Takuro Mizuta Lippit
Parallel Traces - The weaponization of listening in WWII Japan and the proto-turntablism behind Emperor Hirohito’s speech
— Artist talk / lecture
Saturday, 26 Sept 16:00 / MX
In this talk, Takuro Mizuta Lippit will introduce how sound media technology played a critical role in Japan and its occupied territories during World War II. Radio and records, not only propagated ideologies of nationalism and imperialism in the lyrics of popular music, but also through teaching youth how to listen to non-musical sounds, ranging from the quiet sounds of insects to the explosive sounds of U.S. bombers flying overhead. Eventually, it was the same combination of media that announced the end of Japan’s imperial rule. The talk will focus on two instances during this period: Collection of Explosive Enemy Aircraft Sounds (1943) - a commercially released record consisting of engine sounds of American aircraft and the proto-turntablism behind the broadcast of Emperor Hirohito’s speech on August 15, 1945.
Takuro Mizuta Lippit (dj sniff) is a musician, curator and educator in the field of experimental electronic arts and improvised music. His performances merge influences from experimental music, hip hop, and free improvisation through the use of self-built instruments. Over the years, he has collaborated on musical projects with Evan Parker, Otomo Yoshihide, Tarek Atoui, Ken Ueno, and Senyawa.
His recent work has expanded into conceptual sound pieces and installations based on histories and theories of turntablism and audio culture from Asia. He is currently based in both Los Angeles and Tokyo.