On Record

People worth choosing.

Musicians, creatives, founders, and nightlife personalities — answering the same handful of questions, on record.

Mika Tanaka

DJ & Selector

Tokyo / Vancouver

A selector building a bridge between Tokyo's listening-bar culture and Vancouver's late-night rooms, one crate at a time.

What are you listening to?: “A lot of early 2000s city pop, and whatever my friends in Seoul are sending me this week.”
What city has influenced you most?: “Tokyo, for pacing. Vancouver, for space.”
What do you consider good taste?: “Knowing what to leave out.”

Elena Cruz

Vocalist & Songwriter

Manila / Toronto

A vocalist whose work moves between neo-soul and Manila's contemporary R&B scene, recorded mostly at night.

What are you currently obsessed with?: “Analog tape hiss. I want everything to sound a little bit worn.”
What city has influenced you most?: “Manila, without question.”
What is overrated?: “Perfect vocal takes.”

Jonathan Park

Founder, Listening Bar Collective

Seoul

Building a small network of listening bars across Seoul and Hong Kong, each built around a single sound system and a strict door policy on noise.

What do you consider good taste?: “Restraint. A room that knows when to stay quiet.”
What are you listening to?: “Whatever pressing I found that week — I try not to repeat a set.”
What is overrated?: “Loudness.”

Sofia Lim

Creative Director

Toronto

A creative director whose work sits at the intersection of fashion, music video, and Asian-Canadian identity.

What city has influenced you most?: “Toronto — specifically, its refusal to be one thing.”
What are you currently obsessed with?: “Directing for sound first, image second.”