Altered Image performs at Impulse!

DJs Terence and Callen, two-thirds of Altered Image, will be providing some eclectic sounds at Heineken Music presents Impulse: A Junk Music Project this Friday. We pick Callen's brains on what they have in store for us.

Tell us about your upcoming set at Impulse.
Terence and I will both be using four CDJs and two mixers to play together simultaneously–it’s the first time we’re doing something like this. Usually during Altered Image’s sets, Terence would DJ while I do the main visuals and [other member] Didgital would provide some visuals with audio.

So have you guys done any preparations for the set?
We should, but we have no solid plans to do it. But I shouldn’t be too worried, since Terence and I share the same taste in music and collect the same records. It’s going to be impromptu, so it’s something I’m looking forward to.

A DJ/VJ group is not something very common in Malaysia. Where do you see yourself heading in say, five years?
I think the public’s perception towards DJs is still quite skeptical. As always, young people are eager to DJ but the senior DJs are all slowly moving into music production. Most young people don’t know who I am these days, but I still want to continue playing and stay relevant in the clubs.

Riding on the Impulse theme, what’s the most impulsive thing you’ve done?
I was working in Singapore for a film and production company when I hurt my back and was "frozen" in the office doing paperwork. Then I got an offer from China to work in Shanghai and in one week, I signed the contract, packed my bags and left. I didn’t know anything about China but went anyway. I was there for a year before I came back to KL and the experience helped me a lot since I've been back [Callen also DJed in Shanghai].

So can we expect any surprises from Altered Image at Impulse?
(Laughs) I really don’t know, since it’s the first time ever that Terence and I are playing simultaneously. Expect a lot of surprises!

Electronic/trip hop act Drip from the Philippines headlines Heineken Music presents Impulse: A Junk Music Project on 22 August, 8.30pm together with local electronic act M, a whopping DJ set by Altered Image and cutting edge visuals by The Hoo. Come join us at Heritage Mansion for some music and mayhem. Admission is free! Visit the Impulse site here.