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 was born with music in my genes as both my parents are musicians. My father gave me a good musical and technical education, bringing me to his gigs and to the recording studio when I was a kid. I also started to collect records at a very young age (at least as far I can remember) and I started to appreciate house music when I was 10 or 11 years old. At 14, when I got a pair of turntables and mixer, I found my passion in DJing.
Describe the music you play in five words.
It’s just sexy House Music.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
Recently, my label partner Type 1 and I played for the H2O Boat Party in Koh Phangan, and it was utterly fun! At first, it wasn’t easy to keep balance due the constant movement of the boat and the strong wind (we also were playing on the roof of the boat), but we quickly got used to it. The atmosphere was magic, with around 80 people that were up for fun. We also docked in front of a bay and partied there until sunset … it was such a pleasure to work in that beautiful scenario!
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
Levels Terrace, where I hold my residency. It’s the kind of venue where I can feel at ease and expose my creativity. Another place I always have a lot of fun to play at is Glow Nightclub.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
I change the so-called “my favorite song right now” on a weekly basis. I can easily say that “Lindstrom – Another Station (Todd Terje Remix)” is my all-time favorite. I still remember the moment I bought that record and it gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it. It’s a timeless piece of electronic music!
Dubstep: yea or nay?
Nay for me … I haven’t found a dubstep track that I’m fond of yet. And more important, I can’t dance to it.
“ ______ always packs the dance floor.”
Ladies!!! They’re always the first to go to the dance floor. They’re the firestarters of the night. Have a nice group of girls dancing, and guys will follow shortly!
What’s one song you will never, ever play?
There are too many cheesy songs in my blacklist and it’s hard to choose between “Barbie Girl,” “Macarena” and so on. They all turn me off.
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
I don’t feel comfortable when someone asks me to play their song, mostly because I often get the wrong type of requests. Generally, it’s the hit of the moment or commercial music anyway. Sometimes they ask me to play music that’s far away from what I’m playing, for example trance in a chill and deep set and sometimes I even get asked with arrogance like, “Play this and play it right now.” Sorry, but no, I won’t do that.
I can comply with a request only if matches what I’m playing that night, and being into alternative music, a proper request is rare. When that happens, I’m glad to find a spot for that song during the night, if possible.
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
At the moment, you can find me spinning every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at Levels Terrace and Fridays at St. Regis Bar. My radio show Undergroove is broadcasted every first Wednesday of the month on UB Radio.
Want more “Hang the DJ”? Why, funny you should ask…
Hang the DJ – Episode 8: Eddy Frampton
Hang the DJ – Episode 7: Jaydubb
