From SG To The World: DJ WUKONG Brings The Heat With Oriental Rave Beats

By Lara Kramer  •  09 May 2024 in Features

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As we know, the global music scene is an ever-evolving landscape, constantly shaped by the diverse sounds and influences of artists from around the world.

In the heart of this ecosystem lies DJ WUKONG, an up-and-coming music producer and DJ hailing from Singapore.

With his unique blend of Oriental Rave music, this artist is carving out his own path in the industry, bringing us electrifying performances to complement his innovative musical style.

JUICE had the pleasure of sitting down with DJ WUKONG himself to discuss his journey in music, his collaborations with industry legends, and – of course – his upcoming performance at the highly anticipated Heineken® Refresh event!

Embracing Cultural Diversity

 

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DJ WUKONG’s music has taken him to big stages across Asia and beyond. Naturally, we were curious to know how the rest of the world has been responding to his beats.

Reflecting on the reception of Oriental Rave music in different parts of the world, he shares, “I think people are always craving something fun and different, right? I wanted to do something that excited me and felt like my culture.”

Embracing his heritage, DJ WUKONG infuses his music with influences from various Asian sub-cultures, creating a sound that resonates with audiences globally. He acknowledges the initial challenges of finding the right balance, but emphasises that the journey was worth it.

Oh, and fun fact – DJ WUKONG’s mother is from Malaysia. He also performed here recently, at the Neon Music Festival back in October last year!

A Collaborative Soul

Having worked with renowned artists like Ben Nicky and Dimatik, DJ WUKONG also shed light on his collaborative process.

“Those guys are legends,” he says. “When we collaborated on our records, we first decided on a general idea of the song, like a skeleton, and then added our parts.”

He values the excitement and mutual passion for collaboration that his musical partners bring to the table, hinting at more exciting collaborations on the horizon.

Intrigued by mythology and pop culture, DJ WUKONG also shared his dream collab with the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong. He envisions a mesmerising blend of heavenly instruments and pulsating bass.

We can’t even begin to imagine the ethereal soundscape of such a collaboration.

Musical Inspo

 

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Even the greatest muse has his muses.

When asked about his musical inspirations, DJ WUKONG highlights artists like Hans Zimmer and Timmy Trumpet for their innovative approaches to music production.

Drawing parallels between his own style and theirs, he highlights the importance of blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds – a hallmark of his Oriental Rave music.

Pushing Boundaries

 

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DJ WUKONG’s creative process knows no bounds, with his studio being anywhere and everywhere.

“Any place, any time that I can get my laptop open and I can hear what I am doing,” he explains.

His spontaneous approach to music-making fuels his creativity, resulting in unique and memorable experiences for both himself and his audience.

Always eager to explore new genres and push the boundaries of his artistry, DJ WUKONG’s recent venture involves incorporating more Drum & Bass into his performances.

The overwhelmingly positive response from audiences reaffirms his belief in the importance of experimentation and innovation in music.

 

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In fact, reflecting on his performances featuring live Chinese Orchestra and Opera, DJ WUKONG recalls a particularly special moment with the audience.

“When the Chinese Orchestra and opera debuted, I was a bit nervous. But the reaction was pure crazy,” he reminisces. It is this encouragement from fans that fuels his desire to continue pushing the boundaries of his craft.

The Anthem Of Oriental Rave

DJ WUKONG has the ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary beats, and “Wong Fei Hung” stands as a testament to that.

Paying homage to the legendary folk hero, the song has garnered widespread acclaim, exceeding even DJ WUKONG’s own expectations, underscoring his commitment to showcasing Asian culture on the global stage.

For him, striking a balance between showcasing Asian culture and creating music that appeals to a global audience is key.

“I want to do that by creating an arsenal of music that has so many different angles, genres, and personalities to it for everybody,” he explains, adding that aims to spread joy and positivity to audiences worldwide with this show of diversity and tradition.

Heating Things Up At Heineken Refresh

As Heineken® Refresh 2024 draws near, anticipation is high for DJ WUKONG’s electrifying performance – and his rising status as a trailblazer in the world of Oriental Rave music.

Promising (another) unforgettable experience, he shares, “They can expect something to remember. I can’t wait to bring the heat to Heineken® Refresh 2024.”

With new music and visuals in the works, DJ WUKONG is ready to elevate the Oriental Rave vibe and leave a lasting impression on local fans.

Don’t miss your chance to catch him live at Sunway Lagoon this June!