Rahaan is nothing if not a true musical talent. The Chicago native and veteran DJ has been pumping out his signature disco-infused electrohouse sounds since the 1980s. After spending so many years in the industry, it’s no wonder why he’s one of the most well-respected DJs and producers in the biz.
Hailing from Chicago – the birthplace of house music – it’s not doubt that Rahaan was influenced by music early on. He started out modestly, by making mixes at house parties for his friends using records he’d buy at the local record store. But he’s come a long way since then. He’s now toured around the world many times over, performing in far-flung countries from Australia to Japan to Spain.
This time around he’s headed to China – Beijing to be specific – on April 30 for the first time ever. Along with a whole host of international artists, Rahaan will perform at Tango for the FULL_SCREEN event, a new initiative from the ShadowPlay Collective where musicians and artists are brought together to create a multisensory experience full of cosmic techno and disco illusions.
But before he touches down in Beijing, he took a few moments out of his busy schedule to share a few thoughts with us here at That's Beijing.
Here’s what Rahaan has to say:
On the music industry, then and now…
Much more money is in it and I’m not sure if that is a good thing or not. When I started, for me, it was just about the music. And now I see it as more political.
On growing up in Chicago...
It was fun. I use to buy records at the local record store and make mixes for my friends every weekend. It was when all the kids in different parts of the city would come together to party together.
On his sound…
It’s like Gumbo. When I play I focus on the atmosphere or what I’m trying to say in my mix through music.
On the evolution of his style…
It has not [evolved]. I have been doing the same thing over and over again.
On his greatest influences…
It’s what was all around me. House music was played with disco when house music started. So to me that’s real house music. [Also] Ron Hardy and most Chicago DJs.
On performing in Beijing…
I have not [performed there] and I can’t wait. It shall be fun. Music is love and I’m trying to spread it like a disease.
On his favorite place to perform…
No favorite place. It’s all about the party or the event.
On what he’d be doing if he weren’t DJing…
I think I’d be working at FedEx.
On the power of music to unite different cultures…
Like I already said, music is love and I believe that [it can bring] any and everyone together.
Where: Tango (3/F and 2/F; two floors with two different musical and aesthetic vibes)
When: Saturday, April 30 from 9pm-5am
Price: RMB120 (student and early bird); RMB180 (presale); RMB240 (door).
For tickets and more information call 84477603 or email bjmarketing@urbanatomy.com
For WeChat payment users scan or extract the QR code below to purchase your tickets now.
Please note: Once payment has been made your ticket(s) will be ready to collect when you arrive at the event.
Alternatively you can get them at the following physical locations: Café Zarah, Arrow Factory (Jianchang Hutong or Sanlitun) and Winetail (Wangjing SOHO).
See event listing for more details.
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