
Ayumi Hamasaki. This name might not mean much to our American readership, but let me list off some facts here. She’s the best selling female and solo Japanese artist in history. She’s the only female solo artist with 30 number-one singles. Oh yeah and she’s the best selling Japanese female artist in history. Let’s get to the point though. Para One was asked by her label (seriously) to do a remix, and it’s straight fire in case you haven’t already heard it burn the floor. Here’s the story from the man himself…
Red Foxx: OK… How did this remix happen? It’s official right?
Para One: Oh yeah its official haha… I wouldnt bother making unofficial remixes. One day the Japanese label called JR from Institubes and they asked for it. Actually they asked for another “Prime Time of Your Life” haha.
Red Foxx: I think for alot of people its just suprising how you got linked up with a pop superstar in Japan…
Para One: Well yeah we were the first to be surprised. She’s like the biggest star ever. She sold 50 million or something. I was in Tokyo for Christmas Eve with my girl and we drank champagne while she was singing on TV. There’s electronic billboards for her all over the place in Shibuya.
Red Foxx: Do you have a large following in Japan?
Para One: Institubes has a very good following there from the early years. We toured there with Tacteel & Feadz for years but now I think it’s getting a bit bigger. I mean we’re asked for bigger rooms & festivals, maybe it’s this new French thing I don’t know.
Red Foxx: I may be mistaken but I think this is the first time I heard you really fuck with a “French Touch” bassline… The sound is dead on, did you just figure out that sound or did you get any tips from “certain friends” in Paris?
Para One: Haha… No I dont get to discuss basslines with Thomas if you are leading to that… I just tried to make it sound right. I used a Prophet One and spent some time on it.
Red Foxx: You killed that one… people go nuts! Will we hear more of that funk from you?
Para One: It was more of a joke at the start, but Jean Nipon told me to do it. You’ll definitely hear more funk from me in the future.
Red Foxx: Whats your favorite J-pop song of all time?
Para One: Wow. I spent a night singing in a karaoke in Kabukicho with my girl and there is that special song that is playing 24/7 in my head since… But man… I have NO FUCKING CLUE what it is!
Red Foxx: I hate when that happens … maybe Ayumi can tell you!
Para One: I will definitely ask!
Ayumi Hamasaki - “Greatful Days” (Para One Remix)
[para one myspace]
