This year’s SYNERGY party is occurring this weekend on twitch, and this is one of the most exciting lineups in the event’s entire 13-year history. In addition to just a blockbuster lineup, it’s also the first time the event has been held as a specifically live-streamed event. In keeping up with the new aspects of the show, this year we also decided to reach out to each of the performers and ask them a few questions leading up to the event. Read on to find out a bit about what you can expect this weekend directly from each of the performers!

DÉ DÉ MOUSE

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
A: I have a strong sense of being a track maker rather than a DJ. So I basically play my own songs. I make new edits for every event, so I’ll be playing an on-parade set of brand new edits!

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
A: The idea is to think about how much you can turn an ordinary space into an extraordinary space with the camera and direction.

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
A: Thank you for liking Japanese culture! I really like American culture, so I’m really happy that Americans like Japanese culture! I hope you all like my performance! 

kors k

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
A: I remembered the energy from my previous appearances at SYNERGY and recognized the role I had to play in the selection of my songs. For online events, I also try to play as many songs as possible similar to my in-person live shows. I’ve also tried to include songs that people have requested me to play at online events in the past.

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
A: I’m filming the hand shot at the same time as performing.
Normally, you can only see the silhouette of the DJ from the booth, so this time, you can see what I am doing when I DJ and skills that each DJ has.
There are more and more people DJing, so I’m happy if it’s helpful, and if it’s of interest to people who don’t know what a DJ is doing when they perform.

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
A: May the day when I can see you all again come as soon as possible! I hope that things will be under control. And for that, Stay Home! We’re not going to lose!

Kotonohouse

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
I’m cramming all my favorite things from KOTONOHOUSE into one hour!

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
There are no attendees in front of me, which makes me feel very nervous! (I even made a few mistakes in the process) I’ll keep working hard!

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
In spite of this situation, I’m going to bring you all some happy music to help you stay a little more positive in the house!

Moe Shop

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
A: I’ve never recorded a DJ set by myself before, I was really excited to try putting together my own setup (audio, video, etc). Both the tracklist & the visuals are very inspired by the Tokyo club scene.

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
A: Yes it’s a lot of fun actually! Playing in small places is my favorite, I happen to be recording in my living room and there’s just something about blasting music in a very tight space at night that reminds me of my favorite clubs I guess.

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
A: A lot of great indie brands/stores/clubs have been closing here due to the current crisis. If you’re able to, consider supporting the ones that you think might need a little help in these trying times.

TeddyLoid

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
My theme this time is “We will definitely get out of this darkness”. I hope that people who watch my DJ set will feel more hope.

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
Performing in front of my fans is the best. However, I would like people to enjoy this rare situation where I do a live broadcast from my private studio.
I set up lighting effects for this event so that’s another something I want everyone to check out.

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
I’m really looking forward to the day when I could share music with everyone.
It’s a hard time, but I hope we could get over this situation.

Tofubeats

Q: What is the theme of your performance?
This time, I’m only DJing my own songs, including songs I made for anime work that I don’t usually play in my sets, as well as some nostalgic edits.

Q: Have you had any fun playing at home?
I used to only play at home before I was able to DJ in venues, so it makes me feel nostalgic.

Q: What would you like to say to fans of Japanese culture in the US in these times?
I hope you can take your mind off of the current situation around the world with the music of Tofubeats.