The art of Malaysian mixing

The H-Artistry Trilogy of parties culminated recently at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), marking the end of 2012’s The Global Art of Mixing Trilogy.

H-Artistry at MIECC delivered a mix of musical acts from across the globe, a trademark H-Artistry atmosphere, and a palatable blend of signature Hennessy V.S.O.P. long drinks: Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger and Hennessy Soda.

This was the fourth Asian Hennessy Artistry event I attended and I enjoyed it with the best company. There were 10 of us who had the same interests: shopping, eating, drinking and eating at 3 in the morning in Jalan Alor, a great place for wonderful and clean street food.  In fact, we went there for two nights… err, two mornings straight!

Shopping in the area was surprisingly better than the last time I was in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. But I must say that the main purpose why we were there was to enjoy Hennessy Artistry (called H-Artistry in Malaysia). However, that didn’t stop us from drinking tons of Moët & Chandon champagne the night before in Zouk — it was from the same LVMH group anyway!

The venue was already packed when we arrived with over 4,000 in attendance. Capturing the essence of The Global Art of Mixing was a line up of international artists of diverse musical styles and genres, featuring The X Factor UK winner Alexandra Burke, world-renowned Australian DJ vixen Havana Brown, K-Pop boy band heartthrobs Block B and Las Vegas DJ Starkillers a.k.a. Nick Terranova. Making a surprise appearance was one of the hottest all-girl K-Pop groups to debut recently —  EvoL.

Partygoers were treated to an awe-inspiring party setup featuring a premium-chic Hennessy Art of Mixing Zone and a never-before-seen centerstage concept in the party arena. There was even an amusing Hennessy 360-degree camera that some of us tried.

Kicking off the night was the Art of Mixing Zone — a regular affair at all H-Artistry events where partygoers enjoy glasses of signature Hennessy V.S.O.P. long drinks in hand. Fuelling the anticipation while representing the local scene among the international acts were Electro Junkies who worked the crowd’s excitement levels from within the zone.

At the stroke of 10 p.m., the crowd quickly shifted into the party arena as the heartthrobs of Block B immediately broke into song and dance with their infectious track Nilili Mambo. Live renditions of No Joke and Nalina followed to the delight of the crowd. 

Next on stage was Alexandra Burke who sang Heartbreak on Hold, Elephant and her track Bad Boys featuring Flo Rida. Alexandra Burke invited Block B up on stage for an exclusive H-Artistry collaboration. Cheers and screams coupled with blaring horns marked the introduction of the Kanye West hit All of the Lights.

Right after the collaboration, K-Pop fans in the crowd were thrown yet another surprise — EvoL. H-Artistry’s surprise guest performers took the stage with enthusiastic cheers and put on a sizzling performance featuring EvoL’s hits Let’s Explode and Magnet. 

The night was clearly headed on the right direction as eccentric graphics on the LED panels marked the beginning of H-Artistry’s electronic dance music acts. Havana Brown’s DJ deck rose from the middle of the stage. Her hit track We Run the Night really got the crowd going as she made way for the final performer of the night — Starkillers. Nick Terranova took the decks with his own distinct and commanding presence, dropping hit tracks and remixes of Pressure and Titanium.

As H-Artistry approached the end of the night, partygoers took full advantage of the Hennessy Art of Mixing Zone, which had been converted into a comfortable chill-out zone for everyone to relax. Complimentary bottles of mineral water were made freely available throughout the night, and were also distributed to everyone at the exits of the arena. Outside the event venue, food stalls were commissioned to stay open till 3 a.m., giving partygoers a chance to recharge before heading home. 

We opted to go for street food in Jalan Alor to continue celebrating the three-day long birthday celebration of Skye Bar and soon to open Hyve’s Jessie Suaco!

H-Artistry was a night of true musical artistry, mixed with a sensational experience befitting the amazing culmination for the H-Artistry Trilogy of 2012.

Hennessy Artistry events have been held in Manila twice already. Watch out for more next year!

(Check out www.hennessy.com)

Photos by Pepper Teehankee on a Canon Powershot S100