Upclose with DJ Frankie Lam
Local boy DJ Frankie Lam may have started out young, but he’s still spinning strong. He talks to Jo Chow about music, groupies and party crowds.
HK Mag: So how do you feel about winning “Best DJ” in our Readers’ Choice Awards?
Frankie Lam: I’m not really familiar with HK Magazine so it was definitely unexpected. Most of my performances cater to locals so I’m very surprised that you guys know of me and my music. It felt great.
HK: You started when you were 17 - how has your style changed since then?
FL: I used to be much more style-specific but as I got more experienced, I became much more uninhibited. I didn’t just want to dabble in underground, dark music; I wanted to explore and play with a variety of stylistic elements, like hip-hop and R&B, scratching, etc. I started out with techno 10 years ago and then got into progressive. Nowadays, I’m doing mostly electronic breakbeat.
HK: Top five artists. Let’s hear them.
FL: Let’s see... De La Soul - I never get tired of this 80s rap group, it has such a sweet old school rhythm, it keeps me going from day to night. Asian Dub Foundation and Chemical Brothers are both excellently produced and they have very unique fusion styles. I also have some Faye Wong and Eason Chan. I need some local-flavored stuff to relax.
HK: What do you think of the local electronic scene?
FL: There are plenty of songs but fewer and fewer events. The crowds just can’t seem to get the trippy side of trance and underground electronics out of their heads, so they’re resistant. In Singapore and Japan, people are much more embracive, so I’m trying to introduce a more laidback attitude to the local scene.
HK: What’s the ugliest song request you’ve ever gotten?
FL: The remix of “Heart of Asia.” I forget who the artist is, but it’s the cheesiest song ever. It has a real lame and stupid feel to it. Of course I didn’t play it.
HK: Do DJs have groupies? How are you with the ladies?
FL: Yes we do - but are you talking about those “unhealthy” types? It’s not the same as with rock bands, where girls travel with the group from show to show, but there are definitely always girls at every event - you know, the ones who stand at the front of the stage and make small talk with you.