Among those who have been in the scene long enough, little introduction is needed for veteran Taichung-based techno DJ JJ (Chao Chun-chu, 趙准巨), the proprietor of Blue Records. For the many aspiring DJs who frequent his record shop, JJ is also a respected tutor who teaches them everything they need to know. With 20 years of deejaying experience under his belt, JJ describes himself as an “analogue lover,” so it’s not surprising that he still insists on spinning vinyl.
VW: What did you do before you became a DJ?
JJ: I was a student. I started deejaying when I was really young and then became a resident at a disco pub called KK in the early 90s, which was the biggest club at that time.
VW: What kind of music did you spin?
JJ: At that time, the music all the DJs were playing was very similar, which was Billboard Top 40 songs. A few years later, I met DJ @llen, Gravity and Lim Giong (林強) and started getting into electronic dance music. @llen helped me organize a few electronic dance music parties at KK before I left KK, but the music didn’t really appeal to a mainstream audience. And that’s why I decided to quit being a commercial DJ and focus on playing electronic dance music exclusively.
VW: How did you start getting into techno?
JJ: I was influenced by Jeff Mills a lot. I was blown away after listening to one of his mix CDs. His way of manipulating, cutting and pasting music was amazing. He made the music sound so fresh, and made me realize how interesting techno could be.
VW: So you’re still spinning vinyl?
JJ: Yeah. It’s nothing to brag about, though. Playing vinyl is just my personal preference. I like the way it sounds, and it makes me feel comfortable.
VW: What do you think about the DJ scene right now?
JJ: A lot of Taiwanese DJs have very good skills. But it’s a pity that many of them like to follow trends and play what everyone else is playing. It’d be better if they could think more independently and try to express their own ideas. The scene really needs more variety in terms of music.
VW: We heard that you have many students? What do you teach them?
JJ: I do. Lots of kids who come to my record shop become my students. Besides how to mix records, I also teach them all the technical stuff about turntables, mixers and sound systems. I teach them everything I know basically, and it’s free of charge.
VW: How was the Robert Hood gig last weekend?
JJ: It was very successful, I think. Even though there weren’t that many people and the promoter might have lost money, lots of techno heads showed up and the vibe was great. I could feel that most people who were there that night were totally into the music, and that’s all it matters.
VW: Have you ever thought about relocating to China like DJ @llen and some other veteran Taiwanese DJs have?
JJ: Not really. For one thing, I’m “pan-green” [a person who believes Taiwan and China have different identities]. And also I think I should become more established in my homeland and try contribute something to my country first. For now, I’m quite content with teaching and deejaying while trying to help build the dance music scene.
DJ JJ plays this Tuesday from 8pm to 10:30pm at the Taipei Biennial (台北雙年展) opening party at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM — 台北市立美術館), 181, Zhongshan N Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市中山北路三段181號). Admission: free.
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