This Sunday brings local DJ-producer Slide to the decks for the INTRO Electronic Music Festival, promoted by Acupuncture Records. Ahead of the two-day festival, we talk to Slide about the festival about the roles of labels like Acupuncture and his own No Go Die Records in the local scene.

How has Acupuncture Records impacted electronic producers working here?

Even though my own label No Go Die is musically quite different from what the Acupuncture guys do, it's still exciting to know that there's a pool of talented local producers that offer a range of possibilities for collaboration. I'll be putting out releases later this year and I'm excited to see what we can do in terms of remixes by Acupuncture producers. For a long time it looked as though that collaborative option might only come from a handful of laowai that pass through for 2-3 years max.

What role does a local label like No Go Die or Acupuncture Records play in a local scene?

It's all about keeping things fresh, and sustainability. For a long time there were no key players, or at least, no key players that were keen to push the scene forward. Now Acupuncture, No Go Die and others all help the local scene to reach a critical mass and be recognised both nationally and internationally. This means we have more pull for international acts, more weight in gaining recognition outside of China. If the scene's too divisive then that's never going to happen—right now, we have a pretty healthy and open attitude towards collaboration and that can only be a good thing for the future.

How does interaction with international DJs coming through Beijing help inspire local electronic producers?

I think any DJ or producer worth his salt will already be a ravenous consumer of the latest sounds from various scenes around the world, but there's something about hearing someone live who's at the top of their game on a global level that gives you that "must get back in the studio NOW" feeling. It could be a bass sound, snare or drum loop but sometimes a single element of a track can make you want to re-interpret and assimilate into one of your current projects.

Another thing is the personal contact. I've gone away from hosting people like LTJ Bukem, Kode 9, Goldie and MJ Cole having had truly inspiring conversations about the whole creative process, and realising that there are as many ways to produce music as there are producers. Fostering your own unique sound is what will make you successful and, more importantly, happy.

DETAILS

What: DJ Slide at INTRO 2011

Where: D-Park

When: Saturday, May 21-Sunday, May 22. According to the official lineup, DJ Slide is scheduled for 7pm, Sunday, May 21 on The Syndicate Stage.

How much:¥150 (presale)-¥200 (door)

Tickets: They're selling out fast. Find out where you can get tickets here.

Tel: 6552-6661