We've always been a proponent of the power of creativity. When it comes together, there's something about being able to explore ideas and being in inspirational environments that allows concepts to grow!

When we heard about TECHNICA HOUSE, this creative space piqued our interest as this vinyl listening lounge is an impressive showroom space that allows you to know more about Audio-Technica's headphones and speakers, has a space to create podcasts, is a working office, and also has innovated automation machines by AUTEC to make sushi!

After hearing about this space, we decided that it would be the perfect location for our Lo-Fi Vibes Editorial which is Fall forward with easy styles that can be worn when you're taking in your latest music find, working on your next project, collaborating with those that are like minded and being able to enjoy wherever the day takes you!

LO-FI VIBES EDITORIAL | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST + CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kimmie Smith | MUA Sang Le | MODEL Olivia Picchione + Ben Simic |

IG @pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

@sang_theglaminator

@oliviapmiller

@lilboochie

LO-FI VIBES EDITORIAL | STYLE CREDITS

LOOK I PG 76 - 86 | OLIVIA - MICHAEL KORS Ribbed Knit Cropped Tank Top + Chocolate Burnished Leather Skirt | LAGOS Pink Caviar BCRF Ceramic Beaded Bracelet 9mm + Pink Caviar Single Station Diamond Caviar Bracelet 9mm | AIR & ANCHOR Set in Stone Necklace Set 18" - Tiger Eye | BEN - COLMAR Down Jacket with Envelopping Collar | White Tank | MAVI James Skinny | LAGOS Caviar Beaded Chain Necklace 12mm + Twist Curb Chain Bracelet 12mm |

LOOK II | PG 88 - 89 | OLIVIA - ATHLEISUREVERSE Bomber Jacket | SPLITS59 Ashby Rib Crop + Theo Rib Short | LULU FROST Plaza Rectangle Link Necklace Base - Gold + Plaza Letter K Charm | PRINCE TENNIS Sneakers | MZ WALLACE Micro Crosby Sling | BEN - ATHLEISUREVERSE Sleeveless Hoodie | MICHAEL KORS Camouflage Denim Cargo Jeans | LAGOS Twist Curb Chain Bracelet 12mm |

LOOK IV | PG 106 - 111 | OLIVIA - ATHLEISUREVERSE Varsity Jacket | MICHAEL KORS Cropped Tank + Colby Extra-Small Burnished Leather Shoulder Bag | TOMMY HILFIGER Wide Leg Jean | AIR & ANCHOR Double Standard Necklace with Cuff Keeper, Putting it in Writing - A + M | BEN - | LX3 Oversized Cream Hoodie | MAVI Jake Slim Leg | LAGOS Caviar Beaded Chain Necklace 12mm + Twist Curb Chain Bracelet 12mm | NIKE Air Jordan |

LO-FI VIBES EDITORIAL | PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

| SONY Alpha A7R V, FE 50mm F/1.2 GM, FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II, FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS + HVL-F45RM Wireless Radio Flash |

We enjoyed shooting our Lo-Fi Vibed Editorial at TECHNICA HOUSE and we wanted to find out more about this space which recently opened, what they offer in this creative destination, and how you can get to know more about them. We took some time to chat with Takayuki Tanaka, the CEO of TECHNICA HOUSE to find out this and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You just launched TECHNICA HOUSE New York earlier this month. This space is above SUSHIDELIC which we covered last month in The Art of the Snack. Tell us about the Japanese technology companies AUTEC and Audio-Technica that came together for this space.

TAKAYUKI TANAKA: TECHNICA HOUSE is a unique collaboration between two iconic Japanese technology companies, AUTEC and Audio-Technica, both bring their expertise, heritage, and commitment to fostering the next generation of creators into this space.

AUTEC is known for its innovative sushi robots, designed to deliver chef-quality sushi with unmatched efficiency. By merging tradition with advanced automation, AUTEC empowers chefs to maintain the authenticity of Japanese cuisine while optimizing operations. Their focus on culinary technology has revolutionized the food service industry and created new opportunities for emerging culinary creators to innovate. 

