Taking Techno Beyond the Clubs: a Q&A with Prajnasonic DJs ahead of their Dec 14-15 Fest

Kyle Mullin | Dec 14, 2018 2:30 pm | Add a comment | 1664 reads

Most musicians are music buffs, milling about packed clubs and jockeying to be part of a scene. But not iimmune.

“I don't really know much about Beijing's nightlife, and I don't go to the nightclubs except for my own performances,” the burgeoning local producer says, which would probably shock of fans who have seen him play synths, keys, and other DJing hardware onstage. Despite looking like a natural fit for the club during those sets, iimmune is instead an introvert who prefers making music over mingling on the dancefloor.

Fittingly enough, his next set will not be at a club but at M Woods gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art District. He’s part of a lineup for a two-day festival called PJSC-2018 headed up by local alternative dance music crew Prajnasonic.

The shows will be split into two categories, the more danceable and hard-hitting Beats on Friday, Dec 14 at Dada, and the more subtle and immersive Atmos show on Saturday, Dec 15 at M Woods gallery. Other artists on the roster include Punx (who is also coordinating the event, pictured in the lead image above), Shao, Hwa and Dumb Plants all at the Dada show, while iimmune will be joined by Ruining and other DJs at the gallery. Star producer Far Infinity, meanwhile, will play a set on both days.

“The first day at DADA is focused on underground techno live set with some of the best local techno artists,” says punx, adding the Saturday show “is more for ambient or experimental performances, and different artists will work together to create the new music just for this event.”

iimmune says he’s excited to partake in the two-day electronica extravaganza, and Prajnasonic shows in general because the crew is “more diverse and inclusive. Its scene is not only in the clubs, but we also hope to explore electronic music elsewhere.”

He also enjoys how the crew has been a boon for local talent like him, saying: “Compared to many electronic music events by other brands, Prajnasonic has been promoting local artists and more creative live sets, not just DJs, which is a big difference.”

punx agrees, saying she enjoys “the process of playing different synthesizers, drum machine and modulars live. That's why I insist on having as much hardware as possible in my performances.”

However, punx seems more optimistic about the capital’s music offerings than iimmune, enthusing: “The nightlife scene of Beijing, especially the underground culture, is the best in China. That’s because of its diverse genres.”

PJSC-2018 kicks off at Dada on Dec 14 and M Woods gallery in 798 on Dec 15.