Playlist: DJ Kel The Groove Sessions, China Radio International, 91.5 FM

Steven Schwankert | Jan 10, 2016 5:00 pm | Add a comment | 2817 reads

It’s almost jarring the first time your radio dial (now a digital scanner) lands on China Radio International’s (CRI) 91.5 FM between 5-7pm, and the music coming out of your speakers sounds way too, well, funky, for what you’d expect from a state broadcaster. Thanks to DJ Kel (nee Kelechi Anyalewechi) and his nightly show The Groove Sessions, along with his occasional live sets around town, drive time radio in Beijing is a whole lot groovier. We asked him about some of his musical choices and influences.

Can you play any instruments? If so, what?
Man, I wish I could play an instrument. I would love to play the guitar. I was in the UK recently, and my brother lent me his. I was trying to play chords that I learned from YouTube lessons, but for me, it's so hard. This kind of thing takes a lot of patience, which I don't have. I should have learned when I was younger.

If you could sing like a person, who would you choose?
I like a distinctive voice, and there are a lot of vocalists that would influence me if I was a singer. Kurt Cobain, Mike Patton, Omar (the UK soul singer), Al Green. Even some female singers, I admire, too. Lisa Shaw, Erykah Badu, Aya. Too many to mention.

What was the first record you ever bought?
I may regret answering to this one because it’s nothing that I'm proud of, but it could be a lot worse, trust me. The first album I bought was by a rock band from the UK called Cast. A CD called All Change, and the first single I bought was by The Lightning Seeds, the song that they did for the England football team in 1996, called “Three Lions.” I actually remember going into the HMV store and buying it.

What's the worst song for getting stuck in your head all day?
The singer Pink, has a song called “So What?” that is very catchy and annoying at the same time. Even thinking about it now, it's re-entered my head.

With what artist would you choose to take a long journey?
After watching his biopic, it would have to be Jim Morrison. There are many others, too, but that film blew me away, so I guess he would have some great stories to tell, if he were still alive.

What was your favorite period or year for music?
It depends on the genre: hip-hop music, 1987-1996; house music, 1995-now; metal, 1990s; soul, 1960s until 1982; drum n’ bass, 1991-1997.

Which singer would you bring back from the dead?
Kurt Cobain, just because he was still in his prime when he died. He still had lots more to offer, I believe.

What is your workout music?
I like to work out to something that has energy and makes me move, so I always play bands like Korn, Machine Head, System Of A Down, and Metallica. It's not what I would play on my radio show, but for going to the gym, it does the job.

What is your favorite Chinese song, and why?
Karen Mok has a song called Ru Guo Ni Shi Li Bai (如果你是李白, If You Were Li Bai). I think not enough effort is put into production when it comes to Chinese music, but I think that track was produced really well, and the vocals are good too. I've played it on my radio show a few times in the past.

What songs would be in your sex mix?
Haha. When it comes to this subject, rappers don't mess about. They get straight to the point. The rapper Kool Keith has a CD called Sex Style. He goes into a lot of detail on his sexual exploits. Well worth a listen.

Playlist: