the Beijinger

Not many know how to dance the tango. Fewer still can contort their bodies to twist and spin like a gymnast. Now imagine doing all of that upside down and underwater, without any help of walls or ground to aid in propulsion. That would be almost as difficult as synchronized swimming.

He was born Hideaki Ishi but his name is DJ Krush, and he is one of the most influential DJs on the planet. During his prolific, Wild Style-spawned career, he’s collaborated with the who’s who of hip-hop and produced amazing record after amazing record, in the process created a mystical, introspective style that is all his own.

DJ Shadow
RMB 200, RMB 80 (advance).
9pm. Angel Club (6552 8888)

Friday night’s DJ Shadow show proved that when it comes down to it, standing room beats assigned seating any day of the week, even at a cramped and cornered place like Angel Club. Maybe it’s that big timers like Avril and Kanye require bountiful stage space and back up to perform; but two turntables, a mixer and a Serato-fitted laptop are all it takes for someone like Shadow to get a kick-ass party going (B-boy battles included).

Once upon a time, there were people who dismissed hip-hop as just another fad. Obviously, those people didn't know what they were talking about: Hip-hop has permeated virtually every facet of popular culture in almost all corners of the world. As hip-hop evolves, the French are proving forerunners of the new era, and one of the trailblazers is MC Fisto (who comes to Beijing this month as part of the Francophonie Festival). Here's what he has to say about hip-hop, French stereotypes, and coming to China.

As the century turned, Beijing knew little of drum & bass. The Syndicate, a band of rowdy miscreants who dared to venture where none had gone before, changed that. Ahead of the crew’s sixth birthday party at White Rabbit on March 13 (RMB 50, 9pm), members Blackie and Slide tell us how they’ll up the ante in 2010.

the Beijinger: It’s been quiet on The Syndicate front for a few months. What’s been going on?
DJ Blackie: It really was a case of, in the wake of various movements and goings on in the Beijing nightlife scene, us pursuing various other projects for a short while. It’s also given us time to take stock and wait for the opportunity to hit the ground running. We’re super excited about where things are at in terms of clubs this year.

SUBS – one of many bands you can catch at the InMusic Festival, more below; photo by Doug Kanter

What may be the last of its kind of the season, the InMusic Festival (Aug 7-9) at the Zhangbei Grasslands (230km outside of Beijing; see photo, right) is a three-day, Woodstock-esque music orgasm with none other than Tricky headlining. Plus, horseback riding, kite flying and a chance to play football with rock stars (Joyside is already registered) … How can you say no? End summer with a bang – or a Bigger Bang, if you want to.

(Ticket prices, transportation options and accommodation info below.)

Here are 25 bands you can catch at InMusic, in no particular order ...

1. Tricky (check back on the blog tomorrow for our interview with the trip-hop pioneer)

One of the best-kept secrets of the northeastern hemisphere, Taipei contains everything one needs for a fulfilling holiday: fine food, great shopping, rich local culture and plenty of natural beauty.

PLAY

Frolic at the night markets, mountains, parks, beaches, temples, hot springs, clubs and shopping arcades. But don’t miss the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101.

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 ...

French duo AIR will perform two shows at Yugong Yishan over the next two nights. To get you in the mood for the electro-pop group’s show, we’ve decided to post Lisa Liang’s profile of the band that first appeared as a feature article in the September issue of the Beijinger magazine.

Sep 26-27
AIR
RMB 700, advance RMB 550.
8pm, 11pm (after party). Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)