Interview: Risa Taniguchi talks ‘Break It’ EP on CLR and Tokyo club scene

Photo: Joaquin Pangelinan

Risa Taniguchi has built a strong reputation in techno, with releases on influential record labels such as Second State, Kneaded Pains, and CLR.

Her latest ‘Break It’ EP marks another step in her ongoing collaboration with the Chris Liebing owned imprint, and we have a premiere and interview to highlight the release.

We spoke with the Tokyo-based DJ and producer about the new tracks, the balance between touring and studio time, and her perspective on the club culture in her home city.

How has 2025 been for Risa Taniguchi so far?

Honestly, it feels like I’ve spent more time in airports than in my own apartment this year. 2025 has been incredibly busy with constant travel, and I’m actually answering these questions right now on the Shinkansen to Osaka. In between international gigs, I’ve built a nice rhythm of locking myself in my Tokyo studio and producing tracks in bursts of creative energy. That contrast, being on the road versus being in the studio, has given me a sense of balance and momentum.

You’re about to return to CLR for the release of ‘Break It’ – what inspired the two tracks included on this release?

My main intention was to make them very floor-oriented. I wanted tracks that not only fit seamlessly into my own DJ sets, but also felt natural for Chris to play in his. From the very beginning, I was writing these pieces with CLR in mind, while making sure they still carried my own character and strengths. Instead of relying on big, dramatic breakdowns, I deliberately left space in the arrangements so DJs can really interact with them in the mix and create their own moments on the dancefloor.

You’re becoming a regular on the label at this point, you must really enjoy working with Chris and his team?

Becoming something of a regular on CLR is honestly surreal. It also comes with a sense of responsibility, because it means delivering techno at the absolute highest level. When I first started producing, I never thought I’d release even a single track on CLR, it felt like a distant dream. Every release from the label has always carried such uncompromising quality; there’s simply no room to hide. So to now be considered part of the family, and to have Chris’s support, is both humbling and motivating. I’m very proud, but it still doesn’t completely feel real.

Kneaded Pains and Second State are also highlights in your catalogue, what are some of the main things you look for when considering a label for a release?

First and foremost, I need to genuinely love the music that comes out on the label, that’s non-negotiable. Another important factor is variety. I don’t like when a label is too locked into one very narrow subgenre, because I feel my own productions don’t sit neatly in just one category of techno. I also appreciate labels with a sense of playfulness or openness in their vision. And finally, it matters to me that I truly respect the label head as an artist; that personal admiration makes the collaboration more meaningful.

And which other record labels might you be releasing with in the near future?

I definitely have a wish list in my head, but I’ll keep that to myself for now. Once something is confirmed, I’ll be happy to share the news.

You’re based in Tokyo, what’s something you love about your local club scene?

One of the best things is being able to grab an amazing bowl of ramen after a long night out, nothing compares. Also, I really appreciate how clean and well-maintained the club bathrooms are in Tokyo, which might sound like a small thing but it makes a big difference.

And something you would like to see change?

I really wish Tokyo had a night bus system. In Japan we have the “last train” culture, where public transportation basically stops around midnight. It makes going out to a nightclub more difficult, because if you miss the last train you’re stuck with expensive taxis. A proper late-night transit option would open things up so much more for the scene.

Anything else to add?

Thank you so much for having me! I hope ‘Break It’ finds its way into many DJ sets around the world, and that people enjoy playing it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Risa Taniguchi – Break It EP is out now on CLR.

40 Questions: Ramon Tapia