ZoukOut marks its 11 year anniversary with a sumptuous compilation, mixed by Karizma and Zouk resident Hong.
Now in its 11th year, ZoukOut is one of the most important and eagerly anticipated dance events in Asia’s clubbing calendar. Each year tens of thousands flock to indulge in hours of blissful abandonment, soundtracked by the biggest DJs and live acts in the world. This year Zouk invite Karizma – one of the brightest stars of the line-up – along with Zouk resident Hong to compile a mix that perfectly captures the vibe they create when they play ZoukOut.
Here we catch up with Karizma to talk about why Zouk is always one of the highlights on the party calendar…
How’s your 2011 been so far? Tell us about some of the highlights…
One of the highlights this year was doing Suncebeat this year with all of my DJ/producer friends. There’s nothing like playing in the sun with people you love and respect musically. Second was going to Japan after the crisis. I really love the fact that they are moving on with things and still want to hear good music, that’s real love. Finally, I think for me to be able to still exist and be relevant in this scene is the biggest highlight of all.
Zouk seems to be loved by pretty much everyone who visits the club – tell us about your experience of playing there
Zouk is always a lot of fun; I mean you never know what’s going to happen the night you play. I remember one night there was a burlesque show happening right when I was DJing. It was really an amazing performance and really tastefully done.
What it is about Zouk that makes it one of your favourite places to play?
The fact that I can play pretty much what I want and the crowd is always up for it.
You’ve said that this compilation is a recreation of the vibe of your live sets – what kind of a vibe is that?
I tend to play with a lot of different energies and I think that’s quite a rare vibe these days.
Can you tell us about a few of the track on the compilation – there are a few exclusives on there, right?
I did an dub of Cajmere's ‘Brighter Days’ from my own collection, and Muthafunkas Atjazz’s remix of 'Oh I’ from Code Red Recordings is just absolutely beautiful. I also love ‘Dark Matter’ from an up and coming producer Derrick ‘DLow’ Singfield.
You’re well known as a turntablist… is this something that came naturally by yourself or did you have a mentor?
I watched all the greats but I think I connected with DJ Qbert the most. I remember him saying that when he cuts he's speaking a language. A lot of DJs use the CDJs but never really do anything with them; I see them as an instrument I can speak through, so I have to develop a language that people can understand musically.
Who in your opinion is technically the best DJ you’ve ever seen?
Cut Chemist, Jazzy Jeff, Jeff Mills, Terrence Parker, Louie Vega.
You used to play hip-hop under the alias Justin Human…what prompted the switch the house music?
I don’t think I switched, I was already there. The misconception in today’s world is that genres separate music. When I was coming up genres were what kept the party going. It was no surprise to hear some Mr. Fingers next to some Marley Marl then on to some Art of Noise. It’s only in the last decade or so that everything became so genre-oriented. It’s something I fight against because all good music is relative in a set.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
Thank you guys for letting me speak and most of all thank you for listening.
ZoukOut Singapore '11 is out 5th December - click to listen & buy
