Outtakes
DJ ranking 'cheats'
DJ Mag's list of the world's top 100 turntable twiddlers is regularly used to promote overseas disc jockeys performing in Hong Kong, and if you didn't think it was meaningless before, perhaps a recent incident involving two names in the top five will change your mind.
Even though it's broadly acknowledged as a popularity contest rather than an appraisal of the DJs' skills, jockeys' performance fees can rise in tandem with their ranking, and in the past many have resorted to a range of promotional efforts to woo those in the general public who can be bothered to vote.
But top turntablists DJ Dan (above) and Christopher Lawrence were last week disqualified from this year's top 100 poll after being accused of gathering multiple votes through a computer script.
Although both DJs strongly denied any involvement in vote rigging, DJ Mag editor Lesley Wright said: 'It's outrageous that DJs should attempt to cheat. It shows a blatant disregard for the top 100 poll, for DJ Mag and, most importantly, for their fellow DJs. Shame on them.'
Ironically Lawrence, who along with Dan has been a frequent visitor to Hong Kong over the years, was last year quoted as telling scene website Skrufff.com: 'How big a deal is it coming in the top five? It all depends. For my mother it was huge.
'And for my fans it is great because their votes were rewarded.'
Bands to vie for slot
Crunch time is finally approaching in the World Battle of the Bands, and the five groups who will be battling it out for the chance to represent Hong Kong have been selected after months of heats.
November 10 at The Cavern in Lan Kwai Fong will see Empty Tomb, Hungry Ghosts, Killersoap, Skindeep and Synthectic (In)Semination going head to head, and the best band on the night will win a slot in the world finals in Singapore later this year. Advance tickets are HK$100 from Tom Lee Music or WBOB.net, or HK$150 on the door, and not only will you get to see the city's best unsigned bands, but also performances by previous Hong Kong WBOB winners Audiotraffic and The Train.
