Exclusive Interview with Beast Mode
Beast Mode is an Australian-based Turntablist, DJ & Producer who won the Australian DMC & ITF Championships multiple times and became Red Bull Thre3Style Australia Champion in 2016.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Beast Mode, shortly before his performance at Sugar Club.
Where are you answering these questions?
I'm answering these questions from the airport terminal in the Philippines, while I'm waiting to board my flight to Indonesia.
You are an Australia-based Turntablist, DJ & Producer that won the Australian DMC & ITF Championships multiple times and became Red Bull Thre3Style Australia Champion in 2016.
How did you get in touch with DJing in the first place, and what can you tell us about your background and evolvement as a DJ that led to winning those prestigious champion titles?
It all started from a very young age. I used to go to my high school disco and I would watch the DJs. Then i saved up enough money to purchase my own equipment. After a little over a year of practicing and entering numerous competitions, I became Australian Dmc Champion winning my first major title.
My goal was never to enter competitions, all I wanted to do was dj in a club. But I realised I had a true gift towards being a dj and rocking crowds while remaining innovative and creative towards my djing sets.
What impact had the Red Bull Thre3Style Australia Champion title on your career? How does your current schedule look like, where and what kind of events do you play and what are you currently working and focusing on?
The 2016 Australian Red Bull Thre3style champion title was huge for me in Australia. But it was when I placed 3rd in the World at the 2016 Red Bull Thre3style world finals, that I was recognised globally, which has opened up to more International tours, first starting with my current Asia Tour and then moving on to my Europe tour.
My focus right now is performing all over the globe at the biggest venues. I have my sights set for 2017 Red Bull Thre3style World Champion.
How would you describe your own sound, what is distinct about it, and what videos or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with you and your music?
My sound is open format. Which means I'm comfortable playing various genres of music and being able to bring a higher level of excitement that no other DJ can. Watching my recent Red Bull Thre3style world finals sets do give a great indication of what I do. Also my social media ,especially my Instagram page BeastModeSamrai features regular videos. But the best way for people to get familiar with what I do, is to come watch me perform.
What were your personal career highlights, the best and the worst gigs and the funniest things that occurred during your performances?
Personal career highlight at this present time is placing 3rd in the world at the Red Bull World finals. Something that I feel was such an amazing accomplishment for me. There are way too many best gigs to name just one, all my shows have been super exciting and each one is special in it's own way. Funniest and maybe even dangerous, would be the time I left my dj bag leaning against a stage light that wasn't turned on. But then it turned on and mid set my bag caught on fire. People in the crowd thought it was part of the show.
You are from Sydney, the most populous city in Australia. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife-related suggestions for first-time visitors?
I love spinning in Sydney as we are so diverse due to the many cultures we have. So clubs are influenced by the styles of music that the diverse crowds want. So music is everywhere and is always different and open to different formats and genres.
For first time visitors best thing to do is contact me and come to my shows.
On 12th July you will perform live in Bangkok, at Sugar Club. Have you visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect of your upcoming performance?
I've been to Bangkok many times as a guest enjoying the music scene and the culture. I always feel happy being in Thailand as the people are awesome. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my friends Dj Buddha & Dj Ono of Thaitanium again, and of course my good homie and Red Bull Thailand Champion Dj Bomber Selecta.
They can expect to see and hear something more exciting then they have ever heard before. Ultimately it's going to be an amazing party at Sugar with dope music, and I'm excited to party with everyone.