Goth-Trad

Goth-Trad

Goth-Trad is a Japanese dubstep producer and member of Rebel Familia. Working from Japan’s electronic underground, he develops an abstract approach to dance music using samplers, keyboards and self-made instruments. His output spans abstract electronica, noise, dub, reggae, jungle, rave music, grime and dubstep, with a style built around blending different sounds and structures.

Career

He starts making music in 1998, first experimenting alone before forming Rebel Familia in 2001 with Takeshi “Heavy” Akimoto, who previously belongs to Dry & Heavy. Goth-Trad continues to work both as a solo artist and through Rebel Familia, using each project as a separate space for experimentation.

From 2001 to 2004, he gains wider attention through a first European tour, the release of his debut solo album, Goth-Trad I, and an appearance opening for The Mars Volta on their 2004 Japanese tour. His second album, The Inverted Perspective, follows in 2005 and focuses on his improvisational live method.

Mad Rave and dubstep work

In 2005, he develops a style he calls “Mad Rave”, his own version of dance music shaped by years of work and compression of different influences. This leads to Mad Raver’s Dance Floor, released later that year. The album includes the track “Back To Chill”, which becomes closely associated with dubstep and Japan. In 2006, he launches Japan’s first monthly dubstep night under the same name, “Back To Chill”.

The “Back To Chill” track later receives a vinyl release on the UK label Skud Beats. Goth-Trad’s music draws interest from figures including Mala, The Bug, Kode 9, Blackdown, Juju and Skream, and Mary Ann Hobbs plays his tracks on BBC Radio 1’s Breezeblock.

Releases and touring

He debuts on UK labels Skud Beats and Deep Medi Musik in 2007 with two sold-out 12-inch releases. That year Rebel Familia also releases a new album with collaborations from Arie Up and Max Romeo. Goth-Trad tours widely in Europe and Japan, performs live at DMZ in the UK as the first artist to play a live show at the event, and appears on radio shows in London. He also plays with artists including Mala, Skream, Noize Creator, Kode 9 and The Bug.

In 2008, he releases two more 12-inch records on Skud Beats and Soul Jazz Records and tours Europe again. He also tours China and Australia for the first time. Back in Japan, he continues live and studio work and supports new Japanese artists through his BTC night. His music is also used in multimedia projects and soundtracks.

Collaborations and related projects

Goth-Trad works with a wide range of artists, including Distance, Rumi, Blue Foundation and DJ Baku. In Rebel Familia, he records with Max Romeo and the Ragga Twins on “Babylon Fall - Quality Cutz”, and the group’s releases include Stand Alone, Rebel Familia, Rebel Familia presents Solidarity and Guns of Riddim.

Selected discography

As Goth-Trad: Goth-Trad I (2003), The Inverted Perspective (2005), Mad Raver’s Dance Floor (2005), Back To Chill EP (2007), Cut End b/w Flags (2007), Far East Assassin b/w Distance remix (2008), Genesis b/w Dam by Silkie (2008), and the compilation Steppa’s Delight (2008).

As Rebel Familia: Stand Alone b/w Gladiator (2002), Rebel Familia (2003), Rebel Familia presents Solidarity (2004), Babylon Fall feat. Max Romeo (2006), Babylon Fall - Quality Cutz - feat. Max Romeo & Ragga Twins (2006), and Guns of Riddim (2007).