Using The Force: DJ Yoda
MAXWELL KUSI-OBODUM • Published 11 Nov 2012 06:30
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TALENTED turntabilist DJ Yoda is renowned for creating a spectacle when he steps up to the decks for his live shows.
The innovative British DJ and producer mixes, cuts and scratches his hip hop with such a jaw-dropping myriad of musical styles and samples clubbers can barely believe their ears.
Whether it's mixing the Indiana Jones theme tune with dubstep or the Muppet theme with 1930s swing - there is always a surprise in store to keep the crowd on their toes.
But Londoner Yoda - aka Duncan Beiny - will push the boundaries further when he takes the stage at Sub 89 in Friar Street tomorrow (Friday), mid-way through his 15-date UK tour promoting his new album Chop Suey. The 35-year-old is spicing up his set by launching a new audio visual show featuring video and television clips interspersed with graphics and images played in tandem with the music. Beiny - who is increasingly incorporating the technology into his shows - says: "I will be mixing and scratching video and audio as well as the songs and using clips from movies and cartoons. It's a DJ set and live show with stand up comedy and cinema too.
"DJing is about entertainment and making sure people have fun is just as important as the music. I am just so happy when I see the crowd laughing and smiling."
The album - released on Monday, November 5, incorporates drum and bass, electro, grime and afrobeat with an eclectic line-up of guest singers and musicians ranging from 1980s pop icon and former Culture Club frontman Boy George to UK hip hop artist Roots Manuva. Grime emcee Sway, Latin band Kid Creole and the Coconuts and brass ensemble the Trans-Siberian March Band also feature.
He adds: "I have a hip hop background but the music is varied - everything from 80s pop stars to golden era hip hop, grime emcees, brass bands and poets. It seems to work well and I keep myself interesting with different collaborations."
Beiny - whose inspirations include rap legends Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and Biz Markie (who even raps a message on his answer phone) - clinched his first club set aged 17, two years after getting his first turntables. He adds: "Both my parents were in the music industry so I was surrounded by records as a kid growing up. I used to try and scratch with records at home and I broke my parents' hi-fi."
Despite harnessing computer-based programmes such as Serato to play tunes, he still champions using vinyl - especially for scratching - and adds: "The most important thing is to understand where DJing comes from and how to DJ with vinyl. But once you've got to grips with that it's important to keep up to date and be more creative and add an extra dimension."
Doors open from 10.30pm and tickets cost £10. See www.sub89.com for details.
This article appeared in Bracknell News 15 Nov 12
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