All the eights

Following on the heels of its explosive success last year, the 808 Festival returns to Bitec Bangkok on December 9 and is bringing in another dance music style and an additional stage to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

“It’s all about passion and perseverance,” says Karit Yuvaboon, managing director of organiser Retox Sessions when asked how the festival has managed to survive. 

“Ten years ago, it was much harder because Thais weren’t really into the electronic dance music scene. Our festival featured world-class DJs so we really had to draw in the crowds to be able to pay them. In fact for the first seven years, the festival made no money from ticket sales.

“These days though EDM is no longer an underground sound but has become mainstream, not least because it’s been mixed with the vocals of artists like Britney Spears and other household names. The new generation know about it and like it.”

When 808 kicked off a decade ago, it was more of a club event featuring a few international DJs and drawing perhaps 1,000 people. It morphed into a festival three years ago and the DJ count has increased ever since. 

“Despite our discouraging beginnings, we endured and continued to bring in the DJs we love and the music we like. We would always feature techno house, drums and bass and trance. We launched our first festival with LMFAO, Lil Jon and Afrojack determined to pull in 8,000 people and it was a great success with the audience dancing until 3am. Everybody was ready to have fun with us,” says Karit, who has participated in several similar festivals overseas.  

“Music festivals all have a unique charm in terms of location, landscape and DJs. We’ve met loads of people and while they have a different culture, they share our passion for electronic music.”

The 2014 edition will feature two stages: the 808 Arena will be reserved for EDM DJs like Nicky Romero, Blasterjaxx and Dannic while the Retox Arena will see techno DJs Richie Hawtin, Loco Dice and Hot Since 82 manning the decks along with local spinners Sunju Hargun, Superstar Panda and Skinny Mark & Super L.

“All techno fans will know Richie Hawtin. When I was 16, I read a review in Mixmag magazine, which described him as an up-and-coming DJ. I bought his CD but didn’t like it. Five years later, I listened to him again and was amazed at how much his music had advanced.”

The addition of a techno stage should up audience attendance to more than 10,000, Karit says.

“I’m very happy that Thailand is ready to open its heart and mind to electronic music,” he says. “I think that the strongest music trend these days is EDM. This time, I’m bringing other sounds to Bangkok and I’ll be really happy if the EDM and techno fans can find common ground.

And will the festival still be going in 10 years time?

“I think it will be even bigger and the production and technology better than ever. We have to keep creating something new to attract fans,” he concludes.

 

In the groove

_ Tickets cost from Bt1,950 to Bt2,500 (VIP) and are on sale now at Thai Ticket Major outlets, online at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and www.amiando.com and at the venue.

_ People younger than 20 will not be granted admission.

_ Find out more at Facebook.com/808edm and Facebook.com/retoxsessions.