Exclusive Interview with DJ Niina
Over the last 10 years, DJ Niina has taken the stage of not only the best clubs on the 'Island of Gods' Bali, but also many of Asia's finest super clubs and events. Eloquently known as the "Stately Queen of Progressive House"and "one of the legendary international DJ's of Bali" and "the Queen of deep", Niina has expanded her musical repertoire far beyond the first sounds she played when she arrived from Europe to Asia in 2002.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Niina, shortly before her performance at BASH on Thursday 14th February.
You are a DJ for over 10 years now. How did you start and what made you start?
Music was a hobby that was not in my wildest dreams even a tiny idea to become my job, if you can say that it is plus all my friends were involved with dj ing, music making and clubs, plus of course, I was the 'dance floor queen' for years.
What - artists and music genres - are your biggest influences?
For the moment deep house and tech house are my fav genres, progressive when it was the beginning, been listening lots of artists lately maybe not so widely known, so much good music out there! difficult to name a name as a absolute favorite.
How would you describe the music you play?
Deep beats, melodic, driving, pretty much depends of the genre that has to be played.
You grew up in Stockholm (Sweden), what made you relocate to South-East Asia?
Holiday to a destination that I kind of picked up as a lottery tic, did not know where I was heading, just had this urgent need to fly out quickly and Bali it was, Bali has it's way to make people to return.
You have a residency at the iconic KuDeTa (Bali) since 2005. How did you get involved with KuDeTa?
Before KuDeTa I was also having residency at Double Six that was the epic mega club of Bali of the times, one thing led to another and all sudden I was also having KuDeTa as a residency, although musically whole different story.
What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in Bali?
Bali is the classic holiday destination as Ibiza in Europe. People come here to have fun, relax, find themselves, to club, go crazy and less crazy and lately there is many new bars and venues opening up so I am happy to see Bali is back on the map after the bombs. I think there is something for everybody.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
Worst would be being on a venue that was a boat, no names here, I could not handle the thingy moving back and forth, I don't think there is the best as I think most gigs are good in different ways, small & big, the people etc.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
It is not a best moment if you need to start replacing cd players when you have almost less than one minute left of your track and you have to start looping things around, but we made it..guess I found the panic buttons.
You travel a lot. What essential things you need to have with you at all times?
I guess it is the DJ gear bag that gets filled up first, next would be the make up purse and shoes, lots of them! The flying moment is usually my relax time, so not much gadgets there...my mac is my best friend most likely.
In December 2012 you played 3 gigs on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Are you excited to return to Thailand? Have you played in Bangkok before?
Of course! I think my last gig in Bangkok was Bed Supperclub but this is years ago, I like Bangkok!
What can Bangkok expect from your performance at BASH on 14th February on Valentine’s day?
Lot's of beats and frantic dancing! maybe bring a spare pair of heels/sneakers?