40 Questions: Hiroko Yamamura

Chicago’s Hiroko Yamamura brings her trademark sound of high-impact techno to this month’s 40 Questions, touching on life as a touring DJ, creative influences, and more.

With releases on labels like Arcane, Octopus Recordings, and HE.SHE.THEY, Hiroko has become a familiar name in contemporary techno circles – focusing on tough, functional tracks delivered with intent.

1. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

On my way to Europe right now, watching some Avengers movie theories on YouTube.

2. What year were you born?

Ehhh! Let’s say I’m not quite 50 and not quite 20.

3. Do you have a nickname?

I don’t think that can be posted online.

4. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

Animation cel from the anime movie Akira.

5. How would you describe yourself?

Quite boring and lame, but I know a lot about manga and comics.

6. Worst experience as a DJ?

Any time someone has a bad time.

7. Best experience as a DJ?

Probably my first set.

8. Favourite record label?

Arcane, Octopus, or Creation.

9. What’s your biggest weakness?

I’m not very bright.

10. First record you ever paid for?

Probably The Transformers: The Movie OST.

11. What’s your morning routine?

Mornings are not my thing.

12. Your dream collaboration?

Anyone that can stand to work with me.

13. Tell us something we shouldn’t know about you?

My Rubik’s cube solve speed?

14. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

Books, movies, comics, media.

15. And in the industry?

Friends.

16. Ever smoked?

Yes?

17. Ever done drugs?

I’m not sure what that is.

18. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Everything my parents gave me.

19. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

Patience.

20. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

My mom’s house.

21. And one place you want to visit?

My mom’s house.

22. If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

I probably wouldn’t be here.

23. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Fixing laser printers.

24. Favourite record right now?

Sian – Insanity On Realm.

25. And the best record ever made?

Slowdrive – Souvlaki.

26. One thing you couldn’t live without?

Internet.

27. Your favourite food?

Diet Coke.

28. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

My ex’s cooking.

29. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

The potted plant.

30. What’s something you’re passionate about besides music?

Elden Ring.

31. Favourite club you’ve played?

Womb.

32. Favourite festival you’ve played?

Fujirock.

33. Craziest story of being on the road?

Pull any from of my years with Seth Troxler and they become unfit for publication. 

34. Weirdest request as a DJ?

I still get asked for Drake or BlackPink. BlackPink I’ll consider.

35. If you had one super power what would it be?

More time with my family and friends.

36. Late sleeper or early riser?

Sleep always.

37. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

I come from a time when YouTube had different measurements and await the return of Frank.

38. The top thing on your bucket list?

To be happy.

39. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

Every moment with my family.

40. Will you ever be done with music?

When it’s done with me?

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Find more 40 Questions HERE.

Hiroko Yamamura – Frequency Moves EP is out now on Arcane.

Follow Hiroko Yamamura on IG.