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Has the scene ever felt like a boys club to you? Does it
affect your work?
Reiki: Yeah, it has always been. Because you don't get to see the ladies behind
the deck so it's not easy to overcome this fear when you are behind
the decks. You'll be thinking, what are you doing there. And how would people
perceive you. All these things will come into your mind when you
are behind the decks.
Any instances when it really did set in? Have you managed to overcome it?
R: Yeah, especially like during the earlier days where I play at small clubs
and people will just stare right into you. It can be very very intimidating.
Vinyl geeks?
R: Yeah, they will point. Most of the time they are very curious when a girl
stands behind the console and mix. Other than that, it's quite alright. Most of
them are very supportive. Once you've overcome that fear it gets much easier and
you'll be used to it.
You have some strong influences outside of music that affects your work.
Tells us a bit more about it
R: My influences are not only from DJs, but musicians like Omar Santana,
he's a producer, he cuts up beats and produces his own music, when I first heard
his music, I was blown off. It's the kinda breakbeats I want, those cut up hip
hop, it's not very fast and not very slow.
A bit more old skool...
R: Yeah. I also like soundscapes, like those by Opus III, I'm always very
curious with sound, what produces it. That's what got me into this.
What's the future for Singaporean scene?
R: Currently... today I've just read news that they have 24 hour licenses
given out to venue owners. I think it'll be quite good. That means they will
need more DJs and it will make the place better.
As it is so far, do u think it is stifling? Without the 24 ruling?
R: Obviously, yeah. Because you go overseas to party and it will be very
different, not like in Singapore.
How is it different?
R: They have a lot of street parties, especially in Europe. In Paris, they
have this day called Music Day. And on this day all the musicians, pub owners
will be blasting their own music on the street just for that one day. So you
will see people singing. They will find a corner to do their own singing and
there will be a crowd over there. And the pub owners will stack up extra
speakers outside and people will be dancing in the street.
So it's like a many arena event?
R: Yeah, another side will be the concert, bands playing. All this is very
good for the musicians because it's a time for them to show off. Especially
underground artists or even DJs playing at pubs. It's a good time for them to
express themselves and we don't have that in Singapore. Every time you need to
play at a place, you need to talk to the club owners. And usually they are the
ones who don't understand what's going on and what music is all about, because
to them money is the most important thing.
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