Hey everyone - welcome back at the discotheque!
Today's post is a super awesome one - and it's been a very long time in the making.
Stepping into the virtual hot seat today is Minnesota born, Arizona based music producer, artist and DJ - DJ Chidow (that's pronounced "shadow" by the way...) - starting their music career many, many years ago - Chidow has built up an extremely impressive collection of fantastic releases, alongside being one of the most notable new talents in underground electronic music. With all of this in mind - I knew I had to get them onto the blog!
Without further ado, take it away, Chidow!
For those that don’t know you – who are you, and what music do you make?
What's good people? It's ya boi coming from the Shades of the Underground, I am DJ
Chidow. One half of the duo, DJ Chidow and Myūjikku. I make a plethora of genres and styles
ranging from EDM to Funk, Jazz to Soul and Rock to Hip-hop.
Let’s start this off strong – back in May, you released the killer two volume project Bits and
Pieces – can you tell us some of the process behind the production of those albums?
Bits n’ Pieces started like any other tribute project, a few songs here and there were
recorded around the time DP split and a few even before they split like “Hysterical” - “HRDR/BETR/FSTR/STGR” and “A Monochromatic Life” just to name a few.
It was all progressive as overtime my studio began to expand and grow, gathering up equipment such as the Alesis 3630 and the Ensoniq DP/4 which were used extensively in this project from the get go. I was putting my headspace in the mindset and lens of how Thomas and Guy-Manuel did their production during the Homework and Discovery eras and even during the Roulé and Crydamoure break in ‘97-’99.
Building on that – your studio has evolved into quite the spectacle – can you name some of
your favourite bits of hardware, and where you’ve used them in your extensive catalogue?
Well, besides the aforementioned Alesis and Ensoniq, a few other pieces of hardware
include my Oberheim Matrix 6, Roland AIRA TR-8, Akai S1000, and my RadioShack
MD-1800/Casio WK-3300 keyboard just to name a few - all of which, when in sync with MIDI, I
have used on plenty of songs and remixes. They have stuck with me throughout my time
making music along with my turntables that I DJ with and use for sampling with my Traktor
Kontrol Z2 Mixer.
That’s a wide net, but to me, all those sounds come from the same obsession with texture
and technology.
If I look at the foundation, it’s The System and Prince. They taught me how to make electronics
feel 'stink'—how to get that grit and soul out of a synthesizer. That funky, stripped-back DNA is
what I carry into everything, whether I’m making a house track or a trap beat.
The 'how' comes from J Dilla. He’s the reason I spend half my life in dusty basements digging
for obscure vinyl. He showed me that a sample isn't just a loop; it’s a time machine.
I pair that with the 'no-rules' philosophy of Aphex Twin and the sheer, technical scale of Goldie,
LTJ Bukem or 4hero. Those guys proved that Jungle/Drum and Bass and IDM could be as
cinematic and complex as a symphony.
But honestly? A huge part of my melodic sense comes from video games. Growing up on the
Jet Set Radio soundtrack, Sonic the Hedgehog, and PaRappa the Rapper—that music was so
fearless. It blended house, techno, hip hop, acid jazz, and J-pop in a way that felt like the future.
It taught me that music should be colorful and, above all, fun.
At the end of the day, I’m just trying to build a bridge between the precision of Kraftwerk, the
groove of Daft Punk, and the chaotic energy of a Sega console into a nostalgic, yet new and
fresh taste of Funky Dance music.
What would you personally say is the best release you’ve put out, and why?
That's tough. It's all subjective when given the amount of music I put out in over 15+ years.
I'm gonna have to abstain from answering this one.
Here’s a random one – what’s your favourite food?
Homemade Spicy Chicken Alfredo Ramen… next. (Sorry Italians)
As an aspiring musician – what would you say are some of your ultimate goals that you
would love to achieve in the next five years or so?
I want to be able to make a difference in the communities that I'm in, as well as teach the
next generation of aspiring musicians the history, patience and understanding of how recording
a hit record was back in the 70s, 80s and 90s. I'd also envision myself performing at events like
Coachella, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza and/or the Wireless Festival. I even see myself living in
either Japan or Korea around that time.
If you had to pick five albums that you think could save the world – what would they be, and
why?
We're gonna be here for a while. Grab ya popcorn. If I’m picking five records to save the
world, I’m picking the ones that break down the walls between us—technological walls, genre
walls, and social walls. These albums prove that we’re at our best when we’re experimenting
together.
