JNTM Exclusive: Just A Mix… Episode 01 – Shintaro Yasuda [Free Download]

We here at JNTM are beyond excited to introduce a new series called Just A Mix… which will feature some of the best young talent from across the world. Every month we’ll spotlight a different producer who is on their way to becoming the next big thing.

The first installment of Just A Mix… features one of the hardest working up-and-comers I’ve ever had the pleasure of communicating with, Shintaro Yasuda. I was first introduced to Shintaro by our JNTM homie, BRAZZABELLE, who has been working closely with Shintaro. I got a chance to ask Shintaro some questions in addition to getting the inaugural installment of Just A Mix…

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Download the very first installment of Just A Mix… right here. 

JNTM: Who was the first electronic artist that you listened to that made you want to start producing/DJing? Who still inspires you to this day?

Shintaro Yasuda: There were three songs that I remember that made me want to start producing electronic music. Chuckie’s “Let the Bass Kick” which I heard for the first time at my high school prom haha. It blew my mind.

The other two were Laidback Luke and Steve Angello’s remake of “Show Me Love” and Steve Aoki’s “Warp 1.9”

All of these producers still inspire me today because they’ve all been successful and have created their own signature sound, while still evolving with the progression and style changes of today’s music.

JNTM: Give us some background on yourself and your history working in music.

SY: I started at the age of 3 as a classically and jazz trained pianist in Miami. My career was focused on piano performance up until a few years ago. I’ve played in many bands, orchestras, solo performances, and as a studio musician.

I’ve picked up on a few instruments including guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, and clarinet. I then moved to LA where I attended school for audio engineering.

JNTM: What do you think the hardest thing is about getting started/getting your name out there, etc?

SY: Everything! Being able to stand out of the crowd can definitely be a challenge among the sea of producers and DJs especially when you’re trying to get your first few tracks heard.

JNTM: Do you think collaboration is a big part of getting your foot in the door? Why or why not?

SY: Absolutely. I found a lot of my growth as a producer was from being able to sit in a room with another producer and work on a track.

It’s always refreshing to learn and see how another individual’s approach to creating or editing can teach you to look at things differently and you can always pick up on a couple tips and tricks. It’s also more fun to be sitting in a studio with someone than being alone for 12 hours haha.

JNTM: What’s one of the biggest moments you had in 2013? What do you look forward to in 2014?

SY: Definitely opening up my own studio out here in LA was one the best things of 2013. Also meeting and getting a ton of feedback and support from producers and DJs I admire has been amazing!

2014 will be a busy year and I’m looking forward to be releasing a bunch of tracks and coming to a city near you! I also look forward to just be growing as a musician, producer, and person.

JNTM: Who are some of your favorite artists right now? EDM or not.

SY: Some of my favorite EDM artists that I’m really into right now are Brazzabelle, GTA, Wiwek, D.O.D, Juyen Sebulba, Laidback Luke, Autoerotique, Steve Aoki and Nervo. Some non EDM artists that I’m really into are Jojo, Leah Labelle, Tori Kelly, and Nikki Yanofsky.

I’ve been nostalgic lately so I’ve been listening to 90s/2000s Pop and Hip-hop.

JNTM: The EDM culture as a whole has been growing exponentially over the past few years — what are your thoughts on that? Do you think it’s a good thing or potentially a bad thing?

SY: I think it’s amazing. It’s great to see music I enjoy creating and listen to grow and become more popular by the day in all parts of the world.

JNTM: What’s one of the most embarrassing things to have happened to you on stage? How did you recover?

SY: Being as clumsy as I am, I remember playing keys in a gig once and spilled a drink all over my gear and had to stop in the middle of playing to switch out a keyboard haha.

JNTM: What do your parents think of you being a producer/DJ? Are they caught up on the culture and do they understand/support what you’re doing?

SY: My parents have always supported me since the day I picked up an instrument. My dad’s an old fashioned Japanese father so I don’t think he understands the culture but he’s always supported me in everything I do as long as I’m putting in the right work ethic.

JNTM: If you could have any other profession other than producing/djing what would it be and why?

That’s a tough one because all I’ve ever known was music but I did play paintball at a pro level for a while so maybe that. I also like arguing so maybe a lawyer haha!