He was kind enough to share his story and Jungle adventure with Phanganist.
The anticipation in the old iron shed we used for band practice was palpable, no doubt enhanced by the mushrooms we had consumed an hour earlier.
Divyan slid a cassette into the prehistoric PYE stereo system. "Check this shit out boys, I reckon you'll dig it."
Dyewitness "The Future"'s acid line oozed from the battered old speakers and something in me was changed forever.
19 Years have passed since then, 17 of those behind the decks and my love for tech fueled electronica shows no sign of waning.
I have been fortunate enough to have several different outlets to pursue this passion.
My dj'ing, live shows and the events I've run.
TECHnique, the party I ran for 6 years in Sydney would have to be the biggest highlight for me.
Watching it grow organically, rather than through hype marketing, from a very humble 6 people at the first one to eventually calling Sydney's Chinese Laundry home, proved for me that if you have true passion about what you do then success is only a matter of time.
Ranking a close second would be the Underbelly Arts Lab held every year at the Carraige Works in Sydney.
The concept is artists from all different diciplines come together and produce orginal work over a 10 day period on site.
On the last 3 days, the public is invited in to see the creative process at work then on the 10th night the final product is showcased.
Two VJs, another producer and myself errected a 15m geodesic dome and produced a completly immersive 15 minute sonic morallity tale synced to 360 degree visuals. One of the most stressful but most fulfilling experiences of my career.
Playing in 2006 and then running our own area in 2010 on the Sydney leg of the Big Day Out Tour is definately worth a mention.
As far as festivals go in Australia, there isn't anything bigger.
Thinking back now there have been so many amazing things I have experienced through my music, I cant wait to see what the future holds.
What is your Koh Phangan story?
I came to this little piece of paradise for two reasons mainly.
To immerse myself in music and actually have the time to spend again refining my craft, exploring different sounds and experimenting with the constantly evolving array of technology that is available these days to DJs and electronic artists.
The second (though if I dont want to sleep on the couch when this is released, its the first), to spend more quality time with the people I love.
You played in Jungle experience Party – how did you like that?
Everything about Jungle Experience was amazing.
The atmosphere the team have created out there is truely unique. Jungle is a wonderland.
Definately one rabbit hole I'm glad i fell down.
What do you feel you can bring to the Phangan scene?
A fresh perspective maybe, at the very least a new topic for the neighsayers to waggle their fingers at haha.
Do you have other plans to play on Phangan?
Of course, though between now and next Fullmoon I'm heading back to Australia to play a few shows.
Will be nice to rock out on home soil again.
What is the best thing you ever been involved with or done?
I ran a series of parties back in Sydney with a bunch of Austalian A listers raising money for youth suicide prevention.
All the artists played for free and 100% of the profit went to charity.
Its an issue pretty close to my heart and it felt good to give back to the community that had been so good to me.
Which music did you bring in your record bag for Phangan?
If only I could have bought records.
I love vinyl, I'm a crate digger from way back. I always travel with a pretty diverse collection but techno is definately my thing.
I'm a rhythm man. You can keep your melody.
Do you find Koh Phangan to be a good place for your music?
With such a diverse demographic of people decending on the island every month, I think Koh Phangan has the potential to be the perfect place for almost any style of music.
Where is your favourite place here?
There is an abandoned resort in behind Baan Kai. Its not the prettiest beach, though the view, like everywhere here, is amazing. Its one place I where I feel totally relaxed and at piece. A little sanctury for when paradise gets to much.
What do you hope to bring with you back from Phangan?
My sanity with any luck and a nice tan.
What are your next projects?
I'm actually quite excited about my current side project.
My friend of 20 years, Clark Kent and I are currently performing as the duo "New Holland DJs", blurring the lines between live performance, Djing and electronic improvisation.
We both came up together in the scene back in Australia and its great to have a musical wingman to rock crowds with.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'd like to say playing some amazing show in zero G but I think maybe thats a little optimistic. Hopefully still playing the music I love to the people that love it.
What do you wish to learn from your Phangan experience?
Hopefully to speak alot more Thai!
Asking him what he believes his mother would say to him at this moment, he replied;
"Get some sleep Ryan!"
How did you get to where you are today? What is your life philosophy?
Alot of hard work and sleepless nights.
Though as the saying goes, if you love what you do then its not really work at all.
Thank you for your educated electronic insights! Hope we hear much more from you here on Phangan!! Thank you for your time!!
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