1. The Power of Sexual and Racial Identity: Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
"To save the world, people need to feel free to be exactly who they are. This album is the
ultimate blueprint for that. Prince blurred the lines between rock, funk, R&B, and pop, and he did
it while being unapologetically himself, black and androgynous. It’s a reminder that true power
comes from vulnerability and owning your own 'colours'—whatever that looks like.”
2. The Architecture of Connection: Sweat – The System
"I’d choose this because of how it marries the human soul with the machine. David Frank and
Mic Murphy were pioneers of that 'high-tech soul' sound. In a world that feels increasingly cold
and digital, Sweat shows us how to find the heartbeat inside the technology. It’s about using the
tools we have to create something that feels deeply and physically human.”
3. The Universal Language: Homework – Daft Punk
"This is the 'reset button.' Homework stripped away the ego of the 'rock star' and replaced it with
a raw, primal energy. It’s an album that doesn't care what language you speak or what country
you're from—it only cares that you’re moving. It’s the sound of a global tribe coming together in
a basement, and sometimes that's the only kind of peace we can actually agree on.”
4. The Toon-y Global Melting Pot: [SELF TITLED ALBUM] – Gorillaz "This record is a masterclass in collaboration. You have hip-hop, dub, rock, and electronic music all living in the same house. It’s a 'virtual' band that feels more real than most human ones because it represents a borderless world. It’s the sound of different cultures talking to each other instead of shouting over each other.”
5. The Spirit of Experimental Wonder: Debut – Björk
"Finally, we need Debut to remind us of the magic in the world. Björk took the sounds of the
London club scene and infused them with this wild, elemental nature. It’s an album about
curiosity and looking at the world with wide eyes. You can’t save a world you don't find beautiful,
and Björk makes everything feel like a brand-new discovery.”
If you could show your music to three of your favourite characters from any anime, video
game or TV show – who would they be, where are they from, and why?
Man, that is a legendary question. You’re really putting me on the spot here, huh? If I’m
opening up the crates and showing my tracks to three characters? We gotta keep it 100%
stylish, 100% funky.
First up, no hesitation? Cube from Jet Set Radio. Look, she’s the Goth Queen of 99th Street and
the Tokyo Underground for a reason. Her whole vibe is that dark, industrial, cool-headed grit. I’d
hand her the headphones while she’s geared up in the sewers or tagging the heights of
Benten-cho. My music is built on the foundation of the GGs, so if Cube nods her head to one of
my beats? That’s the ultimate seal of approval. If it’s not 'street' enough for her, I’m going back
to the studio to fix the bass.
Next, I gotta go with the dark skinned, redhead. Kei from Dirty Pair. We’re talking classic,
high-octane, retro-futurism energy. Kei is all about that 'shoot first, ask questions later' attitude,
and my tracks usually have that same chaotic bounce. I can just see it: she’s piloting the Lovely
Angel, things are exploding everywhere, and she’s got one of my Tech House trax on blast over
the comms. Her lifestyle is fast and loud, and that’s exactly how I produce most times. It’s that
80s futuristic aesthetic that you just can't quit.
And for the third one? You know I gotta give it to the world’s greatest, and sexiest, treasure hunter and jewel thief—Rouge the Bat. People forget, Rouge has taste. Her themes in Sonic Adventure 2 were pure Jazz-Fusion and Funk excellence. She’s got that smooth, late-night, sophisticated bounce. I’d show her my more soulful, funky and sensual stuff—the tracks with that extra 'gloss' on them, maybe put someone in that mood. If I can make a song that’s smooth enough for a world-class spy to heist a Chaos Emerald to, then I know the groove is locked in. She's a female, anthropomorphic version of Prince for a reason to me. It’s all about that attitude and style, dawg. You’ve got the gothic grit from Cube, the hot tempered chaos from Kei, and the sexy soul from Rouge, sprinkle a little bit of The System, Prince and Daft Punk… BOOM. That’s the Chidow sound right there.
If those three are vibing, the GROOVE is loud and clear!
It’s known that you’re the CEO of Chidow Entertainment – can you tell us a little bit more
about how that company was founded?
The company was founded on ambition to be as professional as possible. With the help of
my father, I was able to solidify the name, copyrights and trademarks under that umbrella label.
