As vinyl culture explodes in Australia, Kirin Ichiban has collaborated with Deus Records and renowned Japanese hip hop pioneer, DJ Muro to release a limited edition ‘first press’ album, short film and exclusive Deus ‘record hunting’ jacket and t-shirt.
Known by those who know vinyl, Takayoshi Murota or “DJ Muro” is a legendary Japanese DJ, recording artist and record producer, and is considered a cultural expert on anything vinyl related – earning him the title, ‘The King of Diggin’. DJ Muro is returning to Sydney and Melbourne for the first time in 12 years to activate the partnership with a series of curated events open to all audiophiles over 18.
Launching in March, the collaboration between DJ Muro, Kirin Ichiban and Deus Records celebrates craftsmanship, precision and the undeniable quality of the art of the ‘first press’. Kirin Ichiban (which means first and best in Japanese), unlike other beers, is made using the ‘first press’ of the wort. This method brews beer to its purest state for the best flavour, extracting only the most flavourful of the finest ingredients. ‘First Press’ is a genre spanning label defining the most premium, ultimate edition: for beer the purest taste, and for music the purest sound.
“I think the first impression, the first feeling, is the one that stays with you the most. So in that sense, I think it’s the most special. I think there are many things that can only be felt by the vinyl, things that cannot be felt by the five senses” says DJ Muro.
Kirin Ichiban Brand Director, Amy Hiscock says: “There’s an easy alliance between first press vinyl and first press beer; both represent impeccable quality. Kirin Ichiban uses a unique brewing process which is uncompromising – and made from only the first press, for the purest taste. DJ Muro epitomises the same unwavering dedication to experience that defines Kirin Ichiban. Similarly, Deus Records represents a fusion of music with the brand’s values of authenticity and mastery of craft”.
“Deus Records, DJ Muro, and Kirin Ichiban share a dedication to craft, heritage, and authenticity. Deus celebrates music and storytelling, DJ Muro embodies the art of rare discovery, and Kirin Ichiban represents precision, quality and taste. Together, we’ve created a partnership rooted in cultural appreciation and creative excellence”, said Stevie James, Art Director, Deus Ex Machina.
The 12 inch vinyl was first pressed by the masters at Toyokasai Records in December last year, a pressing plant thriving in Tokyo since 1959 – limited to a single run of 500 records. The ‘MURO’ vinyl is an A & B side collector’s edition of two of the DJ’s unreleased tracks, and two from his cover project WAON. The album references disco, hip hop, funk and soul, and is brought together in partnership with Deus Records.
The collaboration also pays homage to kissaten, or ‘listening bar’ culture, which originated in Japan and continues to spread rapidly throughout the world. DJ Muro helped shape the original kissaten scene over three decades ago and continues to play an integral role in driving a subculture enthralled with the highest sound quality and sensory immersion.
Igniting the listening bar scene in Australia, two events will be open to the public and epically curated, appealing to the senses via a live set from DJ Muro, ice cold Kirin Ichiban beer, and the release of the streetwear collab designed by Deus Ex Machina. Australian fans will be able to attend DJ Muro’s sets in Melbourne at High Notes on 20 March and Sydney at the Caterpillar Club on 23 March.
“I’ve played in three places in Australia in the past. I was impressed by the sound-loving people everywhere I went. I am now looking forward to being able to select songs in Australia again,” DJ Muro.
The special edition drop of Deus’ twice sold out ‘record hunting jacket’ was cut, crafted and customised in Tokyo. The utilitarian piece modernizes the traditional pocket setup, resizing each storage dimension specifically to carry and care for a recent haul of records. The rear-facing 12-inch pocket will hold up to 10 full sized LPs. This Australian ‘first pressed’ edition features unique colourway and design updates; a Kirin Ichiban press stud on the headphone cable lapel, and front pocket flap, plus a striking illustration on the arm sleeve, and back pocket. A black cotton tee, featuring an exclusive Kirin nod to vinyl lovers, will close the collaboration.
The limited-edition Hunting Jacket, t-shirt and MURO vinyl is only available via a limited drop on the Kirin Ichiban instagram where fans can win the items, as they won’t be available to purchase. www.kirinichiban.com.au