This month, you’ll be in town for Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Have you traveled to Amsterdam before? If so, what are your impressions of the city?
I used to perform for the Ducati team at their VIP lounge at Moto GP in Assen for a few years. The whole team always stop by Amsterdam for couple days. I love the chill vibes of the city and old architecture and is full with street art.
I LOVE the fact that people go around with bicycle and follow proper rules, which by the way, living in BKK I only dream of… Lots of cool things in Amsterdam make me want to stay and don’t wanna leave this city.
While at ADE, you will also be speaking on a panel entitled “What Artist Do All Day?” First off, how did you get involved with this panel? Secondly, can you give us a brief “teaser” about what it is that you “do all day”?
Im very excited as this is my first ADE and I’ve also come to speak in the panel. Actually, I have 2 panels on the same day on 20th at 1pm, organised by “She Said So,” an all female organisation bringing diversity, health & hedonism to the business, and I will also perform after the very same. Then, by 5pm I do “What do artists do all day”.
I got involved as me and my team are part of A.F.E.M. (Association For Electronic Music) and we are putting together the first educational music conference in SE Asia, which happen that we launch at A.D.E. this year as well. Besides that, I take my DJ journey very serious around the world, standing aside the so call “female DJ”, so this is a easy way to voice out what we DJs have to say. During my entire career I’ve met many cool people, club owners, promoters, lawyers and fans who become my good friends and we start to connect and build the bridge from Asia to different continents.
In the world for parties, concerts, DJ bookings and so on, I became a promoter as well, after performing for over 13 years, I’ve learned that this part is not enough to achieve my goals, so I also need to produce music too.. To handle all that, I must be very heathy so my schedule for a day usually start from morning yoga, then work on desk for emails, reply and manage parties, then in the afternoon I play with software and sounds which I want to produce, normally till 6 pm, then I do cooking or jump to rehearsal for my DJ sets before the gigs.
This is kinda normal day for me if I do not need to fly as Artist or Tour manager, on those days my schedule will be different, more things to do but I’m happy! …That’s a bit of what artist do all day!
You are also a regular speaker at International Music Summit (IMS) in Ibiza and, recently, in Shanghai, why do you feel the need to give your insight into the scene? Do you enjoy public speaking?
I love all stages and to be performing on them, but for public speaking, I have that feeling which I’m always nervous handling the microphone, but is something that we all need to do as our own experiences vary from yours, especially depending on where we come from and, since the IMS is an international platform, I love to share and heard what everyone have to say about common industry subjects.
I’m more confident after I’ve been through a few big conferences, I can manage it better now than before and I don’t loose my voice as happened during my first time [laughs].
I don’t say I’m an expert.. I think I’m one of the few Asian DJs and artists who work across many continents during many years, therefore I sense what is needed for both sides of the world if we all want to help to grow the industry, improve, make it healthy… it’s key to share info, different opinions from local and international points of view, and as well, women who go through the hard work to stand on the front side of a male dominated industry. It wasn’t easy, but I love it!
You’ve also been awarded the “Best Asian Female DJ” award. What does this mean to you? How do you view the term “female DJ”? Do you find it to be problematic distinction or a necessary one?
Im very happy with such unexpected award, it means a lot for me, as someone noticed my hard work and appreciated it. It makes me proud to keep going harder with quality shows and music. I never went for the motto “quantity”, only quality!
The word “Female DJ,” I think it’s not necessary at all, music is the answer. When you hire a lawyer, do you ask for a female lawyer? Same applies for a publisher, PR or agent, isn’t it? My job is to DJ, to make people to remember that night out. We all have same purpose, male and female, is just to play music, so for me, DJ is a DJ, why need to add a genre into that?
In the case of the award, it was a differentiation between males and females, but apart from that, I don’t support the term. In my personal experience, I feel it is ridiculous and I have canceled a few shows where the promoter advertised me that way or even requested for sexy pictures once the contract is signed and deposited and we delivered our official press kit.
I would like to see more equality on the business, not just segregation, we are united by the same feeling, and thats MUSIC!
Speaking of being a female DJ, much is said about the difficulties of women DJ within the Western dance scene (for a number of reasons). I wonder do you find these dynamics to be more or less pronounced in Asia?
To be honest, I never had any issue in the western world, Here is more about unity and equality, from where I come from, roles are very much segregated for genres. I love the western world, make me appreciate who I am, where I come from.
In Asia is two kind of clubs, promoters and DJs; The ones who book DJs, promote DJs and are DJs, and others that book Female DJs, promote Female DJs, and are Female DJs… Have you ever seen a “Female DJ” Club on the top rank or, on the international tour diary from a well stablished Artist? …I haven’t!
If I were to ask you how you “brand” yourself, especially when approaching unfamiliar markets, what would you answer be?
Depends where I go, we use different marketing strategies. I’ve been the first Asian to hold a resident DJ position in Ibiza since 2007, so sometimes we use that if they know the island. Other ways is about what music you play, and myself is conformable with Deep House, Funky House, Progressive and Vocals and Tech House. I like to blend, so thats more easier depends where. I like to say that I’m a “Feelings Maker”, I want to make anyone dance from anywhere, and with any religion or belief, or political vision, at the end, we are all HUMANS AND MUSIC UNITE US ALL
Rapid Fire: Favorite Asian Festivals? Favorite Thai dance music artists? Favorite venue on the continent?
Festivals:
Storm Electronic Music Festival
Massive stages and props, well organised, 3 different music choices, great artist line up, amazing surroundings, the most impressive service i experience and, surprise that was in China, everyone was UNITED again, loved that feeling.
Wonderfruit
Variety of good international and Asian music, Art installations and world conscious to take care of our planet. A truly experience to have it on family or with friends.
Artists:
I support Thai Dj, BOTCASH, he’s the new breed of Djs and Producers, capable to use any software and who also play guitar, drums and piano. He already scored 6 #1 hits in Thailand with his unique blend of Thai sounds and Electronic music, a newcomer to watch. Currently I’m pushing him with my MGMT to bring him to the next level.
Venues (I have few):
Tha Beatlounge Bangkok
Real cool underground and urban old school music, which at the same time loves to explore new sounds. A warm place, filed with with creative people (filmmakers, BMX champions, Skateboarders, break dancers, graffiti artist), with a colourful and friendly positive attitude.
Lola Shanghai
Good vibes only, 100% freedom, I can play my fav house music and the dance floor went on fire since first second till the end.
Le Noir (Singapore & Kuala Lumpur)
The grooviest house music for a great night out
Blanchy’s Tash (Ho Chi Minh City)
Passion is their business, played there many times, the owner love to bring quality sound for a 250pax. I had promoted there with my partners Roger Sanchez, Wally Lopez, Pete Tong, Bob Sinclar and we are preparing some new surprises for 2017.
Finally, can you say a few words about the playlist you have put together here
This is more about the 5 tracks which inspired me to love and to do what I do, MUSIC!