D.J. Craze and D.J. Klever, two world renowned turntablists, hit Volar last Thursday night. Turntablists are sort of like musically gifted hackers. Instead of using a record player (called a turntable,) for what it was intended - to playback music, they use it more like an instrument.

The techniques they practice include scratching and beat juggling. The result is that they create music from music.

In their repertoire there’s even a famous scratch that was named after the Transformers. (It resembles the sound that occurs when they change from cars into robots!) The best turntablists can produce fantastic improvisation-filled performances.

However, I’m usually skeptical of turntablists as party d.j.s. Sometimes they get too used to crowds standing around and watching, and don’t understand the dynamics of a dance floor. At times they tend to get too technical and lose the non-d.j.s in the audience.

How did D.J. Klever and Craze hold up? (more…)

yes, those are stamps…

A party for Casio G-SHOCK watches? It’s not as unusual as it sounds. In fact, in Hong Kong, mega-events for watch brands are common.

What makes this one different? (more…)

Wow! This is going to be one exciting week!

Thursday night is the latest edition of the monthly Hype Nasty party at Volar. Headlining this time is d.j. duo Craze and Klever performing on four turntables! Both of these guys are masters at scratching and the night should be part performance and part dancefloor madness. (more…)

Check out that classic Rock ‘n’ Roll strut!

O.k., so the band’s real name is Housse De Racket, but you could have easily been mistaken after catching their live show on Sunday night. Brought in to perform at the after party for the new A.P.C. store in Central, Housse De Racket put on a memorable, rocking performance.

How many members are there in the band? (more…)

Top tier d.j.s have a new stop on the regional party circuit. Over the last six months Cubic has established itself as the prime dance music venue in Asia’s casino town. The club has done what most people thought was impossible - bring a cosmopolitan clubbing experience to Macau.

Which two big name d.j.s do they have coming next? (more…)

Last week I attended the Oasis concert at Asia World Expo. For those who have never visited, it’s just past the airport. Asia World Expo is one of the few venues in Hong Kong that can support a big live show. The place seems to be the only international-level concert hall in use recently.

Check out photos from the night and learn about one potential snag that could spoil your fun! (more…)

Get ready to be transported back to a time of smart drinks and smoke machines! Friday’s installment of the monthly Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy party features two d.j.s with new mixes out that are heavily influenced by the early 90’s rave sound.

DJ P.O.L. Style, based in Tokyo, and DJ Drafus Chow, a relocated New Yorker in Hong Kong, are headlining Friday’s event.

Not familiar with D.J. Drafus? Perhaps you know him by one of his many d.j. pseudonyms! (more…)

Last weekend was a busy one at Volar. On Friday night the club hosted a special surprise performance by DJ Steve Aoki, following his set the previous night at Adidas’ 60th anniversary.

Saturday also featured an international guest, Lovefoxxx, the lead singer, and fashion trend-setter from the Brazilian band C.S.S. (more…)

Cumbia music is a bit like African Kuduro or Brasilian Funk music. They take earthy, low-tech musical bits, such as Latin accordion or guitar samples, chop them up and add heavy percussion. The result is a very dancefloor friendly genre!

Need an example? (more…)

I just listened to a minute of D.J. Muro’s song selections before deciding that I’ll be hitting Dragon-i this Wednesday! The rapper / d.j. is a veteran of Japan’s Hip Hop scene and has collaborated with international luminaries such as De La Soul, Kool G Rap, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan. (more…)