Influenced by legends like Nujabes and the Yellow Magic Orchestra, Lotus Seven Lotus’ journey into music began as a teenager, sampling records and crafting beats inspired by the vibrant sounds of Tokyo’s relentless music scene. Specializing in genres like Hip-Hop, Techno, and House Music, Lotus Seven Lotus has a diverse range of inspirations. From collaborating with Japanese MCs to conceptualizing a new beat tape, he is carving a unique path for himself. In an exclusive interview with The Skadoosh, Lotus Seven Lotus shared his journey with us!
Can you tell us about your journey into music production? What inspired you to start making beats?
Since childhood, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to a lot of techno music, thanks to my father’s influence. Among the artists I often listened to was Yellow Magic Orchestra, the iconic techno band formed by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, and led by Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of Japan’s most renowned composers. I started making beats at 16 after dropping out of high school. I had always dreamed of composing music, with an initial desire to create techno. However, at 16, I discovered hip-hop while exploring the music of the time. Japanese hip-hop back then was incredibly sophisticated, with a rich BoomBap style that deeply inspired me. From that point, I shifted my focus to creating Old School BoomBap and Jazzy beats, embracing this refined and expressive genre.
What is it about genres like hip-hop, techno, and house that connected with you?
Techno and house music have been my favorites since I was a child. I was also strongly influenced by the Japanese animation Eureka Seven. The soundtrack of Eureka Seven featured some great artists who were at the forefront of the Japanese techno scene. The sound of such electronic music was very exciting and I was fascinated by it. I was introduced to hip-hop at the age of 16, and while the beats in the Japanese rap scene in the 2010s were often old-school BoomBap, they were also often emotional, beautiful, and sophisticated, built from a wide range of sampling sources. I was struck by the sophisticated sound created from a wide range of sampling sources. My first encounter with the music of the world-renowned Nujabes was particularly wonderful. I fell in love with his music and listened to it daily. Rap music unique to the Japanese language is also not known worldwide, but it was a great encounter for me, as there are many great songs with skillful MCs, both in terms of rhyming and flow.
How has the Tokyo music scene influenced you as an artist?
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is not only the country’s most populous city but also attracts a wide range of musicians, from young, up-and-coming talent to established musicians who have shaped Tokyo’s music scene over the years. Known for its incredible variety of genres, Tokyo’s music scene is constantly evolving. However, the music scene in Tokyo is sometimes ruthless, making it a difficult place for young, new artists to make their mark. To get noticed in the Tokyo music scene, I was required to build connections with fellow artists and produce a steady body of work. For me, navigating Tokyo’s music scene has taught me what it truly means to be an artist.
What’s the story behind your name- Lotus Seven Lotus?
My artist name, Lotus Seven Lotus, has many stories behind it. First of all, I use the word Lotus because the lotus flower holds a major significance in the Japanese Buddhist religion. In Buddhism, the lotus flower is symbolic and represents the Buddhist world and the world of enlightenment. I use the word Lotus because my roots are heavily connected to Buddhism in both positive and negative ways, and I use Seven because it is my lucky number and also because of Eureka Seven, an animation that strongly influenced me as a child. Sandwiching the important number Seven with Lotus completes a series of stories that reflect many of my roots. For me, Lotus Seven Lotus is an important name with many meanings.
Are there any specific artists or producers who have influenced your music and style?
My musical style is built on the influence of many artists. My particular influences include Japanese beatmakers Nujabes, DJ Honda, Green Assassin Doller, JJJ, Sweet William, Olive Oil, 16flip, Gradis Nice, Scratch Nice, Aru-2, STUTS, etc. US producers especially J Dilla and DJ Premier. US producers like J Dilla and DJ Premier were especially influential to me. In electronic music such as techno and house, I was influenced by Yellow Magic Orchestra, Ken Ishii, Hiroshi Watanabe, Takkyu Ishino, Kagami, Yoshinori Sunahara, METAFIVE, Sketch Show, Denki Groove, Hardfloor, Yasutaka Nakata, 808 State, and others.
