Life in China | Ep. 5: What’s Life Like for Foreign DJs in China?

What’s it really like to be a foreign DJ in China? In this video, we dive into the lives of international DJs making waves in China’s music scene. From the hustle of bar gigs to the underground techno movement, we explore the differences in styles, payments, and platforms. Plus, we talk candidly about the legal side of things—visa struggles, contracts, and what it takes to stay in the game. A raw, honest look behind the decks.

Timecode:
00:00 Intro
02:32 Lina K: Creative freedom
02:52 Geekay: Creative freedom
03:35 Lina K: What are you trying to tell in your sets?
04:56 Geekay: Difference between bars you play in Nanjing
06:52 Lina K: How much room is there for self-expression in underground venues?
07:26 Geekay: Adjusting to the crowd
08:32 Lina K: Can Chinese audience be challenged?
09:07 Geekay: Your favorite music?
09:32 Lina K: Mass appeal or artistic integrity?
11:08 Geekay: Are you catering to people's tastes or you rule the crowd?
12:06 Lina K: Legal arrangements for foreign DJs
13:30 Geekay: Can students with music major get a permission to perform?
14:47 Lina K: technical standards in clubs
17:00 Geekay: Technical standards in bars
17:43 Lina K: Technical disaster mid-set experience
18:41 Geekay: A night to remember
19:23 Lina K: A night to remember
21:39 Geekay: Fiasco night
22:40 Lina K: How do clubs treat international artists in terms of payment?
29:33 Geekay: Are you ok to play for 2 people in a bar?
31:10 Lina K: Difference between treating local DJs and international DJs
33:10 Geekay: Appreciation for a bar DJ
34:06 Lina K: How do you get booked?
35:40 Geekay: Do bar owners treat you like an artist?
39:17 Lina K: Advice for those who want to DJ in China