Randy started coming to Koh Phangan three years ago (this visit will be his three year anniversary). It started out as a vacation but a good friend hooked him up with Jungle Experience, and it changed his life. He describes it as such an amazing party with the best vibes, and the people he has met there have become his best friends. He even brought his mom last time.
Where on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Bangkok, etc have you played and how was it?
Besides Jungle, I’m also a regular on the Tommy Stage at Full Moon Festival. I’ve played Castle on Koh Tao a couple times, as well as Levels in Bangkok. I love the dance music scene in Thailand, it’s diverse and full of good vibes.It’s hard to believe this will be my 10th time headlining Jungle, I’m so grateful for the experiences and memories.
Where your knowledge and experience comes from? How did it emerge?
I started DJing 12 years ago after falling in love with dance music at a rave in Los Angeles. After a couple of years practicing in my room, I was finally confident enough to start playing some LA clubs. In college I got an internship with a big promoter called Giant (they book Avalon in Hollywood and at the time they put on seasonal festivals in downtown LA). Through Giant, I began to play bigger shows, and started to warm up for bigger acts. By the time I graduated from college I landed a job managing the artist tours at a music agency in LA. Over the course of a year I became very close with their biggest artist, Infected Mushroom, and they eventually asked me to handle tours exclusively for them. That was almost 8 years ago. Infected Mushroom has supported my passion for dance music, allowed me to warm up for them at over 400 shows around the world (from Ibiza to India to everywhere in between). Over that time I’ve started to make a name for myself, headlining more on my own, and putting out my own releases. I am very grateful for this journey, for all the triumphs & tribulations.
What do you think about Koh Phangan music and party scene?
I love that there is something for everyone in KP. Whether you are into underground tech house or big booming EDM, there is a scene to enjoy. Additionally, I am a big fan of the DJs who live on the island. They are a diverse group of talented individuals who are all passionate about the music. I feel like the ‘scene' in KP can be defined by the word ‘family’. There’s a lot of love and respect.
What do you feel you brought to the Phangan scene?
I hope I have brought a sense of adventure and happiness. I love to create a journey in my sets, even when I play deep & tech house, I try to value the progressive nature of a set’s journey. I’ve been inspired by the sounds of Phangan, and I hope the DJ’s & island hoppers who have been to my sets have also taken a bit of inspiration too.
How do you spend your free time on the island?
Eating food, scooters, and massages every day. What could be better?
Where is your favourite place here?
I love riding a scooter to Koh Ma. It’s such a peaceful ride up the coast and through the jungle. When I arrive there I like to grab a coconut & massage on the beach (with the waves crashing in the background). Besides that, I’m a big fan of Amsterdam Bar for sunset.
What projects are you currently involved with and what are your next projects?
I have been working hard on production. This year will be a good year for my music on big labels. I have a remix slated to be released on Warner Music, and a remix of Noel Sanger’s classic tune ‘One More Time’ that will be out soon as well. Besides releasing music, I’m focused on my radio show, Open House which just hit 126 episodes, over 200,000 downloads, and is syndicated on over 25 stations around the world. And I’m also looking forward to going on a US tour with Infected Mushroom this fall (October-November).
How did you get to where you are today?
I believe I answered that question already (above) but to give you the short answer: hard work and perseverance. It’s natural to get overwhelmed or disheartened, but we can never give up. The only way we won’t achieve our dreams is if we don’t try. Keep pushing.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to continue my journey as an artist, to headline more in markets I haven’t broken into, to find my releases on top labels. There’s always more to accomplish, but I’m grateful for all that I’ve experienced.
What is your life philosophy?
Work hard, play hard.
Thank you kindly
And thank you and see you in the Jungle!
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