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?
I grew up in Detroit and there were lots of amazing DJs around who really inspired me, but I’d have to say The Electrifying Mojo was the most important. He had a radio show that turned me on to dance music and buying 12″s. Atomic Dog by George Clinton, Erotic City by Prince, Egyptian Lover, all that stuff. I was so lucky to be turned on to that stuff so young and I still carry so many of those records around with me.
Describe the music you play in five words.
Beautiful erotic disco trash exotica.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
A friend of mine got control of The Barbie Bar in Shanghai for a night. You know, Barbie, like the doll, right? Well, yeah the Mattel company opened a Barbie-themed bar in Shanghai and it was so, so shitty and ridiculous and, yeah, kind of perfect also for the trashier stuff I like to play. I had just bought a big crate of used Italo disco records from Europe and I was itching to play some of the weirder ones that would’ve probably got me fired from my residencies. So we set it up like a secret location party where everyone had to wear pink and dress trash. Turnout was massive and people really got it. We just rocked it trash in The Barbie Bar ‘til sunrise. There was also a bottle of tequila involved if I remember correctly but lets not go into that.
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
I really like The Space because it’s such a cool location and not a commercial venue, meaning its sole purpose is not to make money. It’s an open space for people to be creative, which reminds me to the golden years in Detroit when the best parties were in lofts and abandoned warehouses. We had our first Disco Emergency party there and though the turnout wasn’t massive, it was a really special night for everyone that showed up. It felt like we were all part of something uncharted and original.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
“I Like To Do It In Fast Cars” by Z Factor. It’s an old Jesse Saunders record but it just feels so Bangkok 2013. “Meet me outside now don’t be late we’ll do it in my 928” — Genius!
Dubstep: yea or nay?
Never heard of it. What do you call it again?
“ ______ always packs the dance floor.”
Drunk girls and a good bass line.
What’s one song you will never, ever play?
There’s this Korean one everyone always asks for. I don’t really know it but I’ll never play based on the looks of the people who ask me for it.
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
If you look at the next record I’m queuing up and if you can see the title, request that and it’s pretty much certain that I’m going to play it. Quite soon, in fact.
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
In Bangkok, I play at Viva & Aviv and the St. Regis. But I’m actually going to Shanghai for a month in April to do a residency at a place called Craft. Very interesting funky place that caters to left-of-center dance music. I’ll also be playing a few gigs at a new club there called KTV.
Want more “Hang the DJ”? Why, funny you should ask…
Hang the DJ – Episode 4: DJ Orawan
