Bagagee is a musician, performer, and superstar DJ from the growing Korean electronic music scene. Using new and innovative digital performance tools he remixes dance beats in some of the most popular clubs in Korea. We first discovered Bagagee from his Youtube videos showing off how he uses his Ohm with Ableton Live to create his music, and we had a change to catch up with him to discuss his setup and his thoughts on the growing scene in Korea.

How long have you been DJ’ing?
I have been DJing for seven years and started with vinyl and cds. In 2006 I became interested in producing and performing. Ableton Live completely changed my setup in 2007 and now my laptop is my main tool.

What got you started?
I wanted to introduce and mix great music.

What gear do you currently use onstage?
Pioneer DJM800, CDJ1000mk3, Efx1000(I love it), Laptop + Motu Ultralite MK3 (use 4 channels to DJM), Livid Ohm, an arcade stick, and Ableton Live 7.

In the studio?
Echo audiofire, M-audio Axiom 49, Novation Nocturn, Remote 25SL,
Pioneer CDJ 1000 and Technics 1200 Turntable.

My favorite setup is Laptop, DJM800 mixer, Ohm, Motu Ultralite MK3, andEfx1000.

How did you hear about the Livid Ohm controller?
I first read about it in a DJ Magazine and thought it was the most unique controller that I had ever seen. Once I saw it in a music shop I fell in love with the brilliant blue light.

What did you use before you got your Ohm?
Novation remote SL, KaossPad3 (midi control function), Evolution Uc-33e, Xone3D, Evo5, Zero8.

How has your performance changed since you got your Ohm?
First
Livid Ohm’s fader and knob are wonderful. They are very smooth and strong and much better then any of my other controllers. I think feel and quality is really important for DJing. I also like the length of the faders.

Second
Easy to setup and play using the clip bank. The instrument feel makes for a much better performance. It kind of looks like a monome mixed with a uc33e in a single unit.

Third
This one is really important for Laptop DJs. Ohm has Midi-signal indicator on the real panel so I can see if it is communicating properly. The MIDI drivers are also very reliable.

Where in Korea do you perform?
I often spin at Circle, the most popular club in Korea. I also spin at another club in Hongdae.

I hope to play Womb in Japan, Zouk in Singapore, and Bed SupperClub in Thailand

Have you done much traveling outside of Korea?
I have traveled to eleven countries and often stay for extended visits.

I went Wai Island (they called Koh wai) in Thailand with only my laptop to write my new single and ended up writing four great songs while on the island. Unfortunately all of my gear was stolen and I lost everything!

How does the Korean/Seoul scene compare to other places you’ve been?
(Most of our readers are likely unfamiliar with Korean electronic and dance music scene, so here’s a chance to let them know what’s big there and give them an introduction!)
There are actually not that many DJs in Korea. There are not really any vinyl shops and it can be hard to find gear. Big name DJs do come to Seoul however. It is really up to the DJs and promotors to introduce the EDM scene and throw good parties.

Who are your biggest influences musically?
I love Rico Soarez’s Music. I think Tv Dinner was composed by God and God gave it to Rico. These days my style is influenced by Deadmau5, Moldover (The controllerism), and DJ Roxy

Do your Live sets consist of original compositions, remixes, or dance tracks? Or a combination of all 3?
A combination of all three. I usually prepare many samples into my compositions and use well known tracks like “work it”.

Do the clubs in Korea use live video much?
Only a few clubs have systems, but it is growing.

Are you interested in incorporating VJing into your sets?
Yes. In addition to being a musician I am also a graphic designer and I am very interested in in motion graphics and Vjing. I have just this week been asked by pioneer to test their new VJ mixer. I really appreciate great music mixed with great motion graphics.

For more info visit
http://www.bagagee.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/discosyndrome
http://www.viphex13.com

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interviews by Jay