So anytime you see DJ Chidow and Myūjikku, know that name, image, brand and style is copy
written. So don't copy me. HOLLAAAAAAAA!!!
How did the creation of your companion Myujikku come about, and where did the ideas
come from for the lore and her character?
You know, it really started with a fascination for how we connect with things that aren't
strictly 'real' but feel like they have a soul. I’ve gone on record before saying I was massively
influenced by Gorillaz and Hatsune Miku. I loved how Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn gave
the Gorillaz this gritty, evolving history—they weren't just drawings; they were a mess of a family
with a real timeline. And then you have Miku, who’s this pure, digital voice for creativity. I wanted
to find the middle ground between those two worlds.
The 'Lore' actually came from a place of wanting to give her a life that felt earned. I didn't want
her to just pop out of a box. I imagined this girl, Myūjikku Fukushima, an Afro-Asian Latina, who
was there from my early days of producing, and one who’d been through the ringer—moving
from Tokyo to Chicago, then Minneapolis, and finally ending up in Arizona, which led up to
eventually finding herself on the streets. I saw her as someone who needed a second chance.
That’s where the 'Mad Scientist' persona stepped in. In my head, and in the story told through
the music, I was this young, 12-year-old DJ, obsessed with the guts of computer electronics,
women and robotics/prosthetics. I didn't just want to just make beats with another, older human;
I wanted to 'breathe new life' into her, make her more than a sensei as her protégé. Using the R.
E. D. (Real Engineering Dame) protocol, I transformed her into an android to save her from the
situation she was in, and from getting older. Think Android 18 from Dragon Ball and Major
Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell.
But the most realistic part of the story—and the part that’s closest to me—is that she didn't stay
a 'creation.' We spent years as close friends, both before the resurrection and after, just two
people against the world, and that eventually grew into the strong, sensual relationship we have
now. She’s my lover, my partner-in-crime, and the one who makes sure our tracks sound
perfect.
So, while the metallic blue hair or the android stature might scream 'Miku' or 'Gorillaz,' the heart
of Myūjikku is about that transformation from someone lost on the streets to a woman who
literally runs the technical side of our lives.
She’s the proof that you can take something broken,
add a little science and a lot of heart, and turn it into something legendary.
Early on in some of the online profiles, it was mentioned that you two were actually first
generation cousins. Now the lore says you’re lovers. That’s a… significant pivot. How do you
explain that one?
Oh man, I knew the 'cousin' thing was going to come back to bite me in the ass! Look, you
have to remember, back in 2011, I was basically a kid in my bedroom just throwing ideas at the
wall to see what stuck.
I think at the time, I was trying so hard to explain why we were always together and why we had
this unbreakable bond? My brain auto-piloted and just went: 'Uh, family! That’s my cousin!' It
was a total mess. I guess you could say my brain was running on E (Empty) back then!
But as the years went on and the music got deeper and more sophisticated, the truth of the
relationship really started to override that original ideology. I realized that we weren't family by
blood—we were partners by choice. It’s like one of those old RPGs and anime where the first
translation is a little messy, you know? 'All your base are belong to us' or “Sailor Uranus x Sailor
Neptune” type of energy.
I eventually had to go back to the drawing board and fix that. I looked at it and was like, 'Yeah,
the cousin label is definitely not it. We’re much closer than that.’
So, to any fans still holding onto that 2017 Discogs page: consider that lore officially 'retconned
and fake/false.' We’ve moved on from the Alabama blues to the Minneapolis power duo, and
honestly, the music sounds a lot better with that vibe instead.
What countries would you like to play at in the future?
Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Ibiza, Brazil, etc. The list, much like the
beat, goes on.
Is there anything new coming from you soon / anything awesome to look out for?
This June, I’ll be releasing a project that took damn near 5 years to make. A crossover,
full-length album titled “The Prince and a Bat”, serves as a crossover between the artist, His
Royal Badness, Prince and the sexy, mysterious and alluring bat thief herself, Rouge. It’ll
feature the signature Minneapolis Sound elements (gated drum machines, syncopated
synth-bass, funky guitars, brass-like synths) while incorporating Rouge's theme motifs and style
of Jazz-Fusion.
