Inside the Rise of Chinese DJ Duo 鱼头泡饼 (Fish Head Pancake)

If you were at our Taco Fest last month, then you'll already be familiar with the DJ duo 鱼头泡饼 Yútóu Pào Bǐng (Fish Head Pancake), comprised of Pancakelee and Mario Yu. A gem in China's electronic music scene, the dynamic DJ duo has spent over a decade crafting a distinctive sound that blends melodic techno, indie dance, Afro house, and breaks.

They're more than just a DJ duo, though; they're also founding members of the TRUST collective and have organized major festivals like Wonderland as well as other events like pool parties, rooftop parties, DJ nights and countless others. To find out more about how they got started and what the future holds, we recently interviewed Pancakelee about the duo's musical journey. 

Can you give us a brief introduction to both of you and share how you formed the DJ duo Yutou Pao Bing?
The DJ duo Yutou Pao Bing is made up of me, Pancakelee, and Mario Yu. We're key members of the AURORA and TRUST collectives. Back in 2011, while we were both working at the same club in Beijing, we connected musically and decided to team up. That's how Yutou Pao Bing was born.

The name Yutou Pao Bingis quite unusual for a DJ duo. How did it come about, and is there a deeper meaning behind it?
The idea for the name came about because Mario's surname is “Yu,” which sounds like “fish” in Chinese, and mine includes “pancake,” so that then transformed into Yutou Pao Bing. It's more than just a catchy name; it’s a feeling. Yutou Pao Bing is actually a traditional Beijing dish, and we think it captures something about our music: It’s rich, layered, and leaves you wanting more. We've been honing our craft for over a decade, sharpening our skills year after year. Now, we’re writing our own story in the music world — and hopefully leaving behind a distinct flavor, just like the dish.

Tell us more about your individual DJ styles and how you complement each other on stage.
Our style today blends melodic techno, indie dance, Afro house, and breaks. During performances, I (Pancakelee) like to connect with the crowd. I use effects, build up layered drum loops, and throw in some expressive movement. Mario brings more structure and discipline to the set. He’s more focused on the technical flow and precision of the performance. It’s a balance – we each bring something different to the table, and that’s what makes the performance dynamic.

Given your 20 years of experience, how do you feel China's electronic music scene has evolved, and what role do you see yourselves playing?
The scene has gone through ups and downs, especially with economic challenges and shifting tastes. But we’ve always believed in the potential of electronic music in China. Even when things are tough, we see ourselves as builders – laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and creative ecosystem. We love discovering new talent and helping shape the next wave of artists. That’s the role we’ve taken on.

You founded TRUST in 2017. What inspired its creation and what are its goals?
TRUST was born out of a desire to build something lasting – something professional and protected by a legal structure. We wanted to create a full ecosystem for electronic music in China: combining events, education, music distribution, merchandise, physical spaces, festivals, and artist management. It’s about supporting artists holistically, from their first gig to full-on careers.

Since then, you've organized major events like the Wonderland Festival. What have been some of your favorites?
Wonderland was definitely a milestone for us; it gave us a lot of visibility. But large-scale events come with high costs, and with the current economic climate, they can be tough to sustain. Recently, we’ve pivoted toward more intimate, flexible formats: outdoor shows, pool parties, and label collaborations. These feel more authentic, and they allow us to stay creative without the pressure of huge production overhead.

What's next for Yutou Pao Bing? Any new directions or projects you're excited about?
We've recently added a keyboardist to the group, and our performances are now leaning more toward live sets. It's opened up new possibilities for how we express our sound and given us more room to experiment and connect with the audience in real time. It feels fresh, and we’re excited to see where it goes.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs trying to find their path?
Focus on creating your own music and mixtapes. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Organize your own events; start your own label. And most importantly, use social media wisely. It’s a powerful tool to share your sound and build your community.

The next big event that Yutou Pao Bing with TRUST will be organizing is a pool party on Jun 1 from 3pm-2am at XIU秀, CLUB ME. You can keep up-to-date with news relating to the event by following the official TRUST WeChat account. Search TRUST “相信电音” on WeChat.

READ: Spittoon Turns 10: Celebrate With a Night of Literature and Music

Images: the Beijingers, courtesy of Yutou Pao Bing