Red Bull Music Academy Recap!

A music info-session was conducted whereby the RBMA On The Floor Hong Kong participants shared their musical knowledge to more than 20 aspiring DJs / artist in Hong Kong. As a platform for musical exchange, bringing together up and comers and established legends from all around the world, the sessions gave DJ Frankie Lam, DJ Siesta from Shanghai, MC Gold Mountain, DJ Yeodie, Simon Griff of Violent Jokes and St Choi Sai Ho as moderator, the chance to tell their story in their own words, about the fascinations that make up their musical lives, their secret audio settings as well as inspiring life experiences.

The more than 30 odd aspiring artists and music enthusiasts listened attentively in the infosession that felt more like a chill out spot for mere music lovers to connect and indulge in what makes good music. Undoubtedly among the lecture's highlights apart from the technical/structural info was that of the opportunity of a closer peek into the world of Hong Kong’s urban culture both musically and socially as well as how interacting with different cultures led to inspiration for crossover music styles. DJ Siesta (alumni of RBMA Barcelona 2008) and St Choi Sai Ho (alumni of RBMA Melbourne 2006) also shared their experiences in Red Bull Music Academy and what it meant to connect with the best in music makers from across the globe, ranging from premier producers, songwriters, arrangers, instrumentalists, and mastering engineers for 2 weeks on the infamous Academy couch.

The infosession ended with more than inspired music lovers, but with friendships forged that will for sure go beyond music and in the long run, hopefully benefit the cultivation (or rather the survival) of cutting-edge music scene in Hong Kong.

Dj Yodie

Gold Mountain giving his thoughts during the infosession

The Red Bull Music Academy local workshops then continued into the night at Club Play where the invited artists took no time to put their words into action, bringing the house down in top form.

Starting off casually, MC Gold Mountain set the stage with his infectious energy, coupled with a repertoire of solid flows. Rapping in English and Cantonese with DJ Yeodie spinning behind the desk, MC Gold Mountain’s dabbled on his love for urban music and how he became a part of it. His easy going take towards the whole industry definitely hit a chord with the crowd, standing claim to his reputation as a major influence in the hip-hop community.

DJ Siesta then picked things up from where MC Gold Mountain left off, to an already packed hall of around 500 music lovers. Dubbed the “Queen of Drum’n’Bass” in China, DJ Siesta had everyone eating out of her fingers, with a crowd-reading skill that allowed her to seemingly play exactly what the crowd wants to hear. Reminiscing her funky and soulful style, DJ Siesta from Shanghai had the crowd brought to an almost feverish atmosphere with a set of drum n’ bass that lead to the crowd moving to her every beat.

As the night moved on, things got more elaborate and what better way to end the night than the talented Master of Mix, DJ Frankie Lam demonstrating the very reason for gaining that reputation. Playing his widespread track selection with his distinctive mixing skills generated such a unique mixing sound that sets him apart from others. As one of the top DJs in Hong Kong, DJ Frankie who was voted Hong Kong best DJ in 2006 by H.K Magazine, cleaned up the floor to an already great atmosphere with electronic tunes that carried his mark.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the night was this musical feast and closer peek into the cross-over of the artists’ music style as well as urban culture. The whole event was aired live on Radio Dada and recorded to be broadcasted on Red Bull Music Academy Radio.

As a spin-off of the RBMA, the event and infosession is the first of three held in Hong Kong and Macau this year, as part of a regional campaign for a convergence and cultivation of the region’s best cutting-edge music artists.

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