DJ Boyonic (Thailand) or in short Boy, is one of the most popular DJs on Koh Phangan island.
He is a resident DJ at the famous Halfmoon festival for the last 6 years and at the main Fullmoon Festival afterparty in Backyard.
Born in Surat Thani, the mainland near Koh Phangan island, Boy came to Phangan following a friend from Koh Tao and fell in Love with the island charm.
We caught him for this movie interview in between the parties about 2 days after the Halfmoon, while chilling in Haad Rin.
Hi Boy. Thank you for making this interview.
You are now a famous DJ here but how did it all start? Why did you come to Koh Phangan in the first place?
I came to Koh Tao first and then I had my first trip to the Full Moon party in 1998. That was the first time. A while after, I followed a friend who owns the land on Koh Phangan and just fell in love with the place.
During this party in 1998, I decided to become a DJ and from that moment I began to dream about becoming a DJ. I didn’t start right at the beginning but a short while after.
What kind of music did you play in the beginning?
I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time so I could develop my own style. I played progressive House,
Techno, and some good
Tech houses. It is still my style and I really love it. It feels good to play .. a good bass line .. something with a good imagination.
Why did you choose the name DJ Boyonic?
My first DJ name was Boy and I found it nice and simple but so many people used it already. Actually, in Bangkok alone, there are few :)
1 day I visited my friend, this English bloke when he was painting his Club. I told him that so many DJs had the name Boy but what else should I use. He said, “Why not use
Boyonic?”
It means Boy, Human, and Robot which is kind of my style with electronic music. Funny but I used that!
Where did you play on Phangan?
I played at a few parties here. Regular is
Halfmoon... and the
Backyard. Sometimes Sramonora if they invite me and otherwise lots of private parties. Sometimes I go to Bangkok to play for some friends if they invite me there.
Did you play anywhere else outside of Thailand?
In 2003, I met my
Trance sister. She invited me to my first party outside Thailand in 2010 in Beirut Lebanon!
When I flew there with my manager I was thinking of how it would be. As you know, they had some troubles there since 40 years ago and my focus was a lot about that of course - but when I first arrived at the airport the people there were so lovely and only smiling at us.
On the arrival, they made many checks on us and our visa because we came from Thailand but after that everything was smooth and nice. A bit cold but great to be there!
This party was a
Full Moon party in Thailand in Lebanon. I found interesting DJs there also. Especially 3 Djs I really liked. Some of the top 10 DJs in Lebanon.
They use warehouses for parties. Rebuilding them, decorates inside, and make them look like new clubs when it's really an old warehouse! Great concept!
The party was great. Proper a Real, and I really enjoyed it. It was a new experience that got me stronger to become great at the work I want to do. Yeah!
How did you start working with Jao at the Halfmoon?
I had some friends, like brothers to me, who introduced me to Jao the owner of the
Half Moon Festival. Around 2006 we tried 1 party to see how it would go, and when it worked out we kept doing them!
From 2006 to now in 2012!
What style of music is played at the Halfmoon party?
I play the Warm-up which is more Underground
Techno or
Tech House. After 1 o clock, we kick off with the Psy
Trance through all night long. Good
Trance!
The Halfmoon opened recently after being closed for few weeks for an upgrade. What enhancements did you make?
Space is upgraded. So are the sound system and the lights and lasers. Now it's made like an outdoor party with European standards. It's quality now!
How did Halfmoon develop through the years?
From my point of view, they really grew up.
In the beginning, the people came late and the party finished at midday. Now people come earlier to enjoy the whole setup. The BBQ, the painters, the VJ, and the Deco, and now the party finish shortly after sunrise. This is also in more respect for the locals around.
Last but not least. What do you think makes Koh Phangan so special?
First, it is the history of the place with the visits of King Rama the 5th on Koh Phangan. Besides that, we have beautiful beaches, nice parties, and good locals.
I have been here for 13 years and I’m still stuck here. I do not feel to stay on the mainland or anywhere else than here.
It’s hard to put in words.
I just feel it!
