The insulting riches of Bangkok’s party scene exist thanks in no small part to the army of DJs who organize, promote and rock the living hell out of the city’s nightlife. In “Hang the DJ,” Coconuts gives you a chance to get acquainted with some of the capital’s better beatsmiths.
How did you get into DJ-ing?
Back in 2000, I went to the Full Moon Party and heard the Jungle Experience for the first time. That got me hooked and made me want to become a DJ. I moved to Auckland, New Zealand where the music scene is unbelievably good and studied audio engineering. Over there, records are easy to find so I bought my first record in 2004, started to teach myself how to DJ and haven’t stopped ever since.
Describe the music you play in five words.
Totally bass in your face.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
It was at the last Honda Summer Music Festival in 2011, I just moved back to Bangkok and played there for the second time. Everything was cool, I got to play at a party by the beach with over 200,000 people attending. But suddenly, everything had to stop as someone got stabbed to death. That was horrible, so now there’s no more Honda Summer Music Festival, which is a shame.
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
Bed Supperclub because that’s where I’ve held my residency since I’ve moved back from New Zealand and I’m also a head of events there. Last year we were been voted #46 in the top 100 clubs in the world by DJmag, which made me really proud. Really, Bed is like my second home. Bed has been around for 10 years now and we are planning to do a big renovation this year and our goal is to make the club become even stronger than ever musically and visually.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
“Dream Mclean” by Sloe Gin (SION Remix)
Dubstep: yea or nay?
Quality dubstep, absolutely yes! I’m a big fan of heavy bass but I do find that the commercial dubstep sound could get a little too intense for me. When I listen to music, I pay attention to everything from song structure, lyric and bass line to melody, so by “quality dubstep” I meant it’s got to be more than noise and heavy bass line if you know what I mean.
“ ______ always packs the dance floor.”
“Rumble in the Jungle” by Zeds Dead
What’s one song you will never, ever play?
“Gangnam Style”
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
The best is not to request just feel it and let it flow!
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
I’m holding a residency at Bed Supperclub every Tuesday night as well as a supporting DJ for international acts on some Thursdays. I also run the Phatfunk Drum and Bass night every third Friday of the month at Glow. We’re also just about to launch a new bass-driven music night called Bass Clef every third Saturday of the month at Grease.
Want more “Hang the DJ”? Why, funny you should ask…
