When Classic meets Underground: Get to know Cocoa Zhou, a female DJ from Hong Kong. Director of the fun at Tatler Ball 2023

The music style I'm passionate about and incorporate into my work is likely House music because of its seamless flow. This genre doesn't demand frequent transitions between tracks. In House music, smoothly blending tracks is more about evoking a collective mood. We gradually shift the emotional tone of the song, creating a seamless flow. Unlike Hip Hop music, which has distinct beats, House music transitions are almost imperceptible if you're listening casually (laughs). They operate differently, yet both genres offer a unique and equally enjoyable listening experience.

With my background in video directing, I've come to appreciate the significance of background music, even when it subtly lingers without conscious recognition. It helps enhance the audience's emotions and sense of involvement. That's my aim as a DJ. However, I grasp that we can uplift the atmosphere during events, but I only do so with a specific purpose, like during the recent Tatler After Party when Bright (Vachirawit) and Gulf (Kanawut) began singing and rapping. That moment was the highlight we wanted the attendees to enjoy, but it's crucial to understand that event highlights should have their distinct phases. If we keep it the same throughout, it might not truly be called a highlight.

I can't definitively say which style of song is right or wrong; it's each DJ's style. I see my responsibility as ensuring people have fun with the music, easing the tempo to relax at certain points, and fitting the mood according to the event's requirements. Overall, it's about creating an ambiance for people to sit, stand, socialize, and enjoy rather than drawing attention solely to me as I play the music.

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When I received the brief for the Tatler After Party, I pictured people just finishing the main event, Tatler Ball, in evening gowns and suits. I wasn't sure if they all were going to party wild or not. So, I weighed whether we should start with some low BPM songs, gradually getting guests to sway and feel groovy, funky, and stylishly disco. Then, we'd transition styles and song beats as the tunes became more familiar, mixing modern and electronic soundscapes. However, we still wanted to retain that Tatler elegance, which I think we managed to do well. At the After Party, I observed guests gently swaying to the music, relishing the luxurious atmosphere. The ambiance aimed for a calm, relaxed immersion into the rhythm, letting everyone enjoy without clamoring for attention. It elevated sophistication while ensuring collective enjoyment—my music resonated deeply without hurrying the tempo for a thrill.

The venue for the Tatler After Party was also absolutely stunning. I loved it from the moment I walked in for the initial setup, thinking to myself, "This is a city Beach Club!" It was located right in the heart of a large building with high ceilings, garden views, and an actual swimming pool. Certainly not something you'd easily find in Hong Kong. Moreover, it wasn't just a typical beach club-themed design; it was a real pool to swim in. I must admit, the design was exceptionally well-liked, sparking new ideas for me to adjust the playlist to match the ambiance and venue.

(laughs) That's quite the question! Can I have a moment? (she pauses) It's hard to compare them directly because Clockenflap mainly highlights music and trending artists of that time. If I were to draw a comparison, Clockenflap might align more with Coachella due to their concert and DJ stages at the festival. However, Wonderfruit, for me, wasn't just a music festival; it was a blend of art installations, diverse food, and intriguing narratives to explore. The music wasn't mainstream; it was more experimental, sometimes featuring lesser-known artists. It felt like a discovery each time, which was exhilarating. Even after the Tatler Ball this year, I found inspiration for my music despite spending time enjoying meals and massages in the nearby tents (laughs). If I had to draw a closer parallel, it might be the Garbicz music festival. While I haven't been there, I've heard that the European music scene offers a rich array of experimental tracks that DJs can creatively incorporate into their work. As a DJ, it's my responsibility to seek out and use these unique, non-Shazamable tunes as references. (laughs)

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