Exclusive Interview with Abel Rogers

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Abel Rogers, shortly before his performance at VOGUE Lounge on 20th March.

You are a DJ from France and the official DJ of ARMANI/PRIVE Hong Kong - one of four branches of Giorgio Armani's very own exclusive nightclub chain. You are known for your Soulful House selection and performed all over the world, including the prestigious WMC Festival in Miami. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing?

I grew up in the music, so music it’s my passion since childhood, my parents worked in the music industry, and often brought back vinyls Disco, Funk, Soul ... at home. There was the music every day at home, So I played this vinyls when my parents organizing party at home. I was interested in electronic music when I heard a track of Masters At Work, for me it was a revelation, and I began to buy my very first vinyls, and i started to mix.

Your distinctive sound is a mix of Deep House and Soulful House with hints of Disco and Funk. What mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

I think you must have an open mind, wanting to discover other musical styles, different from those that we hear on the radio. After I like the sound, with a good groove, sexy, with emotion. After the perfect set does not exist, the observation is for me the most important. Each party is different, with different public and a different vibe. Must be able to adapt.

What were the most memorable and most terrible gigs you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

My best time is when I mixed the first time in New York, in a very underground club, the sound system was amazing. My worst moment was in Miami for the WMC, I was mixing has a big pool party, there were many people, many famous DJs. it was very hot and full sun, there was an incredible vibe when I started mixing, I have a CD player that broke down so no sound. This is the worst time for a DJ. The most fun time was also in Miami for the WMC. I was mixing the end of the line-up, it was still all day in the sun drinking wine, I was mixing with a friend. we were drunk, and we played disco to end the party, everyone was crazy, super party. It was funny when we watched the video the next day.

You live in Hong Kong, known for its expansive skyline and the extreme population density. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?

Hong Kong is an amazing city, there are party every day of the week. There are all sorts of clubs with different styles of music. My recommendations for an evening success, is to start dinner at Aqua, a mix between Italian and Japanese cuisine with an incredible view of Hong Kong bay, good atmosphere, good food, and good music. After, direction Gecko, Jazz and Latin club with different bands during the week, and DJs on weekends. Only For music lovers. And, Drop Club. famous club for the quality of music and DJs.

On 20th March you will make your Thailand Debut at the recently opened VOGUE Lounge. Have you visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok audience expect of your upcoming performance?

I came to Bangkok often, but I do not know very well the night life, it will be a good experience for me, and I can not wait to share my music to the Bangkok audience.