By Danny Usher & Pieter Vorster Translated by Iva Huang

aipei clubs like Ministry of Sound and Luxy have been tremendously successful, and it's only a matter of time before South Taiwan catches up. And leading the charge are the five DJs profiled here:

DJ ROB SOLO
Ottawa, Canada / Kaohsiung, Taiwan
A decade or so ago, Rob Solo stepped onto the DJ scene in Ottawa, and proceeded to make a name for himself. He paid his deck-dues hosting the popular Subsonic nights and playing alongside some internationally renowned DJs at the World Electronic Music Festival (www.wemf.com). Come 2003, Kaohsiung's nightlife scene was fortunate enough to gain his experience, talent, and enthusiasm, and soon the popular Frisky Parties were born. In collaboration with DJs Chris and Mythic, Rob has livened things up at venues like Bobos, the Roof Lounge, Viva, and Overtime. As a DJ, he plays Disco House with some funky breaks thrown in--mostly upfront, happy party tracks that just make you want to jump up and dance around. In testament to his sets, one can expect fun as a fact on the given night--and a few stiff muscles the morning after. Rob hopes to continue hosting memorable Kaohsiung Nights and do some more traveling. For information or CDs, e-mail Rob at ttrmaclean@hotmail.com

DJ CHRIS
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
When cornered, DJ Chris (aka Chris Chang) had few words to offer, choosing instead to let his music speak for him: during innovative sets, Tribal, Funky and progressively Techno. Seeing DJ Chris play makes one think of a standout sportsman silently performing amongst his peers. He tends to pull things through with a simple ease that can only come from true enjoyment. Which is exactly why he is a DJ--pure enjoyment. Before facing the turntables, Chris was a tennis player and coach, something he still does. Every DJ he plays alongside seems to be a friend. Chris is enthusiastic about both his music and playing it to the people of southern Taiwan. Along with Rob Solo and DJ Mythic, he has played a big part in creating a competitive scene amongst Kaohsiung's clubs--and giving partygoers some memorable nights.

DJ GRANT STETSKI
Tainan, Taiwan / Vancouver, Canada
About three years ago, Grant Stetski started becoming a problem for people trying to dance at raves and clubs in Canada. The dancers complained that they couldn't see him. Why? Because there was constantly a crowd of DJs around him, staring in disbelief and awe as he scratched, cut, beat-boxed and beat juggled with unrivaled style and stage presence. Grant Stetski (affiliated to Neotribe Records) is a showman in every sense of the word: He keeps the energy pumping with turntablism, sampler, and microphone tricks. Canadians in Taiwan may recognize him from his many MTV appearances. Whether it is Drum & Bass, House, Trance, Breaks or Hip Hop, Grant's music always certain elements: funk, soul and driving bass lines. Watching one of his shows is the perfect way to see how DJing has become the art it is today.

DJ NICK
Tainan, Taiwan
Probably the longest-playing professional DJ in South Taiwan, DJ Nick has been central to the south's electronic music scene for 15 years. His main love is playing Funky House and banging hard driving beats. Taiwan's DJ culture is just starting to gain momentum, but many clubs still want their DJs to play 1970s to 1990s retro, or Top 40 tunes. If you are lucky enough to see Nick--affliated to Spin Records--on a night where he is playing the styles he wants to, you'll see him at his best. He pounds the dancers with a seamless mixture of jazzy disco funk, sexy vocals, and driving groovy bass lines. Check out Nick at Lips Lounge Bar (in the Tayih Landis Hotel) or at Fusion, which will open in December.

DJ PETER BURKE
Kaohsiung, Taiwan / Victoria, Canada
Now here's a man that stands out in a crowd. Kaohsiung residents may have already beheld the 187-cm behemoth that is Peter Burke, with his mop of curly locks and mischievous expression. He is another experienced Canadian DJ that has made the leap to Taiwan, and has played with some of the world's most sought-after performers, amassing an impressive resume. He likes to play everything but he is known for his House, Tribal House and Techno. He also has a record crate full of Hip Hop and Drum & Bass just begging to be cracked open. He's played at Kaoshiung hotspots such as Bobos and The Roof Lounge, as well as underground parties. He is a punk behind the decks, and delivers his sets with the swagger, enthusiasm and attitude of a professional. He's affiliated to Whitebird Records and PLA Crew.