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The Vinyl Word

Does the music sound better with you? PHOTO: COURTESY OF BETH COX

The Halloween massacre is over. Back to basics. Who is throwing quality parties and playing exceptional tunes? With many punters feeling that Taiwan nightlife is getting a little staid these days, is there a new cat in town making the effort to introduce something a bit different to the scene?

Beth Cox came to Taiwan from Canada to make money and travel. After sampling the Taichung nightlife scene she thought it was a little stagnant and wanted to shake things up. "Aphrobet Productions is a one woman/one-afro show," said Beth, 28, in an e-mail exchange. "It is all about the love, the light and the beats to keep you moving. Fro sho!"

Relatively new to the scene, Aphrobet Productions has already thrown several big parties this year including Funky Charms and the SoundSplash pool party, both in Taichung. "I threw my first party in January with A Nickel Bag of Funk at Oldies [bar]. It was a huge success and I kept going from there."

Importantly, Cox says she focuses on the music and vibe for her parties: "You won't hear any of the mainstream, over-played hip-hop that is rampant throughout Taiwan. Just real hip-hop, genuine funk, reggae, drum 'n' bass and funky soulful house. [The] vibe at a party is just as important as the music, so all of my events have been theme parties complete with prizes for best costume. It is easy to get into the party mood when you dress the part."

The DJs at Aphrobet parties certainly have a different feel to the typical house music lineups. Cox solicits DJs from all over the country to get her sound right. Rob Solo and Anti-Hero from Kaohsiung, TwoHands from Tainan and Stereo:Types from Taipei all put in regular appearances, bringing their own takes on old skool hip-hop, funk and dance hall with them.

Aphrobet's next party promises to be something out of the ordinary. It will be "a showcase of all female talent and prowess. The ladies are representing. Get ready for ManEaters at The Zoo," Cox said.

The unique lineup deserves a special mention as it promotes the old and new of Taiwan's burgeoning female DJs. Noodles, 2006 Taiwan DMC champion is on point with hip-hop and reggae. Following her is Nina, playing West Coast. Next up is the Jahmecca Sound Crew, Taiwan's first all-female duo. Its members have built up a solid reputation and live up to their motto: "Out of many. One sound." Virtually unknown outside of Taichung is the sumptuous sounds of Kriz, Swank's resident DJ, who plays funky and electro beats. New girl in town, Juni, is one of Taichung's best-kept secrets and plays smooth and infectious drum 'n' bass.

Since there has been an explosion of DJs and promoters over the past couple of years, some parties have become hackneyed affairs. So why does Cox bother? She answers with yet more questions. "When was the last time you went out to a party and the music reached inside and grabbed your soul? Got your hips shakin' before you knew what was happening? Had your body buzzing before you even touched your drink? Can't remember? Well then, you best get to an Aphrobet Production [bash]."

ManEaters is on Nov. 17 at The Zoo, 68 Takuan Rd, Taichung City (台中市大觀路68號). Entrance is NT$350, which includes two drinks. The party runs from 11pm until 5am.
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