Breakbeat event an introduction to cutting-edge music

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Staff Writer

DJ Reid Speed, from New York's Breakbeat Science, will be among the headliners at tonight's "First Lesson." 'First Lesson': Breakbeat Science 10 p.m. today House of Hong, 206 Lewers St. $10 before 11 p.m., $15 thereafter 21 and older only

"Our primary objective is to educate the minds through showcasing emerging music on the cutting edge ... music that's emerging out of the U.K., New York, Tokyo and major cities around the world," said Alien IQ promoter Ray Niikura.

A breakbeat afficionado disappointed that there were few if any parties emphasizing the music style locally, Niikura launched Alien IQ hoping to bring more national and international breakbeat artists to Honolulu.

Tonight's "First Lesson" showcase at House of Hong will be headlined by DJs Reid Speed, Quartz and Steddie from pioneer New York City breakbeat culture record label/merchandiser Breakbeat Science.

"They're one of the major influences on American drum-n-bass," Niikura said of Breakbeat Science. "The co-founders, (DJs) DB and Dara out of London and Ireland, imported drum-n-bass to the U.S. back in the early '90s. Since then, drum-n-bass communities have popped up (in large cities) all over the country."

Niikura said Alien IQ "also wants to try to support local musicians and deejays and show some love for them, too."

To that end, spinning on House of Hong's first floor will be Mezmerize's Mez (neo soul/R&B), Syncopation's Monkey (2step/breaks), Sister In Sound's Toki (drum-n-bass) and Nocturnal Sound Krew's Princess Leia and Steve (hip-hop/turntablism). "First Lesson" will also feature an exhibit of abstract paintings and photography by Hawai'i artists courtesy of Mindset Galleries.

Alien IQ hopes to host parties similar to "First Lesson" quarterly, with an emphasis on breakbeat culture and music styles. Other music styles Alien IQ hopes to give more exposure to include 2step/garage, ragga, jungle, drum-n-bass, jazz step and roots reggae, among others.

"I think the state is much too conservative in terms of actually giving a chance to something as left field as breakbeat," said Niikura. "(But) instead of complaining about it, I'm trying to do something about it."