2009 Apr 24 Rob Swift: "Bruce Lee emphasized balance"
Every so often, Beijing plays host to some of the world’s best and brightest. Tonight, it will be Rob Swift. The former X-ecutioner (the New York-based DJ crew) has seen both independent (DMC East Coast Champ) and commercial success (read: Linkin Park’s "It's Goin' Down").
Before his display of pure DJ showmanship tonight at Club LA, he took time to answer a few questions from the Beijinger ...
tbj: What have you heard about the music scene in Beijing (and greater China)?
Rob Swift: To be completely honest, I'm not familiar with the types of DJs coming out of China. However, I'm always excited to learn and discover new talent. Hopefully, I'll be able to meet some Chinese DJs during my trip. I look forward to learning about the different approaches to the art of DJing in China. With regards to the music scene, I hear that most club goers aren't familiar with the old school era of hip-hop. It seems that mainstream music is what's popular in China. This makes sense considering that DJs like myself have been making appearances in China only in recent years. Thus, the music fans are learning little by little about the vastness of hip-hop and music in general. Although my club set will include music that I'm sure those on the dance floor will be familiar with, I'm looking forward to introducing Chinese club goers to other forms of music.
tbj: Who, in your opinion, is /are the world’s greatest DJ(s) at the moment?
RS: There's no world's greatest DJ. Different DJs have different strengths. It all pretty much comes down to personal taste. What I may like in a DJ, may not be the same as what someone else may like. For that reason, I respect all DJs. Whether they're scratchers, beat jugglers or party rockers. I personally try my best to be well rounded and do a little bit of everything. During my performance in Beijing I plan on displaying a variety of different skills. I'll get people dancing and enjoying themselves, but I'll also showcase my technical abilities, like scratching, beat juggling and body tricks, on the turntable. Bruce Lee always emphasized the importance of balance.
tbj: What five songs would you listen to on repeat in your afterlife?
RS:
1. "Rock It” – by Herbie Hancock
2. "Rebel Without A Pause" – by Public Enemy
3. "Purple Haze" – Jimi Hendrix
4. "Blitzkreig Bop" –Ramones
5. "It's Just A Friendly Game of Baseball" – Main Source
tbj: Sum up your DJ philosophy in ten words or less.
RS: Balance and well roundness lead to originality!
tbj: Name one unique thing that Rob Swift has given to the world of DJ/hip-hop.
RS: Devotion.
tbj: Who in the music universe would you say is your polar opposite?
RS: I really don't think on who is the opposite of me. I rather focus on continuing to better know 
myself and my talents.
tbj: What is the most expensive or favorite piece of DJ equipment you own? Where and when did you buy it, for how much?
RS: Wow, I would have to say the Rane TTM 57. It's a mixer designed especially to work with Serato Scratch Live. The Rane TTM 57 is like a tank. I love it!
DJ Rob Swift plays tonight at Club LA:
8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District (6552 9998)
朝阳区工体西路8号
RMB 80. 10pm. Check out more of Rob Swift at www.djrobswift.com.
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