Luwei Shows You Around: Meet the DJ Shaping Milan’s Club Scene
Luwei is one of the nascent artists that is burgeoning out of Milan's thrilling electronic music scene right now. The Chinese DJ has made a name for herself through her continual appearances on the city's platforms for boundary-pushing electronic sounds.
As a resident DJ at Radio Raheem, an independent web radio investigating the tradeoff between content and culture, she hosts the monthly radio show "Come, let me show you around!" There, she explores the various cultural dynamics that bolster individual musical expression and sheds light on those whose exceptional talents linger underneath the surface.
Besides her web presence, the Chinese artist frequently arranges parties at Milan's Tempio del Futuro Perduto (eng. Temple of the Lost Future), an urban regeneration project dedicated to offering a physical and spiritual realm that strengthens independent creative projects of the city's youth culture.
Exploration defines a cornerstone in Luwei's artistic enterprises. Her signature fusion of jumping breakbeats, hypnotic techno, and heavy bass activate an enlightening reflection of one's emotional responses to sonic stimulations. By curating these sometimes opposing sound sensations, she evokes immersive sceneries. Her recent project describes a playlist investigating the interaction between natural environments and technologies; the result is an ecosystem unpredictable and dynamic.
Sabukaru had the chance to sit down with the young creative to talk about projects, her imaginative point of view, as well as her self-perception as a female artist in the music industry.
Could you first start by introducing yourself to our network and telling us a little bit about what you do?
I’m Luwei, a DJ based in Milan. I host a monthly party at Tempio del Futuro Perduto, I want to bring music that blends jumping breakbeats, drilling hypnotic techno, and heavy bass whomps into an energetic and intense party night from both myself and my guest DJs. I am also a resident DJ at Radio Raheem, where I host a monthly radio show called "Come, Let Me Show You Around." The show focuses on discovering music from specific territories with my guests, to amplify sounds and cultures from around the world.
You have created a unique playlist revolving around a concept. Can you please dive into the rationale here?
This playlist is part of my research of a work in progress project that is gonna reveal on September/October this year. Through this playlist, I want to explore the potential for new forms of collaboration and creativity that can arise from these encounters. Each track is a reflection on the ways in which technology and the natural world can interact, creating dynamic and often unpredictable ecosystems.
From the ethereal sounds of Roberto Musci "Lidia After The Snow" to the glitchy rhythms of aphex twin's "Circlont14 [152.97]", the songs on this playlist embody the spirit of experimentation and exploration. They invite us to consider what might happen when we push beyond our usual boundaries and allow ourselves to be open to the unexpected.
How did you start to get into djing?
Many of my friends in my hometown Chengdu are doing music or djing, so I thought why shouldn’t I and get started in djing in 2018. Chengdu’s underground music and club scene inspired me a lot while I was partying and participating as a DJ in the past years. The scene is curated and shaped by a lot of women working as bookers, promoters, DJs and even club owners. It was nice and encouraging to get started in this environment.
What is it about club life that you love?
It have to be the music, and the excitement of discovering new artists and music is always thrilling and exhilarating.
How is the music scene in Milan unique to the rest of the world?
I like that how the influence of minority cultures brought by second and third generations of immigrants in Milan has emerged both in mainstream and underground culture on a small scale, and they are claiming their identities through their music.
What sort of sounds are coming out of China right now?
Right now I think I still have to discover since I haven’t been back to China yet after the covid.
How does it feel to be a female DJ in an industry largely dominated by men?
The stress of facing the prejudice and judgement of whether you are here because you are a ‘female’ or a ‘DJ’.
In what’s ways could the industry help close this gender gap?
Increasing the representation of women across all levels of the industry. This includes more women in executive positions, as well as more female artists, songwriters, producers, and more.
How important is it for self-exploration when it comes to both music and fashion?
I think it is an important component of our creative process. Both art forms allow individuals to express themselves creatively and communicate their unique identities and perspectives to the world. Self-exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a greater sense of self-awareness, through a creative process.
You have a very unique style, both musically and aesthetically. How in ways does the music you play and listen to influence your overall style?
I play dance music and I want people to move and dance, just like I do. That's why I prefer a style that makes me feel comfortable and able to move freely, such as oversized clothes and saggy pants.
Thank you so much for taking the time!
Playlist
Bon Iver - 22 (OVER S∞∞N) : https://youtu.be/JTeZuIbj1y0
Zhuoling Wu - Halo : https://youtu.be/QAz13xD2R8o
Roberto Musci - Lidia After The Snow : https://youtu.be/whJ9LEs-BjU
clap!clap! - Ode to the Pleiades : https://youtu.be/4UA0vmBkgl8
aphex twin - Circlont14 [152.97] : https://youtu.be/nIrfKLwo5g8
Hussein Sherbini - Mostawa ( Ft. ABYUSIF) : https://youtu.be/3Xgad5giNIc
katatonic silentio - eerie : https://youtu.be/TnNtzE1vrc0
Jason Hou - Mountain Dingjun 定军山 · 一封书信 : https://youtu.be/QAz13xD2R8o
bjork - atoos :
Azu Tiwaline & Al Wootton - Blue Dub : https://youtu.be/sH45hW7R9lo
Ramzi - Bird again : https://youtu.be/QC0e_VDx8l0
Distant Echoes & Buck - 40 ч 16 : https://youtu.be/dJtL9IZUiM8
Chassol - Birds, Pt. I : https://youtu.be/C8VeYWRBBZY
Wordcolour - Crescent : https://youtu.be/KeIVKzY3s50
Credits
model: Luwei
photographer: Sofia Blu Cremaschi
Assisstant: valentinaproverbio_
stylist: Elena Bertacchini
hair stylist: Gab Marozzi
mua: Alessandra Andreotti
