by the Sex Pistols (laughs). I was basically like that as a teenager. I didn’t listen to anybody.
One record you would keep forever?
You probably know what I’m about to say. There is only one choice for me, Amy’s ‘Back To Black’.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I wouldn’t say they necessarily inspired me, but I think the lyrics for ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon and Yoko Ono are really good. Especially the lines about race and wealth.
Best song to turn up loud?
My answer is probably going to annoy you, but the truth is, it's Amy again (laughs). If I'm singing at the top of my voice, I'd choose 'Rehab' or perhaps 'Amy Amy Amy'. When I'm doing my makeup, I sometimes find myself singing and dancing.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
That would probably be Mura Masa. I've danced to his songs and created my own showcase of his music. I thought 'Love$ick' with A$AP Rocky was genius, and all the tracks are on point.
What new music are you listening to?
The Jamaican artist Skilligeng.
03Interview
Name
Rih（YOUENKINGYO）
What do you do?
Artist/Dancer.
Where are you from?
Gifu (central Japan)/Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The DJ LCY / L U C Y. I saw them for the first time at the STAR FESTIVAL in Kyoto the other day. They are a female techno artist and stunning from a visual perspective. I didn't know them before the show, but the energy emanating from behind the decks gave me shivers. There is often a certain degree of readability in DJ sets, but LCY was different. The set was very erratic, but the sounds they created were naturally cool. It was a beautiful chance encounter.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
I know it's a Japanese subculture, but Harajuku fashion. There is a lot of rock influence in Harajuku style, but if you trace it back, I think you'll find UK influence there. That's why I wore Dr. Martens boots and 25cm thick soles — I was quite the sight in the Japanese countryside where I grew up (laughs).
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
A club called Eight in Nagoya. It's a small hip-hop club, and as I used to hang out in Nagoya more often than Gifu, Nagoya is like a second hometown for me — or at least a very important destination on my life journey. I was so happy to be able to perform there, and I have nothing but good things to say about Nagoya.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse by a million miles. Her voice has been a lifeline for me, and I think I’d be completely overcome with emotion if I could join her on stage to sing ‘Valerie’ together. In my dream scenario, we would do it in London rather than Nagoya or Tokyo.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would absolutely love to spend an hour with Amy. Hanging out in the spots she liked to go to, just listening to music and chatting together woman to woman.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
They are not UK artists, but I'm a big fan of the two drill rappers, Bene Baby and Choppa Capone.
04Playlist Notes
What are the important points of the playlist?
My musical tastes have been influenced by the US rather than the UK, and I'm not overly familiar with UK music, but I wanted to create a bold playlist mixing classic songs with drill tracks that are on people's radar right now.
The first track you played on repeat?
I think something like John Lennon's version of 'Stand By Me,' although I know that track isn't originally from the UK. The first artist I listened to where I was conscious I was listening to UK Music was probably Amy Winehouse and her track 'Tears Dry On Their Own'. I only discovered Amy after she passed away and was heartbroken. My bandmate Nina gave me a copy of 'Back To Black' on vinyl, and I wore that record out listening to it.
A song that defines the teenage you?
That’s really hard to answer, but I’ll say ‘Anarchy In The UK’ by the Sex Pistols (laughs). I was basically like that as a teenager. I didn’t listen to anybody.
One record you would keep forever?
You probably know what I’m about to say. There is only one choice for me, Amy’s ‘Back To Black’.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I wouldn’t say they necessarily inspired me, but I think the lyrics for ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon and Yoko Ono are really good. Especially the lines about race and wealth.
Best song to turn up loud?
My answer is probably going to annoy you, but the truth is, it's Amy again (laughs). If I'm singing at the top of my voice, I'd choose 'Rehab' or perhaps 'Amy Amy Amy'. When I'm doing my makeup, I sometimes find myself singing and dancing.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
That would probably be Mura Masa. I've danced to his songs and created my own showcase of his music. I thought 'Love$ick' with A$AP Rocky was genius, and all the tracks are on point.
What new music are you listening to?
The Jamaican artist Skilligeng.
【妖艶金魚】yoenkingyo 「BLACK」
【妖艶金魚】yoenkingyo 『Shikisai 』
【妖艶金魚】yoenkingyo「ATTITUDE」
【妖艶金魚】yoenkingyo「FUNK YOU」
【妖艶金魚】yoenkingyo「OSS」
【妖艶金魚】Yoenkingyo 「Oyasumi」