Akarapon Nateratanakul plays a big role in the Bangkok’s nightlife scene, and not just because he’s so cute and cuddly. DJ Superstar Panda, known by many simply as Panda, is renowned for his mix of deep house, tech house and progressive electronic music. He plays to crowds in Bangkok on a regular basis as part of the party organizing crew With Love.
Now, the Panda’s got his paws on an entirely new audience, having recently wrapped up his first European tour. Coconuts met with DJ Superstar Panda to learn about his foray into those uncharted waters and about the events that With Love has coming up here at home.
Coconuts Bangkok: How was the tour?
DJ Superstar Panda: It was my first tour around Europe, but it definitely won’t be the last. I played at clubs in Germany and France and Austria, I played at music festival called “Rave on Snow” in Saalbach. There was a crowd of more than 6,500 people there. I was actually the first Thai DJ to play at the festival, so it was a big accomplishment.
I was also happy to catch up with many friends who are living in Europe that I met while in Thailand, and made some new friends too. It was also the first time in my life I’d ever seen snow and it was really awesome.
CB: Those who know you also know you’re a bear with big love for German culture. Why is that, anyway?
SP: Well, to be honest, most of it has to do with my intense clubbing and music experiences in Germany. In my opinion, the music played in the German clubs is very different than that played in Thailand. I’d say they understand my music more than Thai people, basically because of the music culture and the fact they enjoy different types of music. Thais tend to listen to a lot of mainstream music like hip hop and pop. You see how big “Gangnam Style” is! When my music is played, they don’t enjoy it as much. On the other hand, my sets were always well received in German clubs. It was a great feeling to know the audience enjoyed my DJing.
CB: What was the best part of the tour?
SP: What I really enjoyed during my trip were the clubs and the screams of joy from the crowd. They yell like they really mean it! Germans are very lovely people and I can honestly say I felt at home as they took really good care of me. I also enjoyed the food, like kebabs and currywurst. It’s almost as nice as Thai food. And the gluehwine was something special. It kept me warm all the time, not to mention drunk!
CB: With Love has brought many German acts to Bangkok as of late. Why is it important to bring German acts here? Who’s coming next?
SP: At the moment, German DJs are really something different. Over the past five years, German DJs have been very well received as they know what they are doing! They always have all the eyes (and ears) on them. Just look at Berlin now, it has a huge music scene. Everyone would love an opportunity to party there! With Love is always thinking about bringing the best musical experience to our audience.
So our next big thing is we are collaborating with ‘Thaibreak, which is a music festival taking place in Bangkok and Koh Mak in March. There will be around 150 party-goers from Germany and a line-up of Berlin-based DJs coming to Thailand for this event.
I’ll be going to Koh Mak to play at the festival, but With Love is holding a party that’s open to everyone on March 16 at Viva & Aviv. It’s going to be a unique opportunity for Bangkokians to party with a different crowd and hear a line-up of DJs they’ve never heard here before. Check With Love’s Facebook for more details, as this is going to be an awesome party experience!
