The Gaslamp Killer. Photo / Colette Waaka
Opinion
"Breakbeat. Breakbeat forever. No simple four-four for me ever. It doesn't satisfy me." William Bensussen AKA The Gaslamp Killer doesn't even need to think about his answer when I ask him about his preferred rhythm structure. No wonder this Californian beatnik is fast becoming a regular visitor to Aotearoa; that
one place in the world where dubstep easily beats techno in terms of popularity.
Gaslamp Killer's musical evangelism seemed a little out of place in the Commerce Street area. Call him The Britomart Killer, if you will, because neither Auckland's harbour strip nor San Diego's Gaslamp District are places where people normally hang out to hear high quality music. But GLK thinks dancefloors deserve some bad beats. And while some DJs reckon being secretive about playlists enhances their credibility, this hyperactive turntablist proudly name-dropped: "This is a brand new Hudson Mohawke tune - never heard before in a club!"
With entertainment comes variety, which is why Bensussen mixed classic Led Zeppelin with 8-bit rave synths and left of centre dubstep wobbles. As he is a DJ, GLK is an ambassador of the hip hop, wonky and dubstep artists he likes. Dimlite, Coki and Flying Lotus all got the credit they deserved in his set. Even the old demo didn't seem to have lost its functionality when Bensussen informed the crowd about the various ways he comes across new beats: "My mate just emailed me this shit!"
This is DJing in the 21st century: smooth and fluid mixing has given way to YouTube-style walls of sound where the man in control - like an old radio DJ - uses the mic like a true Minister of Entertainment. This is how you bring downtown Auckland to life.
Who: The Gaslamp Killer
Where: Be Club, Auckland
When: Friday 18 November
