Dorian Electra In Tokyo, A Pop Star For a New Era: A sabukaru Editorial and Interview
Dorian Electra is a genre-defying musician who uniquely mixes pop and electronic music, breaking the rules of what it means to be a pop star.
They've become a standout force in the pop industry, captivating people everywhere with their internet-derived references, cheeky wordsmithing, open discussion of their genderfluid identity, and fearless exploration of unconventional themes – whether it be philosophy or drag culture.
Dorian's mold-breaking creations continue to shape the contemporary music landscape, making a lasting impact on how we experience pop music. We shot an editorial with Dorian with a Tokyo-based creative team, reflecting Dorian's gender-bending and beauty standard-defying style.
Luckily, we also got a chance to catch up with them at Bacon in Shin Okubo, a local DJ bar in Tokyo, to chat about their creative process, what they’ve been into lately, and their connection with Japan.
Hey Dorian, thank you for chatting with us. For those who aren’t familiar with your work, could you introduce yourself to the sabukaru network?
I’m an LA-based musician.
It can be difficult to define musical genres… Some might view your work as a hyper pop, which for some in the community is sort of a controversial label, why do you think some artists shy away from that phrase?
I think every artist doesn't like being put into a box and labeled. I think that probably goes for any artistic "scene" or whatever… But also I think people like to complain on the internet about everything lol, even when an artist’s work is getting recognition.
How would you actually label your sound?
I guess maybe experimental pop? But, who knows haha!
In the age of social media, how has your online presence influenced your artistic identity?
I grew up online and came of age on MySpace and Facebook so I've never even known my artistic identity without the internet. The idea that anybody can be famous just for "being themselves online" is a pretty crazy thought that has become normalized and infected every part of our lives and culture. It's inescapable!
What is something you think is overrated and something you think is underrated?
Overrated:
Posting online
Underrated:
Not posting online
The internet has democratized the music industry to some extent. How do you think this has impacted the diversity of voices and styles in the music scene? How has this impacted your sound and career as an artist?
It's been epic. Of course, there’s many economic downsides as well for artists (not being paid enough by streaming companies, etc). But I think on the whole a lot more artists do have a chance to put themselves out there and find an audience that normally wouldn't have the chance.
Your collaborations with other artists extend to the online space. How do these collaborations usually come about?
Usually starts with an IG DM... or meeting at a party or show. which I prefer!
How do you balance your musical practice staying relevant with more timeless elements?
I always like to mix extremes and opposites. Old and new, masculine and feminine, hard and soft, etc.
What do you do if you have a free day, with nothing to do?
I have to force myself to relax [which I'm still learning how to do and it's hard for me! Lol] I try to make myself go on a hike, or I read, watch YouTube videos, etc.. But it's easier when I have a friend to help force me to relax!
What are some of your favorite places in Tokyo?
Family Mart
Who are some Tokyo artists [musical or otherwise] that you think deserve a shout-out?
Prius Missile [an electronic artist].
Thank you so much for speaking with us Dorian!
Photo & Creative Director: Sinclair Bryant [@stclairbryant]
Producer: Miguel Angel [@miguelangelnegrin]
Creative Producer: Ora Margolis [@o.racle_]
Executive Producing: [@goodnight.fm]
Makeup & Nail Artist: Yuka Hirac [@yuka_hirac]
Makeup Assistant: Beri [@beri199 ]
Hair Stylist: Hayate Maeda [@hayatemaeda]
Hair Assistant: Ren[ @ren._.hair ]
Styling Assist: Ako Suzuki [@___a_k_o___]
Clothing, Accessories, Shoes:
JULIUS [@_julius7official]
LEO GON’DO[ @gonshun]
Funghi [@funkifunghi]
How to be Nina [@howtobenina]
Introduction: Miguel Angel [@miguelangelnegrin]
Interview questions by Ora Margolis [@o.racle_] and Miguel Angel [@miguelangelnegrin]
Edited by Ora Margolis [@o.racle_]
