It’s that time of the year again—Zouk hits the sands with Zoukout 2007—The Surreal Experience. Back for the seventh round, this mega dance festival unites clubbers from across the region for 12 straight hours of pure, unadulterated dance surrealism. In true Zouk style, four music arenas stretched across 56,000 square feet of Siloso Beach’s shoreline will be pumping a different genre of dance music from house, trance and techno to mambo and hip hop. Visually, (and we’re not talking about the hot bods), cutting-edge graphics from Japan’s multi-talented VJs WOMB will be projected onto large scale screens for a complete plug-in to the experience. Here are the biggest acts to catch.
Ame
This brilliant duo from Berlin—comprising Kristian Beyer and Frank Wiedemann—is the hottest name in deep house and minimal tech today. Hear them get the cool crowd going with their seamless mix of Detroit techno, deep minimal and soulful house tunes that will get your feet tapping. This is truly the sound of now.
Armin van Buuren
It’s no wonder he’s making his second appearance since Zoukout 2005. If his consistently stellar A State Of Trance compilations are anything to go by, you can expect the same euphoric, uplifting audio candy here at Zoukout. Oh, he also tops this year’s DJ Mag’s annual Top 100 DJ list.
Booka Shade
Their highly acclaimed album Movements charted a breakthrough in the electronic music genre. Comprising German electrohouse duo Walter Merzige and Arno Kammermeier, Booka Shade will be playing a live set showcasing their signatory evocative melodies and synth sounds. If you’re not a fan of electronic music, stay away or you might just be converted.
Carl Cox
You know you’re in for a serious rave when the godfather of UK techno spearheads the lineup. With his ever evolving music style and highly energetic sets, every clubber worth his salt will know that this name is enough reason to dress up and show up.
DJ Craze
Holding it down in the Mambo Jambo arena is this record three-time DMC World Championship winner. Giving emphasis to drum and bass, his brand of sonic hip hop/breakbeat mixes can only be credited to a highly developed hand at the turntables—not something every DJ can lay claim to.
Does it Offend You, Yeah?
People might still be warming up to this UK newcomer but with their brand of sleazy robo-rock, this electro/punk/indie outfit is set to be one of the hottest acts in due time. Catch their screeching vocals and monumental beats right here.
Giles Peterson
Eclectic funk and soul meister Giles Peterson is undoubtedly Jack of all trades when it comes to dance music (not a bad thing)—expect anything from jazz, soul, hip hop, house to R&B. While a firm favorite at Velvet Underground, he takes to the decks for the first time here since 2001—with a secret surprise performer.
Osunlade
Here’s one for those who like an exotic departure from the usual house flavors. Known for his deep nu-soul and tribal-tinged house music, Osunlade will play his last major gig right here at Zoukout before retiring from the decks to pursue other interests.
DJ Steve Aoki (aka Kid Millionaire)
Coming a long way from throwing impromptu parties in his living room, Steve Aoki not only plays his now-famous indie-disco and electro sets in LA’s renowned Cinespace but runs his own music label Dim Mak, which has spawned bands such as The Kills, Pretty Girls Make Graves and The Von Bondies. Come and see why he is the man of the LA indie rock scene.