What does your typical workflow look like when you’re creating a track?
There is a lot of work involved in the production of hip-hop beats, house beats, and techno beats. My music production process depends on the genre. When producing a hip-hop BoomBap beat, I start by deciding on a concept and style. Once I have a clear idea, I dive into finding sampling sources. I often explore old records and sound sources, searching for phrases or tones that resonate with me. Once I find the right sample, I Chop & Flip it to craft my ideal beat.
Next, I create a temporary drum beat using a drum kit, which I refine later. The sampled pieces are layered over the drum pattern, and adjustments are made to achieve the perfect rhythm and texture. Once the drums and samples are finalized, I fine-tune the samples using an equalizer. I then add a bass line on the keyboard to complete a single loop. Further production involves developing the track, either by layering another sampled phrase or reworking the existing samples to create new elements. Once all the para data is prepared, I arrange it in my DAW and begin the mixing process, which results in a completed demo beat.
For techno and house music, the process is different. Sampling plays a much smaller role. I start by selecting a chord progression that aligns with the concept I’m aiming for and layer multiple phrases on top. Instead of dramatic changes in melody or chords, I develop the track by adding and subtracting elements. Once I have the foundation of the beat, I arrange the data in my DAW and complete the mixing process, producing a polished demo track.
What software, gear, or tools are essential to your setup?
I use Maschine+, MacBook, MPK mini, YAMAHA HS5, SP404SX, SP404mk2, Focusrite 2i2, DAW software is FL Studio.
Do you prefer collaborating with artists or working solo?
I always enjoy collaborating with other artists. New ideas and great soundtracks that can only be created with that partner are often the result of our work together. Collaboration is always stimulating and gives me the opportunity to create new works that I would not be able to create on my own. Collaboration is very exciting. However, I tend to make more Instrumental pieces and prefer a self-contained musical style that I can create and release at my own pace. It is difficult to choose between both styles of production as they are both very appealing, but I currently prefer the individual style of production. Of course, if I am invited to collaborate, I will not hesitate to do so.
Do you draw inspiration from genres outside hip-hop, techno, and house?
Of course. It is heavily influenced by genres other than hip-hop, techno, and house. It can be instrumental piano music, indie folk singers, or prominent rock bands. One genre that particularly influences me outside of hip-hop, techno, and house is Japanese alternative rock. The quality of Japanese alternative rock is high and there are some great bands. I highly encourage exploring Japanese alternative rock—you might discover something truly inspiring.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?
When I am not making music, I am often painting or designing artwork. I design and create all of the artwork for my music releases, and I encourage you to take a look at the artwork as well. When I am not doing that, I often listen to music from different artists. I have many inspirational moments and it makes life easier. I also watch a lot of anime and manga. I also read novels, but the inspiration and motivation I get from anime and manga are very important to me.
Any upcoming releases or projects we should watch out for?
I am currently working with a Japanese MC. I don't know when I will release them, but I am expanding my activities and will be releasing more dope beats and collaborations in the future. I am also currently conceptualizing a project to produce a new beat tape album, which I hope to have out next year. I would love to collaborate with US rappers as well.
What advice would you give to the up-and-coming musicians?
I have been making beats anyway and have been able to develop my current style. It is difficult for young artists to get noticed in today's music scene, and it is not easy to get opportunities. However, just continuing to make beats is never a waste of time. For example, if there is a technique or idea that you haven't used yet, you can keep using it when you make new music. If you find something missing when you finish a song, you can use it in your next piece. I have set my sights on the beatmakers I have admired and have imitated the styles of the artists I admire to obtain the same expressive power to approach the same level. As a result, I have received various inspirations and influences that have led me to my current musical style. It is important to start by imitating the artists you admire, and then refine your ability to express yourself. I wish the best of luck to the young and new talents.
You can stream Lotus Seven Lotus’ music on Spotify:
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