UP BY THE 'RIVERSIDE'

Clubbers in Holland holler when they hear the name Sidney Samson. Now the Bangkok crowd is getting the chance to do the same, as Samson is stopping by LED on RCA next week for his debut performance in the Big Mango. 

Involved in music since he was a little boy, Samson broke into the fiercely competitive international scene with his real club banger called "Sidney Samson-It's All Funked up!", released on Spinnin' Records in 2003. The fans begged for more, and Samson gave them more of his floor fillers, among them "Nobody Move". "Rock This", "Girls", "Aeroplane" and "Viruz". 

But it was the mega hit "Riverside" that shot him into the spotlight. The single climbed dance charts all over the world going Platinum in Australia. In the UK, "Riverside" entered the charts at number 2 in January last year and has been fully supported by David Guetta, Laidback Luke, Diplo, A-Trak, Tiga and Boyz Noize and many other big name DJs. 

He also produced popular remixes for other artists. From Kylie Minogue's "Get Outta My Way" to Guetta's "Getting Over You" and " Commander", Solveig's "Hello" and Dead Prezz's "Hip Hop", he recently finished a collaboration with France's DJ Gregory and worked with Steve Aoki on "Wake up Call". 

He chatted with us via email.

What are you up to now?

I'm getting ready for my USA and Asia tour. Packing and selecting some music for you guys.

Any new tracks we should look out for?

Yes, I have a new track with Lil Jon and a remix for J-Lo is coming up. So stay tuned ! As far as my own productions go, I'm learning every day. And I try to add new tricks to my box instead of repeating the same ones over and over again. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But that is the risk I'm willing to take. 

How did you get to work on the deck?

I was seven years old when I started playing the guitar. From there on, I knew I wanted to make music for the rest of my life. After seeing a couple of DMC mix championships, my interests were going towards DJ-ing. I started DJ-ing in 1995. I mainly played R&B and hip-hop tunes at local clubs in Holland. I switched my style completely to house music in 1999 and I became the resident DJ of the "Exxellent" nights at one of Holland's biggest clubs The Matrixx in 2003. The rest is history.

What made you switch to house?

I love the vibe and the energy of the crowd. I also like making my own songs and sounds and playing them for the first time in the clubs.

What's your style?

It's Sidney Samson House Music.

You go by your real name. Never wanted a cool moniker? 

No, I like my name the way it is. It's my real name and I'm proud of it.

What's your latest DJ stuff you bought?

Pioneer DJM 2000 mixer.

Who's your favourite DJ?

I don't have a favourite DJ, But I do have a favourite producer and that's by far Timbaland.

What's the house scene like in Holland?

It's still big but USA and Asia are taking over the world, the crowd is crazy over there. Never seen people partying like that.

Which track lasted longest in your DJ bag?

"Riverside", of course!

What can't you leave home without?

My Blackberry !

What can we expect from your first show in Bangkok?

One hell of a big party. Get ready to mutate!

SAMSON IS|DELIGHTFUL

Sidney Samson performs at LED on RCA (formerly 808) on Thursday. 

Entry is Bt800. Check out www.RetoxSessions.com.