Selections: Tianzhuo Chen

Welcome back to Selections, a series of exclusive artist-curated Spotify playlists from those in the know.

If you haven’t been to one of Tianzhuo Chen’s performances, allow us to give you an introduction. Founder of the Chinese party and label Asian Dope Boys, Chen is also known as a contemporary performance artist creating transgressive shows that unite pop culture symbols with religious iconography. Surreal, kitschy, futuristic and grotesque all at the same time, his shows explore Beijing club culture and LGBTQ+ themes – and he counts Danse Noir’s Aïsha Devi as a collaborator.

His playlist for Crack Magazine is suitably eclectic, comprised of tracks that one can imagine could soundtrack one of his outlandish shows. Think club cuts with bouncy rhythms, the darker corners of dance music with Schwefelgelb, Tommy Cash, Bala Club’s Uli K, Marilyn Manson and more. Hit the play button below and experience Chen’s world for yourself.

Tianzhuo Chen will perform at Torstraßen Festival, Berlin, 8-10 June