The Canadian house jock speaks about the global appeal of house music, his first visit China and an amazing noodle experience.

 

But one listen to Jason Hodges' set at Void would leave no doubt as to what kind of music was being heard - a fact all the more relevant seeing as China is a relative newcomer to dance music culture. "Jizzy" Hodges sits back to reflect on his Shanghai experience...

 

You managed to land in Shanghai during its coldest winter for years, did it make you feel at home?

HAHA, actually ya, it was like I never left Toronto, except its a lot colder in Toronto.

How was it to play in a country you never played in before?

It's always fun coz im bringing it fresh to them, esp China where House is brand new for the masses.

Your partner in crime DJ Sneak played here not so long ago, did you guys discuss Shanghai before you set off?

Not really coz we both have been busy as hell so we havent talked to each other in a minute.

What were your expectations of playing in Shanghai before you arrived?

I expected Shanghai to be how it was ,dope..i knew it would be good coz as I said House is new to China and peeps were up for it!

Speaking not only about music and clubs, how did the reality of Shanghai compare with these expectations?

Shanghai is an amazing city,I love the fast paced lifestyle, keeps u on ur toes...it exceeded my expectations for sure, can't wait to get back there.

What one thing left the biggest impression on you during your visit?

The street food,the guy who made noodles from a chunk of dough in a blink of an eye, and of course the sneaker shops.

You dropped a couple of your own unreleased tracks in your mix, can you tell us more about these and where and when will they be released?

I dropped a few remixes I have done recently,1 was a track called "sticky sheeit" by DJ Sneak - that is due out on Magenetic Records. Another was one I did for Lingo Recordings out of Cincinnati called "Bump the Funk" and I believe the last one I played of mine was a remix for Control (Bryan Jones label) called "Certain Clubs" by Tommy Largo.

With the exception of Nat Alexander, Void are probably better known for their techno credentials than their house ones. How did you feel about playing alongside Shanghai's techno crew? Are there many clubs back in Europe and North American promoting house and techno under one banner? How do you feel about these different genres being on the same bill?

It was nothing to me, I do that all the time,I was just worried how the crowd would react to a house set with no techno but they loved it..not many clubs do that back home in N America, it's either a house night or a techno night,they never mix it up.

How did the crowd compare with elsewhere? You played a very uptempo set - did you tailor your mix to suit?

  The crowd surprised me actually,they were into it more than I expected...I tried to keep the vibe goin all night with tracks geared for the dancefloor and it worked, I always play on that vibe.

Despite being open for less than three months the Shelter is fast becoming an institution for alternative music in Shanghai - what was your impression of the venue?

I thought The Shelter was a sick venue, very unique and had that underground feel..thats what u want coz it goes with the style of music played, dirty tech house beats!

The Void Crew are a very thick-skinned bunch of guys... so can you please tell everyone exactly what you think of them, their events and
their music?

 

My impression of the crew was that they know the music and love it and r dedicated in bringing the music to the masses and r doing a damn good job at it..other people  can learn from these guys..Nat, Cammy (Shanghai_Ultra), Fish, Ben representin' to the fullest!

Anything else you'd like to say?

Thanks to the Void crew for a very memorable 1st trip to Shanghai and hope there r many more visits!

 

The Void crew thank Jason for his visit and giving Shanghai the chance to hear house music all night long...