This post is the first of a 3-part series on Underground Electronic Music in Shanghai. Here are links to other posts in the series: Part 2: Venues, Media; Part 3: Influences, People, Nights
Shanghai's clubbing and dance scene has always been known as one of the most vibrant in Asia. However, the more underground electronic scene is also very active and growing in Shanghai, with a number of DJs and music producers gaining significant noteriety. The clubbing and underground electronic scenes often overlap, sharing venues, attracting similar crowds and drawing influences from similar music. Below are some of the most prominent and active electronic musicians and collectives in the Shanghai scene.
Antidote - group of DJs and music producers who have put on monthly underground parties in Shanghai since 2005. Founded by DJs Ozone and B6, Antidote describes their wide range of music: "We produce and play music that is very eclectic, but you might categorize it under electronic, electro, electroclash, IDM, punk, indie, innovative, breakcore, techno, synthpop, abstract hip hop, ambient, minimal, 8 bit chiptune, bhangra, ghetto, and everything else."
One unique part of Antidote are the party posters designed by B6, which have received critical acclaim and controversy, and have been exhibited by galleries in China and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Phreaktion - group organizing Drum 'n Bass events, founded by DJ Siesta
Sonically Transmitted Diseases (STD) - live music promoters started by DJs R3 and SS, often featuring electronic acts
Void (空) - underground house and techno promotion team, lead by DJ Fish, Ben Huang, Shanghai_Ultra and Nat Alexander
B6 – graphic designer, electronic musician, part of synthpop band IGO, founder of Antidote and Neocha.com
MHP - Shanghainese DJ and music producer, mixing together various styles including techno, industrial, ambient, breakcore, etc.
Ozone (Michael Ohlsson) – American-born DJ, indepedent party promoter, founder of Antidote
DJ Fish – Shanghainese DJ, whose music includes techno, minimal, acid house and dance rock
R3 – Australian born DJ and founding member of STD, whose music incorporates trip hop, industrial, electro, electro-punk, nu-rave and dance rock.
Ben Huang – well-known Shanghainese techno and minimal DJ who has traveled throughout Asia and Europe.
Shanghai Ultra - Scottish-born DJ who plays electro, minimal and experimental electronic music
