Hip-hop Hong Kong-style: DJ Yeodie plays ChinaDoll Thursday

Hong Kong-based DJ Yeodie has played top clubs from Tokyo to New York and back in a career that’s included dropping beats for Mick Jagger, Korean pop sensation Rain and Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho – though probably not all at the same time, we think. He even tested his acting skills with an appearance as “tennis player” in Aussie teen soap Home & Away. Yeodie brings his hip-hop credentials to ChinaDoll’s Sky Bar terrace on Thursday (Aug 5) – we asked him a few questions ahead of his rooftop set.

What were the first songs or music you remember hearing?
The Doraemon theme song.

How did you start DJing?
In 1995, I got a job as an MC at a club, and everyday I learned from the DJs. The boss would let me DJ the first hour every night, then the second, then the third. After six months, I got a job as resident DJ at a better place and DJ’d there Tue-Sat every week for a year. After that, I went to Australia for six months. I started to DJ at Club 1997 in Hong Kong – ironically it was 1997. I was 18.

What’s your favorite song to close a party? Why?
Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Fantasy (Shelter DJ mix)”. It's an epic song, though not a dance track. But I love it, so I sometimes play it as the last song of the night.

What song or songs do you like personally but would never play at a party?
See above ... not a dance track, so I can only play it at the beginning or end of the night.

Do you spend your days making up setlists? Ever woken up in the middle of the night thinking “I’ve got to play this song at my next party!”?
I never play the same set twice. Each time is a random mix, chosen from the 10,000 songs stored on my laptop, some of which I transferred from vinyl into AIF format.

What DJs do you most respect?
Any DJ with talent, that works hard and takes risks.

See DJ Yeodie on Thursday, Aug 5, and enter ChinaDoll's prize draw to win RMB 8,888. Free. 9pm (Yeodie starts 11pm). ChinaDoll (5136 5871/72)