The Antidote – Shanghai-based Producers and DJs

The Antidote – Shanghai-based Producers and DJs
Jan 22, 2009 By Fred Dintenfass , eChinacities.com

The Antidote is a Shanghai-based collective of producers and DJs who’ve been bringing innovative electronic music to China for the last several years: rocking parties in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Taiwan, and beyond. In 1987, Michael Ohlsson aka DJ Ozone took to the wheels of steel in California; for the past several years he’s been a driving force behind Antidote’s international group of electronic music producers and party rockers. Despite the occasional setbacks – Chinese customs agents confiscating vinyl, and the like – The Antidote flows stronger than ever in the veins of China’s music lovers, continues to nurture new talents, and “bring the party to the cutting-edge music, and cutting-edge music to the party.”

We bring to you Michael Ohlsson and the lowdown on how Antidote likes to get down.

What brought you to China?

A lot of reasons, actually, but basically it's like why are you NOT here?  It's the most fascinating place in the world now. It's also the most frustrating.

Most of the Antidote DJing is done with an assortment of digital gear – how has the internet and the profusion of laptops and CD decks in clubs changed or enabled Antidote's ability to play music in China?

The Antidote, first and always, is about the music. So we don't really care how it's played. On most night we have a combination of turntables, CDJs, laptop DJs, and live electronic music.  It makes for quite a mess behind the DJ booth, but we like it that way! It's not Antidote unless it's messy!

When did you start producing music?

We're a team, a collective. We've all been producing music for various amounts of time. Some of us are more prolific than others. Antidote co-founder B6 is the most established and prolific producer among us, with over 100 songs recorded and released.
 

Most of the Antidote DJs are also producers – are all producers good DJs?

No, did we ever claim to be good DJs?  Haha, seriously, for some producers it's an easy transition, for others, they just don't get it. Sitting in the studio and inspiring a party are two very different experiences. However, software like Ableton has blurred the line between production, live music, and DJing, so it is easier and faster for a producer to get into DJing.

What do producers bring to the decks?

It's a different experience. It's more interesting to witness a producer playing their own music in a public space. After 2 decades of relentless smooth-mix house music, it's refreshing to hear something more raw at a party.

What's Antidote's mission in 2009?

Getting around China and Asia more. We're doing monthly events in Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and more coming. We've also done Taibei and Hong Kong, and want to hit all of the region by the end of the year, and continue to expand, even places like Mongolia and Nepal.

Do you think China is more welcoming of electronic music now than the US is?

I think it's the same all over the world. A certain percentage of people are curious enough to seek out different music, and learn to appreciate it. These people lead the way and eventually spread this music around.

 

 

 

What is the composition of the crowd like at Antidote events?

It depends on the venue and the city we're in, but I'm proud to say it's usually a really good mix of boys and girls, locals and foreigners, young and old. We like a diverse crowd. We like an open-minded crowd, and we do our best to create an open-minded vibe -- we can play punk rock, house, and hip hop in the same party, and if you do it smartly, it works and everyone's happy.
 

Antidote has thrown parties all over the mainland, in Taiwan, and elsewhere – do you find difference kinds of crowds in different regions?

Yes, for sure, but it's more about the venue and the promoter, that makes a difference.  I think it's really silly when a band or DJ plays one night in a city and makes a judgment about the city based on that one party. Play at a different venue, with a different promoter, in the same city, and it's a completely different experience.  Take, for example, Wuhan. As a city, it's not as culturally significant as Beijing or Chengdu, for example, but they have an excellent venue (Vox Bar) with a fantastic staff and a great crowd every time.

What's the future of electronic music in China?

I think China is gradually catching up to international trends in music, but slower than it seems in the media. We've been waiting for an explosion of new production from new local talents, but it's almost eerie how long it's taking for it to kick off.

Are there differences between being a DJ in the US and in China? Europe and China?

Sure, people have different expectations. In the West, there's a lot more people who can view DJing as a sort of art form. Most of the Chinese audience just want to feel "high" from the music and go nuts. Personally, I can see it both ways. Sometimes I feel really silly when there's a group of nerdy people staring at me pushing buttons -- they need to go and join the party!
 

Do Chinese people make requests?

Yes, but 90% of the time it's "can you play more HIGH music?" They can be too impatient. The "high" music is coming, you just need to wait for it, the anticipation makes it more exciting.

When can we get the Antidote – when and where are you playing next.

Every month we do 2 events in Shanghai. We also have monthly parties in Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Beijing; and less frequently, in other cities.  We're expanding, however, so look out for us soon in your city! The most up-to-date party schedule is on our Myspace page.

The Antidote website: http://antidoteasia.com

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