Beijing’s Science of Sounds brings Codec & Flexor
Originally established in Manila as a Spanish DJ collective, artistic management and production agency Science of Sounds (SOS) found a new home base amid the rapidly shifting backdrop of Beijing in early 2008. In only a few short months, SOS has quickly risen in the ranks of the city's nightlife scene as the organization to watch this year, partnering with local heroes Acupuncture Records and BaiCai for some of Beijing's most memorable musical events. Comprised of Beijing-based DJs J. Swarz, Lupen, The Shifter9, Delacrew and Shen Yue, SOS has become the year's most intriguing new story. With their first major international booking, techno duo Codec & Flexor, Science of Sounds hopes to continue unleashing their creative energy in the Beijing scene.

"To be honest, I hadn't heard anything about the music in Beijing before Science of Sounds invited us to play," admits Codec. "But once I informed myself, I was amazed at the transformation of the city's club culture."

As natives of Croatia and Germany, Codec & Flexor are well-acquainted with the effect of socio-economic change on a city's artistic scene. Formed in the aftermath of the country's reunification, the duo gradually transformed from a rock act to cater to their growing taste for electronic music. "We always loved music, but when we began going to raves we just fell in love with club culture," Codec explains. "As a youth surrounded by a country in crisis, going out at night starts to mean everything."

Whether or not the upcoming Codec & Flexor show will secure Science of Sounds' status in Beijing's nightlife is really up to the scenesters, but managing director Marcos Garcia maintains optimism that the organization will grow to become an institution for quality music and creative experimentation in the city: "We may be in an alien environment, but our mission is to work with the changes in both the lifestyle and the market in order to grow along with Beijing."

Rachel Simhon

Details

Codec & Flexor
Where: i-Ultra
When: June 7, 10pm
How much: ￥80