City Nomads Radio: DJ Sarayu Talks Thailand’s Dance Music Scene & The Ignited Collaborative Spirit of Asia
PUBLISHED March 20th, 2024 06:00 am | UPDATED August 19th, 2024 02:37 am
At the forefront of dance music, Thailand’s ever-growing scene has made a significant impact on the global stage. In Bangkok, DJ Sarayu is recognised as a cornerstone of Thailand’s thriving dance music community, boasting over 13 years of industry experience. City Nomads caught up with him to delve into his musical journey, the evolution of Bangkok’s nightlife, and the vision behind More Rice Records.
Give Sarayu’s mix a listen as you read along!
UK Influences and Musical Beginnings
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Reflecting on his formative years, Sarayu recalls a rich tapestry of musical influences that ignited his passion for music, spanning across various genres. His time studying in the UK from ages 9 to 22 exposed him to an array of sounds and cultures, particularly immersing him in the electronic music scene that would later shape his career as a DJ. Embracing this newfound passion at 18, Sarayu embarked on a journey that would take his career in the trajectory he’d always hoped for.
Beyond simply admiring artists, Sarayu draws inspiration from immersive experiences and ongoing exploration. Attending events, delving into mixes, and experimenting with a diverse range of genres serve as constant sources of fuel for his creativity. Today he can be seen regularly touring the region as well as other parts of the world bringing his craft beyond the streets of Bangkok.
“It can get frustrating in the studio when you get stuck creatively. When I get stuck I try to learn new techniques or find new music. It’s very important for me to not get frustrated when I’m unable to finish tracks for a while, as it will only get worse, so I’ve learnt to try to do different things in the studio to spark my creativity again.”
More Rice Records & The Evolution of Bangkok’s Nightlife
Since launching his career, Sarayu has released his debut EP “Pridi 303” on his label More Rice Records, and other releases on labels such as Boiled Wonderland. His ability to blend various subgenres has earned him respect as a “DJ’s DJ”, infusing different subgenres with his UK-driven sound, rooted in House, Techno, Breakbeat, and beyond.
For Sarayu, founding More Rice Records marks a pivotal achievement in establishing a label that provided a platform for Asian artists to showcase their talent. Looking ahead, his vision remains steadfast—to nurture emerging talent and expand collaborations. The label’s first collaboration in 2023 with Walls And Pals and the establishment of a physical record store exemplify Sarayu’s commitment to growing the electronic music community and connect with electronic music lovers from all over the world. Furthering other aspects of the label, Sarayu would like to exploring avenues like merchandise, as even now, when he sees people wearing their current merchandise all over the world is like a high like no other.
Sarayu reflects on the positive shifts in Bangkok’s nightlife, highlighting increased solidarity among artists and the rise of new talents post-Covid. He envisions a future where the region’s electronic music scene flourishes, strengthening the sense of community across Asia.
“Bangkok’s nightlife scene has become much tighter as a whole, we’re supporting each other and working towards the same goal, which is great to see. Post covid there’s a lot more DJs, dancers and new collectives. I feel like Asia / South-East Asia as a whole has become much closer, with everyone reaching out to each other a lot more. “
Looking Forward
Teasing upcoming releases, Sarayu shares his enthusiasm, particularly towards a highly anticipated split EP with More Rice’s co-founder, DOTT. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their journey, showcasing the label’s evolving sound and the strength of their collaborative spirit. With numerous exciting projects in the pipeline for 2024, Sarayu’s enthusiasm is palpable.
Offering advice to emerging artists, Sarayu stresses the importance of perseverance and experimentation. He emphasises the abundance of resources available online and encourages budding artists to pursue their passions relentlessly and experiment fearlessly.
Through his endeavours with More Rice Records and his individual artistic pursuits, Sarayu is not just a part of Bangkok’s dance music scene; he is a pivotal force propelling it towards a brighter and more inclusive future. His dedication and passion serve as a guiding light for aspiring musicians around the world, embodying the spirit of innovation and community that defines Thailand’s dance music scene.
Keep up with DJ Sarayu here.
All images courtesy of Sarayu.
