An(Eye)Lator is originally from India, he has never been to Koh Phangan before now. He was supposed to come three years ago with a friend but couldn’t. His friend however did come and told him that people are listening to deep house and techno. Again this year he was supposed to go to Germany, to Berlin but his documents messed up. An(Eye)Lator got a message that he should come to Phangan instead, that everyone is nice so to come and check it out. So he booked his tickets and travelled to Koh Phangan the next day!
For an Indian traditional family being a dj was not so much acceptable as to play in the bar, but I managed to convince my parents, I used to always listen to hip hop and alternative tunes, also what inspired me was the sounds from video games which I use to play a lot. All this got me interested in making experimental loops and beats on fruity loop from which I got me interested in Dj'ing. I believe that music is not something to limit yourself with that's why I like sound because sound has no rules and you cannot go off tune with sound, sound makes you free from rules of music. For example even a coconut falling down from a tree is a sound and which is interesting for me. This is what pushes me, the sound. I like experimenting with sound and music and I appreciate musicians but I think if you want to listen to music it's good to listen to a musician but if you want to feel it then it should be a blend of music and sound, something which yo can dance to without knowing that you are dancing.
Where on Koh Phangan have you played and how was it?
I have played Cafe NB, 4U, Charm Beach, Sramanora, Ritual at Secret Mountain, Tranquillo, Better than Sex, Why Naam, Cotton Beach, Utopia, and more. The maddest, freakiest party was Tranquillo, I got booked and the owner said he wanted something crazy, no boundaries or limits. I play different styles and love to play what I want. I was playing in a paddle boat, playing Drum and Bass, Reggae, Hip Hop and Electro Swing, it was the most mad party. The most beautiful was Why Naam, the people there don’t just listen to the music, they feel it so I could shift their vibe. The response from the crowd was lovely, plus it was on the beautiful beach.
What do you think about Koh Phangan's music and party scene?
There is a good mixed crowd of tourists and locals with lots of international acts. I was lucky enough to see M.A.N.D.Y. I had a good time at Jungle Experience and got access to backstage. Sramanora has a nice cosy vibe. Utopia is really beautiful, they have a swimming pool and when I was there we put plastic ducks in the pool, we had fun, there was a nice sunset. Also what i like about phanagan is there is good equipment, monitors etc for the Djs, this part is well organised they don’t skip it here, they understand it is very important for Djs
What do you feel you can bring to the Phangan scene?
First myself. Also if I can bring the style of music, my style, then people may listen and think that it is not usual or Dj’s may also discover a different style too. People like to listen to different music, I may also bring the same style but some different tunes.
How do you spend you free time on the island?
I do lots of things. Mostly eating, there are lots of cool places to eat like Ando’s corner for burgers or pasta in Fabios. I also like to drive my bike and explore, there are lots of things to explore. Where I am from it’s very populated, but here I can go out and I can find peace.
How did you get to where you are today?
Dedication and passion, which I always give along with strong willpower. Don’t lose hope or energy, when I do I am more curious to complete the challenge, to go to next levels.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don’t know where I see myself tomorrow. There is no plan but to be consistent, not to lose myself, to push myself even when I lack motivation and keep making music and experimenting with sounds.
What is your life philosophy?
I have learnt from the teachings of my parents and my elders even from my youngers, observation of my surrounding and understanding it is then accepting things as it is. To make sure my action is to be ethical in life. I am just a human in the end so it is not possible to be truly completely ethical but I try to stay as ethical as I should. I want to able to look myself in mirror with smile and when I am ethical in my life only then I am able to do that.
Photo's by Thomas Bonnecarrere
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