Locked in with Lenzman

Drum and bass party group Phatfunk is starting off its 2015 series of bass-laden parties with Dutch spinner Lenzman, who makes his Bangkok debut tonight at Glow. 

A man who has always followed his own path as always and resisted being dragged into following trends, Lenzman (real name Teije van Vliet) continues to highlight his strengths and interests: a strong ear for a sample and a musicality often unrivalled in drum and bass. His continuing work with vocalists and fellow musicians shows his love of grooves, ideas and hooks, an approach that sees his music in huge demand from fans, peers and both major and underground labels alike.

This year saw the release of his hugely anticipated debut album “Looking At The Stars” on Metalheadz, the pinnacle of drum and bass record labels. An ambitious project with music reaching to many of the genre's different reference points, the tracks showcase his influences from hip-hop, soul and beyond, competently working with a range of different vocalists and styles, palettes and tempos.

Fresh from this long stint in the studio finishing the album, Lenzman has been preparing for what he loves best – taking to the road once again to showcase his inimitable trademark sound to festivals and clubs from Australia to Asia, Europe to North America and beyond. 

“Lenzman is one of the kings of liquid drum and bass and a personal favourite of all of us at Phatfunk.” DJ Azek, co-founder and resident DJ of the party organiser, tells XP. 

“He’s one of the most consistent producers on Metalheadz and his live sets are always a journey through deep and liquid drum and bass with his toes in something a little darker at the same time.”

Looking back over 2014 and its ups and downs, Azek says, “2014 was a real roller coaster for us. We had our biggest night just as the curfew was imposed – talk about nerve-wracking! But it all went off without a hitch, with Alix Perez spinning at Grease for 300 hungry drum and bass heads regardless of what the army had said. There was certainly something special in the air that night.

“The nightlife in the city has been in decline for a while now and the military coup certainly didn’t help things! Our regular venue Glow has been hit by a 2am closing time, which thankfully is easing up now. There’s been a big bar trend in Bangkok in recent years but things seem to be switching back towards the nightclub scene.”

And of course, fans can expect bigger, better and more electrifying parties this year.

“2015 is starting off with a huge bang, First there’s Lenzman the king of liquid, and then a week later the big boys Goldie and Fabio at Glow. We’ve got a few other big names in the pipeline for later in the year but we’ll be dropping those when everything’s ready. For now all we can say is onwards and upwards. Five years in the game and we’re still bringing music we love to the crowds we love.”

 

Liquid “Glow”

>> Lenzman is performing at Phatfunk party tonight at Glow on Sukhumvit soi 23. Entry with a drink is Bt450. The party starts from 9pm.

>> More at www.facebook.com/PhatFunkBKK