Audio-Technica, a global leader in high-fidelity audio equipment, has a long history of supporting artistic and creative communities. Their expertise in sound technology elevates the experience at TECHNICA HOUSE, offering an immersive auditory environment. Audio-Technica's involvement speaks to its dedication to fostering creativity through sound, empowering emerging creators in music and art.

Together, TECHNICA HOUSE celebrates Japanese heritage while providing a collaborative space where food, music, fashion, and art converge. This venture is designed to nurture creativity and inspire the next generation of innovators, offering a unique platform for emerging creators to explore new possibilities and ideas.

AM: It seems that TECHNICA HOUSE - New York merges food, music, fashion, and art together. Why was it important for you to have these elements in one place?

TT: Merging food, music, fashion, and art at TECHNICA HOUSE was a natural progression at TECHNICA HOUSE was a natural progression of our vision to create a dynamic space where creativity and cultural expression thrive. Each of these elements speaks to the core of human connection and emotion. Food brings people together and is a universal language; music is the heartbeat of culture, evoking powerful emotions; fashion reflects individuality and artistic expression; and art gives form to imagination and ideas.

Combining these elements in one space fosters a platform where creators from diverse backgrounds and industries can collaborate, share ideas, and inspire each other. TECHINICA HOUSE is more than just a venue—it's a movement that encourages innovation and exploration across disciplines. We wanted to create a tradition can fuel modern creativity, and emerging creators as well as established creators as well push the boundaries of what's possible in a collaborative environment. This holistic approach creates a vibrant atmosphere that invites people to be part of something bigger, sparking new ideas and connections. 

AM: In terms of the concept of TECHNICA HOUSE, are there others in addition to the one in New York and if not, do you plan on having other locations?

TT: At present, the joint venture TECHNICA HOUSE in New York City is our sole location. While our primary focus is on establishing a thriving community here, we have aspirations to expand TECHNICA HOUSE to other cities across the United States and around the world. By doing so, we aim to celebrate and support emerging creators in various regions.

AM: Can you tell us about who designed the space and what visitors can expect to see when they are entering this space?

TT: The space was designed by Yoshiyuki Morii of Cafe Co, incorporating the aesthetics and heritage of both AUTEC and Audio-Technica. At TECHNICA HOUSE NY, visitors can immerse themselves in a state-of-the-art listening experience featuring top-tier Audio-Technica analog audio equipment to listen to the 2000 vinyl records collection. The space includes a fully equipped conference room, a dedicated podcast studio, and an AUTEC sushi counter where chefs showcase cutting-edge robotic sushi-making technology.

AM: You have over 2,000 records here. How do you go about acquiring them, are their genres that you tend to focus on?

TT: Our record collection has come from various sources, both local and international. Many were donated by Audio-Technica staff members, discovered at local thrift shops and secondhand record stores, or sought out by company leadership. Some of our favorites are the Japanese pressings of classic American albums. 

AM: What can we do in this listening lounge which also allows us to hear music on your headphones as well as your speakers?

TT: We have a variety of headphones and turntables on display, like our colorful Sound Burger and our pro-grade High-end AT-LP7. Visitors are welcome to hook up a pair of M50x headphones to any of our turntables and enjoy a listening experience. We also have a pair of our newly released AT-SP3x Bluetooth Speakers if they're listening with friends.

AM: Can you tell us about the equipment that is available there? 

TT: AUTEC’s food-focused experience at TECHNICA HOUSE highlights the latest innovations in sushi-making technology. On display are cutting-edge sushi robots, including ASM895A The Rice Sheet Maker for sushi rolls, ASM260A The Sushi Roll Cutter, ASM410A The Nigiri Sushi Rice Ball Maker, and ASM575A The Handheld Onigiri Rice Ball Maker, showcasing the precision and efficiency that define modern culinary automation. One of our goals is for chefs to visit this space to tap into their creativity and explore the potential of integrating these robots into their culinary processes.

