DJ Khainz Always Forward

Simon Schwendener is DJ Khainz!
Phangan Half Moon DJ and International Resident at Phangan parties!

Swiss Original and Raised in Luzern!

Simon has been here so many times and played at nearly every Tech venue here that it is fair to call him an International Resident!!
Mr. Schwendener Aka DJ Khainz!
International Resident @ Phangan Parties!

“The first time I played here was after the Tsunami in 2004.
We were in Krabi when it happened and Jao from the Halfmoon party invited us to Koh Phangan to get our minds off and have some holidays.”

“The first years I came with my “old” project Freakulizer and nowadays I’m playing Khainz at Halfmoon.
I played Zoom and Vinyl Club, Tommy's, Ban Sabaii, Jungle Experience, Black moon, and some others.”

He came to Koh Phangan the very first time when he was only 16 years old.
Sweet 16 - but now it’s already 16 years ago!
He came to experience the Fullmoon Party, when he was on a holiday with his father on Koh Samui.

His adventure into the electronic music was already started then. It began in the early 90's when he was only 14 years old!

He was already in his brother’s room spinning Vinyl’s at that age.

After a few years of practice Khainz began to play almost every weekend in clubs, open air events and festivals.

During 1999, he began to write and produce his own music.

He has with the years grown Well-known for his cutting edge and innovative production skills!
He is always trying to bring fresh and unique Sound through his music. Which is always in the genre of Electronica, Techno, Tech House, and Experimental.

Khainz is by now a very experienced DJ who has been well around the Tech, Electro & House scene all over the world and has multiple performances on his CV.

Major appearances on the most demanding stages around the globe and playing on every continent in countries where The Electronic Music Scene is active!
We are talking about Countries such as Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Brazil, Canada, U.K., Germany, Australia, Southafrica, France, Italy and many others...

Khainz is today among the top 50 DJs around the world (is the word on the streets – and we listen!) and has released numerous singles through leading international labels, such as Hotfingers, Formatik, Sprout Music, Italo Business, Soulman, Lo Kik, Absurd, Autist/FranzFranz, Kumquat Tunes, Flow Vinyl, Blue Tunes, Plusquam, Echoes, Iboga, Blue Tunes, and many more.

You played on the 16th on the Half Moon. How did you like that?
"I really like the Halfmoon, it’s very good organised and the venue is outstanding!

I’ve seen the party growing from the beginning in Bantai and if I look at it now I have to say: someone did an amazing Job there :) "

Do you have other plans to play on Phangan?
I played many different parties here in the past. But nowadays I come mostly exclusive for Halfmoon Festival.

You have played music since you were only 14 years old and produced since 1999.
What made you go from spinning other people’s music to make your own?

"I got curious to how people actually make the music I play.
So I started to practice and learn music production."

When we asked him where he finds his ideas for all his production & Performances, he answers; From Parties, People, Moments & Feelings.
What’s Left? Life seems to be an inspiration to this one!

In addition to that we asked him what the best thing he ever has been involved with or done and with that question he Thanks his Mum & Dad!
Life is the best thing he was ever involved in!! It's his Inspiration and the best thing he ever did! AaauuooOO!

Which music did you bring in your record bag for Phangan this time?
"Mostly my own (Techno/Techhouse) and some from others :)

Everything that would make myself move on the dance floor. And some chill out/lounge music to relax at the beach!"

Is it different from what you would play in Switzerland?
"Nope not really. I follow and play a specific style of music. Which I present in all of the Countries that I play in."

Do you mostly play own productions or is it a mix between many?
"I play mostly my own music (Live Sets), in dj Sets I play also music from other producers."

Do you find Koh Phangan to be a good place for your music?
"Yes I guess nowadays in Phangan you can play many different styles.

I remember some years ago it was mostly psytrance and progressive trance.
Today you have more parties with different styles of music so it’s kind of open for any style now :)…
My favourite places is probably Bay lounge for chill, Santorini to eat and Halfmoon to party!"

On your facebook profile there is a post saying: Please send promos & demos to: promo@khainz.com
Who can send you demos  ... and why should they?

"Everyone who wants me to play and support their Music can send me Demos! demo@khainz.com"

He will also start a Label soon together with friends! The idea is of course to release Quality Tracks.

How can we follow your schedule? What are your next projects?
"I’m working on different EP’s and remixes."

 HERE you can find new music - Not really Sets - but unreleased Tracks!

A Tour is coming up around March/April to go to Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and around Europe!

If you were a Magician which Dreams would you fulfil right now?
"Extend my stay in Koh Phangan !"

Freak! We SHOULD have given him the Magic-wand then!
We would have had the pleasure of his Vibes a bit longer then! OK .. next time for sure! Now we just hope you are well on your way to Mexico on Tour Mr. Schwendener!

It is always a bit of an adventure to figure out the personal details on our InterviewEEs so without Shame we made it a full tradition to ALWAYS check the bottom of their closets and under their beds!!
Of course, how else can we know?
Besides the Worn down Teddy Bear and the Old Airwalks Sneakers, we only found a few of Cartman Dolls and an un published book written by Brian the Dog?

We ask another question to see if he is hiding anything! If you were your own mother what would you tell yourself?
To that he replies: "Get a proper job son … ha-ha"

Besides believing that his mother doesn't see DJing as a REAL job, which maybe IS a family issue (but we didn't go deeper into that) there was nothing about; quit your tea times with the Cartman family ... or Dogs cant write.. so we guess it is a healthy hobby & that he has no real skeletons in his closet ;) ! - we hope not! That would maybe cure our curiosity for good!

And to know if we stepped over the normal question/answer limit we of course ended our questionnaire with:
What is the strangest question anyone ever asked you?
"Dunno but a weird one was if I can play a track from Bon Jovi while my djSet.
I don’t like music requests anyways!
People should understand that a dj is representing a specific style of music and he is not a jukebox!"

This is an issue that Phanganist believe should be heard!
DJs are NOT jukeboxes! They are sharing their absolute inner world(s) - which they have created through hard work, time, energy, special touches & talents.
A very detailed and specific sound and vibe!
How DARE you ask ;) !! It is an Art Form that you are invited in to share!

And with that; IT is a Matter of FACTs – that Phanganist does NOT ask the weirdest. Thank you Khainz!!