By JAYDEE LOK
alltherage@thestar.com.my

AS the EDM (electronic dance music) scene in Malaysia grows, so too, do the BATE boys.

Yeoh Wai Hong and Ethan Curzon, both 24, have spent the last three years building a name for themselves domestically and internationally. The DJ duo has gone from fanboy club-goers to residents at KL clubs Zouk and Lust. The guys play major festivals and are currently the only local talents with an endorsement deal with British clothing brand Topman.

Curzon (left) and Yeoh, on rare occasions, split up to DJ separate events.

To say their achievements so far are merely the tip of the iceberg would be an understatement. The boys seem destined for world domination, but it’s hard to tell if they echo that sentiment. One thing’s for sure – they know it takes more than just luck and good looks to get to the top, and they’re willing to put in the hard work to get there.

What’s even more admirable about these young men is the code of ethics that they stand by. While many people find it easy to lose themselves in the web of fame and fortune, Yeoh and Curzon remain grounded and are always willing to help people whenever they can.
In fact, they’ve shared some tricks of the trade they’ve picked up along the way and hopefully, we can all learn a thing or two, industry-related or otherwise.

On getting started
DJ-ing is a glitzy profession, and some people think that it’s an expensive skill to pick up. Thankfully, BATE assures us that it’s not about the tool, but how you use it.

“I wouldn’t say you need money (to start DJ-ing),” said Curzon.

“You have to have a solid database of songs,” shared Yeoh. “Song selection is really important. There needs to be a flow. It’s not so much about the controllers that you have. You can use (cheap or free mixing programs like) Traktor and Virtual DJ even.”

Knowledge of audience interest is primary, too. “Let’s say you’ve already learnt (how to DJ), don’t just play what you want to play,” asserted Curzon.

On first impressions
Curzon and Yeoh have pained expressions whenever they talk about their career plans – it’s a constant struggle when it comes to figuring out how else they can outdo themselves.

The next step in upping their game is to produce their own music, and they have, it’s just that they’re not ready to share it with the world yet.

“A lot of people like to throw things out and be like ‘Hey, check out my album!’ and they’re not even good,” said Curzon, stressing the importance of first impressions. “You always have to make sure there’s quality (in your work), then people will always remember you for excellence.”

The quest for perfection also stems from the boys’ big dreams. They know that in this day and age, you have to stand out on the global front.

“We want to make sure the sound is there,” said Yeoh. “We’re not really targeting the Malaysian scene right now. We want to hit the international scene like (fellow local DJs) Goldfish and Blink. We want to score record deals from the bigger guys.”

Curzon explained that this is because the boys have long-term plans for their career. “We may be thinking far ahead but I think that’s the only way,” he said.

On being a duo
The guys offered that it’s the luxury of “toilet breaks” that led them to be a duo rather than solo artistes. “The toilet breaks are great, especially if you’re working really long sets,” said Curzon as Yeoh nodded in agreement.

Of course, that’s not the only advantage when it comes to working as a team. By working together, BATE can be at two places at once with Yeoh playing one gig and Curzon playing another, if the need ever arose.

On top of that, being a duo doubles up their music selection.

“I’ll introduce him to some new songs and he’ll introduce me to some new stuff and it’s more fun that way,” said Curzon. “It’s really hard to find a partner you can click with,” Yeoh surmised.

On keeping it real
When deciding to pursue a DJ-ing career, the heart has to be in it. “Do it for the right reason,” Curzon advised. “Do it because you’re passionate about it.”

There is also an unspoken rule of loyalty when it comes to the people you work with. “One thing that people don’t know about DJ-ing is that you have to stick with the right people,” pointed out Yeoh.

“Some people play a show for one beverage company one night, and the next day, they play for another. They always go for money. That kills you because nobody wants (to work with) somebody with no loyalty (in the long run),” warned Curzon.

It’s a DJ eat DJ world out there, and according to BATE, the nature of the Malaysian EDM scene can be a little cliquish, depending on the sub genres. This is something the BATE boys don’t necessarily agree with.

“Never be selfish,” said Curzon. “That’s the one thing we never did. We always support each other and we never talk smack about other people behind their backs.”

That shouldn’t be a problem for BATE though, because the duo has thankfully managed to stay on the right side of popular.

Check out fb.com/WeAreBATE or soundcloud.com/WeAreBATE to keep track of BATE’s musical escapades.