DJ Akira is a legend of the Czech drum & bass scene, with a career spanning over 28 years. Fans all over Europe know him from his live sets! He’s also constantly surrounded by music – for example, through his LAMAX headphones. We talked to him about his beginnings, track selection, technology, and life beyond the DJ booth.
1. How did you get into DJing, and what influenced you the most in the 90s?
“In the 90s, music completely took over me. Mainly electronic, with various fusions of jazz, hip hop, reggae, and dub. That obsession with trip hop, breaks, and jungle led me to discover in 1998 in England how much vinyl for DJs was being released. Funny thing is, I didn’t even want to be a DJ at first, but I had some amazing tracks on CDs and records, and people kept telling me to play them somewhere… then it all went quickly :)”
2. What keeps you in DJing to this day?
“It’s been my life for 28 years, I live it 24/7. Even though it’s often really tough, I’m grateful for every day I can dedicate to it. Blessed.”
3. How do you select tracks for your sets? Do you have a clear process, or do you go by energy?
“It depends on a lot of things. Every track has its time and place, and it’s up to me whether I want to be part of it or not. Sometimes I don’t prepare for my gigs at all. I carry around 1000 tracks of different styles and decide on the spot based on the overall vibe. I like playing music even in places where it normally wouldn’t be heard. I go in a different direction than most of the scene. Otherwise, I wouldn’t enjoy it.”
4. How important are headphones for you when preparing a set?
“Absolutely essential. But honestly, thanks to modern technology, you can DJ even without them. I am and will always be team headphones :)”
5. Can high-quality sound change your perspective on a track?
“Definitely. Whether it’s good headphones, studio monitors, or a sound system, they always reveal many hidden details in tracks. That’s the best part!”
6. You wear LAMAX headphones off-stage as well. When do you usually use them, and what do you like about them in everyday life?
“Yes, I’ve been using nothing else outside DJing for almost a year. I use the high comfort ones at home, the noise comfort ones at the gym. I can’t believe they still hold up and play without problems even when I ‘abuse’ them weekly. The steel clips travel with me around the world. I like that they sound amazing and cost about 1/6 of comparable headphones. I also love the design, that says it all.”
7. How has DJ technology changed during your career?
“It’s a completely different world and constantly evolving… From cassettes and turntables, we’ve moved to tech we couldn’t even dream of – players that work like turntables, USB setups, wireless DJ headphones, and more.”
8. Do you think technology helps DJs more today, or does it make them lazy?
“It definitely helps. Nowadays, almost anyone can do it, but people aren’t stupid and can recognize quality. DJing is far from just about technology :)”
9. Do you have a ritual before a big set?
“Yes, I always get nervous :D I don’t know if it’s humility, anxiety, or fear. But it’s always there, even after 28 years.”
10. What’s playing in your headphones today?
“Jakub Nobody brightened my day. I got my entire set from Addict x Rinse, and I’m listening to it right now. I’m super happy about it.”
11. What does your ideal day look like when you’re not behind the DJ booth?
“An ideal day? Waking up in Paris or Berlin, having something good to eat, and then wandering around all day exploring. Or even better. Somewhere by the sea, relaxing with headphones under an umbrella on the beach.”
12. Do you still have any DJ dreams?
“I’m an old guy :D, so I probably don’t have dreams anymore, but I’d still love to play a set at BR, HOR, KEEP HUSH, LOT Radio, Kiosk, and I’d like to return to KitKat in Berlin as a DJ. Of course, I’m excited about any good gig anywhere.”
