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?
My brother was a club DJ as I was growing up. I carried his crates of vinyl for years and would sneak into the clubs just to watch him and his crew play. That’s how I got started, I was influenced by lots of different music around as I grew up in Vancouver, Canada. One of my best friends growing up was Mick Rock son of producer Bob Rock of Metallica.
I had a lot of rock influence around me but found my ultimate love for music in hip-hop during the early to mid 1990’s. From that point on I became DJ Ono.
Describe the music you play in five words.
Dope, party-rocking, sexy, creative, energetic.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
I’ve had some pretty crazy gigs over the past 10 years, from John Legend jumping into my set and singing like six songs to performing with Snoop Dogg right here in Bangkok. But I have to say one of the most fun gigs was when I was the DJ for Russell Peter’s Asia tour. We toured most of Southeast Asia together and mixing comedy and hip-hop was a blast! I got to perform in front of packed stadiums and party-rocked with only the golden era of hip-hop music. It’s not everyday you get to play what you want to play so it was a great chance to show and enjoy good music.
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
My favorite venue would have to be either Bed Supperclub on a Tuesday or Route 66 on a Saturday. I have residences at both so if you haven’t been you’re missing out.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
“Started From The Bottom” – Drake
Dubstep: yea or nay?
Yeah, I’m cool with it! Music is a trending cycle. Genres will keep cycling from time to time and keep coming back with a different flavor. For example, drum ‘n’ bass to dubstep and now we’ve even got trap music…
“ ______ always packs the dance floor.”
MY PARTYROCKING SETS.
What’s one song you will never, ever play?
I don’t play any Korean pop music.
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
Requests are always hard because people tend to ask for songs that are completely off the BPM (beats-per-minute) of what’s playing.
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
I play Mondays and Saturdays at Route 66 and Thursdays and Fridays at Slim, both in RCA. I play Tuesdays at Bed Supperclub in Bangkok. I also have monthly residencies at Seduction Beach Club in Phuket and Lucifer in Pattaya.
Want more “Hang the DJ”? Why, funny you should ask…
Hand the DJ – Episode 5: Scott Hess
Hang the DJ – Episode 4: DJ Orawan
