[as published in malay mail]
MALAYSIAN DJS TO ELECTRIFY BELGIUM
THE world of electronic dance music has turned its attention to Tomorrowland, Belgium.
Split over the last and upcoming weekend, the festival is the place for ravers and top class DJs.
In five days, all eyes will be on Malaysian DJs Alvin Teoh and Lau Hoe Yin, better known as Goldfish and Blink. The duo have been active for 20 years on the Kuala Lumpur club circuit.
When they take their places behind the decks at Tomorrowland, a 7pm slot before Saturday night kicks in, it will mark a career peak. They are the first Malaysians to play the iconic festival.
“It’s surreal. It wasn’t really confirmed until I saw the artwork,” said Blink.
“Even now I think it isn’t real yet. Until we’ve played the gig, I won’t believe it.”
Their work is heard beyond Malaysia, conquering Southeast Asia since embarking their dance music journey seven years ago. Prior they were producers and club performers.
They’ve since been backed by major players in the industry, including Tiesto, W&W and Nicky Romero.
Among the heavier Asian line-up at Tomorrowland, Goldfish and Blink stand at the forefront.
Their immersive brand of heavy electro drops and unwavering energy at live shows have made them a must-see act for any EDM fan in or passing through KL.
Locally, they enjoy a revered status but, internationally, the duo are considered up-and-coming.
“I feel like we’re still fresh,” said Goldfish.
“Malaysians have seen our names a lot for a long time. Maybe younger DJs see us as veterans, but it doesn’t feel
that way.”
that way.”
Blink interjected: “We’re very new on the international scene. Four years is nothing. Time flies nowadays.”
They said their set at Tomorrowland is specially-curated for the momentous occasion.
In it will be “all new mash-ups” and old hits that helped build their reputation.
Influenced by their love of street culture, their arsenal is strengthened by delving into hip-hop of late.
Their version of Kendrick Lamar’s Humble has proved popular online and will make its second appearance following the unveiling at Ultra Korea last month.
“People know us as the EDM duo, but we’ve always had a diverse taste of music,” said Goldfish.
Blink added there is a plan for a new album that will draw on other genres, from pop to future bass.
Wherever their creative direction takes them, a lot will be resting on their Tomorrowland debut.
Goldfish and Blink still feel they have potential to fulfil in Asia but nonetheless find themselves with a star opportunity to get a foot in the door on one of Europe’s biggest stages.
“Hopefully we’ll be invited back. We’d love to be on the major festival routes,” said Blink.
He added crossing a music boundary into the Western hemisphere is no mean feat.
“Only Steve Aoki, Los Angeles-born to Japanese parents, has managed it. Even in pop music, only G Dragon (South Korean rapper) has made it.
“For us as Malaysians, it’s difficult. I think (Tomorrowland organisers) saw us as a good reach into the region.”
The clock is now ticking for the duo to shine.
It was three months ago they excitedly opened the email that announced they had been invited to play the festival.
“I called him straight away saying, ‘Sure or not? Real one?’” laughed Blink.
They will be on the Generation Smash the House stage, an imprint of Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, renowned “kings” of Tomorrowland.
As ever, they will have the Jalur Gemilang draped across their shoulders.
“It’s a dream come true. We’ve watched Tomorrowland for years on YouTube,” said Goldfish.
Back home, fans will wait to hear about another knockout set.
And as the pair announced the invite in May, they said: “This is a Malaysia Boleh moment for us!”
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