#MusicInTheAir Podcast hosts this week :
DAN BURI

For today’s Villahangar MusicInTheAir we have a late night juggernaut responsible for the proliferation of techno in Bangkok: Dan Buri, an artist born in Bangkok, raised in a city near Dusseldorf and currently living in Berlin. Fired by passion and fueled by boundless energy, Dan exudes positive vibes, finding inspiration and making his mark on Bangkok’s underground music scene.

Thanks to his origins and where he grew up, Dan Buri is connecting the dots between his two worlds: his German upbringing reverberates in the brooding yet melodic soundscapes that he plays but his Thai roots lend him a more lighthearted and the “sabai sabai” approach. Whether he’s playing deep and melodic techno or organic house, his legacy in the city is defined by his high-octane performances and an unparalleled ability to engage and connect with the crowd, fusing together his many worlds in seamless and syncopated harmony. Influenced by afro sounds with organic rhythmic elements, he explains in fact, regarding his musical style today: “My musical style is a fusion between organic / afro / and melodic house, and finding a new passion with minimal house music. I started off with really hard techno, called Schranz when I was 18 years old, but grew softer and softer. So the music got more sophisticated, more intelligent I could say”. He also adds: “My upbringing was in Thailand and therefore always had the traditional Thai music in my blood. It inspired me to produce music that has both mixed in together. The Thai traditional sounds and the German modern techno elements”. 

He has shared stages with artists such as Sven Väth, Dubfire, Joris Voorn, M.A.N.D.Y, Booka Shade and Azari & III, as well as playing in some of the most celebrated clubs such as Katerblau, Tresor, Sisyphos, Time and Kyo. He says: “I have warmed up at one of Bangkok hottest clubs at that time for big names such as Sven Vaeth, Dubfire, Joris Voorn, M.A.N.D.Y, Booka Shade and Azari & III and played at some of the worlds renowned club such as Katerblau, Sisyphos, Tresor, Glow, Bed Supper Club and many more”.

Aptly named Neverest Records, Dan has been questing tirelessly to create a family amongst Asia’s DJs and producers and build for the region a platform for sharing and connecting, not just within Asia but also with the world – always spreading the after party ethos upon which Neverest was built. He explain: “I worked with labels such as Exploited, Bar 25 Music, Obsolet, Deepalma Records and many more. Most proud I am about the newest release which is coming on the mighty Get Physical VA called Berlin Gets Physical”.

Year 2019 has been looking great for him, landing releases on the legendary Bar 25 Music Label and even the highly acclaimed label of Shir Kahn’s – Exploited Ghetto. 2020 – the year of pandemic, has been forcing him to spend more time in his studio and push his creative output, with releases on Akbal Music, Bosom Records and KDB Records he has proven that he is an artist to look out for! The future is looking bright for Dan and every music lover should keep their eyes on Dan’s next steps and his musical evolution. He tells, about his plans for the present and the immediate future: “Due to Covid I haven’t made any concrete plans in my music career, as I really had to focus on other things to make a living. So right now I take everything as it comes and don’t think too much about my music career”.

Speaking of releases – his most recent projects such as Obsolet, the current ones and those of the nearest future, he tells: “I will always make music for my Obsolet family, currently I have worked on music with Vice Luna, which we would like to release on a nice organic house label, we got one in mind, but will still keep it a secret as nothing is confirmed yet”.

When and how did your musical journey begin?

The musical journey begin with 14 when I was totally into rap, RNB and soul music. I was writing my own lyrics to release my emotions and started rapping on hip hop beats. When I turned 18 things changed with my first night in a techno club. The unity and the respect for other people within the scene really fascinated me. The music was so new to me, and I started understanding how sounds can create a story without it being spoken.

What were your most recent projects and what projects are you part of?

My most recent project was contributing to a compilation for Get Physical which was curated by my good friend Cook Strummer. I have produced a track called Zion, which perfectly showcases my current style of music. Its powerful in the bottom frequencies, has a lot of rhythmic elements to it, and creates a storyline with the melodic patterns.

What can you tell us about your EP with Vice Luna?

I have been working with Vice Luna on two tracks so far and they turn out to be amazing. I love his voice and his style of producing, so we are ping ponging us the projects. There is definitely something very special in the works.

How is your summer? Do you have dj sets planned at the moment for the present and the future?

I have had a busy August and going to play a a few gigs here and there in Berlin and Switzerland before I move to Thailand.

What do you think about the Berlin music scene? What do you think are the differences with Europe?

Berlin has its own character, like every other metropolis with a electronic music scene has its own character. I like that Berlin has this grungy style to it. Its raw, like the music is. Berlin has an ever revolving roaster of top notch DJs coming in and that’s what is fascinating about this city.

What evolution do you think electronic music is experiencing on the international scene?

Electronic music is becoming mainstream, more and more people are going onto the electronic music train. I don’t know if its such a good thing, but we will see what the future holds for the scene.