SHE rocks

Graham Cordery, founder of one of Australia's most respected house-music nights, Soulful House Experience (SHE), returns to Bangkok for a performance tonight at Q Bar. In addition to his world-known party night, Cordery is also known for his collaboration with top DJs such as Bob Sinclar, Robert Owens, ATFC and many more. His venues include stylish soulful house at Pacha's Funky Room in Ibiza, big-room clubs such as Tank and Home in his native Australia and M2 Seoul in Korea. One of the most in-demand DJs, he promises his audience a funky, stylish and soulful set. Weekend conducted an e-mail interview with the maestro.

How does it feel to be coming back to Bangkok?

I love Thailand and spent New Year's Eve there in 2000 for the Millennium at the Full Moon Party, so I have very happy memories. My most recent visit was last year at Met Bar, and I'm really looking forward to coming back and spending more time in the country.

What will the show be like?

I've heard great things about Q Bar, and the standard of guests that have played there in the past speaks volumes. I'm sure that the show is going to be hot! From me you can expect some new and old soulful house cuts, and if the time's right we might go a little disco.  I know the Thai crowds like to party and that's always great for the DJ. It will be a great show.

What's the clubbing scene in Sydney like? 

We have loads of variety, which is really healthy for the scene. The electro revolution has really taken hold here, and there is also still some really cool deep house nights and techno house. Our own party, SHE [Soulful House Experience] is going from strength to strength, and we've got some huge events coming up, so the scene is very lively here with room for every genre of dance music.

What CDs do you always bring along to a show?

I always bring some disco classics. Don Hartman's "Relight My Fire" is a current favourite that I try to drop whenever I can, plus other gems such as "Got To Be Real" by Cheryl Lynn.

From your experience, what always gets the crowd excited?

I think if the DJ is putting some energy into their performance then the crowd usually vibes off that and will follow to make a great atmosphere in the party.  

Have you played at any festivals during the past year?

The last festival I performed at was a couple of years ago. It was a large fund-raising event in Melbourne for tsumani relief. The event featured Martin Solveig alongside many of Australia's top house artists and was a massive success.  Since then I haven't played at any festivals, but this year we are planning a SHE stage at a large festival around the Christmas period, which is always a great time to party in Sydney.

Do you prefer a festival crowd or a small gig in a club?

I think both have their merits. Personally some of my best experiences while performing have been in smaller venues because the atmosphere can get so intense!  But equally sometimes if there is a big crowd it's kind of interesting to look out and think "wow, that's A LOT of people!"

What's the advantage or disadvantage of being your own promoter?

The advantage is being 100 per cent in control of which shows you do, but the disadvantage is sleepless nights - it's hard work arranging things as well as performing and organising the SHE events. But it's all good. I genuinely love what I do and feel very lucky.  For Europe and the UK, I have an agent, which helps things, but for Australia and Asia I look after my own bookings.

What's the plan for you now?

I'm really looking forward to this tour. After Bangkok I head to the UK for shows in Birmingham, Liverpool and London. Then beyond that, we have a huge SHE New Year's Eve party with Joey Negro and Nicky Siano. We are also setting up SHE Recordings with the first release, a collaboration between Richard Earnshaw, Random Soul and myself, coming out for the Australian summer.

Graham Cordery performs from 11pm tonight at Q Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS: Nana). Tickets are Bt700, inclusive of two drinks. Bring your ID. For more details, see www.myspace.com /grahamcordery.

Manta Klangboonkrong