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…)

DJ A-Trak headlines the new Hype Nasty party at Volar this Thursday, May 21st. Hype Nasty is organized by the same people behind Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy.

In the sea of d.j.s playing multiple genres of dance music, there are a few clear standouts and A-Trak is one of them. A former world champion turntablist, A-Trak has always been a step ahead of other d.j.s.. While some turntablists are technically creative, A-Trak has that rare combination of being both musically and technically gifted.

A-Trak’s approached music in a very open way and integrated multiple genres into his repertoire before it became trendy. His foresight has paid off, landing him the title of Kanye West’s d.j., as well as personal collaborations with many of today’s top dance music acts including Digitalism, MSTRKRFT and Boys Noize.

When it comes to catching a d.j. in a club, top turntablist skills mixed with good music sense are a deadly combination! This is one performance not to be missed!

For the night, A-Trak will be supported by D.J. Enso and Miss Yellow.

The following night A-Trak will also be performing at Cubic in Macau.

Recommended!

DJ A-Trak
Volar
Basement 38-44 D’Aguilar Street
Lan Kwai Fong
Central, Hong Kong

Free for Volar members, non-members $250HKD cover charge includes one drink.

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…)

Lovefoxxx, the fashionable lead singer of Brazilian Indie-Electro Rock band CSS hits Hong Kong for a special DJ set at Volar on Saturday, March 14th.

The music of CSS (which stands for Cansei de Ser Sexy) is at the intersection of Indie Rock and Electro, right in line with what’s been happening in cool circles the last three years. If she d.j.s the type of music she makes, you can expect catchy songs and great energy.

There is also the potential for dance floor frenzy as Lovefoxxx is known to body-surf the crowd! I’m there!

For a sample of Cansei de Ser Sexy’s (CSS’s) music, check out their MySpace page.

Have a look at this video of Lovefoxx at home. Her creativity is apparent!

Lovefoxxx of CSS DJ set
Saturday, March 14th
Volar
Basement, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street (in Lan Kwai Fong)
Central, Hong Kong
Free entry for members, $250 HKD cover charge for non-members (includes one drink.)

Because his name was synonymous with New York Hip Hop for so long, to this day, DJ Stretch Armstrong has difficulty escaping being typecast as purely a Hip Hop d.j. (more…)

I recently asked myself this question after attending two parties where the crowds congregated in the VIP sections rather than catch the major acts who were performing on stage. Is the draw of perceived status more enticing than hearing current international acts? Do people in Hong Kong care about music? (more…)

Thursday night another member of the Ed Banger crew descended on Hong Kong’s club Volar. The producer / d.j. Vicarious Bliss, a label-mate of Justice, Uffie, and Busy P, played a mixture of Electro, Rock, and even some New Order, (which was fitting, since they were an early proponent of the mixture of these two musical styles). The packed club-side of Volar was moving despite a severe rainstorm earlier in the night and a few moments of technical difficulties. (more…)

Thursday night was the third edition of the IMAGE Top Model event at Volar. What started off as a networking event for the modeling industry and a showcase for new talent, has morphed into a runway competition that packs the club. (more…)

Legendary French d.j. / producer Laurent Garnier played at Volar on Thursday night. For those who don’t know, he’s been a top name in electronic music for fifteen years, since the early days of raves and techno. The fact that he’s remained relevant for so long is no easy feat, especially considering the high turnover rate in dance music.

Starting off at one am, Volar was packed with his fans even before he manned the decks. The crowd was overwhelmingly foreigners who had paid a cover charge to get in. A good percentage of the French expat population of Hong Kong were seemingly in attendance.

Beginning with a smooth transition from the previous d.j., he quickly broke into his signature blend of classic melodic techno. It was refreshing to hear, and was exactly what the packed crowd was craving. The place went nuts as his techno set began, with models jumping onto the stage and the capacity dance floor convulsing.

Laurent Garnier’s somewhat clean techno is a big contrast to the dirty, discord-heavy sound of last week’s Justice / Busy P. It just goes to show that there’s room for many different flavors of party-rocking dance music!

Volar solidified its reputation as Hong Kong’s top club for cutting-edge d.j. / performers by hosting French dynamic duo Justice, and Ed Banger label owner Busy P on Friday night.

Volar vs. Dragon-i

Competition in club-land is a good thing for music lovers. Volar has recently carved out a successful niche. While Dragon-i brings classic d.j. / producers such as the legends, Little Louie Vega and D.J. Jazzy Jeff, Volar has differentiated themselves by bringing the most up-to-date d.j. acts around. In the past year they have brought forth a smorgasbord of new talents. (more…)