How are you doing and what are you up to now?
I am fine, thank you. I am currently in the midst of my crazy summer schedule – doing 25 to 30 gigs a month. When I am not DJ-ing, I am in the studio producing music or preparing exclusive edits for my DJ sets.
Who is the naughtier kid – you or Greg?
Since I am answering the questions, I would have to say Greg – he is the bad boy of the family.
You have a lot of achievements under your belt: including your becoming Holland’s No 1 House DJ. What do you and your brother feel is the greatest achievement?
Wow. I’ve had the honour of many highlights like playing at Sensation to 45,000 people, getting respect from your peers in the music business (Dave Lee (Joey Negro, Jakarta) named Roog/Hardsoul the most talented DJ/Producer of 2003), winning outstanding vocal track at the 2004 International House Music Awards, doing a compilation for Defected, having many No 1 records on the US download portal Traxsource… the list goes on…
Who are your favourite DJs?
Many DJs have inspired me over the last 20 years, like Tony Humphries, Louie Vega, and Brian Tappert.
I heard you created R&G Electronics because you wanted to produce music that was not suitable for Hardsoul Pressings. What is the difference in music between the two?
With Hardsoul Pressings we try to focus on ‘classic’ house, staying true to the tradition started over 20 years back in the US. On R&G we discover new paths, mixing house with electronic sounds. Our R&G release Your Mind is Twisted was a big hit last year all over the globe and appeared on the Roger Sanchez compilation Release Yourself.
What’s harder, DJ-ing or producing?
Well, both took many years to master, and I feel I still am learning…
What would you be doing if you weren’t a DJ?
I have a law degree so probably walking around in a suit at some law firm.
You previously performed in Tokyo and Osaka. Do you like performing in Asia?
I love Asia in general. I’ve played in Japan several times, in Zouk (Malaysia/Singapore), Hong Kong and Thailand. I don’t know why but it always feels like ‘coming home’. Maybe I lived in Asia in a past life.
What should Hong Kong be expecting from your Defected in the House performance?
When I DJ, I like to cover the whole spectrum of house music, from soulful vocal house to tribal and a bit of electro. For me playing is all about connecting with people and sharing our love for music.
Which city do you think has the best party scene?
That’s a tough question; I think I have to pass on that one.
Hardsoul is Dutch brothers DJ Roog and Greg van Bueran. They will be performing live at Dragon-I (UG/F, The Centrium, Wyndham Street, Central) on August 8. Party starts at 10:30pm and entry is $300 at the door.
Angel Interview: DJ Benji Candelario
How are you and what are you up to right now?
I’m great! I am actually listening to new music for my gig at Armani/Bar (smiles).
“New York – coolest city in the world” – do you, having been active in the Big Apple’s club scene since the ’70s, think the statement is still valid or has it become a cliché?
I still feel that there is no other place like New York. I have been fortunate to live other places. But New York is where it all started for me and, aside from it becoming a little Vegas today, many scenes are still keeping the true club tradition alive.
Honestly, do you miss NYC of the ’70s and ’80s?
I do miss the scene back then, the music, the energy, and the actual creativity. But I also feel that clubs have come a long way. I’m grateful to have experienced the scene then but you can’t live in the past. You have to embrace today’s club scene for what it is. It’s different but there is an energy and it’s up to the DJs today to bring it out.
Name a few things that best describe New York club scene?
Well, the scene in NYC has changed a lot today. We’ve adopted the bottle service mentality that Vegas has been forcing on its club scene for years. But all that aside, New Yorkers still look for a great sound system, great DJs, and most of all a great party!
Do you remember what your craziest gig was like?
Hmmm, I try to make all my gigs like they will be my last.
Well, what will you do after your real last gig then?
I would stay in the entertainment world in one way or another. Maybe own my own club or something.
Your bio says “Benji’s mantra is simple… He is a DJ foremost that produces records and not a producer who now DJs” – seems you don’t like the idea of a producer turning into a DJ?
Funny! That’s not it at all. What that means is that I was a DJ before I even had any desire to become a producer. Today we rate DJs on how good their productions are. I feel it’s two different art forms. Just because you can produce great records doesn’t mean you know how to play records.
So, in terms of music, do you think there are huge differences between a DJ and a producer-turned-DJ?
Yes, they are two different things. I respect a DJ that turns producer as he is taking his knowledge of the dance floors to another level. A producer becoming a DJ in my opinion is limited. His experience in introducing styles of music could be minimal. He may only know the sound which got him noticed. Which hurts us all in the end, as DJs are the bloodline of the music scene. And a lot of those types of DJs fall short in creativity.
Will this be the first time you visit Hong Kong?
Yes it is! I’m pretty excited. Not too sure what to expect but whatever I do, I’m sure I will enjoy!
Watching the Olympics opening on August 8 perhaps?
Unfortunately I won’t be able to stay… I’m on tour for the next couple of weeks so it will be all planes, trains, and automobiles for a while.
NYC DJ/Producer Benji Candelario will spin his signature bass-driven house tunes at Armani/Bar (11 Chater Road, Central, 2805 0028) on August 2. Supporting DJs are DJ Miles Slater and DJ Sharvax. The party starts at 10:30pm and entry is $150 in advance or $200 at the door, including one standard drink.
On the Beat‘nTrack
spinning round the clubs
August 1
French music affair Par Ici #11 at Volar tonight. Free for all on the guest list before 12am, but after midnight it is $150 for non-members (includes one drink). B/F, D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, 2810 1272.
August 2
 Enjoy a HETEROgENIUS night from 10pm at Avenue. Playing are DJ Forest, DJ Constantlee Preston Lau, DJ Dave Webber, DJ iamhayes & MC Pastell. Entry is $150 at the door with 1 drink. 20/F, Century Square, 1-13 D’Aguilar St, Central, 2810 8168.
Opium Soul presents Sean Doyle with house music supported by DJ Tai Pan Dan and Arun R in HIP Room of CLIQ. And DJs Thomas C, Mark Bravo and Tat in Chic Room play Hip Hop and RnB at Bikini Top Contest. Be there from 10pm, entry is $100 for ladies with 2 drinks and $200 for men with 1 drink. 2/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, 2868 3111.
Hungarian d’n’b DJs Chris.Su and Jade spin at Twyst
Mind as the final stop of their tour. Supporting DJs are DJ Wash, Blood Dunza, Le Libertin and MC z1bkr. The party starts at 11pm and entry for $150 includes one drink. 22-26 Bonham Strand, Central, 3622 2710.
August 8
Dance gets athletic at Club PP. The Dance Ceremony starts at 10pm. Top World DJ #44 Ronski Speed, Marc Marberg and Jason F play. Entry is $280 in advance and $320 at the door. UG2 Chinachem Golden Plaza, 77 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 9521 3460.
August 9
Celebrate the Olympics Games at the Unity: One World One Love party at Club Flamingo. The party starts at 10:30pm, with DJ R, Darka, DJ Ivan, DJ Gary and pumpin’ house, progressive house, trance and techno. Free entry for ladies before 12am, but after that it is $160 for ladies and $180 for guys. 2/F Cosmos Building, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, 6303 7707.
Parisian beatmaster DJ Gregory spins his signature house tunes at Dragon I. The party starts at 10pm and entry is $300 at the door. UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St, Central, 3110 1222.
Send your club events to hkeditorial@bcmagazine.net |
