Dakini

With the mission to "combine Third World exotica and First World technology to create a Fourth World culture," Dakini label head Makyo has been hosting Dakini Nights at a variety of Tokyo nightclubs over the past two years. On Saturday, Feb 10, Makyo and friends will be hosting a record release party for his new album, Yakshini, Dakini Nights Vol. 5, at the centrally located club, Cay, on Aoyama Dori.

One of Tokyo' most active expatriate DJs, American artist Makyo has been on the scene since the mid-'90s, entrancing crowds with his Indian-influenced "mystical dub" at some of the decade's biggest parties including the memorable Rainbow 2000 events. To build on his DJing and composing, Makyo launched Dakini a few years ago and has issued a steady stream of releases including his own material, as well as that of Tokyo-based ethno-ambient duo the Ochi Brothers, and international chill-out artists on Dakini's compilations.

Dakini Nights provide an opportunity for Makyo to realize his wish to create a new esthetic that he terms "Neo-exotica," which rises out of his belief that, "In an age of globalization, the exotic tends to loose its freshness through overexposure." Dakini Nights mix live electronica performances with ethnic instrumentation, and traditional styles of dance from the Middle East and other outposts of exotica.

For Dakini Nights Vol. 5, the Ochi Brothers will be performing one of their rare but unusually compelling live sets, which feature an array of traditional percussion instruments the likes of which are seldom seen on stage. Joining the Ochi Brothers will be master didgeridoo player, Goro, in a guest performance. Also on the bill are a live set from up-and-coming talent Rumi, and DJ sets from Makyo, Hiroshi and Rob. P.

Dance performances are slated from Turkish belly dancers Mishaal, Sevda and Mie; with live video mix by Kuma.

Dakini Nights Vol. 5: Aoyama Cay (Omotesando stn, Spiral Bldg), 2/10, 9pm, JY2500 (adv), JY3000 (door). Tel: 03-3498-5790.