SmartShanghai | Event Preview: PIC NIC

Event Preview: PIC NIC

By Morgan Short, Apr 8th, 2011 | In Nightlife

So there’s this big shaker at Yuyintang this Saturday called PIC NIC. 24 hours. Loads of DJs. Rock and/or roll bands. Food, workshops, dancing, and, allegedly -- wonderfully -- girls in bikinis. It sounds fantastic and you should think about going. For the whole thing, for some of the thing. You know. Use your discretion.

A Spanish import, PIC NIC is the brain seed of Shanghai-based DJ / label owner Bajo Tempo, with the partnership of Sara Suárez co-owner of kuluska resto, local pineapple rock band, Break 4 Borneo, and local bastion of live music, Yuyintang. In addition to all the goings-on of PIC NIC is the release party of Break for Borneo’s CD, “Life Gets in the Way”. We talked about it a few weeks ago right here, and on Saturday you can pick it up on disk.

In addition to Break for Borneo, a real phalanx of Shanghai DJ talent will be performing, including Acid Ponies Bros, Bajo Tempo, Ben Huang, Ben Thriller, DJ Siesta, EmpFab, Lon, Mau Mau, Maxime, and The Uhhhh. Stuff is going on from 3pm Saturday to 3pm Sunday, and its 50rmb entrance before midnight at 70rmb after.

SmartShanghai had a quick chat with organizer Bajo Tempo to find out more.

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SmSh: So what's PIC NIC all about? Can you introduce the event?

Bajo Tempo: PIC NIC is a spring festival that runs 24 hours, non-stop. The idea of the festival is not a commercial one -- of course we need money and sponsor, but it is not the main focus. It's 50% commercial and 50% freaky... I've done it in Spain seven times in different public parks in Madrid and Tenerife Islan, but calling it “PIC NIC”, this is the first.

I think in China, they need a different point of view about festivals and parties, so we're trying to do that...

SmSh: Tell us about the ones in Spain. How many people did you get? What kinds of stuff went on and who played?

Bajo Tempo: In 1993 and 1994, I did it three times, when it was called "Certamen de Djs” – there were 2,500 people and we had in all the big DJs at the time -- Oscar Mulero, Ike, Speck Team, Cristian Varel...

SmSh: So, in Shanghai it's running for 24 hours as well. What sorts of things do you have on?

Bajo Tempo: There are nine DJs, four bands, a performance by Borja Mata, workshops -- make up and custom clothes, a capoera circle, and more... food is by Kaluska -- it is going to be like Spanish tapas (big ones), 30 rmb and Spanish salat, all day long. And the park is there as well.

The idea with the festival is it's without big names and everybody gets the same money for the gig...

SmSh: What do you think of the space? And are people allowed out to run around in the park?

Bajo Tempo: Yeah, we can use it without sound system. Love YYT, because I love live music...

SmSh: Maybe you could give us a bit more background on yourself as well. What's sorts of music do you make?

Bajo Tempo: I started DJing 20 years ago. I started with EBM electric body music, it was 1989... but now I like to play 120bpm to 126 -- all kind of music (electro, minimal, techno, voices...) in my own way. I really like to mix all time -- 2 songs in a time for all the session. I made UNIDAD records, and also on Saturday I'm presenting my new track “Black Wall” with Tomokin, a Japanese singer. This new vinyl release is Spanish and Japanese – four tracks from Madrid and two from Tokyo.

SmSh: Any plans to do another PIC NIC?

Bajo Tempo: Yes, in October. Same venue, I hope...

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PIC NIC starts 3pm on Saturday and goes forever. Event listing here.

Tagged: Yuyintang Live Music Interviews Event Previews Clubbing