[Korea Times] DJ Kai to Perform at World DJ Festival

[Sean]

DJ Kai to Perform at World DJ Festival

DJ Kai will bring his “electro-tribal-funk sound” to Seoul at the Seoul World DJ Festival this weekend.

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Some of the world's most exciting DJs and electronic musicians are gathering in Seoul this weekend for the Seoul World DJ Festival. The Nanji camping ground in the Han River Citizen's Park will be turned into one big party place as the festival kicks off on May 3, and lasts until the wee hours of May 5.

This year's line-up includes DJ Kai, DJ Ricky Stone, Cornelius, DJ Dan, Rabbit in the Moon, as well as top Korean acts like House Rulez and Oriental Funk Stew.

Kai is one of the hottest DJs and producers participating in the festival this weekend. The DJ List described the Asian-American DJ as a rising star from New York's house music scene and known for ``electro-tribal-funk'' sound.

And don't think he's just a DJ; Kai studied a year at Julliard, and has a degree in philosophy from Dartmouth College.

The Korea Times conducted an e-mail interview with Kai to get his thoughts on the Korean club scene and on returning to Seoul for another performance on May 4.

Can you describe your music style?

DJ Kai: My style is very broad. I like to play what's right for the situation. This means I must have a musically open mind and know how to play many different styles. If I have to use a genre, I would say my style is house. Some people have said my sets sound like trance, techno, or funk or disco. And they are all right. I use all those elements because to me, it's all house music. Genres kill music!

What can Korean fans expect from your performance the World DJ festival?

DJ Kai: I want to bring things back to basics. Music is about fun and personal expression‎. I'm planning my set to be geared towards a party vibe. I don't need to impress people with only the latest unknown tracks that only me and other DJ colleagues understand. To dialogue with the audience, I need to speak their language musically. To do this I've got a few surprises for the audience!

Can you give your opinion about the Korean DJs?

DJ Kai: One of my favorite Korean DJs is Oriental Funk Stew. He's really dedicated to the art form and his sets always sound well prepared. I think some of the Korean DJs sort of stick within a ``safe zone" of music but as the scene matures I think we'll start seeing some bigger talents come out. Oriental Funk Stew is a producer/DJ who I think the international scene should keep an eye on.

What trends do you see in the club scene this year?

DJ Kai: Clubs are losing their focus and need to get back to the basics. People are swept away by the VIP craze. That's all good but clubs no longer have an identity … Given that the market is so saturated, I like seeing smaller venues that have strong focus and do it well.

How would you compare the World DJ Festival in Seoul with other events you've performed in?

DJ Kai: This is a large-scale event so it's going to be quite special for me. Other than my involvement with the Love Parade in San Francisco, I usually play smaller clubs. Playing for this many people is going to be a fun ride indeed.

For more information about the World DJ Festival, visit www.worlddjfest.com (Korean) or www.myspace.com/seoulvibes (English). English inquiries can be sent to urbanevents@gmail.com.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/04/139_23428.html