Aux 88 Introduce: Black Tokyo

Black Tokyo: ‘Detroitians turning Japanese.’ Now there’s an explosive concept that should have your ears dropping to the floor. Inspired by the vibrant world of Tokyo, techno rebels Aux 88 AKA Tommy Hamilton and Keith Tucker have been crowned the ‘mental programmers on the teachings of live electronic dance music.’ And with their first ever Black Tokyo live show debuting at fabric next Saturday,you can expect to witness some of the worlds most advanced technology, straight from their hidden laboratories of Detroit; a music hub still shrouded in secrecy...

But before they play alongside the legendary Jeff Mills next week, we decided to dig deep into the live dimension of electronic music and discover what it is that make Japan and Detroit such a dynamic duo.

Can you talk us through your new Black Tokyo project?
Black Tokyo is intelligent dance music as well as business and fashion ventures. Black Tokyo is a combined culture of black electronic music infused with Japanese culture: Techno dance music with not just a message, but a maturity in the two members of Aux 88.

We also have more news coming soon possibly announcing two new members...this project is completely different for Aux 88. We step into pure techno dance with a twist. Black Tokyo is shrouded in secrecy - for the very time being.

What's going on in the city of Tokyo when it comes to techno - what parts of the city inspire, what artists are emerging from there to keep an eye on, what's the underground scene like, etc...
The city of Tokyo is very inspiring because of its fast but always innovative way of doing business and increasing empire of technology and spirit in the business world. We are very inspired by Different world and Ken Ishii in Tokyo and the vast amount of different sounding artists all over Japan. The Japanese and Black culture have the most interesting dynamics if you think of it, really!

How are the electronic music fans different to those in Detroit?
Electronic music fans are one word: dedicated. And open minded to the art and artists of electronic music. In Detroit, electronic music is still an acquired taste to those who choose to be different, or just listen to something different.

Why do you think it's important to mix techno with the live elements?
Infusion of the mental thoughts to the electronic instruments conveys a heighten sense of creation in music, thus leaving the techno listener in a state of dance euphoria.

How do you push your sound when performing live?
While adding live instrumentation through strings vocals and sound effects and live drumming through drum pads, we are able to change our show up on the fly by just playing anything extra that just feels right. We believe in total participation. We enjoy and press upon having the electronic music fans be a part of the show in spirit and mind. We strive to make sure everyone leaves the event wanting more.

Aux 88 has long been recognized for its ability to play live and do electronic vocals so the crowd is always a part of that. And with Aux 88 Black Tokyo, there will be vocals but with more surprises...

Are you looking forward to playing live alongside Jeff Mills?
Yes, we are very much looking forward to playing alongside Jeff Mills. He has been one of the many great inspirations for all of our music and mostly for his ability to stay current and looking to the future. We are very proud of him and all that he has accomplished.

It says in your bio: 'Black Tokyo's second laboratory, long thought to be hidden somewhere beneath the dark streets and factories of Detroit, have assembled some of the world’s most advanced technology'…it’d be great to hear more about this sound laboratory! Can you talk us through your technology/equipment?
Aux 88 has always had more than one studio hidden in Detroit: these are Alpha Flight and Optic Studios.  As we have now forged endorsements over the past four years with Propellerheads, Moog, D16Group, Fxpansion, SugarBytes, Dave Smith Instruments, Native Instruments, 237am Studios, AS1 Projects, Audio Realism and Jimmy Edgar Photography.  Black Tokyo was spawned as a result of these new ventures.