Vertical Mix (July 8, 2025)

Nagoya’s music and nightlife scene is vibrant and exciting. There are so many high-quality events, artists, and performers—but the communities are not well-connected. If you like bands, you go to live houses. If you like dance music, you go to a DJ event. If you’re a dancer, you go to a dance event. But what if we brought everything together in one place?

Vertical Mix was an ambitious event that set out to merge these scenes, to provide an opportunity for artists from multiple genres and backgrounds to come together and share their music and their communities.

We rented out the Yutaka Building, with three venues: Luggage (where we used to host The International Party every month), Transit, and Vector. Each floor featured different music genres and performances.

Check out the exciting lineup below! 👇

2F – The International Party (prod. Small World)

YonYon (from Tokyo)

Founder of the music label Peace Tree, YonYon was born in Seoul and raised in Tokyo. As a singing DJ, she’s earned love across generations with a style that’s both easy to listen to and danceable, effortlessly blending genres with bold, playful energy.

YonYon has also taken on remix and production work, including projects for Ken Miyake, Sakanaction, and the Tamagotchi theme song. As a writer and producer, she continues to evolve while staying rooted in a mission to share love and peace through music.

KTTK (from Tokyo)

Born in Osaka, DJ and producer KTTK blends gritty underground energy with forward-thinking sound design, carving out a unique space in Japan’s electronic music scene. Known for sets that traverse industrial techno, experimental bass, and dark club, KTTK’s productions are driven by raw rhythm and warped textures. With releases on respected indie labels and appearances across some of Kansai’s most cutting-edge venues, KTTK has built a reputation for uncompromising sound and immersive atmosphere.

Local DJs

Keigo

Naoki

FukuChan

Architech

Ryota

Junna

Kurios

B1F – Live Music (Prod. Cicada Live)

G.N.S.D

G.N.S.D is a mutant R&B group out of Nagoya—shape-shifting musical chameleons who adapt to any vibe. Dressed in sharp black suits and sunglasses, they look like entertainers straight out of a ’90s TV screen. Their sound blends nostalgic grooves inspired by classic R&B and New Jack Swing with addictive melodies, lush harmonies, and talkbox-infused hooks that stick in your head long after the first listen.

They call their sound “NEONAGOYA STYLEOUT”—a modern classic wrapped in neon city vibes. Whether collaborating with reggae bands or hip-hop crews, G.N.S.D effortlessly breaks genre boundaries with style.

Carrying the rebellious spirit of their previous band, GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE!!, their motto is simple: do what you want, when you want, however you want.

Paulie Rhyme Quartet

The Paulie Rhyme Quartet is a 4 piece live Hip Hop band based in Aichi, Japan. Created by rapper/DJ Paulie Rhyme, PRQ has been active since 2020, mostly playing with local and international bands in Nagoya.

As a vocalist, Rhyme has been active in the US and Asia for the majority of the 00s collaborating with Japanese producers Nomak, tofubeats, DJ Sly, KOENMA, BeatMaster, and Kazahaya, as well as international acts such as 4th Disciple (WuTang), L’Indecis (Chillhop), A June & AJ Beat, and DJ Lord Jazz.

His latest project, the Higher Ep, produced by Dar-O featured artists from both the US and Japan, including Lena (Avocado Boys), Maco, and Shishido (CQCQ). The current PRQ lineup also includes Juan Del Ángel (bass),Yonosuke Takagi (guitar), Shinji Fujitani (drums) with Moto & Maya on background vocals.

The Moment I Decide

Formed in 2017 after the breakup of their previous band, this Yokkaichi-based group has been making waves from their home in Mie Prefecture. Known for the soaring, high-range vocals of Franz, originally from the Philippines, and the imaginative songwriting of guitarist Hidetaro — who composes and writes all of the band’s material — they’ve developed a sound that’s both emotional and genre-defying.

With roots in post-hardcore and emo, their music blends heaviness with melody in a way that transcends traditional heavy music boundaries. Their unique style has earned them a growing fanbase both in Japan and overseas.

Beast Crown

BEAST CROWN is a cyber-rock resistance unit from Nagoya, formed by Tamashii (vocalist of ABNORMAL VOLTAGE), NORIO (vocalist of EACH OF THE DAYS), and GUN-C (composer for VISCO).
Merging the heaviness of loud music with the weight of hip hop, they deliver a sound that hits hard from all angles.

The Jerks

A staple of Nagoya’s international music scene, The Jerks have been cranking out high-energy rock for nearly a decade. Led by frontman Ron Schroter, they’re known as the city’s go-to “party band,” bringing a raucous blend of ’90s alt-rock, classic covers, and the occasional original banger to every stage they hit.

In their words: “We’re The Jerks! Serving local rock for nearly a decade. If you know, you know. If you don’t, best come find out. Money for nothing and the nipples for free!”

DJ Hardcore Jesus

You may have seen his reels as Hardcore Jesus on the Cicada Live IG, you might have glimpsed ancient battle rap footage of MC Syntax, or maybe you just know him as plain old Travis, that guy with the long-hair that’s somehow everywhere you look in Nagoya. The face and Co-founder of Cicada Live, HxC Jesus is stepping into the DJ booth keep the bottom floor rumbling at Vertical Mix while bookending a stellar line-up. Bang your head to heavy anthems and discover deep cuts you never knew you needed. Expect this set to be loaded with tracks for the true metal lovers as well nu-metal, hardcore, emo, and grunge.