So…we figured it was about damn time we started an initiative to support our local music industry, particular on the club scene end as well as the producer section. front. Hence, we present to you ‘Local Heroes’, a weekly column on HYPE that puts the spotlight on our home grown DJ/producers with an exclusive interview and a 15 minute minimix for you pleasure.
In this fourth instalment of the #LocalHeroes column, we bring you… Rooks
A multidisciplinary audio junkie with an idiosyncratic fixation towards music and the cultures revolving around it, ROOKS is today’s #LocalHero
With sets that are a mixbag of styles and genres, from deep house to 2 step garage, UK funky to tropical bass, future bass to experimental hip hop; without forgetting the classics as well as then occasional party bangers; with the essential elements of funk, soul, bounce and heaps of bass, this man takes you on a whole hearted journey into the inner sanctums of electronic music.
ROOKS gained his stripes starting out in the scene as a music blogger, then venturing into gig promotions & artist collective managements with Bass Punks International, before really putting in his time into becoming an electronic musician. Despite all his ventures though, he’s always found the time to passionately advocate music on any level possible. Currently based in Perth, this Kuala Lumpur native is living out his dreams with music.
In this weeks #LocalHeroes series, we share with ROOKS an experience of rhythm, beats & soul all in 15 minutes, below:
What’s a feature without the details? Come, let’s get to know ROOKS through this exclusive interview with HYPE.MY! :
#1. What is your favourite song from the past five years?
Ah man. This always gets me. There’s just too many to name. Music is such a big part of my life, I can’t just pick one out of the lot. Haha. Here’s a current favourite. Cashmere Cat’s Mirror Maru. I play it a lot. Might need to retire it from my sets soon.
#2. What are your music predictions?
In reference to the local scene, there’s a lot of local producers right now who are getting noticed by an international audience, thanks to the internet. I don’t predict very well, but if I had to, I would say that there would be an influx of Malaysian producers getting their names out there. But if you’re talking about musical trends, I’d say that real house music is making its comeback.
#3. Vinyl or CD?
Of course I’d have to say vinyl, because of the superior sound quality, and all the really good stuff are pressed on vinyl. CDs and audio files are more convenient though.
#4. Old School or New School?
If you’re talking about music, I’d say both. A good blend of the old and the new is always the best, for me. I love to play good reworks of throwback tracks in my sets. To me, it kinda helps me introduce the kids to the old stuff, and the older audience to newer produce.
#5. Favourite Lyrics?
2pac’s “Changes”. That tune had a huge impact on me during my teenage years.
#6. What one’s thing you would change about the current local music industry?
Acceptance. There is a big handful of quality underground producers. The current local music industry needs to acknowledge and work with these people. Experienced techniques and fresh idea always works wonders.
#7. Most people you’ve ever played in front of?
A few hundred, maybe. Don’t really remember exactly. Not that big of a DJ really. It was the finale of the Mutant Mayhem Halloween series, in 2012.
#8. First feeling of being starstruck?
It would have to be when I first met Diplo. It was a gig at Mist Club, Bangsar. I was MCing for the Mutants. And all I did, was just hand him the mic. Haha.
#9. Hip Hop or Techno?
If the Techno you’re referring to is the generalized term for electronic music, then both. I don’t think you should limit yourselves to a particular style or genre, because it kinda limits your creativity. I like how producers like Diplo, and my current favourites, Bixel Boys and Cashmere Cat, and of course many more; go beyond borders, incorporating elements of various styles, creating absolute gems.
#10. Trance or Dubstep?
I don’t play neither. Used to play some dubstep, but my preference was always the more mellowed out kind of dubstep. Melodic stuff. Like ViLLAGE’s Remix of Yuna’s Lullabies. Trance used to be really good, and I was once a fan, back during the glory days of Gabriel & Dresden. But most of it now is very generic.
And that brings an end to this week’s #LocalHeroes, featuring ROOKS. For more info, look below for links leading back to him, as well as download / stream links to his music projects. #LocalHeroes is an exclusive project, brought to you by HYPE Malaysia. Salute your #LocalHeroes by sharing this!
www.facebook.com/rooksmusik
www.soundcloud.com/rooksmusik
www.mixcloud.com/rooks
www.twitter.com/rooks_