Makoto is the recording name of Makoto Shimizu, a Japanese drum and bass producer from Tokyo. He works in drum and bass, liquid funk, club, dance, electronic, electronica and jazz fusion, and is known for a soulful, jazz-influenced approach to the genre.

Background

Makoto is based in Tokyo and is a Japanese producer born in 1977. He studies acoustic engineering at Nippon University before moving into music production. He is associated with the labels HE:Digital and Human Elements.

Career

He first signs to LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking Records in 1999. From there he releases a steady run of singles, EPs and compilation appearances, including tracks on the Earth and Progression Sessions compilation series.

In 2003 he releases his debut album, Human Elements, which is described as a transition of 1970s soul into a contemporary drum and bass setting. He also appears on Progression Sessions Japan Live 2003 with Deeizm, recorded live at Space Lab Yellow in Tokyo.

By 2005 and 2006 he records and releases music on a wider range of labels, including Renegade Recording, Liquid V, Bingo, Hospital and Innerground. A second album, Believe In My Soul, is also part of his catalogue on Good Looking.

DJ work and collaborations

As a DJ, Makoto tours widely with Deeizm MC, playing in the UK, Europe, America, Brazil, Australia, Asia and Japan. His sets match his production style, centring on jazzed-out, soulful drum and bass.

His releases and remixes include work with and for DJ T-AK, DJ Marky, A-Sides, Sonic, Atlantic Connection, Greg Packer, Specialist, Kabuki, London Elektricity, XRS, DJ Patife, Cleveland Watkiss, La Funk, and Alaska. Notable titles include Voyager, Tonight, Tearing Soul, Gravity, Science Fiction / Pleasure, The Way Of The Warrior / Hurinkazan, Pachinko / A Different Story, Look Of Love, and remixes of Rewind, Moments Of Lust, Overjoyed, Stand Up and Speed Of Sound.

Style and standing

Makoto is presented as one of Japan’s leading drum and bass figures, with production that leans heavily on jazz, soul and melodic detail. His work places him within the liquid and soulful side of drum and bass while also crossing into broader electronic and dance music.