“Song request, every DJ’s nightmare.” That is what YOUNG LOW said. YOUNG LOW is not a place but the artist name of a Kuala Lumpur DJ. Let’s dive into the world of Kuala Lumpur nightlife with YOUNG LOW.
YOUNG LOW discovered clubbing early in the 90s. YOUNG LOW has been a stalwart on the Kuala Lumpur nightlife scene. YOUNG LOW collaborated with Art Xtreme Media at Le Noir KL.
YOUNG LOW started clubbing at 15. YOUNG LOW threw many parties at home. YOUNG LOW was curious about DJing back then. He thought DJs needed to be proper emcees besides playing music. It was 1995 when YOUNG LOW got his first payslip for DJing.
YOUNG LOW was self taught. Back then most DJs didn’t teach anyone that they didn’t know well unless you are relatives or brothers. YOUNG LOW saved money to buy used turntables and a mixer. YOUNG LOW watched many videos on turntablism. YOUNG LOW met some DJs who had the same interest to discover the techniques together.
From analogue to digital YOUNG LOW was into funk soul hip hop and acid jazz. After a while YOUNG LOW accumulated much of it exploring electronica stuff. YOUNG LOW is mostly into non mainstream vibes. Besides drum ‘n’ bass and speakeasy he has a fun project of himself as “Low & MamaDayo” for House & Techno.
Compared to the old days of the 80s and 90s there are more bars now. It’s just one outlet opens another one closes. Not many clubs or bars last longer than 10 years. For Kuala Lumpur if any bar survives more than 5 years it’s considered darn good. Mainstream music is still the main role. When “Wantan Mee” is in trend many people will venture into it. You’ll see the street having all the restaurants serving the same meal.
When you switch on the radio it’s all about the top 40. YOUNG LOW always turns to online radio and listens to what’s new. He searches some music websites or recording labels he follows. YOUNG LOW is a Kuala Lumpur native so he loves the food and friendly people.
YOUNG LOW is also a promoter. There’s not a huge clubbing industry in Malaysia. For non-mainstream music the toughest is to lock down a venue. Either book the big names to make some money or upcoming artist that I predict may break even just to keep the movement going. Most promoters experience losing money from gigs.
Throughout the years people come and go in the entertainment industry. YOUNG LOW has met many of them and collaborated in relation to DJ activities. The age of learning to DJ is getting younger compared to the old days. It’s always good to know the students want to pursue DJing as a career and are doing well in the industry locally and abroad. With more technology invented on DJ equipment DJs should look into music production besides DJ mixing and turntablism as music comes before DJing. The music industry is moving fast. It should be much more interesting in the coming years.
YOUNG LOW is definitely looking forward to those newbie DJs who are into beat making and writing tunes.
A few clubbers have traveled and followed YOUNG LOW to the gigs where he played. Some of them even traveled to four countries. That is an amazing and memorable moment for YOUNG LOW.
YOUNG LOW would like to open for Carl Cox. Surprise.
Besides drum ‘n’ bass and bass music YOUNG LOW wants to play some hip hop house and techno gigs. It’s fun to play different music genres occasionally.
That’s YOUNG LOW a Kuala Lumpur DJ. Keep your ears open for his unique sound.