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If you attended our Taco Fest last month, you may have already encountered the DJ duo 鱼头泡饼 Yútóu Pào Bǐng (Fish Head Pancake), which consists of Pancakelee and Mario Yu. This dynamic duo is a standout in China's electronic music scene, having spent over ten years creating a unique sound that merges melodic techno, indie dance, Afro house, and breaks.
However, they are not just DJs; they are also founding members of the TRUST collective and have been instrumental in organizing significant festivals like Wonderland, along with numerous events such as pool parties, rooftop gatherings, DJ nights, and many more. To learn more about their beginnings and future plans, we recently spoke with Pancakelee about their musical journey.
Could you provide a brief introduction of yourselves and discuss how you came together to form Yutou Pao Bing? The DJ duo Yutou Pao Bing consists of me, Pancakelee, and Mario Yu. We are key members of the AURORA and TRUST collectives. We first connected musically while working together at a club in Beijing in 2011, leading us to join forces and create Yutou Pao Bing.
The name Yutou Pao Bing is quite distinctive for a DJ duo. How did you come up with it, and does it hold a special significance? The name originated because Mario's surname, “Yu,” sounds like “fish” in Chinese, and mine includes “pancake,” which led to Yutou Pao Bing. It’s not just a catchy title; it embodies a feeling. Yutou Pao Bing is actually a traditional dish in Beijing, which we think reflects our music: it’s rich, complex, and leaves you wanting more. Over the past decade, we’ve been refining our skills, and now we’re crafting our story in the music world—ideally leaving a distinct essence, similar to the dish.
Can you elaborate on your individual DJ styles and how you complement each other during performances? Our style today integrates melodic techno, indie dance, Afro house, and breaks. During my sets, I (Pancakelee) prioritize connecting with the audience. I employ effects, develop layered drum loops, and incorporate expressive movement. Meanwhile, Mario provides structure and discipline, focusing on the technical flow and precision of our performance. This creates a balance—each of us contributes something unique, which energizes the performance.
With 20 years of experience, how do you think China's electronic music scene has changed, and what role do you envision for yourselves? The scene has experienced fluctuations, particularly due to economic challenges and evolving tastes. Nonetheless, we’ve always believed in the potential of electronic music in China. Even in tough times, we consider ourselves builders—establishing a more sustainable and innovative ecosystem. We relish discovering new talent and nurturing the next generation of artists. That’s the role we embrace.
You established TRUST in 2017. What motivated its creation, and what are its objectives? TRUST was founded from a desire to create something enduring—a professional entity with a legal framework. We aimed to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for electronic music in China that includes events, education, music distribution, merchandise, venues, festivals, and artist management. It’s about providing holistic support to artists, from their first gig to building full careers.
Since then, you've organized prominent events like the Wonderland Festival. What have been some highlights for you? Wonderland was certainly a significant achievement for us; it brought us considerable exposure. However, large-scale events entail considerable expenses and can be challenging to maintain in the current economic situation. Recently, we’ve shifted towards more intimate and flexible formats like outdoor shows, pool parties, and label collaborations. These options feel more genuine and allow us to remain creative without the stress of large production costs.
What’s next for Yutou Pao Bing? Are there new directions or projects you’re looking forward to? We’ve recently welcomed a keyboardist into our group, and our performances are now transitioning towards live sets. This change has introduced new opportunities for expressing our sound and allows us to engage with the audience in real-time. It feels invigorating, and we’re eager to see where it leads.
What advice would you give to emerging DJs trying to carve their path? Focus on creating your own music and mixtapes. Don’t wait for permission from others. Take the initiative to organize your own events and start your own label. Most importantly, leverage social media effectively. It’s a powerful tool for sharing your sound and building a community around your music.
The next major event that Yutou Pao Bing and TRUST will host is a pool party on June 1 from 3 PM to 2 AM at XIU秀, CLUB ME. For updates on the event, you can follow the official TRUST WeChat account by searching for TRUST “相信电音” on WeChat.
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A highlight in China's electronic music landscape, this energetic DJ duo has dedicated more than ten years to developing a unique sound.
