Mood Wax: Haruka Salt

Having moved to New York from Japan in 2006, Haruka has fast become one of Brooklyn’s most in-demand DJ’s, joining the dots between house, techno, electro, hip hop, disco, rock and more. For over fifteen years the pioneering artist has been at the forefront of cutting edge electronic music, earning herself regular appearances at the likes of Bossa Nova, Elsewhere and Mood Ring, including famous sets at the influential BOUND and Fourth World parties. Over the past few years, Haruka has been releasing house and disco orientated productions via her Haruka Salt moniker including her most recent offering alongside Tongji.

Serving up a high-octane four-track EP named Everything We Love Will Fade In Time via Brooklyn’s toucan sounds, the duo further showcase their impressive collaborative production talent. Containing a plethora of unique cuts, the record is packed with sharp synths, breakbeat sampling, tight percussion hits and club-focussed elements for an all summer affair as we head into June. Released on the 4th of the month, their brand new release is available to listen and purchase on Bandcamp.

Hey Haruka Salt!

How are you doing and what have you been getting up to recently?

This pandemic has definitely been an interesting time, so with that said, I’m extremely excited and happy to say that I just got my second dose of the vaccine and I feel protected. I have been enjoying this warm spring weather. My life is brighter compared to last year. It got tough during the lockdown but now I have less worries and it is easier for me to get inspired and enjoy making music.

What have you got planned post-lockdown?

I’ve got a few releases coming this year which I’m really proud of, that are collaborations I made over Zoom with my friend, W.Y. Huang (aka Tongji). It will be interesting to play the tracks we did on Zoom for people in real life! Outside of that, nothing dramatic besides starting to DJ for crowds (outside with safety protocol).

What music have you been digging recently and can you share a couple of tracks you’d like to play in your first set back?

I have been digging 90’s House and UK garage also experimental dance music and jazzy house music.

Here’s a list of some currrent favourites:

Invercargirl by Eden Burns
Jazzgalaktik by Scorpeze & Cordell Johnson
Gekokujo by Hoshina Anniversary
What’s My Chance? by Bailey Ibbs
Rave Casual by ANZ

What’s the best set you have ever listened to/ witnessed and why?

Moma Ready at Elsewhere in NY 2 or 3 years ago. His set was very physical and powerful. Strong message in his set. He was MCing, I have never seen techno or house DJs on mic. I usually get bored by DJ sets quickly but I stayed for his whole DJ set. The music brought me in, and I could not leave.

Which is your favourite club and why?

It’s hard to pick one club — so I’d have to list a few. Nowadays, Bossa Nova Civic Clubs, Mood Ring. Why? Because they are staples. The places where all the amazing DJs are playing and NYC underground music scene is happening. We are so lucky and grateful that they have all survived the pandemic. I can’t wait to be back and making people move.

If you weren’t a DJ what would you be?

Jazz violinist or psychologist.

Mood Wax – What do you listen to?

When I’m feeling good I listen to:
shakatak – invitation