Not many first birthday parties are themed on masterpieces of 14th century medieval poetry – but then not many venues are like Nali Patio’s Parnas. Russian-owned but Mediterranean-styled, it has a French kitchen while the clientele up on the rooftop is as cosmopolitan as you’ll find anywhere in Beijing. Parnas caters to many tastes, but keeps it all tasteful enough to have already earned its place among Sanlitun’s most stylish in just 12 months.
On September 13, The Divine Celebration – their biggest party to date, they tell us – will offer something a little bit different on all three of their levels. The ground floor is Hell (their words not ours): guest DJs playing a mix of techno and house to get the party juices flowing. Second floor is Purgatory: live music in limbo from Carlos Fuentes and The Benjamins. But upstairs is Paradise: the heavenly pairing of Parnas’ terrace and Moullinex’s trademark house and nu-disco. The Portuguese DJ and producer has remixed for names like Cut Copy, Sebastien Tellier and Two Door Cinema Club, and is the founder of Discotexas imprint. Here's what he has to say:
Who are your biggest musical influences?
This keep changing every time… But I keep coming back to a handful of people I really love. Those will have to be Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Pink Floyd, Shuggie Otis. Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, the list goes on… Lately I’ve been rediscovering people that sit between Soul and Psychedelia. Like Idris Muhammad. They deserve so much more attention.
What’s your favorite all time record?
That’s easy: ’Innervisions’ by Stevie Wonder. It’s his best, and showcases amazing songwriting that ranges from protest songs to borderline cheesy ballads. He’s playing all instruments throughout the record and laying the groundwork for synthesizers in pop music… Come on!
What was the first record you bought (honest answer)?
Ahah! That was one of the first Portuguese Rap compilations: Rapublica. I memorized every lyric on every song!
What's the first piece of music you remember hearing?
That’s very hard to tell, because I was surrounded by music since I was born. My father was playing in different bands and I would come to his shows, so I really can’t pinpoint the first memory. Maybe Chico Buarque on a car trip or something!
You recently played as part of a three-piece live set-up, how did that differ from regular sets? Was it more or less of a buzz?
Yeah, it’s a whole other feeling. With studio time and DJing, it’s the three buzzes I crave. I wouldn’t like to give up any of these just yet. I love playing with other people on stage and these two guys are my best friends, so it’s a lot of fun. Also, playing with the band teaches you to make the most of the songs you have. You can’t pull off a magic track and change the direction of the set, so you have to make your show spot on.
Best crowd you've ever played to? And worst crowd you've ever played to?
I really can’t pick a single best crowd, but highlights would have to be South and Central America… As for worst crowd, I don’t have big traumas! But anyone that comes into the club for anything else than the music… Well, I still feel it’s my job as a DJ to entertain, but there’s no fun in it if people aren’t willing to listen.
Parnas' First Anniversary is themed around three levels - heaven hell and purgatory. If you had to choose to spend eternity in one level, which would it be and why?
Purgatory is pretty good, especially if you’re like me and can’t make up your mind. Heaven must be awesome to rest, but I guess you’d be bored very soon, so…
Who throws the best parties, god or the devil?
I know god has the best sound systems and venues, but the devil has the best staff. And drinks.
Parnas is known for its cocktails - tell us your favorite cocktail?
Ah, perfect segue. I’m a straight vodka kind of guy… But it needs to be good vodka… Na Zdorovie!
Is this your first trip to China? What are you expecting?
It’s my third time around! I love coming to China. In a world of absolute globalization you can still feel somewhere else in China. For now…
What can the Parnas Beijing crowd expect from your set?
I’m packing good times, so bring comfortable shoes!
> RMB200 (RMB150 presale, available at Parnas); 9pm; Parnas (see listings for details)
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