Ed Banger loves Hong Kong. The French electronic label, home to artists like Justice and SebastiAn, graced our shores in 2008 bringing nearly the entire label lineup. Last year saw Busy P, DJ Medhi and So Me at a packed Volar for one of the busiest nights of the summer.

The UK’s Riton (left) is a newer addition to the Ed Rec family and he plays his first gig in Hong Kong this fortnight. As one half of Carte Blanche (along with DJ Medhi), he spins a mix of dirty, bass-driven original tracks highlighted with vocal sampling. Riton’s own remixes range from M.I.A. to Wolfmother and Datarock, the latter of which transformed a computer-heavy track into a tech-y disco tune. Riton says we’ll definitely hear tracks from the new Carte Blanche EP, as well as his new single Dark Place, which is already getting nods from the likes of Annie Mac and Erol Alkan.

Feadz (right) is no stranger to the city, having played in the previous Ed Banger night in 2008. Formerly attached to rap princess Uffie’s hip, not only as her DJ but former boyfriend, Feadz has since become a reputable DJ in his own right. His latest release T.U.F.F. is a blip and bleep-filled EP with tracks like The Ultimate, featuring Boyz Noise – a heavy-hitting, looped-up song that blends electro, techno and dance music sounds.

If there’s one party this fortnight to bring out the disco ball, laser beams and your dancing shoes this is it.

Q&A with Feadz & Riton 

Welcome to Hong Kong! Have you guys been here before?
Feadz: Yes, in 2008 with the Ed Rec crew at Volar.
Riton: I'm a newcomer! I’m very excited to try as much eating and drinking and shopping as possible in the three days I'm here.

What are your impressions of the city?
F: Hot and wet, exotic and attractive.
R: I heard from a lot of people the parties are crazy fun.

What’s the most memorable gig you’ve ever played and why?
F: Might have been my first Sonar by night with BPitch Control in 2002. It was the biggest stage I had ever played at this time. But there are so many gigs to remember for different reasons.
R: Three come to mind right now....playing the Pukkelpop Festival with my Riton band was excellent a few years back in Belgium. Everyone seemed to be singing our songs back to us which was quite a trip! Playing the Sonar festival in Barcelona with Mehdi as Carte Blanche last year. The first time I played Ibiza was excellent, and the Melt! festival in Berlin too. It’s always about the crowd and the surroundings that make it special.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in electronic music since you started your DJ career?
F: The biggest change is of course the internet and access to the music.
R: Records are gone and now we use USB sticks.

What new DJs or tracks have gotten you excited recently?
F: Gonna quote labels: Swamp81, Marble Records and Night Slugs.
R: I’m a huge fan of Canblaster and the Marble Players right now. Canblaster has got me into Jayhood, this producer from Jersey too, he’s kind of ghetto house/ R’n’B.

What DJ or artist would you love to collaborate with?
F: Kreayshawn, maybe.
R: I just did a couple of tracks with Canblaster and I get to work with Mehdi every week and I did an LP with Soulwax already. I guess there's always someone else to work with but I really like making music with friends most of all.

What are the top three tracks in your record bag?
F: Swamp81 – Sicko Cell white
Y.C – Racks
Jam City – Barely A Track
R: Riton – ACP
Carte Blanche – White Man On The Moon
Girly – High Powered Boys

What’s the best thing about being a DJ?
F: PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY
R: It’s like being a librarian, but everyone thinks you’re cool for some reason.

Your tracks are best listened to when…
F: Scuba diving.
R: Doing a guido fist pump.

What’s one song we’ll definitely hear during your set in Hong Kong?
F: Girl Unit – 'WUT' (Claude von Stroke remix)
R: My new single Dark Place and some stuff from the new Carte Blanche EP.

What should we expect from your upcoming gigs in Hong Kong? Sum it up in three words.
F: Fresh, new and creative.
R: Blood, sweat and tears.

Interview: Andrea Yu