Drum and Bass For The Adults - DJ Dee Xone

Joining our solid force of International Drum and Bass DJs here at Phanganist Hostel is ‘Dee xone’ from the UK.

“I used to come to Thailand 18 years ago and play at the Full Moon party, then it was Hardcore and a little Drum n Bass, it was just starting out”.

Dee xone settled down and had a family before deciding to come back which was at the point when he met Guy from Fubar in Haad Rin who he credits with helping him play at many different places around the island…

So when did you start with the music?
When I was 15, I used to mix on one turntable without pitch control and a tape deck that did have pitch control so that’s how I learnt. When I turned 16 my Dad bought me a pair of Technics.

What music did you play then?
When I was younger I grew up with good friends ‘Scratch Perverts’ so I started with Hip Hop and scratching, that was my first love!

I joined a Reggae Dancehall sound system with which I used to chat lyrics over Dub and Reggae with friends from my estate.

How did you discover Drum n Bass?
When I was 20 years old I had my own record shop in Kent UK, we were mainly selling Happy Hardcore but then one day ‘long dark tunnel’ arrives and changed my life forever.

Sorry for the stupid question but explain your style now....
Nowadays my style is I’d say something I call ‘Jazzuid’ which is Funky Soulful Drum and Bass.

How is this different from the usual Drum and Bass?
A good description would be that it’s Drum and Bass for adults. It attracts more than just DnB fans and nowadays it’s all throughout Europe, America and even Japan, it’s huge.

Tell us about ‘Rough Tempo’ that you work with?
Rough Tempo are an internet radio station that has won awards for the last few years for ‘Best DnB internet station’ of which I am a resident who plays fortnightly on Sunday mornings.

We have the likes as residents of Kenny Ken, Fabio and Grooverider and all the big boys from DnB play on a regular basis.

Through them this year I played at Breaking Science, Jungle Mania, Breakology, Bass Sea in Bulgaria to name a few. I also play at Playa events in London.

What do you think so far of Phanganist’s Drum and Bass nights?
Yeah they’re really good and it’s nice to see people here to hear DnB. I got off my bike and said to my friend ‘I’m actually walking into somewhere where I wanna hear the music!’.

You’ll play this Friday the 10th, what will you personally bring?
A different selection of brand new Drum n Bass from myself and other producers that send me tunes on a regular basis, I’ve got some awesome tunes.

What do you produce?
Everything, mainly Jungle and Liquid, the odd bit of Tech House, Breakbeat and Hip Hop,

My inspiration is state of mind….

Why do you think it’s important that Koh Phangan has different music?
I think because people need choice, and there’s a massive DnB following here, maybe it’s time for change Phangan….?

What do you enjoy about Phangan in your free time?
When the weather is good, everything, the food and the friendliness of people. You can talk to people you don’t know, if you did that in England they would look at you like you were mad, here it brings you out of yourself.

Leave us with your ‘Music Philosophy’….
I like to play the equipment rather than just playing tunes.

Join us and treat your ears to a mix from Dee xone THIS FRIDAY 10th February!