Yes, there are some bad experiences from time to time. I don’t take it too seriously and let it affect me emotionally as it’s part of the job.
Techno whiz, house head and influential tastemaker are just three of the descriptions to Victors Facebook fan page and recently added a fourth as 'Music Curator' at the newly opened W Kuala Lumpur. We wanted to get the lowdown on his approach to the role at one of KL's newest hotels, some of his musical influences and how it all started.
Hi Victor, Welcome to The City list, what got you into DJ’ing and when?
Hi TCL! Well, music has always been part of me since a very young age. I collected lots of music via cassettes and CD’s when I was growing up. Till the point, I was the “go-to-guy” for music for functions back in high school. I played music for school events, house parties to college proms. All those before I even learnt how to mix. Around 1999-2000 I met Chris Doss and Prakash who was the DJ’s in this club called White Room in Bangsar and they agreed to take me under their wing and teach me the art and craft of DJ’ing. From there onwards, there was no turning back.
How did you learn, did you have someone who mentored you or did you work through it on your own?
Yes, I took up DJ apprenticeship in the White Room from Chris Doss and Prakash who taught me the art of DJ’ing. They gave me a place to practice when the club was closed. I practised a lot there and on top of that, I did loads of chores from cleaning and arranging records. I played happy hour music for a year before I was given a break to play during club hours.
What are some of your musical influences?
There are too many experiences that influenced my music. I have been exposed to various directions during my younger days till now. From the Euro Dance such as the likes of 2unlimited, Real Mccoy to Chemical Brothers and Prodigy when I was in high school. When I started Dj’ing, house music was the main sound that got me started. From there, it opened up a wide spectrum of dance music from disco, techno, progressive, trance, deep house, tech house and many more.
Describe your sound?
I would describe my sound to be somewhere between house and techno. Depends on where I play too. I try to keep my sets fresh whenever I play. I also can play downtempo chilled music if the setting is right.
What has been your most memorable moment as a DJ?
There are too many moments. Opening up for Underworld in Singapore was quite an experience. More recent one is my NYE gig at Elysium which was really epic.
Without naming names what’s the worst experience as a DJ to date?
I don’t think I had an experience that I would label it to be the worst experience as a DJ. Yes, there are some bad experiences from time to time. I don’t take it too seriously and let it affect me emotionally as it’s part of the job. Move on and move forward.
You recently became the Music Curator for W Hotel Kuala Lumpur; how do you approach this for the venues at the hotel and what do you look for in the DJ’s your booking?
I have always been familiar with W’s music direction. Being in contact with a few music curators regionally, I have gained a few insights from them. Of course, we strive to push the coolest music and it is my job to create W to be the destination for the best music destinations in KL. The DJ’s I book are the among best in the city that has that quirky edge towards music.
For first timers, what can people expect from Woo Bar and Wetdeck?
Besides the cool music from the Dj’s playing daily. There will be surprise live performers from time to time. Besides the music, Woobar for the best Cocktail experience and Wetdeck for the best view in Kuala Lumpur.
Name one DJ you’d like to open for?
Bucket list – Carl Cox.
What else have you got lined up for 2018?
We just had Jody Wisternoff at the weekend just gone (29 Sept 2018). There will be monthly internationals and more events that will be announced very soon.
