DJ Gomi is an internationally acclaimed producer, songwriter, and DJ from Japan. Growing up in a musical environment, his family owned an instrument shop, and his father was a piano tuner, which helped him develop a keen ear for music. While in Tokyo, he had the opportunity to work with Haruomi Hosono (Yellow Magic Orchestra), who became a mentor to him. When looking for schools, Gomi won the Uchida Scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where he studied Music Synthesis under Dr. Richard Boulanger. From a young age, he was inspired by music producer and musician Quincy Jones, who was an alumnus and sometimes a lecturer at the school. During this time, New York's vibrant nightlife also caught his attention, and he often visited the city to experience the scene and discover new music. After graduation, he moved to New York, where his career in the music industry began to take off.

Much of his extensive discography has been broadcast on major media outlets and played in major venues by other DJs. Throughout his career, he has been invited by some of the biggest names in music to either produce their music or create dance remixes. These artists include Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and RuPaul. His crowning achievement was producing and remixing Seasons of Love from the musical Rent, which became an instant dance-floor classic.

 

PRODUCTION / DJ

DJ Gomi’s first job in New York was at the renowned D & D Studio, where he worked with artists on mixdowns, programming, and arrangements. His breakthrough came when he became the main programmer for legendary house music producer and DJ Junior Vasquez. Vasquez’s weekly residency at the Sound Factory was world-renowned, drawing dance music enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the globe. It was here that Gomi’s work gained international exposure without him needing to leave New York. His collaboration with Junior on remixes and original works caught the attention of industry figures, leading to offers to work with other greats, including George Morel and Grammy Award-winning producer Hex Hector.

As the years went by, Gomi’s talent continued to be in high demand. He contributed a remix for Mariah Carey’s Heartbreaker and wrote and produced the Billboard hit Din Da Da (Wave Music) for Kevin Aviance. He also collaborated with Hex Hector on a project for Patti LaBelle. While working on Din Da Da, Gomi spent time at Axis Studio, where he became close friends with the legendary François Kevorkian, who also became a mentor. Back in Japan, Gomi released a series of albums under the title Neo Maestro, which were top-20 sellers on HMV’s charts. He also made a comeback with Gomi Feat. Louie Balo Guzman & Yasmeen - Glad I Found You (Defected). This hard work and exposure helped him land DJ gigs around the world, where he still enjoys a loyal fan base. He has played at top venues in Japan and throughout Asia, as well as at iconic New York clubs like XL, Avalon, Roxy, Twilo, and The Tunnel.

Recently, Gomi has been collaborating with Kenny Dope (of Masters at Work) on his label, Dopewax. Their single Piano Groove with Antonio Hart topped several charts, and a follow-up solo LP is on the way. He has also released tracks on Nervous Records, including collaborations with Joi Cardwell (We Can Do Better), David Morales & Aaron K Gray (God Made Me Funky), and Manny Ward feat. Sandy B (Resilience). His track with Mike Ivy, I Need Someone (Inhouse), has also made a big impact on dance floors.

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BEYOND THE RECORDING STUDIO

Thanks to his extensive network, Gomi was introduced to the team behind the first CDJ. His suggestions for the velocity sensitivity of the jog wheel, which emulates the feel of playing vinyl, as well as the waveform display, were crucial innovations that remain part of the CDJ’s design today. Once the CDJ was developed, Gomi introduced the machines to clubs and DJs to try out, helping solidify them as a global standard in the club scene.

In the last few years, Gomi has been working closely with Roland. His contributions were instrumental in the creation of the AIRA line (TR-8, TR-8S, SYSTEM-8, MX-1, TR-09, TB-03, etc.) and the TR-8S Drum Machine, which has become a world standard. He also helped get the Martinez Brothers to endorse Roland’s products.