House, disco and techno are nearly as synonymous with Germany as bratwurst, schnitzel and spatzle. Tonight, Bass Kitchen serves up a big helping of Gerd Janson, a champion of Germany’s underground sounds at Korner.
Even though he has been involved in the music industry for many years as a journalist, producer, remixer, record label head honcho and DJ, Janson points back to why he got involved in the first place.
“Loud, powerful music played in the right surroundings under the right conditions makes for fun and dancing for hours and days,” Janson said in an e-mail interview with the Taipei Times.
Photo courtesy of Bass Kitchen
Janson operates the Running Back record label and has DJ gigs all over the world.
“There is no typical day for me. It’s decided by chance, DJ and production work schedule — as well as fate, luck and the will of god,” he said.
When Janson has spare moments, he is half of the group Tuff City Kids, which began with a painting on a toilet wall and an invitation by my technician, Phillip Lauer.
Photo courtesy of Byron Yang Photography
“It turned out to be a blossomful partnership with rotten fruits,” he said somewhat cryptically.
When asked about what the local crowd can expect from his DJ set at Korner, Janson replied: “The dance floor always votes with the feet standing upon [it].”
■ Deep Fried House #11 featuring Gerd Janson and Minijay, tonight from 11:30pm to 5am at Korner inside the Wall (這牆), 200, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段200號B1). Admission is NT$750 at the door and includes one drink.
MR. GAY TAIWAN
The world’s attention has been focused recently on very fit men from many nations running around a field attempting to kick a ball into a net. On Rainbow Thursdays at Brickyard, the biggest weekly gay party in Greater Kaohsiung, very fit men are often seen running around trying to score as many dates as possible with men from other nations.
On Thursday, though, there is a much bigger prize than just a night on the town because Rainbow Thursdays is hosting the Mr. Gay Taiwan contest.
The winner will receive a trip to Rome, Italy to participate in the Mr. Gay World competition held from Aug. 25 through Aug. 31, paid for by the sponsor, JACK’D, a gay dating app. To claim the grand prize is not just as easy as showing up to Brickyard and looking good, even though that is part of it.
MR. GAY QUALIFICATIONS
Contestants must be physically and mentally fit, very active in the gay community, have a basic understanding of gay issues and LGBT rights, and want to be an ambassador for Taiwan in the international gay community.
Sadly, non-Taiwanese will only be able to cheer as loudly as possible as Mr. Gay Taiwan has to be Taiwanese. Like most pageants, there will be an interview, talent, and even a swimwear competition. To register for the Mr. Gay Taiwan contest, send an e-mail to mrgaytw@gmail.com.
■ Mr. Gay Taiwan is Thursday from 9pm to 4am at Brickyard, B1, 507 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市中山二路507號B1). Admission is NT$300 and comes with a drink.
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