Exclusive Interview with Nico Stojan
Nico Stojan's rise within the Berlin house scene started with a residency inside the famed walls of Bar 25. His sets there always had the Stojan stamp – tech house with modern injections of jazz and soul that honored his past as one of Berlin's best hip hop DJ's. Having had residencies since he was 16 and a feel for music that is apparent through every set and release that makes bloom, this kid from Kreuzberg really has his path set out.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Nico Stojan, shortly before his performance at Ocean Bangkok on 23rd November.
You are a classically trained clarinet and saxophone player on one hand; on the other hand you started DJing at the age of 14 and had DJ residencies since 16. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music?
I slipped into the Bar 25 somehow.
You play a mix of House, Deep House and Tech House with injections of jazz and soul. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Melodic, sexy, groovy, bouncing.
Out of all tracks you have produced, which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Some of my forthcoming album.
You were a resident DJ at Berlin’s famed and infamous “BAR 25” – an afterhours techno club that opened in 2004 and became one of the most important clubs of the city. What can you tell us about the “BAR 25” time and the influence it had on you as an artist and on your career?
It changed everything in my life.
What are you currently working and focusing on? Is the release of your debut artist album in sight yet? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
Yes, finishing the album and then my album with NU.
You commute between New Zealand and Germany (where you spend the summer months). What made you move to New Zealand and how is the nightlife there?
I spend the summer in berlin and the winter in New Zealand. The scene is not very big, but very lovely.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
My bed of course and my Ayurvedic food place where i normally eat lunch every day.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I think when i was playing Hip Hop. I was booked on a crazy event and they wanted to hear everything but Hip Hop. So i kind of had the wrong records with me ;-(
On 23rd November you will play at the newly opened Ocean Urban Lounge & Boutique Resort. The event – organized by With Love – is themed "BAR 25 residents on tour" and you will be playing alongside your fellow Berlin DJ Marcus Meinhardt. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut? What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
I have no expectations at all... it will be the first time in Thailand and Bangkok... really looking forward to it! ;-) Cheers and see you next week!