Edd has come to Koh Phangan to visit his old friend Bry0 (they went to school together!) but has already been spinning tunes at The Local Bar for Vinyl Warriors and checking out the local scene, people and beautiful sites of the Island.
Edd, Dj name Edweirdo is part of different sound systems back in the UK and is also involved in many festivals. We grabbed a bit of Edd’s time to find out more...
So how did you get into mixing?
I used to be a metal head then I discovered illegal raves so it kind of changed my life. The scene at the time was Hard Trance but there was always a small Acid Techno scene which is the thing that really grabbed my attention.
I was going to the Ridgeway and London squat parties then not more than a couple of months after that I thought, I have to learn to mix. This was at least twelve years ago.
I spent every penny I had on Techno records, trawling record shops which still existed at the time. Come Friday I would go round my mate Skippy’s house and mix until Sunday morning. I use Technics 1210’s, nothing else is quite right.
You played at The Local Bar for Vinyl Warriors how was it?
It’s a really good atmosphere there, nice people and a nice place. It is good to see that real turntables still exist as they are few and far between. I was using someone else’s records which wasn’t the first time but usually I turn up and they have cdjs so I have to borrow cd’s not vinyl. Tippy had some good tunes though.
What kind of music do you play?
I learnt on acid techno but then very quickly found myself branching out into anything and everything. My record collection is predominantly acid techno, hardtek, drum n bass and jungle. Some of the most fun is to mix between the latter of the three genres or in general. It is good to mix it up a bit, but not just for the sake of it.
Tell us more about the UK illegal rave scene?
When I was 18 I was commandeered by Project Mayhem because their crew was getting a bit thin on the ground. People were growing up and getting sensible. So I would go out and do all sorts of venues, Ridgeway raves, squat parties and secluded locations.
In the UK it was the freedom of it all, you could wear what you wanted, play what you wanted and do what you wanted, and no one questioned it.
At the time the risk was minimal, now they have more laws which makes it a lot more difficult.
What do you think about the Koh Phangan music and party scene?
It’s a really good vibe, I appreciate all dance music but it is much softer than I am used to. There is some very good Djs here and clearly some good talent.
The psy trance nights put a lot of effort into decor which reminds me of the European psy trance scene.
I really like Loi Lay, there is a good vibe and people. I really liked some of the tunes which did open my eyes to the intricacies of deep house especially from Darragh Casey, he did it more than anyone.
How do you spend your free time on Phangan ?
I guess exploring beautiful places as there is a lot to see. Whilst the nightlife is awesome I have always had a thing for nature.
I’m also enjoying catching up with my friend Ema (Bry0) and getting to know her painting partner Christopher Thomas.
This is the longest time I have had off work in twelve years so I am very relaxed.
What projects are you currently involved with and what are your next projects?
I have Free Party Radio which I am keeping going and pushing. This year I have been involved with lots of festivals, some through the radio, others through other things.
The techno trolley is a fully battery powered system which you can drag 'round festivals or anywhere else and this progressed into ‘The Shed’ which has been my main project. The Shed is where we set up a chill out stage but didn’t play chill out. It got a lot of people interested in getting a similar set up at festivals next year.
I’m also working on tunes with a trance Dj ‘Orbital Resonance’, we have been having some fun there sampling the Queen's speech.
What is your life philosophy?
Being nice to people is key, you have got to think about yourself but also others as well. Otherwise it is not worth it.
In general, surround yourself with good people and enjoy yourself, life is too short so don’t waste it.
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