Techno spin in Hongdae

“Long Live Techno!” is declared loud and clear by internationally renowned DJ Paul Van Dyk. Tomorrow night, the celebration continues at the heart of techno’s origin in Seoul, Hongdae’s M2.
The Berlin-based DJ/producer’s visit marks his fourth trip here. Since his debut in 1991 in Berlin, the German DJ has risen to fame along with the spread of the techno trend around the world.
Unlike most techno DJs who came and went, Mr. Van Dyk has kept his popularity intact. Last year, he was chosen as “America’s Favorite DJ” by BPM Magazine and won the 2004 Dancestar Awards for Best International DJ, Best Event and Best Music in a Commercial (Motorola). He maintained the No. 2 spot on the DJ Top 100 chart for two years straight in 2003 and 2004.
As one of the most influential German DJs and producers in the world, he has been churning out non-stop hit club albums and singles, such as “Playing with the Voice in Germany” and “For an Angel,” while globetrotting to perform from London to Tel Aviv, New York and Singapore.
He plans to release another album, “Politics of Dancing 2,” and a single, “On the Other Side,” in July.
At M2, in addition to Mr. Van Dyk there will be local DJs, including Unkle, Sal, Mr. Fudge and Mog.

Tickets cost 30,000 won ($30) in advance, 40,000 won at the door. Advance tickets are available through Music Library (02-511-0025) in Apgujeong-dong, and City Beat (02-323-5746) inside the Ohoo Building in Hongdae. For inquiries in English, call 018-285-6972, or visit the Web site, www.ohoo.net.

The IHT-JoongAng Daily spoke with the DJ over the phone:
Q.Last year was a big year for sweeping awards. What’s your ambition this year?
A. I’m not in it to win awards; it’s not my goal. I love to play what I enjoy listening to and what people enjoy listening to.

Do you see differences in club scenes in Asia?
I don’t like to compare two different places. Tokyo clubs are certainly different from Seoul clubs, and two different clubs in Seoul are different. So there can be no comparison. I always interact with people, seeing what the vibe is, or what the feeling is out there.

Tell us about your Korea performance.
I’ve been to Korea a couple of times before. This time, I’ll be playing in Ageha club in Tokyo Friday night and in Korea Saturday, and then I’m flying back [home]. There will be a remix of all kinds of things. It’s going to be exciting, and I’m looking forward to it.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from life in general, from everything I see, everything I do every day. When I’m not working in clubs, during the day, I work in the office or at the studio or do something. Besides that, I have two dogs I manage to care for. I’m also married, to Natascha, no children.

by Ines Cho