Phanganist catches up with our newest addition to the heavy weight Drum and Bass line up at Phanganist Hostel 'Off Grid', catch him again tonight Friday 10th of March...
Tell us your Koh Phangan story...
The first time I came to Phangan was 4 years ago. Previously we were organising Reggae parties in Goa and one of my mates told me there was a bar on Koh Phangan (One Love bar) where there they have the same style parties where I could play my favourite music.
I ended up meeting the owner Dj Chupis and all these beautiful gigs on the beach continued and now I come here every year to help the guys with events because i don't want this culture to disappear.
I was also impressed by Koh Phangan with it's festival culture and many parties reminded me about Goa and I feel this place has the same vibrations as I do.
What got you interested in DnB?
First it was electronic music that I was interested in and the first music that I was listening to was Breakbeat, at that time I thought there was nothing else I would be interested in.
However in 2007 with a bunch of friends on their advice, I went to a DnB party featuring Off Key label’s showcase. I was so impressed with the artists that were mostly performing the Technoid side of DnB and it was an atmosphere I was surprised to see, and of course a genre that in future will become my addiction.
Raves at that time weren’t very popular (especially DnB) in our country (Ukraine), so it was mostly 200 to 300 people out there but the vibes were really nice.
When did you begin to mix?
I began to mix in 2009, my friend bought a cheap set up, I think it was American Audio decks with a couple of speakers and we started playing at parties that we organised with friends in different private places.
The feedback was nice we so we started renting bigger sound systems and bigger venues.
What have been some memorable gigs?
All the gigs are memorable for me actually. But the first party with Off Key label which got me into this music is the most special for sure.
Some really good raves we were doing at the abandoned factory 30 km from my city were sick as hell, people got out from there on trucks because of the rain that ruined all the roads.
Did you enjoy playing Phanganist Hostel last Friday?
The vibes were nice, I really liked the people. A bunch of MC's came on in the end and gave the party some new flavour however it will only get better this Friday!
What will you bring this Friday 10th?
I was thinking about playing more minimalistic sounds like Dub Phizix and Skeptical and Icicle. This is a new wave in DnB and I really like how it evolves.
Why do you think it's good to have Drum and Bass and the related styles on Koh Phangan?
I think this island needs all possible dancefloors with different music and that will bring it to a new level.
I'm not talking about DnB only, I wish that people will have a choice to pick their favourite genre. Then for sure there won't be a place for words like ‘I'm bored’ etc…
What do you do in your free time on Koh Phangan?
I really like Free diving, I've been doing it for a long time. I'm just obsessed with the underwater world.
Leave us with your music philosophy....
Live it, love it and get the maximum pleasure out of your favourite music. Never stop exploring...
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