About Us: DJ AkikoLUV
Dr. Akiko Funahashi (OTD, OTR/L) aka DJ AkikoLUV is deeply passionate about turntablism, and devotes her life to the DJ arts. As a transgender “skratch nerd” active in the Los Angeles and online DJ battle scenes, she trains tirelessly and continuously. Her battle resume includes Top-3 placements in DMC competitions from Los Angeles to Phoenix and the Bay Area, in addition to selection for the Red Bull Thre3Style competition in San Diego.
In addition to her competitive efforts, Akiko is driven to educate others and spread the art of turntablism around the globe. To this end, she brings her experience and expertise as a school-based occupational therapist to the world of turntablism. As a creator and developer of original and unique educational content - dedicated to the preservation and growth of the DJ arts - her core values are education, awareness, and empowerment.
You can watch Akiko and her skratch partner Mike C discussing the turntable arts on their “Skratch Snobs” YouTube channel. In addition, Akiko curates a Facebook Community Page entitled “Skratch: Hands In Motion,” with the primary goal of contributing to the academic and scientific body of knowledge regarding turntablism.
Current affiliations
· Host of “Skratch Snobs” YouTube series, providing education and entertainment for the turntablist/battle DJ community
· Host of "Q&A" DJ lifestyle video series on BeatJunkies.TV
· Co-owner and operator of Zuno Productions (Mobile DJ service company)
Prior affiliations
· Contributor, organizer - Skratchpad (Los Angeles Chapter)
Notable competition placements
· Champion - Tablist Lounge (2017 Scratch + Juggle Categories)
· 2nd place - DMC Arizona (2017)
· 2nd place- DMC Bay Area (2016)
· 3rd place - DMC Los Angeles (2016)
Notable projects
· Contributor - RESPECT: Hip-Hop & Style (2018) - Oakland Museum of California Exhibit
· Panelist - Hip-Hop, Art, Technology, & Gender (2017) - Fremont, CA
· Music Coordinator - International Meeting of Styles (2012) - Las Vegas, CA
Notable community contributions
· Music Curator - Tuesday Night Project - Longest running free arts and performance series in DTLA, CA
· Music Curator - Sunday Jump - Open mic series in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA
Notable live performances
· Opened for Redfoo + Party Rockcrew (2015) - Hollywood, CA
· Opened for 2Mex at USC - Los Angeles, CA
Prior Los Angeles club residencies
· The legendary Century Club - Century City, CA
· The Mayan - DTLA, CA
· Club XES, Hollywood, CA
www.facebook.com/skratchhandsinmotion
www.facebook.com/Akikoluv