The circuit that's spelt with a 'g'
Bangkok's biggest party plays out at two venues this weekend. Make sure you're there
Prepare to get wet and wild this weekend as Asia’s biggest circuit party, Song Kran 8, returns for another all-out bash. After last year’s record breaking attendance, the gCircuit crew is promising to treat its multi-national patrons to a “supersized” 3-day event with an even bigger and bolder production, and of course the big name DJs.
Taking place at the same venues – Centara Grand at CentralWorld and Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel – tonight’s “Fairy Tale” opener features American DJ Joe Gauthreaux and Singaporean DJ George Leong. Tomorrow night, DJ Paulo from New York and Taiwanese spinner DJ Head man the decks for the main extravaganza dubbed “Cybertron”. Closing the eighth edition of the Song Kran party are DJs Tony Moran from the US and Louis T from Malaysia in “Amazonian” closing party. There are also two pool parties in the afternoon tomorrow and Sunday, with DJs Specktrum K and Preeda Tony.
Portuguese-born, New York-based DJ Paulo, whose self-professed “tribal bitch” sounds have wowed the crowd in top clubs and major festivals all over the world, chatted with us about the big night.
What are you up to now?
I have just been back to Los Angeles after a mini world tour where I played in festivals like Carnaval in Brazil, Winter Party in Miami, Forever Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv and Viva in New York.
How did it all start?
I’ve been DJ-ing as long as I remember. When I was 17 I had one turntable with a pitch control and one without and I used it to make tapes for my friends.
Who was your idol back then?
In the early days I looked up to DJs like Peter Rauhofer, Victor Calderone and Danny Tenaglia
What kinds of music did you grow up listening to?
Having lived in cities like Lisbon, Paris and London, one gets a good broad range of musical tastes. I also played the clarinet for 15 years in an orchestra, which gives you plenty of practice!
You have played at many parties and festivals. Which would you say is most memorable so far?
It’s hard to pick as I’ve been fortunate to play at so many amazing events, but the recent XLSior in Mykonos was definitely up there. It wasn’t just a party; it was an experience. You had to be there!
Just Circuit voted you DJ/Producer/Remixer of the year in 2011. How did that feel?
It’s always nice when people appreciate what you do. It’s good too that people have embraced the fact that I can spin a big circuit type event as well as an after-hours party.
You have remixed a lot of great hits. How do you pick a song?
Besides the popular “icons” I’ve remixed, such as Cher, Madonna, Gaga, Britney, for me it’s more about the song as opposed to the artist. I try to find good vocals and interpret them with my musical style, which is different from most of the commercial mixes I hear.
We’ve heard that you have some private mixes that you intentionally save for your live events. Are we going to hear some tomorrow?
Yes, I always have something new for each event, I had a few weeks in the studio, so I was working on some new things. I do like Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” – that’s a hint for you! So expect a very energetic set, with lots of good beats and good vocals. I’m looking forward to my second time in Bangkok.
On track with Paulo
>> gCircuit’s Song Kran 8 Supersized parties take place at Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Plaza and Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 22 from tonight till Sunday.
>> For more details and tickets, click www.gCircuit.com.
