¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U is an unsung talent - the Japanese dj remains arguably one of the best and most influential in Asia and has amassed a cult following from those in the know.

Next month will see his talents celebrated via the release of a specially curated mixtape for Midnight Shift as he showcases music from friends such as DJ Nobu, Ryo Murakami, Gabber Modus Operandi, Sapphire Slows and more.

When first approached about the release we knew it would be simply criminal not to ask him if he might be up for contributing a tape to our own ever growing series. Many a dj's favourite dj he does so in fine style selecting an assortment of wild off piste electronics which bend minds and challenge every pretence or stereotype you might ever have known of dance music.

Running through techno, ebm, wave and noisy cuts he delivers a set of wild fluid music which shouldn't fit together but somehow does.

This is a masterclass.

¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U: The 'Wednesday Alternative' Mix

Experience now.
Exit the known.
Exist in the point 0.

Ransom Note is an online music, arts and culture magazine. We provide a home for readers and writers with boundless enthusiasm, esoteric knowledge, fierce opinions and impeccable taste.

With our core team immersed in all aspects of dance music, we publish news, articles, and interviews covering the greatest in innovative, underground culture from across the globe. We offer regular, exclusive music and mixtapes from our favourite artists, and publish features shining a light on everything from the freshest new artists to the untold tales from rave history.

Alongside this we offer musings on film, books, life, and art, generating some context and controversy as an antidote to the reheated PR that clogs up the internet. Our office is fuelled by Tunnock’s Bars, cat memes, hangovers and a ridiculous, never ending love for our culture.

We're always interested in getting new writers on board – feel free to get in touch if you’ve got a story to tell.

With love until the grave.

This is not a biography where we tell you who she warmed up for, or played with - This is where we tell you that Aya, the Singaporean-based Yokohama native stands out on her own.

Constantly working hard as a performing DJ, the results have seen her performing for promoters/venues such as Osaka Techno Mafia and club JOULE in Japan, Modulus KL and Less Is More in Malaysia, UNDERRADAR in Indonesia, and Arcan Saigon and Warehouse Hanoi in Vietnam. She's also a regular fixture for the Thugshop collective in Singapore, who owns Headquarters, MDLR and TUFF Club.

Her style uniquely crosses the realms of club music - energetic, uplifting, empowering techno, digressing with some cheeky and fun surprises in between. Her classical music background allows her to effortlessly adapt to any crowd, channeling their story into her storytelling. This is evident in her acclaimed HÖR radio set in Berlin, where she blended tracks from Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi, and her Boiler Room set, seamlessly incorporating traditional Japanese Gagaku.

Recently, she joined the renowned Midnight Shift label, earned a feature in Vogue as a trailblazing female DJ, and was spotlighted by Mixmag Asia as an artist to watch in 2024.