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 DJing?
It all started from this album I bought when I was about 18 it was called, “The Very Best Of Extreme Euphoria” mixed by Lisa Lashes. And yes it was bloody extreme – 145BPM extreme! I think it was the euphoric bit that really caught my attention. It was a hard house/trance album with some absolute killer tracks. I remember “Hoover & Horns (Ingo Remix)” – Fergie & Bk was the track that was playing when I thought, “Sheet, I’ve got to start DJing…” Like my life depended on it or something!
Then, after that I started to make my way through all the different genres, from garage to liquid, drum and bass, minimal, electro, progressive until I eventually found HOUSE and her children – funk, acid and disco. It was the genre of all genres for me! However, as my friends know I still like to dip in and out of all the rest, especially trance, my guilty pleasure…
Bangkok and Leeds are now my two bases. I started in Bangkok with one, yes one, Denon deck and a mixer, as that was all I could afford. I’ve since moved on to two and studied at the SAE (School of Sound and Audio Engineering) where I met my good friend, DJ Moudy.
Describe the music you play in five words.
Deep, soulful, bassline-friendly smoothie!
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at a gig? Give us all the ugly details.
Well some I can’t talk about in fear of the man with the white coat. But apart from that, one of the times has to be Basic’s 19th Birthday in Leeds at Stinky’s Peephouse. We played a Femme Fatale set upstairs (run by my friend and DJ Klaudia Jasmin) alongside some of the main acts like Derrick Carter and Robert Owens, who were playing downstairs. On the Femme Fatal decks we also had Lisa Loud, the first lady of dance music, and Donna Beatz (Breakout Audio), two amazing DJs. It was a circus-themed event, with clowns, acrobats and bearded ladies running around everywhere. It was basically my favorite gig to date. Can’t forget the megaphone!
Also, I have to mention some of the times we had in Greece on Rhodes Island… “Instrumental” was the main word being shouted at us by our part-time manager, Mariano! We managed to get a whole beach bar dancing, even the grumpy lady sitting in the far corner. This, with a “few” shots of tequila and very over-the-top dancing by myself and guests were indeed the good times!
What’s your favorite venue to play in Bangkok?
I’m going to have to say Glow Nightclub. It’s raw, it’s underground and it’s a non–commercial zone. Plus the noodle shop next door is damn good after a night out of dancing.
Which track are you most excited about right now?
“Rolling Energy (Alland Byallo Remix)” – Aartekt It takes me somewhere else.
Dubstep: yea or nay?
NAY. I do not really appreciate the sound of robots passing wind at me… aggressively.
“______ always packs the dance floor.”
“Play The Game” – Louise Carver, Kenny Hawkes (Joris Voorn Remix)
What’s one song you have played before but will never, ever play again?
Urm, my memory is really bad… would have been something really cheesy.
What’s the best way for someone to get you to play their request?
Buy me a drink please…then I’ll say no.
What shows/residencies do you have lined up?
Something exciting! There is a new club opened in Koh Samui called Dreamers… I will be off there soon. Also, my friend, DJ and bad boy producer, Baz Sanders (Radio Rental) is promoting a fresh night in Bangkok called London Underground. It’s pure UK madness and a big bassline extravaganza!
