Drunken Kong, the Tokyo-based techno duo, has hit another milestone with their inclusion in Drumcode’s prestigious A-Sides Vol. 13 compilation. Their track, “Dance All Night,” is a powerful showcase of their signature style, combining infectious energy with razor-sharp production. As part of a lineup curated by Adam Beyer, the compilation features a mix of techno veterans and fresh faces, and Drunken Kong’s contribution holds its own among the stellar offerings. Download/stream 'A-Sides Vol. 13 here: https://drumcode.ffm.to/dc318.
When we spoke with Dee, one-half of Drunken Kong, it was clear how much thought and passion went into creating the track. “I wanted to create a track with a strong groove,” he shared. “I was searching for some samples and came across the vocal sample, which led to the energetic groove and hook.” The vocal riff, “I just wanna dance all night,” is the heart of the track, weaving through growling basslines, slamming stabs, and tension-building sirens to create a hypnotic anthem designed for the dancefloor.
The A-Sides series is one of Drumcode’s most celebrated releases, and being part of it is a significant moment for Dee and his music partner. “It’s a great honour to be part of this monster compilation,” he said. “Every year, there are so many great tracks. I’m always excited when the A-Sides is released.” Their journey with Drumcode began with a solo EP in 2023, followed by a collaboration with Bart Skils in 2024. Each release has brought new opportunities and expanded their reach. “Releases on Drumcode have definitely opened many doors,” he added. “I’m also very happy that my music is reaching a wider audience, which is the ultimate goal for me as an artist.”
For Dee, his music is deeply tied to his home base of Tokyo, where he and his partner are residents at the legendary WOMB nightclub. “I live in the centre of Tokyo, so things are busy once I step out, which naturally inspires me to work on things that have energy,” he explained. This energy is palpable in “Dance All Night,” a track that mirrors the intensity of Tokyo’s nightlife. Dee’s ability to channel that raw power into something musically cohesive is no accident. “I try to keep things simple so that there is space to include strong beats and synths,” he said. “When there are too many things going on, each part loses its power.”
Working with Adam Beyer and the Drumcode family has only fueled his creativity. “I just do what I feel at the time,” Dee said of crafting tracks for such a prestigious label. “Thinking too much confuses me, and I often lose track of what I was trying to do.” This intuitive approach has resonated with fans worldwide, with Drunken Kong’s tracks regularly charting on Beatport and dominating dancefloors. “For me, the most important thing is power and groove, and I feel this is the part that resonates with my fans.”
The sirens and drops in “Dance All Night” are prime examples of his talent for creating high-impact moments. “I always imagine an energetic dancefloor and try to figure out how to make everyone go crazy,” he laughed. His music represents Tokyo’s vibrant club culture and aims to inspire the next generation of producers. “Releases are very important. It’s the way to show who I am, being based here, and I hope to inspire the younger generation to get into music production.”
Dee shows no signs of slowing down, with a remix slated for January and a new EP on the way. Their inclusion in A-Sides Vol. 13 is another step in their journey, and as he teased, “Stay tuned!”
Through his relentless dedication and ability to translate Tokyo’s energy into globally resonant techno, Dee is cementing Drunken Kong’s place as one of the genre’s most exciting acts
Drunken Kong
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