Bananas Soundsystem are a test in DJ mathematics. Multiply one DJ into three, Mr. Stokes, elnomo and Kamikaze, then add in a 3 mixer by 4 turntable setup. Last is the mash-up- divide and subtract elements from the hottest club tracks, all live on-stage in front of screaming audiences.
Now based out of Shanghai, Bananas Soundsystem strive to keep the club scene fresh with their unique stage setup and modest mentality. “It’s all done with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. There are too many DJ nights where the DJ is wearing Versace sunglasses and acting like they're they coolest thing since hammer pants.” says elnomo.
Bananas Soundsystem are known for creating themed club nights through their flyer design, such as an ikea-themed party advertised using an Ikea catalogue, or a “Nike hoax/sporting gear night, complete with Gatorade cocktails.”
On stage, they claim it’s never a case of too many cooks in one kitchen. “Often you have this one tune in mind [that] you think would fit perfect into your mix. But then the next guy drops something totally different into the set [and] it rocks even more.” explains Kamikaze. “Then you catch yourself dancing like a ‘guest’ on your own stage, rocking to the sound of one of your boys.”
“Another important aspect is improvisation.” elnomo adds. “[Kamikaze] plays some German hip-hop electro track that I've never heard and it reminds me of some Johnny Cash song. So we just throw that on next and then Adam starts testifying to the crowd or whatever. Sometimes it works beautifully, and sometimes it can be a mess.”
So, what can audiences expect when Bananas Soundsystem take the stage at the next Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy series at Cliq? “I’m mad on 70’s funk at the moment,” confesses Kamikaze, who also shares with us his excitement for the ongoing fusion of hip-hop and electro, especially in Germany- his home country. elnomo reveals that he’s also been “on a bit of a funk kick lately” and cites Technotronic’s Pump Up the Jam as his tried-and-true classic. “I think that might be the one track we always play at Bananas. It's just so silly and ridiculous, but still sounds new 20 years after it came out.”
While Kamikaze mentions that many DJs have moved onto creating remixes and “re-fixing” tracks, they still have faith in what the mash-up movement has to offer. “I think the best thing mash-up has done for club nights is making it possible for you to just come out and play a ton of songs you really love without pinning it down to one specific genre.” says elnomo.
“I get bored silly if I have to play progressive electro breakcore all night, but if I can play one song like that followed by a candy pop 80's tune, followed by some futuristic dancehall joint into some obscure Italo-disco track that no one's ever heard but is a dance floor killer, well that's a lot more fun for me.” Us too.
Catch Bananas Soundsystem alongside with Dre Skull, Kid Fresh and DJ Enso at Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy on November 7 at CLIQ. The party starts at 10:30pm and entry is $200 with one drink.
 Chivas + Armin
Voted by DJ Mag the world’s No 1 DJ in 2007, Armin van Buuren is celebrated by clubbers around the globe for his trance anthems. After completing a law degree in his home country, he decided to step into a studio and produce dance tracks instead of spending his days in a courtroom – and that’s how a trance star is born. Since releasing music on different labels in 1995, van Buuren finds balance among progressive, techno and trance music and is most recognized for his vision in trance. In fact, he has just been crowned Best Trance DJ at Ibiza this September, beating other club greats including Tiesto and Paul van Dyk. That also adds an extra item to his long list of awards, including the Buma Cultuur Pop Award, The Best Trance Artist at Beatport Music Award and Best European DJ at the Miami Winter Music Conference. His long-running weekly radio show A State of Trance, launched in 2001, attracts millions of listeners. The latest compilation album derived from the show, A State of Trance 2008, came out in September and he will invade the pop scene once again with his remix of The Killer’s Human later this month. Fans of the Dutch DJ will not have to wait that long though. Armin van Buuren will be spinning at Club PP for the Chivas World No.1 DJ Party with support from DJs Remy and Ball from 10pm. Advance tickets can be purchased from HMV outlets
for $380, door sales are $450, both prices include a drink. Unit 3-5, UG 2, Chinachem Golden Plaza, 77 Mody Road, TST East, 2739 1084.
Beat‘nTracks
spinning round the clubs
October 30
Ministry of Sound presents electro house guru MYSOUL aka Shane Kehoe at Beijing Club tonight. The party starts rolling at 10pm and entry is $220 at the door for men but free for ladies. Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, 2526 8298.
October 31
Do not ask why but the theme to Dragon I’s Halloween party is ‘Back to School’ with DJs Dim Sum and Gilbert spinning behind the desk. So make sure you have your school uniform ready, the party starts at 10:30pm and runs till late. Entry is $300. UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, 3110 1222.
Dress up for Hell Night at CLIQ, as a $10,000 cash prize waits for the Best Costume Award winner. The ghoul’s gate opens at 10pm and won’t close till late – entry is $280 for men and $180 for ladies, both include a drink. 2/F On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central.
The party at Q97 is Mask-o-ween, so wear a mask though costumes are optional – it runs from 10pm until
late, free entry before 11pm, $150 with one drink afterwards. Bmt, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 3110 1222.
Manchester sensation DJ Nipper will play at Beijing Club’s Halloween Horror. The party starts at midnight and entry is $300 at the door. 5/F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, 2526 8298.
Italian DJ/Production duo Souldynamic spins soulful, funky and deep house at Armani/Bar with supporting resident DJ Miles Slater. Dress is ‘hauntingly glamorous’ for this gig starting from 10:30pm. No cover charge. 2/F, Chater House, 11 Chater Road, 2805 0028.
DJ Ivy-V spins signature house music at M1NT from 9pm. Entry is free for members, with limited tickets for the general public at $200. 108 Hollywood Road, Central, 2261 1111.
November 1
Celebrate Indian New Year and a late Halloween at Diwal-O-Ween at Lotus featuring DJ VJ, Hiro and Tee for a night of hip-hop, electro and Bollywood music. It all starts at 10:30pm and entry is $150 with one standard drink. Free entry for ladies before midnight. 37-43 Pottinger Street, 2543 6290.
November 5
Wednesday night is the open bar night at Sugar – for $120 you can drink till you drop from 11pm till 2am. 1/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, 2131 2222/2131 333.
HETEROgENIUS presents Play at Pi every Wednesday. The music starts at 9pm. 28/F, 8 Wyndham Street, Central, 2868 1162.
November 6
Get groovy at the reggae night at V13: The line-up is DJs Peanut, Blood Dunza, Stef:funn, J and Fungboy. The music starts at 7:30pm and entry is free. 13 Old Bailey St, Soho, Central, 9803 6650.
DJs Yeodie, Christian and Le Libertin spin solely electronic dirty sound at Home starting from 11pm till late. Entry is free. 23 Hollywood Road, Central, 2545 0023.
November 7
Kitsune’s Australian sensation Beni goes solo at Volar. Free entry for all on the guest list before midnight, for non-members it’s $200 after the witching hour. B/F, D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, 2805 0028. |
