Point (real name Hsu Chih-yuan, 許志遠) is one of the rare turntablists in Taiwan who escapes categorization. Some praise him as “Taiwan’s DJ Krush,” but he’s also a rhythmic scientist with a penchant for blending oriental music and ambient elements. Over the past few years, he has served as the DJ for nu metal bands Serious Injury (重傷害) and Monkey Insane (潑猴), was nominated for a Golden Melody Award, released the experimental album Point (點) in 2005, and collaborated with hip-hop group Kou Chou Ching (拷秋勤) and rapper Chang Jui-chuan (張睿銓). This weekend Point will spin a head-banging abstract hip-hop set at the Back to da Hood party.
Vinyl Word: When did you start spinning?
Point: Around 1990, when I was in high school. I used to work for a record store and I had to deliver the latest records to dance clubs, and that’s how I got to see what deejaying was all about and got interested and started practicing on my own.
Photo courtesy of Point
VW: You played at the music festival Reflash in Japan. What was that like?
P: That was back in 2001. I took three months off and went to Japan to study Japanese, buy records and check out the clubs and parties there. I was invited to play at Reflash and it was a wonderful experience. I got to meet and hang out with some DJs and musicians there and it inspired me to start making music after I came back to Taiwan.
VW: Do you prefer playing with bands or solo?
P: I like both. Working and making music with other people is inspiring and interesting to me. I have never been academically trained to learn how to make music, so I can learn from working with people. On the other hand, deejaying by myself is fun too because I get to express my own ideas about music.
VW: What was touring with rapper Chang Jui-chuan like?
P: We released an album called Genesis in 2006 with financial support from an Executive Yuan subsidy. But actually we didn’t tour, it was more like doing street performances at places like Shida night market and Eslite bookstores. We had to bring and set up the gear on our own. It was quite an experience and I even got a street artist’s license.
VW: Of the songs you’ve produced, which do you think is the best?
P: Hmmm ... I think they all could’ve been better. But the one I still quite enjoy listening to is called Bo (泊). You can listen to some of my music online at tw.streetvoice.com/profile/profile.asp?sd=23847.
■ Tomorrow 420 Project presents Back to da Hood, with DJs Point, Vicar, StrawHat and Charles. The party is from 10pm to 6am at Seven (七號酒莊), 7, Alley 53, Ln 63, Dunhua S Rd Sec 2, Taipei City (台北市敦化南路二段63巷53弄7號). Admission is NT$200.
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