In recent years, DJ Sid（HE YUTIAN） ’s name has reverberated across electronic music scenes in both China and the UK. His journey, while inspiring, prompts several introspections within the electronic music community.

As the resident DJ for ” Aviation Vapor Office,” China’s leading vaporwave party label, DJ Sid has, since 2020, performed in over 20 cities for three consecutive years during the “Millennium Retro Alliance” tour. His standout performances have caught the attention of many and have subsequently led to more invitations for underground parties, brand events, and music festivals. Vaporwave, an Internet-originated music genre, is deeply influenced by the retro elements of the 80s and 90s. While ” Aviation Vapor Office ” undoubtedly offers Sid a solid platform, does this nostalgic embrace of retro elements genuinely indicate the future direction of Chinese electronic music? Furthermore, given the deeply Western roots of vaporwave, is there a risk of overshadowing local electronic music genres?

On the international stage, DJ Sid has consistently maintained an active presence. This year, he collaborated with London’s Lighthouse Art Festival and MINT Chinese Film Festival to co-host the LGBTQ-themed underground DISCO party “Eternal Summer,” delivering an exceptional performance for attendees. At the party, he seamlessly integrated Chinese and British musical elements, presenting a novel, internationally inflected electronic music style to the audience. This performance not only solidified his reputation in the UK but also further strengthened musical and cultural exchanges between young individuals from both China and the UK.

DJ Sid’s endeavors, emblematic of a broader trend, draw attention to a generation of global musicians’ challenges. While they bridge cultures, they also grapple with preserving authenticity. The emergence of global electronic music artists like Sid undeniably introduces diverse sounds and fosters mutual appreciation. However, it also presents a fundamental question: In this age of globalized music, how do artists maintain the delicate balance between fusion and preserving the soul of each culture?

DJ Sid’s career trajectory is a testament to these broader undercurrents in the electronic music realm. His work, while influential, offers a reflective mirror to the industry, highlighting both its potential and the complexities of cultural intertwining.

In essence, DJ Sid’s journey encapsulates the complexities of cross-cultural electronic music, blending Eastern and Western influences. As he redefines genre boundaries, he prompts us to consider authenticity in a globalized musical landscape. The Chicago Journal, rooted in a city with a rich tapestry of musical innovation and a melting pot of diverse cultures, finds DJ Sid’s narrative especially pertinent. His story resonates with Chicago’s and the broader U.S.’s evolving electronic scene, emphasizing the significance of cultural interplay in shaping contemporary music.

In the dynamic realm of musical galas, “Calling2000” stands as a remarkable testament to cross-cultural harmonies and sonic exploration. Spearheaded by the visionary curator Liang Fu, the mastermind behind the acclaimed UK music and entertainment label, 3AM Entertainment, this auditory journey unfolded across Manchester at Cargo, London at The Steel Yard, and Leeds at Playroom, on May 4th, 5th, and 7th, 2023. Venturing into citypop, cpop, kpop, hiphop, EDM, and vaporwave, this event was more than a spectacle; it was an ode to Y2K aesthetics, celebrating the retro-futuristic fusion of the past and present. With a lineup exclusively featuring Chinese artists, “Calling2000” welcomed an audience of 1000 attendees, becoming a milestone in contemporary musical conversations.

（Event site photos 2）

The experience went beyond the auditory, becoming an immersive odyssey where sound, sight, and emotion collided. The stage pulsed with kinetic light, a living entity that danced in unison with the rhythm of the crowd. The lighting choreography was mesmerizing—shifting colors illuminated the crowd in kaleidoscopic brilliance, mirroring the cadence of the music. This orchestration of light and sound was a masterclass in sensory symbiosis.

Liang Fu’s brilliance extended beyond the confines of the event. In 2022, he curated sold-out events in the UK, including “NEON ME,” “TUTU LAIXI Newyear Party,” and “C-pop Night,” each leaving its mark as an unforgettable experience.

（Curator Liang Fu First from the right）

Beneath the dazzle of “Calling2000,” lies a thought-provoking exploration of the Y2K music style within the Chinese community. The event’s celebration of this unique sonic tapestry mirrors the growing influence of Y2K aesthetics in contemporary Chinese music. How does this style resonate with the Chinese diaspora, and what impact might it have on the perception of modern Chinese identity?

Moreover, the event’s success prompts contemplation on the challenges of organizing contemporary Chinese music events overseas. The intricate balance between preserving cultural authenticity and catering to diverse audience expectations becomes evident. How can organizers strike this balance effectively while fostering an environment for cross-cultural exchange?

In essence, “Calling2000” transcends mere entertainment, igniting discussions on Y2K music’s resonance in the Chinese community and the intricate considerations behind contemporary Chinese music events. It embodies the art of blending genres and cultures while fostering a space for dialogue and exploration—an achievement that resonates far beyond its audial and visual splendor.

In a city like Chicago, renowned for its diverse cultural tapestry, events like “Calling2000” resonate profoundly. The fusion of Y2K soundscapes with cross-cultural harmonies mirrors the city’s embrace of different art forms. Moreover, the event sparks reflection on Chicago’s own musical and cultural landscape—how can the city’s rich artistic traditions blend with contemporary global influences? As we delve into these inquiries, “Calling2000” serves as a catalyst for discourse that extends far beyond its captivating performances.