Ohrwurm Series is back at Ren @ Kyo KL on 23 June. Having started back in 2014, the OS was a monthly series, which, when first launched at Nagaba KL and continued to Under9, made a great impact at a time when the KL underground scene was somewhat on the low. Ohrwurm is very excited to re showcase this one-off series featuring for series 13, Shazz, Alam and Qussay.
Shazz is pretty much one of KL’s long standing house stalwarts with a career stretching back well over 20 years. Harking back to the styles of Levan and Humphries, the spirit of Shazz`s sets still stay true to house music`s original ideals of wild musical eclecticism and stirring rhythmic intensity that elicits a soulful, spiritual and inspirational vibe.
Growing up in New York City meant music figured heavily in Shazz`s childhood. Listening to influential radio stations such as KISS-FM and WBLS-FM established a diverse frame of musical reference. In 1994 he discovered the nascent underground house scene in Kuala Lumpur, providing a launch pad for his DJing and igniting his passion for garage and deep house. But it was in 1999 in Nottingham, when he met his mentor and DJing partner, Dean Anderson that Shazz`s style was shaped into what it is today.
In KL, his appearances have included guest spots at Carbon and Emporium, as well as a residency at House Beautiful @ Liquid, a monthly event offering alternative fare for local clubbers, which he also co-promoted with local house legend the Groovedoctor.
Post 2000 (2004), together with the likes of Terence C, Fono and more, he was co-founding resident DJ at the vaunted Zouk Kuala Lumpur, where he promoted the ‘soulful and spiritual worldwide dance music’ he is so passionate about through his residency at the club’s renowned Velvet Underground and more recently Apex Lounge, until early last year, when he went independent.
Alam: Having always been obsessed with music, Alam decided to push himself by testing the waters of his musical inspiration. Today, this DJ/Producer has made a name for himself, not only is he one of the backbones behind Kuala Lumpur's leading music establishments, but he has definitely proven himself to be considered as one of the prominent generations of DJs firing up the local and international clubbing scene. Alam has always been upfront with what he does; showing his versatility by exploring diverse forms of style and genre, with his smooth blends of house music to his unparalleled selection of techno grooves. Regardless, he always manages to deliver an experience of sound, which leaves the crowd with wanting more.
Since beginning his career 16 years ago, Alam has held up residencies at most of the major venues around town, including Kuala Lumpur’s premier underground club; The Backroom*KL, while making guest appearances at the legendary Zouk KL, Euphoria by Ministry of Sound KL and Elysium, to name a few. Over the years, Alam has established himself as a reputable individual driven to expand his creative potential with international tours around the region, having received the utmost respect from iconic landmarks such as Eden & Es Paradis (Ibiza), Kyo & Kilo (Singapore), Oma (Hong Kong), Mustache (Bangkok), Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan), Cha Cha Moon & Nikki Beach (Koh Samui), as well as Indonesia’s infamous Stadium & Embassy / Co2 (Jakarta).
In 2005, Alam moved to Australia, where he developed an impressive following playing alongside Melbourne’s finest and hosting his own successful nights at some of the city’s forefront venues. It was his residency with Darkbeat that kick started his international career, leading to opportunities of supporting world-renowned event brands such as Balance Music, Future Entertainment, and Hardware Corp, followed by a number of appearances on Kiss FM; Australia’s Dance Music Channel.
After 7 years based overseas, Alam returned to KL and joined Ohrwurm as a third partner. Ohrwurm is recognized as one of the few well-respected institutions that continue to push quality shows in its homeland.
In 2014, Alam launched his own recording studio named Decibel Soundlab, which is a one-stop resource for all kinds of audio related productions. Recently this year, Alam was selected as a resident of the newly opened Kyo KL. The club brand has been one of Singapore’s most popular underground nightclubs.
QUSSAY: Born and brought up in Damascus, Syria, 1991. With a focus on deep downtempo music complimented by organic multicultural sounds upon hypnotic foundations ranging from electronica to house and techno, he started his official music career in his hometown with MIX FM radio station, participating in the coordination of events as well as performing opening and closing sets for international artists such as Above & Beyond, FerryCorsten , Dj Miss Gul and Deborah De Luca, just to name a few.
Qussay's versatility is honed from his respect and admiration of his chosen genres, exploring and experiencing diverse ethnic flavours whilst incorporating them into his own identity.
An ever-expanding mix of the various musical cultures he has tasted as well as yet to discover leads to his music, an ethereal fusion of his own layering of genres resulting in an entrancing journey.
KYO KL: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, off Jalan Pinang, KLCC, KL: Admission (with one drink): RM40 before 1am / RM60 after 1am. For table reservations please contact reservations@clubkyokl.com or 012-921 1730. Complimentary Entry (b4 12am) for all those who click 'GOING' on https://www.facebook.com/events/232210964034200/. Please note, each name only admits 1 person. Others would need to click 'Going' before 5pm this Saturday (23 June). Any names added after willl not be included.
