2009 Jul 03 Bodycode Rocks the Rabbit
Bodycode’s ethos is to “unlock the psyche via the body,” which is a bold statement for any DJ/producer. However, Bodycode specializes in bold statements – which explains why tonight’s upcoming set at White Rabbit (10pm; RMB 70) is completely live. We caught up with him before he unlocks your psyches to see if we could unlock his.
the Beijinger: You’re South African, you’ve lived in London, Lisbon and Berlin, and you tour the world – has this affected your music?
Bodycode: Yes, I’ve lived in all those places and the funny thing is that I don’t consider myself to belong to any one place. I guess I’m nomadic by nature; I think you can sense that in the style of my music. My one pseudonym, Portable, means to be able to take it with and around you. Though in each country the music was affected by the general atmosphere of the people and most definitely by the weather!
tbj: Does electronic music travel better than other genres?
BC: I think definitely because of the lack of vocals, electronic music has been able to transcend many boundaries, across cultures and lands.
tbj: Why play a real live set as opposed to just DJing?
BC: I always felt that my music had something more to offer than just your run-of-the-mill dance music – something more to say, so to speak, and the only way to get that out was to play it live. Of course much, much more work and planning goes into it than DJing but in the end the rewards are great too. The pitfalls? I would say just the fact than you need to have your energy and your confidence and the courage of your convictions. If you don’t, then you’re in trouble.
tbj: How exactly does one “unlock the psyche via the body”?
BC: I play live in a club environment and I can hear and see the people being moved into another state. And almost always, after a gig, someone will come up and say they felt that way in one way or another.
tbj: Are there any other genres you plan on exploring? If so, what pseudonyms might you use?
BC: I am working on more song-based singing projects and am thinking of just using my own name, Alan Abrahams for it, but it's all still in the planning stage.
tbj: What do you still want to achieve in your career?
BC: I just want to continue composing well-respected and received music as it has been so far.
tbj: What are you expecting from China?
BC: To be honest, I really don't know what to expect. Of course it has such a long history, and I want to see the Forbidden City, the Wall, etc. But as far as the audience is concerned, I really don't know. It’s a real honor though; I've come all the way from Cape Town, South Africa and now I’m in China … really crazy!
tbj: If you could only live in one place for the rest of your life …?
BC: Actually, I've already made this decision recently. I lived in Lisbon for three years before trying out Berlin. Now I realize that I want to live in Lisbon, possibly for the rest of my life. The weather is really mild all year round, with sunshine almost everyday. Wonderfully hot summers and beautiful beaches and nature. Tranquil people, amazing food and still within Europe.
tbj: If your live set was a holiday destination, it would be …
BC: Praia do Meco, Lisbon, Portugal.
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