LET IT BE, BOY GEORGE
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No longer constrained by curfew, the Culture Club singer gets to let rip properly this week
Nothing seems to discourage former Culture Club singer Boy George from partying with his fans in Bangkok. The last time he was here, it was in May 2010 when there was a curfew in place, forcing the festivities to start super early and end by 11pm.
Now the pop-star-cum-house-DJ is returning to Bangkok with his buddy Marc Vedo, and they are planning a full-fledged weekend blast.
Having sold more than 100 million singles and 50 million albums as a performer and songwriter of Culture Club, Boy George has also been one of the most successful DJs continues to be in-demand across the globe. He also has his award-winning musical “Taboo” on the Broadway and London’s West End.
Ranked at No 90 in the DJ Mag Top 100, Boy George launched VG Records last year with fellow DJ and producer Vedo, who has shared stages with the likes of Deadmau5, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand and Armin van Buuren. Dubbed “Best Breakthrough DJ” for 2012, Vedo has also been collaborating with mega-star artists, notably George Michael.
Boy Gorge took a little break from his packing frenzy and talked to us via e-mail.
What are you up to now?
I am at home having just finished packing for my tour of Asia, Australia and South America.
Is there any plan for a new studio album after “Ordinary Alien”?
There is a Culture Club album planned however, we’ve nothing finished for the album yet and are still working on ideas and songs. We’re a long way off a finished track list but we are getting there and it is all very exciting. I am also doing a new mix album with Koolwaters, alongside Marc Vedo, soon – more details about that can be found on www.koolwaters.com
What’s going on at VG Records now?
The label is going really well. We had a meeting the other day and have some very cool projects coming up. I’m afraid I can’t reveal names just yet due to contracts needing to be signed. Myself and Marc have also finished some new material which should be coming up towards the end of the year.
We started to see more house music from, and what about reggae?
I never stopped! I’m still writing, singing and performing and have also continued to do so. It’s my passion in life and what gives me the most pleasure. Reggae gives me a lot of comfort. House music is another, which has brought me some of my happiest times with music.
How do you like dubstep?
Well dubstep has been around a long time, at least in the UK. Its current rise to the mainstream is an exciting extension to the already bubbling interest in dance music. Dubstep is very different to what I play in my own sets but I have a lot of respect for it and what guys like Chase and Status, Nero, Skrillex etc are doing.
Which do you think the best era in music?
The ’60s and ’70s were two stunning eras for music and delivered us so many incredible artists and seminal songs. Today the music industry is very different with too much emphasis on poor songs and musicians in favour of good looks and so on. However, we still have some amazing artists writing and producing some wonderful, timeless music.
Which DJs do you particularly like to listen to?
I am a fan of what David Penn, Prok and Fitch and Michael Woods are doing. My studio partner Marc Vedo is another who continually impresses me with his tracks.
Despite the hiccups in life over the years, you can still laugh and make people feel good with your music. How do you do it?
Oh no, I don’t think I’m qualified to give advice to anyone. Just simply enjoy life, care for those around you and remember everyone has feelings too; it took me a long time to learn that.
You’re probably one of the few poster boys from the ’80s that are still recording. What’s the secret to this longevity?
I wish I knew. I’ve just always stayed true to what I believe in, worked hard and kept at it. I love what I do for a career and sometimes you’re hot and sometimes you’re not but you just have to accept that. I enjoy working with new people and trying different sounds and ideas out but I have never tried to follow trends. As an artist you have to do what pleases you first and foremost.
What can we expect tonight?
I’m looking forward to having the chance to return. Bangkok is a wonderfully amazing city and the people were very gracious and welcoming that previous time, even during that difficult time. So I’m very excited to be coming back and experiencing it in a different light.
ATTA BOYS
Boy George and Marc Vedo are performing at Bliss Beach in Phuket tonight. Tickets are at Bt600 and Bt1,000 (VIP). Check out www.BlissBeachClub.com
They will be in Bangkok tomorrow at Levels on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Entry at Bt1,000 gets you free bar from 9.30-10.30pm, or a drink thereafter. Call (086) 860 0808 and (082) 308 3246 or check out www.LevelsClub.com.
For details, call Retox Sessions at (02) 381 1814 or e-mail [email protected].
