Exclusive Interview with Angela Flame
Varied in influences, Angela Flame expresses a sound that is rich and unique. Her own artist experience aspires one to read just as much. Singapore’s true female techno warrior has a DJ career spanning more than a decade. From her legendary driving techno sets during the heat of the local scene in the 90s at venues such as Area 22, Liquid Room and Sessions @ Zouk, her sound has advanced to a bridging edge creatively blending the classics with the new. She showcases a knowledge and respect for the depth of electronic music in all its complexity, not one to be waylaid by trend. Her list of tours include: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, India, Mexico, USA, Holland, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Croatia, UK and Poland. Of which, Germany and in particular its electronic music mecca, Berlin, stands out as being her place of residency for 3 prominent career years from 2001-2004.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Angela Flame, shortly before her performance at Glow Nightclub on Friday 5th April.
You graduated from the Gemological Institute of America. What made decide to become a DJ and how did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I was a frequent clubber at that time and had some friends that were bedroom DJs so I picked up DJing from them. Apart from dance music, I was also very much into the 80's synth pop electronica during my teenage days.
How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Something a little deeper but also friendly.
Your track “Fire Walk with Me” received airplay on BBC Radio 1, what other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
“Love Life Dynamite" and “It's Not A Lot" are interesting too, they were co produced with Case Woo using my vocals.
What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife in your hometown Singapore?
We have quite a small scene that fits the size of our country, several collectives keep the scene alive by flying in quality acts for one-off shows from Europe and USA. Midnight Shift is one of these collectives.
Your second home is Germany’s capital Berlin where you held residency for 3 years from 2001-2004. What brought you to Germany in the first place and how did it influence your music and career?
I was spotted by a German promoter in Hong Kong during one of my gigs in '99, We stayed in touch after exchanging contacts and later was asked if I'd like to play a few shows in Germany and I agreed. After I got there, we met a booking agency that wanted to have me on their roster and invited me to do a Mix CD for Djsets.com. That mixed CD brought a lot of awareness to my DJ career and shortly after, I started touring Europe and worldwide, from Berlin.
One result of that time was DJ Mix called “Essential Underground Vol. 05: Berlin / Singapore”. Is there a way people can listen to that mix?
That was a physical CD only, without digital copies. I guess you need to have the copy of the CD which is quite hard to find now as its been more than 10 years since it was released.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
I can't say I have had a worst gig yet :-) All of them happen to be rather good!
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
During Fusion Festival in Germany, there was a punter that sneaked onto the stage and was secretly writing down all the titles of my records while I was DJing and looking at my DJ bag which was right next to my leg. I saw him shortly after and told him nicely to leave the stage. it was quite a funny experience now looking back, however, at that time I was really upset being trainspotted in such a sneaky way.
What essential things you need to have with you at all times when you’re on tour and what things you miss the most when you’re away from home?
My Seinheisser headphones, laptop and audio interface, my hand lotion, lip balm, sunscreen and essential oil. I miss my bed most when I am away from home because nothing equals to it ;)
You will perform in Bangkok on 5th April at Glow Nightlcub. Will it be your Bangkok Debut or have you played in Bangkok before?
I have played in Bangkok before but it was many years ago.
What can Bangkok expect from your performance at Glow Nightclub on 5th April?
Expect to have a great time on the dance floor ;-)