TECHNICA HOUSE displays a wide variety of Audio-Technica products: from high-end turntables to limited edition headphones and microphones, to a collection of artistic signed A-T gear. We prominently feature the NARUKA MI Headphone Amplifier, a premium piece of audio technology built from kurogaki wood. Very few of these exist in the United States. We welcome guests to pull a record off the wall and enjoy the listening experience at our space.

AM: As Audio-Technica continues to create new products, will they find their way into TECHNICA HOUSE - New York? Will there always be someone on site that will be able to walk you through products?

TT: While TECHNICA HOUSE is currently open to the general public for select events and collaborations, we're actively working to expand our accessibility. Stay tuned for updates on future openings and opportunities for general visitors to experience our space.

AUTEC and Audio-Technica staff are regularly at TECHNICA HOUSE and are available to schedule visits for those genuinely interested in the space. While we're happy to arrange appointments, we may only sometimes be able to accommodate every request due to the nature of the space. We appreciate the understanding of those wishing to explore this creative hub.

AM: Tell us about the podcast studio and the conference room.

TT: The podcast studio is a little respite from the noise of a bustling Soho. It's an isolated studio space, acoustically treated from floor to ceiling. We are recording original podcasts and digital content in the space and are beginning to bring outside creators in to use the space for their content creation. 

Our debut series, AT Sometime, Somewhere, features artists and creatives from New York City telling stories of their ambitions, failures, successes, and the moments that helped them find their voices. We look forward to future series featuring an even wider variety of artists, stories, and topics. 

AT-ONE Studio is designed to make production as simple as possible. On top of that, it's built for comfort. Recording in the studio is like chatting in a high-end living room with your friends.

AT-ONE Studio is for both Audio-Technica podcast projects and outside artists and organizations who want to rent time in the space. We'll be introducing a rental fee menu soon. If you're interested in collaborating on a project with A-T or using the studio to produce a personal project, give us a ring through the TECHNICA HOUSE website.

The conference room is available for meetings of all types, and it features a large Frame-style television connected to a hi-def camera for remote meetings, plus an Audio-Technica ceiling array beamforming microphone - the ATND1061.

AM: You also have a sushi counter along with robotic sushi making technology. What kinds of sushi do these machines make?

TT: AUTEC's sushi robots are designed to assist in various aspects of sushi-making rather than creating a complete sushi dish. These machines automate essential tasks like mixing and seasoning rice, forming rice sheets for rolls, shaping rice balls for nigiri, and cutting rolls with speed and precision. By handling these repetitive tasks, our robots enable chefs to focus on their creativity and the artistry of sushi, all while ensuring consistent, high-quality production.

AM: When is this space open to the general public and how do they go about reserving a time to come in?

TT: Currently, TECHNICA HOUSE is not fully open to the general public, as our primary focus is hosting select events and collaborations. If you're interested in exploring partnerships or attending a specific event, we encourage you to reach out through the contact information provided on our website. While we may not always be able to accommodate all requests, we're happy to consider inquiries related to our mission and space. In the near future, we plan to expand access to general inquiries and reservations.

AM: What kinds of events will be offered here and do you have anything coming up for the fall and/or holiday season?

TT: We're currently crafting our event calendar, which will include a variety of engaging activities for the community to participate in at TECHNICA HOUSE. Stay tuned for exciting announcements to come.

AM: How will you reach out to creatives to come to this space?

TT: We're building a strong community at TECHNICA HOUSE by leveraging our existing network of creators and brands with whom we've built relationships. Our organic approach allows us to grow with emerging creators through word of mouth, meaningful collaborations, and increased visibility across various channels. We'll continue to foster this community through engaging activations such as open houses and events to connect with potential collaborators.

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