Pasocom Music Club and LAUSBUB both aim broadly for “techno” and share the commonality of starting music with a friend while also working as DJs. After deepening their relationship through joint performances at each other’s events and guest appearances on tracks, the two groups held their first dialogue.
Pasocom Music Club, which released the definitive dance music album Love Flutter, and LAUSBUB, which created the experimental and expanded sound with their first album ROMP, both had rich conversations about their first impressions of each other, their latest works, the potential of locally nurtured music, and living through techno and dance music. The dialogue among the four continued without pause.
This dialogue is presented by Shoichiro Kotetsu, who is also active as a musician and filmmaker and appeared at the after-party for Pasocom Music Club’s release live.
INDEX
LAUSBUB’s First Encounter with Pasocom Music Club in Middle School
Despite a generational gap between the two groups, when did Pasocom Music Club first come across LAUSBUB?
Nishiyama：It’s a bit cliché, but it was when LAUSBUB’s “Telefon” went viral in 2021. I thought, “There are young people doing this kind of music now.” It didn’t feel like mere nostalgia or retroism; it seemed like something fresh and new.
Shibata: That was the timing for me as well. I was really intrigued by their look with the KORG MS-20 mini.
Listen to Love Flutter (Listen on Apple Music / Listen on Spotify)
When did you first hear of PaSound?
Takahashi： I first heard it in middle school. Once I started high school, Riko Iwai introduced me to genres like techno and electronic music, which made me pay more attention to it.
Iwai: I first heard it on SoundCloud when I started using Twitter in middle school. Since I was already listening to YMO at that time, I remember feeling happy to see that there were people making this kind of music in the present day.
Listen to ROMP (Listen on Apple Music / Listen on Spotify)
From there, LAUSBUB emerged into the world, collaborated and performed with Pasocom Music Club, and their world continued to expand. Now, with the release of their first album “ROMP,” how did the members of Pasocom Music Club feel after listening to the album?
Nishiyama： First of all, it’s impressive how LAUSBUB has expanded their music and completed the album to this level of quality. Both Shibata and I have always wanted people to listen to our work as a cohesive album, and I was pleased to sense that same intention in “ROMP.”
Shibata: “ROMP” might be broadly categorized under terms like new wave or techno, but if you listen closely, it includes elements from various genres like Latin music. I think this reflects the way the two of them approach music. Of course, new wave and techno themselves are genres that encompass a wide range of sounds.
Certainly, “ROMP” showcases a diverse range of beat styles.
Shibata: Also, there’s a sense of ‘electronics’ in it. I find the term ‘electronics’ quite appealing. For example, in DAF, there are parts labeled as ‘electronics,’ and ROMP gives me that same broad sense of music made with synthesizers and effects. It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve encountered music that evokes that general sense of “electronics.”
LAUSBUB: Thank you very much!
Note: DAF (Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft) is a music unit centered around vocalist Gabi Delgado-Lopez and electronics specialist Robert Görl. Iwai has previously mentioned in an interview, “I was really into DAF and even wanted to be like Gabi Delgado-Lopez at one point” (external site opens). (open external website).
From LAUSBUB’s perspective, what did you think of Pasocom Music Club’s latest release, Love Flutter?
Takahashi： Pasocom Music Club’s works always have a distinct atmosphere and concept, and this album is no different. It creates an immersive experience that draws listeners in. I’m genuinely impressed by their ability to consistently produce high-quality, cohesive work in such a short period.
Iwai: I feel the same way. If they keep producing great work at this pace, I’ll never be able to catch up…
Shibata: [laughs]
Iwai: “Love Flutter” seems to have a slightly more introspective element compared to the previous work, which I personally appreciated. In terms of sound, it features a granular texture reminiscent of Overmono and elements and trends from current electronic music similar to Mount Kimbie. It was really enjoyable to experience a work that simultaneously reflects the progression of both the modern music scene and Pasocom Music Club.
Nishiyama: Thank you for the incredibly positive feedback.
