DPR Ian has captured the hearts of fans across the globe with his avant-garde music and enigmatic style. Co-founder of his label DREAM PERFECT REGIME (DPR), he took part in producing the soundtrack for the Marvel Film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and recently flaunted his musical talents at Coachella. Together with DPR Live, he took the stage at the outdoor music festival “Viva Paradise: After the Apocalypse”, which marked his first performance in Hong Kong. In an exclusive with Vogue Man Hong Kong, DPR Ian talks about what inspires him and his experiences in our city.
How does it feel to perform in Hong Kong for the first time?
It feels amazing! I always wanted to perform in Hong Kong. I grew up in Australia, and my best friend is from Hong Kong. He took me to a lot of Hong Kong restaurants to eat, so I knew a lot about Hong Kong and always wanted to come.
As for my first time performing here — I didn’t know there were that many supporters in Hong Kong, so it was really surprising when I went on stage and saw the crowd screaming. It was lovely and very welcoming. I loved it.
What do you want to try during your time in Hong Kong?
For me, Hong Kong is a very special place because it is one of the first places that I visited from Australia. I’ve always wanted to explore more, but I’m always on a tight schedule. So next time I come, I just want to explore by myself.
Having performed at Coachella earlier this year, you are stepping into the global limelight. How did it feel to receive this recognition from the audience?
It was our first time ever performing on a world stage, and we just wanted to show everyone who we were. I heard that Coachella would be a tough crowd as not all your fans are going to be there, but we wanted to go into it with the attitude of “let’s show them everything”.
It’s kind of like Hong Kong. We didn’t know what to expect, but when we went on stage, people loved it.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything. I love watching everything that happens to me on a daily basis. When I wake up, I like to go out and do something different. If I come to Hong Kong, for example, I would wake up, walk outside by myself and just look around while listening to music. When I go back to my studio, I picture somebody, like a character, and imagine a scene and put a story to it.
Did anything about Hong Kong inspire you?
I love the old films they make in Hong Kong. There is a very specific look that Hong Kong has, especially during the night —there is a neon-based, retro colour that only comes from Hong Kong. Buildings are almost post-apocalyptic, but it is so beautiful. There is a magic that is unique to Hong Kong. Hong Kong is two words: it is like a fever dream and it is also romantic.
How would you describe your style? What are your favourite items?
It is very edgy. I love tattoos — I see myself as a canvas, and I love to paint on it. I also like instruments – guitar and bass – anything that is a medium for art is central to my identity. And motorbikes!
Translated by Kaitlyn Lai
Photographer: Harrod To
Interview: Kay Tse
Venue: The Langham Hong Kong
Editor
Kay Tse
