DJ Corsak On Making EDM & His Calvin Klein Underwear Model Dreams

DJ Corsak On Making EDM & His Calvin Klein Underwear Model Dreams

A few years ago, Corsak was experimenting with EDM beats in obscurity — a home studio in China, to be specific.

Today, the 20-something is a DJ-producer is playing his beats to audiences worldwide.

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Let’s create a different world! @alanwalkermusic #linkinbio

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In July, Corsak performed at mega EDM festival Tomorrowland in Belgium in July. Tomorrow, he performs alongside DJ demigod Alan Walker at Liquid Nights at Zouk Singapore. Liquid Nights is a series of EDM shows which has sold-out stops in Seoul, Taipei City and Amsterdam.


Born and bred in Shanghai, Corsak signed to Liquid State, an EDM label based in Asia. His debut single 'Reverse' has hit over 500 million streams in China during the first four months of 2019. Earlier this year, Corsak followed up with his first English single, 'Glow', by teaming up with New Zealand singer Robinson.

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Out here glowing in Singapore with @robinsonxmusic 📷: @willkyaw

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While in Singapore, Corsak spoke to KKBOX to share his musical journey and dreams — which includes modelling Calvin Klein underwear.

What's the story behind your DJ name, Corsak?

There are two parts to this story.

When I was young, I was a fatty. At 1.4m, I weighed 90 kg. Then in 1994, I saw a CK advertisement, starring Kate Moss. It was so hot and sexy. There and then I made up mind, I was determined to shape up and get a bod like the model. I exercised diligently, maintained my six-pack abs so that I shoot a CK underwear ad one day.

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to be a DJ. If I become famous, brands will look for me to shoot ads.That’s why my name has the letters C and K.

Secondly,my favourite animal is a fox. When I was about to debut, I flipped the dictionary. I looked for a name which starts with C and ends with K. I saw the word, Corsac. It’s a fox from China.

Could you share with us how you got your hot bod?

About two years ago, I lost 30kg. I stayed away from carbohydrates, sugar, oil. Also, no coffee, cigarettes or alcohol. I eat proteins and vegetables. I exercise daily, at least two hours and even when I'm travelling.

How do you go from aspiring DJ-producer to being signed by Liquid State?

The first few years of making music were tough. I was stuck in my home studio and made music all day long.

I used to only be able to make one song a month, then I improved to one song a week, then one song a day. I sent my demos to Liquid State, one of the demos is now known as Reverse, and they felt I had potential.

You started learning the piano from the age of 3. How did you make the transition to EDM?

I started learning the piano from age 3. I held my own piano recital at age 14 in China and Singapore.In 2015, I heard EDM for the first time —Avicii played 'Waiting For Love' at Ultra Miami.I turned off my room lights and danced to EDM through the night. I fell in love with EDM and went online to learn how to make beats.

Were your parents supportive of your career choice to become a DJ?

I’m very grateful to my parents. They’ve been very supportive of me, no matter what I do — be it when I did rock, got a tattoo or dyed my hair white. I’ve made them worried, my peers all went out and got stable jobs. I hope to be able to give them a good life in future.

Who is your dream music collaborator?

Billy Ellish. I noticed Billy Ellish from the day she released her first song, 'Ocean Eyes'. She is cool, has her own style and stands out with her music. She is my role model.

Which musician do you admire?

Skrillex. In this line, there are some who are good at DJ-ing. There are others who are good at producing. Skrillex is one of the rare musicians who is good at both producing and DJ-ing. I hope to learn from him.

Why do you insist on producing your own music?

I’m a perfectionist. I prefer to create my own music from scratch, even if I have to spend more time and effort on my music. Last year, I made 180 demos. But I’ve only released two. It’s because I insist on achieving perfection.

What do you think can be done to increase acceptance of EDM among the mainstream audience in Asia?

My hope is to make EDM which can be played not just in a club. It can be played on a car ride, in a restaurant and over the radio. My EDM has elements of popular music so that it’s easier for the mainstream audience to accept.

Do you have any goals when it comes to making EDM?

I’ve not thought so much. I really like music and EDM is my favourite genre. If I can’t make EDM, I would feel horrible. It’s as if my catharsis has been cut off. Everyone needs an outlet and making music is my outlet.

What’s up for you next?

My schedule is packed this year.I’m rushing out an EP, which will feature four to five songs. We plan to release a new single per month. I’m a perfectionist, but my company helps me to keep on track. So now I work faster.

Listen to the DJ superstars Alan Walker & Corsak's music on KKBOX.

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