Interview: Juhstynn, MRG and Max atLarge of Tropical Disco
You may know Juhstynn, Max atLarge, and MRG from their Factory nights at Ink club, but they have recently reinvented themselves as the Tropical Disco crew who spends most of their spinning time on Parnas' third-floor terrace. We asked them about their new getup just in time for them to drop an electrifying Halloween night of salsa, reggae, moombahton and more.
If you could compare yourselves to any real life or fictional gang/crew/team, who would it be and why?
MRG: I’d have to say Francois K, Joe Claussell, and Danny Krivitfrom NY’s "Body and Soul." In a musical sense, whatever party we play we just share the night so well together and really feed off each other’s vibes and styles.
What tracks have you seen your crowds go the craziest at?
Max atLarge: For sure it's "GaitaGaita" by Thornato. They're a tropical bass crew out of Brooklyn and this song is truly a one of a kind dance floor destroyer.
Juhstynn: Haha, yes it’s become a Tropical Disco anthem. However, we play everything from salsa and cumbia to moombahton and Latin house. The reason why Tropical Disco goes down so well is because it appeals to quite a wide audience. People genuinely enjoy the music and it shows on the dance floor.
MRG: For sure. The rhythms are just impossible to stand still to.
What DJ's / musical artists most inspire you and why?
Max atLarge: I try and seek inspiration in artists outside of the norm that are pushing boundaries. I find that stepping out of the house music realm keeps everything fresh and exciting. Recently, I've been really paying attention to Bonobo and his production style. Really love his outside-the-box musical sound. I also seek inspiration in anyone who's hustling and really focusing their energy on doing what they truly love in life whether it be music or not.
Juhstynn: For me, inspiration comes from everywhere. I favor those who keep the dance floor interesting, pay attention to detail and care about sound quality. I’m listening to a lot of '70s, '80s and '90s African music, which is really influencing my Tropical Disco sets.
Did any of you have extensive experience DJing before Beijing? If so what did you do?
Max atLarge: Yea, back home I teamed up with a good friend of mine who was also a DJ and we would host local parties around NYC.
MRG: For a few years I used to do seven hour-long sets in Nanning. Those nights really taught me to venture out across genres.
Juhstynn: I’ve been DJing for about ten years now. Originally from the UK, I used to put on parties with close friends of mine in Manchester booking the likes of Geddes (murmur records), Raymundo Rodriguez (Jaded/The End), Kevin Griffiths (Tsuba records) and Ketoloco (Back to Basics). Notable clubs I’ve played at include Manchester’s Sankeys and London’s Pacha, The Egg and Public Life.
What kind of dancer are you?
Max atLarge: The kind that's not nearly as good as MRG.
MRG: Haha, guess you’ll have to come down and find out!
Juhstynn: The dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen?
What artists should Tropical Disco fans in Beijing be listening to right now?
Max atLarge: Uproot Andy is one of my favourites right now.
Juhstynn: Check out Jose Marquez from LA who’s releasing some serious Afro House.
For details on the Halloween edition of Tropical Disco, go here. Look for Tropical Disco in the Beijinger magazine's upcoming coverage on Beijing's DJs.
More stories by this author here.
Email: j.rapp@thebeijinger.com
Instagram: @jrapppp
Photo: Chris Meehan
