RACONTEURPH

Red Bull Music 3Style PH champ to compete in Taiwan

The Philippine Finals of the Red Bull Music 3Style recently concluded with DJ Mark Thompson being crowned as the ultimate victor at the Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila.

One of the premier music tournaments in the world today, Red Bull Music 3Style celebrates its fifth year in the Philippines this 2018. Since its inception, Red Bull Music 3Style has been bringing out and putting to the test the best DJs the country has to offer in a showdown of ability, creativity, and skill. Part of the competition requires the participants to upload a five-minute video featuring three different music genres.

Apart from Mark Thompson, the other five finalists of the Philippine leg of Red Bull Music 3Style finals include Arpee Ong, D'Mad Tweaker (DJ Jan Musa), DJ Gavin Skewes, DYHA (Ernesto Alfante Jr.), and iNBiTuiN (Charles Angeles Jr.) who emerged as the champion last year.

During the finals, each of them was given a 15-minute set to showcase their skills, impress the judges, and dazzle a crowd of over a thousand. This year's set of judges included internationally renowned DJ Puffy and DJ Shintaro; former Red Bull Music 3Style World Champions; and DJ Shortkut, a member of the legendary group Invisibl Skratch Piklz.

Thompson rocked the audience during his set which concluded with a drum a solo. “What I did, because this is my first battle, was look at the rule book. I couldn’t compete with the talent, but I have ideas and I wanted to make these ideas happen. I can be creative and I wanted to mix the unconventional," he said.

Apart from Thompson, other finalists who were announced winners include DJ Jan Musa, bagging the second place, and DYHA and iNBiTuiN, sharing a tie at the third place.

“I am lost for words,” Thompson added. “Like, never in a million years did I think I would win. I didn’t care about placing: I just wanted to do my set right and have a good time. Being a fan and watching the years before was already a big deal, let alone place and win. I can’t believe it.”

The youngest among the six finalists, Thompson is set to compete at the Global Finals in Taipei, Taiwan, representing the Philippines from January 20 to 29 next year.

“I’m going to practice, practice, practice. I’m going to do my best and have fun,” Thompson remarked. “I’ve never played in another country, so this is going to be another first. If you love it, work hard at it. It’s supposed to be fun!”