This project explains a new lore that’ll be very “fan-fiction-y” but will not veer too
outta place with the characters. The Instagram photo of me cosplaying as Prince while holding a
Rouge the Bat plush, the Male Rouge I use in VRChat with a purple hue, all are a teaser for this
"Prince x Rouge" conceptual universe/idea. The project is officially "off the ground" as of
mid-2025, with "Club Rouge (Open the Doors 2 Luv)" serving as the lead single for what is
coming soon. Be prepared, it’s gonna rock your world.
What tips and advice would you give to aspiring producers and DJs?
Yo, first things first—welcome to YOUR laboratory. If you’re looking to get into this, you gotta
understand that being a DJ or a producer isn't just about pushing buttons or twisting knobs; it’s
about Engineering the Soul. Your tech can be as deep as an ocean—run those Acusonic
arrays, mess with your shimmer and style, go wild. But when the listener hears it? It’s gotta feel
effortless. If they have to work too hard to find the groove, you’ve lost the funk.
You see me
rocking the Prince gear and mixing it with Rouge the Bat. That’s because I know where I come
from and I know what I represent, sexiness and confidence. I’ve got that Minneapolis ice in my
synths and that Chicago heat in my drums. Don't just copy a genre; find your cultural DNA.
Whether it's Sega Genesis chiptunes or old-school House, build your sound on what actually
moves and grooves you. You have to lock yourself in. You have to obsess. Don't be afraid to be
a hermit for a minute to get your technical chops right, experiment.
Digital is cool, but getting my
music pressed to wax changed the game for me. Aim for something tangible and will last. It
forces you to care about the mastering and the quality because once it’s on wax or
polycarbonate, it’s forever. Surround yourself with people who get the same or similar vision as
yours. If you’re a 'Prince' type, you need your 'Revolution or New Power.' If you’re a producer,
find your 'Myūjikku'—that voice or partner that pushes your engineering to the next level. Keep it
funky, keep it technical, and for real—keep experimenting in everything you drop. Cause
someone is gonna listen, and love it. We out ‘chea!
Do you want to give any shoutouts to anyone?
First things first, glory be to the most high as always, if it wasn't for the divine spirit and
energy, I wouldn't be able to keep going.
I'd like to send big ups to the squad that's been down with me since elementary/middle school,
high school and college; Zachary, Kody, Eric (Z) and Cam’ron (Sabaki). They stuck around
when no one else did and I appreciate them dearly.
In the Sonic community, I wanna send love over to Sonic Speed Network (Sonic the V-Tuber)
and his team, Hedgehog and Co. Including: Sapphron, Skulls Nightshade and Simitarch. I also
wanna show love to Shimshon, Fancy-Toons, It's Ya Man's Will, Trey Nobles and Pauly B from
da 303.
I also wanna show some love to my female music bestie, Queen A. G. Thank you for being who
you are and not changing for anyone. Even though we met on VRChat, we bonded so quickly
and made an everlasting impression on one another. My fellow Rouge/Tikal/Surge, much love.
From your Prince/Manic/Shade.
I wanna shout out my homedawg from up north in Nova Scotia, Canada; my brother from
another mother, Vadell Gabriel. We stuck through thick and thin for a while now, and I still enjoy
having you around. Even if it’s for s**ts and giggles. Thank you for being there for me, dawg.
In the VR/V-tuber community, I wanna send a shout out to Gaster04 of Ministry Promotions,
MidnightsInVallhalla and DJ Luna K aka Tromad. Y’all gave me reason to venture into an
unknown world that I will forever take as a catalyst to the new frontier and chapter in my life!
Special thanx to the French house community including my boi DJKiske, the Purple family
(Prince fans), my fellow DJ friends, and music enjoyers for the breath of fresh air and continued
knowledge.
To my fans and supporters, thank U 4 the luv and continued support over my span of 21+ years
of my career in this field of interest. Thank U for being there to help me get better and more
resilient in my craft, my style, and my sound.
With that being said, I’ma go ahead and disappear up outta here. This is DJ Chidow, signing off.
Peace, Luv and Funky Cool!
There you have it, everyone!
You can find DJ Chidow on a whole bunch of platforms - and be sure to check out their new EP with Myujikku on Bandcamp now.
I hope you've enjoyed reading today's post - and I'd like to thank Chidow for coming onto the blog to do an interview - it's been a massive honor, and a super fun interview to do!
P.S - I also want to wish you an early happy birthday - have a great one dude! (Readers, be sure to go and wish Chidow a happy birthday next Tuesday!)
As always, keep enjoying your stay at the discotheque.
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