In case you hadn’t noticed, Thailand’s most famous DJ has been back working the decks in her old haunts on a frequent basis in recent weeks.
Along the way from begging for free gigs in Bangkok to playing Ibiza and Berlin, Nakadia became a role model for busting open the boys-only club and shattering the glass booth. Then she outgrew it and relocated to Berlin, where she’s arced out from for dates across the planet.
She was recently home visiting and playing shows in Bangkok, Samui and Phuket.
Before heading to the Netherlands to begin a slew of European dates, the 33-year-old DJ sat down with us before a set at Ku De Ta to talk about her thoughts on the current state of EDM, where she began and where she’s going.
Coconuts Bangkok: What’s your take on Bangkok club culture?
Nakadia: IMO, it’s still got a long way to go. Although there is a small but significant underground scene, people here generally don’t really care about the music that’s coming out of the speakers. The same commercial club anthems are expected at every venue. Also, it’s the attitude toward clubbing here. Some people go just to be there, get dressed up and take some photos. But like everywhere else on the planet, that can and will change. It’s just a matter of time.
Coconuts: How can it get better?
Nakadia: I hope there are more local DJs and promoters that are focused on our genre. If we start introducing it here, I believe people will start to like it too. House and techno have so much life in them. It’s refreshing to see some of the local DJs are turning away from the mainstream too. It’s not going to be easy, not just for Thailand, but Asia in general, but it’s doable.
Coconuts: Is this a big battle between the underground and commercial forces of music?
Nakadia: Every man to his taste. Between the big EDM artists and us, personally we get along pretty well, but artistically … we’re different.
Coconuts: If not Bangkok, where’s your favorite club on planet?
Nakadia: Berghain. People go there to “party,” if you know what I mean. [Ed. note: Berlin club where the sex is nearly as abundant as the drugs and the parties last for days.]
Coconuts: Not everyone knows your story. What were you doing before you became a DJ?
Nakadia: I was a small partner at an internet cafe in Korat. I had to be there and take care of the place every day. I would go on the net and try to get hold of music that I liked and play them in the cafe. After closing up the cafe, I would go out to the local club. I’ve always been a person who likes music.
Coconuts: Now there are legions of women DJs. What was it like then?
Nakadia: It was hard. The fact that I was a woman made it even harder. Nobody believed in a female DJ. I had to ask around to play for free. I was based in Koh Samui then. Luckily, Koh Samui is a tourist destination, and I got to meet a number of promoters there. It’s where my career really got started.
Coconuts: So why did you do it? Where did that road begin?
Nakadia: I visited Germany in the 2000s and got to explore the scene there. I went to this warehouse party and on the decks was Marusha. [Marusha is a female techno DJ/producer, popular in the mid ‘90s] The whole time I was staring at her. At that moment I thought “Wow, that’s something!” That night just changed my life forever. That trip I ended up buying two vinyl records without even owning a turntable.
Coconuts: So. Has your career peaked?
Nakadia: It’s yet to come. I would consider having a really popular release and getting to play at festivals like Cocoon and Awakenings to be a peak in my career.
Coconuts: What do you think about the rise of female DJs in Thailand?
Nakadia: It’s a been-there-done-that kind of thing. I think you have to draw the line, otherwise it will become stupid. I’ve witnessed topless female DJs too, but not here in Thailand. In this industry, your look plays an important role, and in Thailand, it becomes even more important. Everybody has to play almost the same music, and the only thing left to differentiate you from others is your look. I personally know some Thai female DJs too. Roxy June is probably my favorite, even though she plays a different kind of music. She’s cute and eager.
Coconuts: What was your worst gig?
Nakadia: There’s this club in Spain where I was asked to play. The DJs before me were playing hip-hop, the crowd was really having a good time, and then it was my turn in the DJ booth. I used to play trance then. It was a hip-hop crowd and I got up there and played trance. Within 15 minutes, I really did clear the dancefloor. I wasn’t told anything about the music. I felt really bad that night, but looking back, it’s funny. You can only learn so much from success.
Coconuts: And the best?
Nakadia: If I had to choose it would be my first gig for Ants Ibiza at Ushuaia. I’d always been a big fan of Ants and getting a chance to play there is considered an important milestone of my career. While I was playing, the promoter kept looking me, so, after I was done I approached and told him “You don’t have to keep watching, it’s stressing me out!” He said it was because “I like when you play.’ The next gig I was playing the peak time.
Coconuts: In your opinion, what is the best record ever made ?
Nakadia: Hard question, I’ve got too many. Let’s pick the most recent one: Another Earth by Tale of Us. It’s such a hypnotising and emotional cut; takes you places.
Nakadia is touring Europe this month and has no confirmed dates in the kingdom. Sit tight, she’ll be back, probably next year. Meanwhile she’s finishing up an EP of deep house that will be released in a couple months.
Photos: DJ Nakadia on Facebook
Reader Interactions