Dava Di Toma is an international artist who hopes between Belgium, Koh Phangan (Thailand) & Ibiza. He started his DJ carrier 36 years ago playing Newwave and didn't stop playing ever since all over Belgium and around the world.
Dava is also the founder & owner of the Solar Conexion party concept in Ibiza & Koh Phangan. Phanganist got Dava for a short interview while he was busy organizing the third Solar Conexion event at Koh Phangan's most fashionable party venue this season, Retro Mountain.
Hi Dava, Thank you for the interview. How was DJing when you just started about 36 years? What music did you play at the start and what other genres did you play during the years?
Hi, thank you for the interview. When I have started my DJ career Newwave was popular and bands such as Joy Division and New Order, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and many others. I was organizing Newwave Parties in my city. Later on, the New Beat genre started, the electronic revolution and the House Music….
How did the Dj industry develop during the years?
Back in the day being a DJ was considered very rare and it was not so easy in a matter of learning, practicing, and getting all the necessary equipment. We were DJing out of a love for music and desired to share it with everyone. Today the knowledge is easily accessible and it is much easier to learn to be a DJ. I feel that today it is more money-driven and more about being a superstar.
When did you come to Koh Phangan first time and what was your impression?
My first time on Koh Phangan was in 2008 after the season in Goa ended. I didn't come to work but to enjoy chilling after a busy season in Goa. I loved the island was impressed by its beauty.
What was the moment that Koh Phangan vibe grabbed you, the moment you fell in love with this island?
I came back to Koh Phangan in 2017. I immediately felt the strong party vibes and energies. I met many beautiful and inspiring people.
Koh Phangan is a beautiful place and I am happy to call it home.
How long since you made it your home and why did you choose to stay here and not in Ibiza of Goa?
Since then in 2017 I fell in love with KP and the connection keeps growing and getting stronger. years ago Ibiza was similar to Koh Phangan of these days but now Ibiza now is too commercial, too expensive, it's all about money and show. Koh Phangan has good vibes and pure party energy and living here is easier.
You are playing in Goa since 2002, how did Goa develop since?
Yes first time for me in Goa was in 2002 and it was amazing! Goa is always in my heart, now Goa changed, there are more people and it's more commercial as well, anyway, my heart now is in Koh Phangan )
For many years, you played at the three main party locations in the world, Ibiza, Goa, and Koh Phangan. What are the similarities between those locations and what the differences are?
The similarities are good vibes, good energy, sun, sea, beach, good music culture, good people and freedom…Differences are not so much, just as I mentioned above that Ibiza become too expensive and lost its pure energy, Goa changed a lot as well. Koh Phangan is my first choice for living.
What different kinds of music do you play these days?
I'm playing a big variety of quality music, I can play chill, deep, organic, downtempo, progressive, techno, indie dance, I like to create a journey when I play
The Sollar Connexion party concept started in 2018, what is the idea behind the concept? and how did it develop since it started?
The idea was to create a concept of parties and events around the world following the sun. In some locations, it is sunny during the whole year and in some, the sunny season can be very short. The concept is good energy, good music, and with people who enjoy getting to these places.
We always desire beautiful tropical islands with amazing beaches and beautiful sunsets, good music, and good vibes.
Solar Conexion connecting between music, people, and the place. The sun is what makes it all one.
How did the connection between you and Retro Mountain start for this party? and why did you choose Retro Mountain for the festival?
The connection with Retro Mountain was great from start and we had an immediate understanding. This venue is amazing and inspiring for me as a DJ to play at. It is at the heart of the jungle down the hill. It is all surrounded by wild jungle nature and most of all are the mesmerizing view over the southern beachline of Koh Phangan. There are many great parties running there often, people get an immediate connection with the place and the vibe at the parties is pure and full of positive vibes.
This one is the third Sollar party at Retro, How did the first two go, and what is planned for this coming one?
It was running amazingly since the first event, it was crowded and with some unforgettable moments for the ones who were there. I never rest and always want to make the next party even better, it's for me a challenge to give the best to everyone, to surprise people, and to let them feel what Solar Conexion is about!
Thank you very much for your time, I am looking forward to the event.
Thank you and just one thing to say « don’t miss it, you have to be there » ;)
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