Cultural Spin

Among international acts in New York's David Morales, a Grammy Award-winning remixer, who claims his mission is "to spread the gift of music around the world".

Published on January 18, 2008

Organised by Bacardi, Club Culture and party collective Dudesweet, the Bangkok International Dance Music Festival tomorrow night will be Bangkok's first-ever outdoor dance music festival. It features acts from renowned local electronic music talents as well as international DJs.

The Helicopter Port of the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (better known as Bitec) on Bangna-Trat Road is the venue for this one-day festival, with four massive stages hosting non-stop energetic music acts of 22 talents and Dudesweet's DJ troop.

Among international acts is New York's David Morales. The Grammy Award-winning remixer and producer, who claims his mission is "to spread the gift of music around the world", will make his Thailand debut.

"I feel that I have to get into a different mental state for a festival," Morales said in an e-mail. "I definitely prefer playing in clubs. There's more intimacy in a club than a festival."

Regarded as one of the most steady working DJs on the planet, the maestro has done it all in the dance music realm and is still at it after more than 20 years. He works diligently both as a performing DJ and in the studio as remixer and producer for his own production company Def Mix. He emerged as one of the first "superstar DJs" in the scene for his ability to successfully and artfully transform any tune into a club-friendly track. He has been resident in many renowned clubs, including London's Ministry of Sound and Ibiza.

Morales is also resident at his own club, Stereo, in Montreal, well known for his 16-hour sets "La Vie en Stereo". It is likely that the Thai fans can expect something no less vigorous and fun from his show.

"I know nothing about the scene in Bangkok. It's all new for me." He says. "But yeah, I hope it's a fun time."

Morales will play at Culture One Main Arena from 11.30pm until the party is over.

There is also some UK talent: Stanton Warriors from London, who have remixed the Gorillaz, Apollo 440, Fatboy Slim and Basement Jaxx; underground trance maestro John 00 Flemming, AJ Gibson with his uplifting trance style and aspiring indie rock group The Filthy Dukes. From Spain are electro house DJs Toni Varga and Brian Cross, who previously performed in Bangkok.

Claiming his place at the decks alongside the foreign talent is local favourite DJ Spydamonkee, the 1997 World DMC Thailand finalist and co-founder of record label Gancore Club.

"Thai people need more input and artists need more of the right output for their works," says Spydamonkee. "When I first started out, there were different music styles and people were open for different beats and sounds. Music was more

real to me back then. Nowadays, most everywhere is the same."

Spydamonkee is regarded as one of Bangkok's pioneer turntablists. His styles range from old-skool funk to hype and dancehall with decomposing cuts and scratches.

He has also produced and remixed for many well-known local artists such as Budda Bless, Gangcore co-founder Joey Boy and even Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre. With the fans he has gained from his appearances at Cafe Democ, the late Club Astra and Bed Supperclub, Spydamonkee plans to

keep the groove going with a set of dark sounds from the 1980s and some tripping scratching.

"Make sure you're on and ready for it. This will be hardcore," he adds excitedly. He spins at 7.30pm at the Main Arena where SoundElement, Duke 'O' Phive will also perform. Other local talents include deep funk DJ Galacticsoul, DJ Oum, DJ Tay, Sabaii Sabaii, Tann, Bank JJ, Dome Pakorn Lam, Cyndi Seui and Slur. R&B/ hip hop DJ Andrew Chow from Singapore and Malaysia's Twilight Action Girl are also featured.

Culture One: Bangkok International Dance Music Festival takes place from 5pm until 2am tomorrow at Bitec Helicopter Port on Bangna-Trat Highway. Doors open at 4pm. Tickets, inclusive of one drink, are Bt850, available at the door. Bring your ID. For more information, call (02) 653 7216 or www.culture-one-bkk.com.

Manta Klangboonkrong