Zhang Youdai: Beijing’s First Radio Head

Responsible for pioneering Western music to millions throughout the past two decades via his radio show, Zhang Youdai found his start like any pre-Internet DJ would, by playing tapes at parties and he’s still at it. In this interview he talked to us about Beijing's radiowaves, past and the present.

Tell us a little about your history as DJ.
I was a DJ before I even knew what that meant. I started when I was in college at the Central Academy of Drama in the 80s. I was very into rock music when I was young, and at that time in China, not many people were listening to that kind of music, because there was no radio, no music shops, nothing. I found some foreign students to bring tapes back for me and I would play these at underground parties.

How did you first get into radio?
An American guy came to me and said, “you are a DJ.” I had no idea what the meant, but he had a radio program on CRI every Sunday morning. Anyway, they needed a producer and decided to take me on to do the job. At first I just wrote scripts and translated the lyrics to the songs.

Do you remember the first song you ever played on the radio?
I’ll never forget. It was “Radio Gaga,” by Queen. That was the first time I did the midnight show, and I kicked it off with this song and said, “Now your radio will never be the same, and it’s going to rock your life.” That first rock show was called “New Rock Magazine.”

How did you go from rock to also DJing electronic music in clubs?
When I was 19 rock 'n' roll music changed my life, but ten years later house and techno music changed my life. Bands like Chemical Brothers, Underworld, and Prodigy were able to give the rock 'n' roll soul a digital life. At the time, there were no clubs in Beijing. No country clubs either (laughs). Only bars and restaurants, and we would rent out a place during the weekend. After organizing parties for a while, I decided to start DJing electronic music myself. So I bought two turntables, borrowed vinyl from friends, and practiced, practiced, practiced at home.

Along with being a DJ on the radio and in the nightlife circuit, you are a promoter for concerts. If you could bring any band or musician to China, who would it be?
I would like to bring Prince. Prince is my music god. Purple Rain was my first experience with rock 'n’ roll, and he pioneered playing a kind of computer music, mixed with funk and rock that’s just amazing. I’ve seen him five times.

Check out youdai.cn for more info on when you can catch him live on the air.

Photos courtesy of DJ Youdai