Hi Dan, Thank you for the interview. It is great seeing you again. We met for the first time about ten years ago when you played at the Jungle Experience party. How did your KP journey start?
My KP Journey started with my first journey to the island in 2008, while I was building my own tour company with my partner Toby at that time. He was also my DJ partner, when we were still a duo called Black & White. The first gig we ever played on the island was with Peter G & Nakadia at The Beach House, which was located in Baan Tai. After that, gigs followed at the legendary Junge Experience, Loi Lay, Waterfall Party, Backyard, Lighthouse and the rest is history.
You played here many times during these years. How did the Koh Phangan Party scene develop at this time?
What I recognize is that the island has become more and more sophisticated with the music and the events. The venues have set more focus on the quality of the music and their organization so that the standard has been rising over time. More venues popped up, more international acts came to play and I think that the island has so much more to offer than 10 - 15 years ago when the FULL MOON party was the main attraction of the island. The diversity on the island is now the magic that makes party people come from all over the world.
What do you think differentiates the Koh Phangan party scene from the Phuket and Bangkok House & Techno scene?
I would describe the Phangan party scene as less pretentious and more raw/real. It's really about the music and of course the island locations that create that unique and magical vibe. Bangkok has also developed quite a lot since I left the scene. Thais have now come to the understanding, that it’s not about bottle services anymore, but more about the unity and the love for the music. Phuket has all those high-class beach clubs, which are more for the people who have the spending power. It is still great fun to play though, especially at the first gig of my tour, that I played for Cafe del Mar, where I encountered a very energetic and amazing crowd to play for.
There is a big event at Retro Mountain on the 26th of March called RE:UNION Presents OBSOLET Showcase. What is planned for this event?
This event is part of my RE:UNION tour and I wanted to connect my OBSOLET label colleagues with the Thai electronic music scene and the amazing people that I have been working with during my time in Thailand. I think the cooperation and support of talents from different parts of the world can open doors to new opportunities and that’s what I am all about. Bringing good and real talented people with a good heart together.
This event is in cooperation with your old friend Mendy Indigo. How has it been producing this event together?
Me and Mendy are going way back and are looking at a decade of friendship. She has a big heart and is a very talented, quality Djane, who has been super successful in what she is doing. It is always a huge pleasure to work with someone like her!
Who else is booked to play at the OBSOLET party? What music and vibes will they bring to the dance floor?
I tried to combine a lineup which is connecting the dots. I have brought together Bangkok, Phangan and Berlin artists to have a diverse but high-quality lineup consisting of Mukkimiau, Max Joni, Jamie Farang, Mendy Indigo, Rui Tang and myself. You can expect an eclectic mix between organic house, afro house, melodic house and techno, fusing the sounds into a balance of tribal and melodic soundscapes with the necessary groove and mystical power.
Where else in Thailand are you going to run the RE:UNION party line?
My RE:UNION Tour is covering Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Bangkok, check out my tour schedule on my social media channels to find out the exact dates and locations.
Thanks, Dan for your time.
I am looking forward to seeing you again on KP and enjoying your music.
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