If you’ve been hibernating over the Chinese New Year holiday, you now have a good reason to venture out of your cave.

D.J. Rafik grew up surrounded by classical music, but at some point, he put down his cello and decided to take up the turntables as his instrument of choice. Six awards later, Rafik is a major D.M.C. champion, and has d.j.ed around the world alongside big names in dance music.

But does his background in classical music influence his d.j. sets? (more…)

German group Digitalism are playing at Volar on Thursday night in celebration of the club’s fifth anniversary. The duo are known for creating catchy songs with dirty, warm synthesizers and distorted melodies.

One of the major artists on the Kitsune record label, Digitalism’s songs often build into dramatic climaxes that cause dance floor eruptions! (more…)

I’m still amazed at the level of talent that comes to Hong Kong these days. For so many years we had no interesting names passing through, and now we have attractive nightlife options every month, if not every week.

D.j., producer, and remixer Sinden falls into this category. A well known name to fans of dance music, his songs are the kind of thumping catchy beats that d.j.s drop at prime time. Though a relatively new talent, he’s put out a large number of quality songs. (more…)

This makes the fourth time that top beatboxer Killa Kela is set to perform in Hong Kong. If you haven’t yet caught one of his shows, Killa Kela produces elaborate, almost orchestral routines using only his mouth!

For his Summer 2009 tour, Kela teams up with Andy Knowles, an accomplished drummer who plays with the band Franz Ferdinand, as well as London based d.j. Skelektrik. Adding a drummer and a d.j. will likely increase the complexity of the show he can stage.

Want a sample of Killa Kela’s skills? (more…)

This nondescript shop in the heart of Causeway Bay is secretly being transformed. On Friday, July 24th, the wraps come off to reveal 55 DSL’s pop-up shop – a combination retail and art space. Flown in from Italy to christen the new store are the masked d.j. duo The Bloody Beetroots, along with their frequent collaborator, the artist Turbokrapfen.

Not yet up on this gang? Seen the Facebook party description ‘night of mayhem’? Well these guys actually bring it! (more…)

Cool names! If you don’t have a cool name, you’re lacking a certain level of creativity, showmanship and panache.

Batman didn’t run around calling himself Bruce Wayne. Spiderman didn’t go by Peter Parker. The Hulk didn’t jump around destroying stuff as David Banner. You actually think they did it for privacy reasons? (more…)

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.)