Japanese, Berlin-based Hito is an artist with a highly unique outlook and vision. For one, she performs in formal dress in a range of stunning Kimonos; and secondly, she DJs entirely on vinyl, which may not seem overly unique to some, but for a heavily touring DJ with regular gigs across the globe—in 2016 alone she played Circoloco in Ibiza, Awakenings in Amsterdam, Cocorico in Riccione, Amnesia in Milan, Rex Club in Paris, Fabric London, Trade in Miami, D-Edge in Sao Paolo, and Warung in Itajaí Brazil—it’s becoming more and more uncommon. Hito’s 100% vinyl focus is made further unique by her adoption of Richie Hawtin’s MODEL 1 mixer, for which she is also an ambassador, and her long-running residency at Hawtin’s ENTER. experience and the ENTER.Sake bar. Regularly playing all-night long to rapturous responses, her sophisticated record collection and style added authenticity to the project and became an ace up the sleeve for the ENTER. experience.

The second half of this year will see Hito’s profile grow exponentially with a debut at Cocoon Ibiza on September 4, alongside Richie Hawtin and Adam Beyer, and the launch of her own party concept (more on that below). The mix she has recorded for our latest podcast gives a glimpse into her current sound with an hour of cavernous, groovy, and melodically-rich techno.

Hito will be performing alongside Matthew Jonson, KiNK, The Black Madonna, Richie Hawtin, Dixon, Marcel Dettmann, Cut Copy, Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons, and Julia Gover at CRSSD Festival, which takes place September 30 to October 1 in San Diego. You can grab tickets to CRSSD here.

When and where was the mix recorded?

On the Greek Island Zakynthos three weeks ago. 100% vinyl set, of course.

What is it about vinyl that draws you to the format?

I am used to playing vinyl, and until now, I have had no desire to use any other equipment. I like to feel the music with my hands, the organic way.

Tell us about your debut for Cocoon Ibiza, do you have any expectations, and what about it are you looking forward to the most?

This is my first performance at Cocoon at Amnesia. This is a new experience as I have always played for ENTER. at Space as the Sake Bar resident. Recently I have been playing more and more melodic and groovy techno, hopefully, people will enjoy my music before Adam and Rich’s set.

In relation to ENTER.Sake, how do you approach a set as a compliment to certain food or styling?

My set is a good appetizer before the main dish! ????

What do you have coming up this year?

I am curating a concept party called “Hito presents OTO,” which means sound in Japanese. OTO brings a mix of upcoming and established DJs from Japan, Germany and the rest of the world to play music together as friends creating an atmosphere only possible when there is family behind the decks!