DJ Andre Crom
A sweet returning guest in the Koh Phangan Tech House venues!
Founder of the OFF Recordings back in the 2008, which now today is one of the leading underground labels, and one of the TOP 10 most charted labels of 2012.
OFF's music is accessible while rooted in the underground. Oscillating between different shades of deep and tech house, OFF does not stand for one specific style. But there are certain values that are common to all OFF releases:
A stripped back approach.
A focus on the essence.
Memorability.
OFF is represented by a strong group of core artists, mostly but not exclusively based in Berlin, supported by guest releases from some of the most respected names of the scene.
What is your koh Phangan story?I got introduced to the island via a holiday and my first booking at
Loi Lay in may 2014... immediately fell in love with the island!
Where on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui did you play? how was it?Loi Lay,
Eden Garden,
Jungle Experience, Cha Cha Moon... I really, really love to play here, the vibe on Phangan and those special locations on the jungle, a boat or on the beach creates very special atmospheres, so I had some really magical experiences and some of my best sets ever here!
Both the people who come here for holidays as well as the ones who live here really appreciate a good party, everybody seems to be more open and up for fun than they are back home, which makes Phangan a great place for a dj to play.
What do you think about Koh Phangan music and party scene?I know Phangan has a historical reputation for Psytrance music which is not my thing at all... same goes for the "bucket boozing spring break party" vibe... that being said, at all places where I played my "European flavoured modern (tech)house" it worked out very, very well. I'd like to thank everybody who came and danced to my sets, and especially my friend
Darragh Casey for booking me to these amazing places.
What do you feel you brought to the Phangan scene?
I played music which I know is not yet very common on the island... a lot of my tracks were even unreleased, but all of it got a great reaction from the crowds. So I’m happy and thankful to have been able to introduce people with something new, and getting so much love in return.
How do you spend your free time on the island?
I love to just chill and read and think, make plans for the future of my label and dj career, understand how I can become an even more complete person and live a conscious life... back home I’m always working, so holidays are my time for reflection, and to recharge my batteries.
What projects are you currently involved with / What are your next projects?I can't wait to the release of my first solo ep since a very long time, it's a peak time techhouse smash featuring vocals by
Thomas Gandey and works magic on every dance floor. It's called "The Devil" and will be out in February 2015 on OFF.
Beside that I have an amazing ep with Chi Thanh coming up in march, as well on OFF.
Speaking about the label, my taste has changed quite drastically from deephouse to techhouse, so 2014 and 2015 are a time of transition. I have signed a lot of amazing new music by artists like Kruse & Nürnberg, Ed Ed, ME&her, Simone Vitullo,
Thomas Gandey, Chi Thanh, Pleasurekraft, Metodi Hristov, Curses and others... these kind of transitions are always challenging for an A&R and dj, but I feel very confident to be "on the right track" - simply because I LOVE the music I’m playing these days and see how well it gets received by the audiences.
How did you get to where you are today?
By doing what I love, and never giving up (as if I had had a choice!).
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Right now I enjoy doing what I do more than ever before. If I can still say that in 10 years, I’ll continue! But while my life today - while being serious person who works hard - does have quite some elements of the "hedonistic single dj-nomad, travelling loads, and just having fun"-cliché, I’d see myself more settled down in 10 years from now, have a family, and definitely live in a sunny place close to a beach.
What is your life philosophy?
Whatever life throws at you, there is a lesson to be learnt from it. So even if something "bad" happens, stay chilled and see how you can turn the obstacle it into a chance to grow.
If there is something special you would like to communicate to the people regarding your music or just something that you feel will be good for the interview, please feel free to add this also.
Yes, whatever you want to try to do, don't be afraid, go and do it! For example, I never thought I could write lyrics for a song, but a couple of days ago during my holidays gave it a try and realized how much I enjoy it... So, challenge yourself and try something new, and don't be afraid to "suck" in the beginning.
