Panel Room: Lounge 21
START: 12:00 AM
END: 1:00 AM
Panel Description: KEN HARADA is a DJ/Producer originally from Japan, now based in LA. In 1995, he founded AQUA Records, a pioneering label in the techno music scene. Ken's own production, known as "WATERMAN," garnered acclaim from industry luminaries like Andy Weatherall, Darren Emmerson, and Slam and more. Notably, Ken collaborated with leading techno and tech-house DJ Producer Christian Smith, forming the dynamic duo "galactica" and releasing tracks on the TRONIC Music label. Throughout his career, Ken has shared the stage with renowned techno DJs such as Carl Cox, Dave Angel, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Dave Clarke, Slam, and more. In 1999, Ken signed with entertainment giant "AVEX" as a songwriter and music producer, contributing to the success of numerous platinum-selling artists in Japan spanning J-POP, R&B, and Dance genres. Ken's production credits extend to artists like BoA, Kumi Koda, EXILE, GLAY, RIZE, TM Revolution, SKE48 and many others. His talents also found expression in diverse media, including producing the theme song "Lastman Standing ft. Eric Martin" for the prestigious PRIDE F.C.,and crafting theme songs for the Formula 1 broadcasts on Fuji TV. Ken has even contributed to the world of animation with remixes for series like "FREE!," "CHEER DANSHI," and "EXAMURAI," while also creating music for TV drama, such as "Lucky7 Special". In 2024, Ken launched "Tokyo City Lights," an event platform showcasing an Allstar lineup including Vantage, Moe Shop, Macross 82-99, DJ Hello Kitty, PiNKII, Valentine & Jak Syn from YOI TOKI, with the goal of fostering a vibrant scene in Los Angeles and creating a cultural bridge between Japan and Los Angeles.