Upclose with DJ Stone Dog
DJ/songwriter/producer and the creative director of club Volume, Evan Steer (aka DJ Stonedog), chats with Johannes Pong about the upcoming second anniversary mega-bash and the live performance of his debut single “Rainbows.”
HK Magazine: Are you exicited about the big show?
Stonedog: Right now I’m just focusing on the task at hand. The show is the most expensive and lavish thing we’ve ever done, something gay Hong Kong has never seen before. Diva Olynn is flying over from Singapore, and there will be backup dancers and lasers. I’m concentrating on pulling it together. I’ll be most thrilled if all goes according to plan.
HK: How did you get started on your new musical project?
SD: I saw Japanese bedroom producer Willie2400 on YouTube. This boy was remixing Stock 80s Aitken Waterman songs, and I asked him if I could play his stuff in my club, and he was like “cool!” Then I asked him if we could do a collabo’ together. He sent me the music, I wrote the melody and the lyrics.
HK: What’s so special about the song “Rainbows”?
SD: It’s the first song I know of that’s specifically about the Rainbow flag. And it’s kind of got Asian Pride in it too: Willie2400’s from Japan, I’m in Hong Kong, and it’s sung by Olynn from Singapore.
HK: How did you get Olynn involved?
SD: I work for a well-known TV network where we hired her to do a jingle for us, and I thought, “This girl’s amazing. Why is she in a rock band? She should be doing dance music!” So I convinced her to sing this song for me. She’s a convert now. She’s coming over to perform at Volume’s anniversary party.
HK: Are you bursting with pride over your debut release?
SD: I guess I’m most proud of the fact that we’re providing the gay community in Hong Kong with a voice. Music connects people, and gives us a voice. We’re planning to launch the song in February, it’ll be a pride anthem at the Sydney Mardi Gras.
HK: And how do you feel, being the mastermind behind Volume?
SD: I appreciate the fact that Volume’s being looked at a little bit more seriously. It’s more respected, not just a bar, but part of the community. I think it’s the dawn of interesting times ahead.