"Dig"

This A-label delves into the message embedded in the “Drop the Needle” Hoodie.


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"When you dig, you're not just collecting music. You're collecting soul."
"The moment the needle drops on a record, you're not just unearthing sound, but 'soul'."
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“Digging for classic albums at record stores”
“While digging through 70s funk, I discovered the original sample source”

Have you ever heard the term "digging" used in phrases like these?

"Digging" is a term derived from the English word "dig."

It carries a nuance similar to "delving deep into."


Those who love music might be familiar with it, but "Dig" isn't just about music.

It could be clothes you search for at a vintage store, or a little-known restaurant—anything is fair game.


It's about reaching out excitedly for something unknown.

It's not about efficiency, right answers, or rankings, but about "something that just piques your interest."


I'd like to share the spiritual aspect of "Dig"—treasuring that feeling—along with some of my personal items.

I hope that after reading this article, you'll feel even a little bit drawn to "Dig."





[D.I.T.C. - THICK Records]

Both of these records are D.I.T.C.'s "THICK."

They're the same song, but one is the 12-inch released in 1999, and the other is the Remix version by Rockwilder released in 2000.


If you knew there was a remix, wouldn't you be curious, even if it's the same song?

Rather than just collecting records, I'm interested in things like, "What would the song sound like with a different beat?" or "What's the story behind the creation of the remix?"


It makes you want to dig not just into the sound itself, but also into the story and passion behind it.

I think this is also a form of Digging.





[Music Magazine, May 1997 issue]

I bought this when I was on a business trip to Sendai and happened to be drawn into a used bookstore.

Even when I'm on a business trip, I can't help but go into any used bookstores, record shops, or recycle shops that catch my eye.
(Of course, I do my job properly too. LOL)





This Music Magazine was what I found at that used bookstore.

Beyond its rich content, I was amazed by the sheer volume of articles released every month.





The creators and editors are undoubtedly true Diggers.

I have great respect for them.





[VHS and DVD bought in high school]

In an era when information wasn't as abundant as it is now.

I bought a VHS just because it had an artist's name I was interested in, without knowing much about them.
(Photo left)

Nowadays, I might search for it.
I might read reviews.

But back then, it was just a hunch.


The photo on the right is a documentary DVD about Kool Keith.

Anyway, I was so curious about what kind of daily life that genius led that I picked it up.

I think it showed his real daily life, for better or worse, without pretense, like him just going to a hamburger shop for lunch. LOL

It made me realize that even people who make incredibly crazy music live normal lives.




Stepping into the unknown.


Without judging whether it's good or bad, aren't we being recommended too many things these days?


Algorithms tell us what to do.
Rankings are lined up.
The optimal solution appears immediately.


It's convenient, and I'm not trying to deny it.

But I believe the spirit of "Dig" has an opposite kind of appeal.


It's the act of choosing something on your own volition, something no one has recommended.

It's inefficient, and sometimes you make the wrong choice.


But those detours can become your own unique story when you look back on them later.


"When you dig, you're not just collecting music. You're collecting soul."

"The moment the needle drops on a record, you're not just unearthing sound, but 'soul'."


I believe this hoodie is a piece that quietly speaks of such an attitude.