Greetings from sunny California Internet land. I'm writing this week's article from my Mom's house, which feels a little strange. It鈥檚 been two years since my last visit home and I had built up these inflated ideals of the USA. However, upon arrival I found people eating out of trash cans and streets in general disrepair. Life is pretty damn janky in America. I feel like an idiot for cursing China because my Internet went out for a few hours or a wrong side dish came with dinner.
After watching thirteen hours of "Real Housewives of New Jersey", I realized that I don't really know anything about China. It takes growing up in a place and taking in the experiences and history of the generations via parents, ants, uncles, and friends to even begin to understand the complexities of a place like Shanghai in its current state. Now there is [usually] nothing wrong with conversations or comments on social differences but please refrain from posting articles like "Worst Things White People Have Done to China". You're a fucking idiot.
On that note I鈥檇 like to celebrate the techno dissident crew VOID, which is lead by the always-amped DJ comrade Shanghai Ultra. They've been pumping out monthly underground techno parties for seven years and this Saturday is the anniversary gig for the proletarians of the dance world. This week Shanghai Ultra himself gives us music from seven of his favorite guest artists over the past seven years. Turn on that VPN and let鈥檚 see what鈥檚 in VOID鈥檚 bag of seven tricks.
Juan Aktins (aka Cybotron) - "Techno City" (Fantasy)
"I lost count of how many times I saw the word "Legend" used to promote a DJ in China, only to find I hadn't even heard of him. When it comes to electronic music, Juan Atkins is one of only a handful to be deserving of that description. Hosting him back in 2008 was a massive honor for VOID and a legendary night. Here's "Techno City" reckoned to be the first ever "techno" track from back in 1984."
Surgeon - "Those who do not" - (Dynamic Tension Records)
"The Lord of Birmingham techno darkness himself appeared in the flesh back in 2009. Another artist who matches VOID's philosophy of forward-thinking, uncompromising yet innately danceable electronic music, Surgeon has been at the top of his game for years and is rightly recognized as another artist whose influence is felt far outside the confines of techno. Here's a track from his last album, a kicking sub-bass nightmare.
Ancient Methods "Fourth method" - (Ancient Methods)
A lot of what we do is about pushing the boundaries of entertainment and music in Shanghai in a serious way. When we decided to bring Ancient Methods and their "pitch black techno war funk" we were really taking a risk. Hard, brutal industrial techno is risky anywhere, never mind Shanghai. But his music has such a strong groove it turned out to be one of the best parties we've ever hosted. I don't know how he does it but he got all the girls dancing to industrial techno. Awesome. Here's one of his best tunes and one which featured in his set at VOID in September 2012.
Neil Landstrumm "Diamond Taxation" (Sativae)
Landstrumm has been at the forefront of electronic music innovation for two decades now - there's a lot of experience in his sound. I think his music really embodies the VOID spirit. Individualistic, free-spirited and not afraid to buck trends. Diamond Taxation is one of his earlier tracks, but it still rocks a party as it has done at VOID on countless occasions.
Robert Hood - "Explain the Style" - (Metroplex)
Another VOID guest who made a massive mark on electronic music, the inventor of minimal techno came and showed everyone how it was done. If you ever thought techno is banging and not funky, you heard wrong as Rob Hood proves with his intense sets every weekend all over the world. "Explain the Style" is an older track, but it does exactly as the track title says.
Vince Watson - "Mystical Rhythm" - (Aola)
Vince has played live for us twice and his deep and emotional melodic house and techno showed everyone yet another side of the genre. He's definitely one of the most musically talented artists we have had over the years and that's saying something. "Mystical Rhythm" is one of his all-time best tracks.
Ceephax Acid Crew - "Life Funk" - Planet Mu
This guy is a genius. I've never seen anyone work a 909, 303, 101 and various other bits of old gear like he does. Throw in his hilarious sense of humor and what be brought to Shanghai was something truly unique and entertaining. I've never seen so many people dancing with a smile on their face. Life Funk is one of his more recent tracks, typical Ceephax style.
Thanks for traveling down the yellow brick road of all things VOID. See you Saturday at Shelter for the seven year anniversary party!
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This column is written by DJ Sacco, who runs Uptown Records, Shanghai's dedicated vinyl shop. Ironically, they don't sell Mp3s or dabble in anything digital, instead they have 7" and 12", EPs and LPs from rock to electronic, rare pressings, DJ equipment and band merchandise. Find them in an old bomb shelter at 115 Pingwu Lu.
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