On Saturday November 2^nd, Social Underground returns to Exit for another night of underground house shenanigans. This month, SU resident, Aaron Cho and head honcho, Lewis Anthony are joined by DJ and producer, Eastmask.

Hailing from Seoul, Eastmask is no stranger to the capital’s underground house music scene. As a DJ, his skills behind the decks and live sets have had him playing gigs on and off the Korean peninsula. As a producer, his studio work has been featured on labels such as Pure Funk Records and SL Recordings.

Eastmask took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with Social Underground to talk influences, classical guitar, and Wu Tang Clan.

두터운 팬덤을 보유하고 있는 DJ Eastmask가  11월 2일(토) SU resident, Aaron Cho and head honcho, Lewis Anthony와 함께 또 하나의 새로운 공연을 선보일 예정이다. 이미 DJ로서 그 실력을 인정받은 Eastmask는 최근 프로듀서로 숨겨진 실력을 유감없이 발휘하고 있다. 컬쳐엠매거진의 컨트리뷰터로 활동하며 가장 오래된 언더그라운 파티로 꼽히고 있는 Social Underground의 Lewis Thompson이 디제이와 프로듀서의 영역을 자유롭게 넘나들며 역량을 펼치고 있는 Eastmask를 만나 직접 이야기를 들어보았다.

I grew up with hip hop and rap music as it was the most popular genre in my teenage years.

 

Social Underground: What are your musical influences?

Eastmask: I grew up with hip hop and rap music as it was the most popular genre in my teenage years. However, since I got to learn classic and acoustic guitar, I played in a band for a while as a lead guitarist so my musical taste was broadened and influenced by blues and modern rock. As far as electronic music goes, I only got involved about five years ago but it’s mostly influenced from the time I spent in Berlin.

SU: What were the first records you bought?

Eastmask: I bought stuff by Wu Tang Clan and Stevie Ray Vaughan (laughs).

SU: How did you become interested in deep house?

Eastmask: Well, it happened naturally. Most DJs get interested in various styles of music when they start playing; I was one of them. I actually used to play psychedelic and drum and bass a long time ago. But I guess since I have a blues and hip hop background, slow tempo makes me feel relaxed. I actually try not to put myself into one genre of music because you can always get inspired from other genres. All I care about is a deep groove and soul.

SU: You have spent a lot of time travelling. How has that influenced your sound?

Eastmask: Well, travelling always inspires me. My last trip to Cyprus and Turkey was especially inspirational. For example, I met a street musician who was playing a wooden instrument I had never seen before. So I recorded his performance and asked him if I can sample it. I always like to keep inspiring sounds on my recorder because you never know how you are going to use it.

I always like to keep inspiring sounds on my recorder because you never know how you are going to use it. 

 

 

 

 

SU: You have been producing a lot lately. What is your favorite piece of kit in your studio?

Eastmask: I think my magic mouse and my Eve monitor speakers are my favorite pieces of kit amongst everything that’s in there.

SU: Are there any upcoming releases?

Eastmask: I have two tracks forthcoming; one original and a remix. Both tracks are deep and tech house. They will be released this year.

 

SU: Tell us about your booking agency.

Eastmask: It came about by accident. I did not mean to start a booking agency but it happened as I started to have some connections abroad. There are so many great artists asking for the right venue and events but it is quite hard to find the right one especially for techno and deep house. We all know Korea is quite a dry land for underground electronic music.

SU: Finally, What can we expect from you at Social Underground?

Eastmask: You can expect tunes that I would only play in my dreams.

Catch Eastmask on Saturday November 2nd at Exit in Hongdae.

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