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W-Hotel Hong Kong resident DJ Angus Wong interviews Mode-F for wonderMode, who have developed some of the most innovative runway mixes for the who’s who in fashion… read & listen on to find out why they are sought after.
DJ ANGUS WONG (DJ): Hello Mode-F, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. There are a few of you, would you mind telling us more about each of you and how did Mode-F begin?
MODE-F: It all started at the S.A.E. where we were all studying to become sound engineers. We were working on several school projects together and with time we developed Mode-F which in the beginning was for us a way to create soundtracks and compose music. We all have different music backgrounds but it seems that is our strength. And when we combine the three, it sounds quite original.
DJ: Have you guys always work together?
MODE-F: We’ve do some recording projects on our own sometimes, but since the S.A.E. we’ve been working on fashion shows and events. That’s more than 10 years already!
DJ: How did you start working on styling music for fashion shows?
MODE-F: We were always fascinated by the Haute couture, it demands such a dedication and talent that we were immediately attracted by that passion designers put in their close. They could for example spend hours and hand paint the inside of a jacket, spend more than 400 hours on one dress. Naturally we wanted to illustrated their story in music. We see it as a short movie, where you have to say many things in a short period of time and still be crystal clear about the message and the feeling you leaving the journalist with.
DJ: You guys have just finished a big season I heard? Who did you work on this last season?
MODE-F: It feels like if never really stops! As soon as we finished the man shows in Milan and Paris, we had the Haute couture in Paris and after that we were preparing New York ready to wear.
DJ: To name a few, Kris Van Assche, Dior men, Thom Brown, Moncler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Edun, Stephane Rolland, Rochas…We know you produce music for fashion shows, but can you let our readers know what exactly do you do?
MODE-F: Basically we select tracks that fits generally the mood and the collection. Then we rework, remix, re- arrange them to make them interesting and fit perfectly the story the designer would like to tell.
Mode-F Live..
DJ: What’s the process of making music?
MODE-F: First we discuss the mood of the show, the designer shows us his drawings or his mood board. From there we make a first selection, within that selection we start with the designer to make a squeleton with the best tracks. We work in our studio, and we present a first squelch of what the show could sound like.We do the necessary modification according to the evolution of the processand the designers remarks.
DJ: We finalize the soundtrack once it’s validated, to be ready to get diffused on a big sound system. Is there a show that is particularly memorable for you? Why?
MODE-F: It’s hard to name one! But I have to say that working with JPG is always a great challenge. He usually features different kinds of artist in his shows. We got the opportunity to collaborate with Dita Von Teese, Beth Dito, Catherine Deneuve,…
DJ: How do you know whether certain songs would work for a certain collection? Do you sometimes get to see the collection before you produce music for the show?
MODE-F: We always have a meeting with the designer before we even start thinking about the music. We see him as a conductor of an orchestra. So to know if it is right, you got to picture yourself the show in your head and feel if the music fits. In Haute Couture shows for example, we get to see the drawing in advance.
DJ: We know fashion people have very particular taste. Care to tell us an interesting story about working with fashion designers?
MODE-F: Well, it’s not an easy job! It’s always tense before a show, since the designer is putting himself and many people at risk if it doesn’t work. We always try to remain as attentive as possible to every details regarding the collection. It’s like when you compose a music piece and you are trying to harmonize some parts. it has to be done with taste and delicacy.
DJ: We see different trends on fashion shows in every season, do you think there are trends in music too?
MODE-F: Absolutely, fashion and music has always been link together. You see many music stars that link their music with fashion. Fashion is a mood, a moment so is sometimes a music genre that gets great attention and it ends up in your iPod you don’t really know why.
DJ: How does fashion inspire what you do? Do you think music inspires fashion too?
MODE-F: Like I said, fashion and music has always been bounded together. I remember back in the days everybody that was listening to their favorite band, we’re usually ending up dressing like them! It’s still true today.
DJ: Do you style music for something other than fashion shows? Where else can we hear more of your work?
MODE-F: We do lots of events like Fragrance launchings, jewelry or anything in luxury. We play live as well in clubs, and you could here some of our soundtracks on soundcloud above.
SITE: http://www.mode-f.com/
About DJ Angus Wong:
DJ Angus Wong
Find him on:
FACEBOOK TWITTER http://www.djanguswong.com
You won’t find another musician whose sound is as intoxicatingly stylish, sultry and sophisticated as DJ Angus Wong. Famous for lifting his listeners to exhilarating highs of audio dynamite, Angus’ mix is reckless and wreaks hidden pleasures, much like his cheeky personality. You won’t find another musician whose sound is as intoxicatingly stylish, sultry and sophisticated as DJ Angus Wong. Famous for lifting his listeners to exhilarating highs of audio dynamite, Angus’ mix is reckless and wreaks hidden pleasures, much like his very cheeky personality. His passion for music began at a young age, influenced by the crazy 80s and the 90s and equipped with only 6 CDs, the young DJ bravely taught himself how to spin at 21, playing his first-ever gig to a full-house crowd in wild Hong Kong. By 22 he made a name for himself as resident DJ/ General Manager at Volume, the best gay venue in Hong Kong for 2 years. He has performed all over Asia including the H&M China Flagship opening, Asia Luxury Travel Market Conference in Shanghai and Delucca in Kuala Lumpur. He is also responsible for creating the highly successful monthly club series called Gay Tea Dance at Tivo. Coupled by quick success and his accelerated work ethic, Angus soon partnered with the best DJs around the world including DJ Ravin of Buddha Bar, Pink Is Punk, Charles Schillings and Sam Cannon of Hed Kandi.
(images: Mode-F, Angus Wong)
