Exclusive Interview with Malente

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an Exclusive Interview with Malente, shortly before his performance at Bash Bangkok (Upscale Late Nightclub) on Thursday 24th January.

When you were young you were delivering newspapers. What made you want to become a DJ and how did you start?

I've always since my youngest years been fascinated by music of all kinds. Delivering newspapers was just a job to get some money, cause when you're a teenager and I guess even when you're older you usually don't have a chance to make your living with working as a producer and dj. Anyway, music has been my passion ever since. I started out as a listener and transformed into a dj/producer slowly. I recorded songs from the radio, compiled my own mixtapes, later bought a sampler and a computer to make my own music. Then I sent demos out, released tons of stuff. Now I run my own label No Brainer Records and not only release my own work but the work of lots of other great artists like Slap In The Bass, Don Rimini, Lars Moston to name a few.

You named yourself after your hometown in Germany. What was the reason to do so?

My hometown has a beautiful name. The sound of the word 'Malente' is sunny, warm, friendly and positive though it has no meaning (apart from that it's a town's name). I still think it characterizes my music pretty well too. Not to mention that even in Germany not too many people know Malente (the town). So I've ever since been aiming to 'put it on the map' so to speak.

You are known as diverse producer that does not care too much about genres. How would you describe your music?

As mentioned above the word 'Malente' covers it pretty well: positive, warm, fun, party. At the same time the music, though aiming at the dancefloor is not predictable or cheap, there's always a little 'breaking the rules' coming with it. In the end I produce music that I want to be different from all that other stuff out there, music that makes a difference, music that thinks forward. This music is definitely not intellectual on any level, you might just call it clever for dance music standards nowadays.

Which tracks would you suggest to people that are not yet familiar with your music?

Easiest would be to visit my Soundcloud www.soundcloud.com/malente There's tons of stuff on there starting with my latest singles 'Without You' and 'Hymn' featuring lots of my remixes for Kosheen, Crystal Fighters, Afrika Bambaataa and going back some of my successful work 'I Like It', 'Killer Applikation' ect. You could also go to my label's page www.nobrainerrecords.com to listen to some more good stuff.

In 2007 as well as in 2009 you have been voted Top National Act of the German Club Charts (DCC). What did it mean to you personally and what effect did it have on your career?

I was honored cause all German club Djs give their vote for this. I didn't get a medal or anything, but it brought me some attention and bookings not only in Germany but worldwide.

In 2009 you released a track named “Bangkok” where traditional Thai music meets Baile Funk. What’s the story behind the track? What was your inspiration?

I've been coming to spend holidays in Thailand since like 1997 I think. On my first travels I managed to buy some old Thai vinyl singles on one of the markets (I love as well as collect vinyl). First track I put out with a Thai sample is called 'Phat Thai' you can find it on my album 'No Risk No Funk' second track is the one you mention: Malente & Dex – 'Bangkok'. The later we worked with Bonde do Role from Brazil who delivered the vocals so actually it's an English, German, Thai, Brazilian track. World music at it's best. On a personal note I wish that Asian music in general would be more funky. The traditional stuff as well as the more modern productions I know spare the funk. The incorporation more funk into Asian music would open up endless new possibilities also to Thai music. So one basic idea behind my take on Thai music was to infuse some funk.

You are signed on NO BRAINER, DEFECTED, FOOL'S GOLD, SOUTHERN FRIED and also DIM MAK – Steve Aoki’s Record Label. How did you get involved with DIM MAK and what have you released so far on that label?

I met Steve in person in Canada when he dropped by at one of my gigs and briefly before in Australia when we were playing the same festival. When I produced some harder tracks I thought about which label could be interested as on No Brainer I don't do what you could call 'Americanized Dance Music' – some people use the terrible term EDM. So Dim Mak came to mind. First release on there was 'They're Killing It' in 2010 second EP I did with them was last year's 'Hymn'

You travel a lot. What essential things do you need to have with you at all times?

I always have my laptop with me and my mobile cause I need to work a lot during my Travels. Apart from some underwear, socks a pair of trousers and shirts I don't need much more.

You have already seen quite a lot of Bangkok; you played at 808 in 2008, at Q Bar in 2010 and at Glow in 2011 and 2012. Now you will return to Bangkok to play at BASH on 24th January. Did you keep your previous gigs in good memory? Are you excited to return to Bangkok?

Yeah I can remember gigs, especially when they been great. 'Glow' last year was amazing and the other performances have been good too. This leaves me pretty excited for the show at 'Bash'. A friend of mine has already been in that new club when he spent some days in Bangkok in December and told me that it's a great place. So yeah, I'm totally looking forward to it.

Do you usually try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?

I love Thai food, another reason I called one of my tracks 'Phat Thai'. Also I'm a seafood maniac so all fish, crab, prawns, muscles – bring 'em on. Thai style of cause!

What can Bangkok expect from your performance at Bash on 24th January?

Nothing but a great party and lots of fun club music. The people who've been to 'Glow' last year or to one of my previous shows know exactly what I'm talking about … And I'll definitely play my upcoming single called 'Booty' which I produced with Lars Moston (out 1st of February on my label No Brainer Records)