It just seems like Cambodia wont back down on becoming the new destination spot for electronic music and beyond. Just in the last six months, what seems to be a sleepy little country has pulled out all the stops. With promoters and event producers such as Danceservatory and Code Red Agency bringing out the likes of Stanton Warriors, Graham Gold, JFB (DMC World Scratch Champion)… even trance pioneer and house hold legend Paul Oakenfold who played both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap last month.
As if to put some icing on the cake (after that run of shows how much better can it get?), Danceservatory is bringing out breakbeat royalty in the one and only Freestylers. Unless you weren’t born yet, or lived under a rock in Siberia somewhere from 2000 to 2010, you likely know their blockbuster hit “Push Up”.
In this article, NewsWorthy Daily catches up with Aston Harvey, one half of the super duo Freestylers with some questions. Not only about their debut in Siem Reap at The Craft Festival @ ColYve, but in general about the state of the scene, new projects, their new album and much more.
So buckle up and take a deep dive into the scene with one of the most celebrated artists to come out of the UK!
Interview below:
NewsWorthy: This marks your debut performance in Siem Reap Cambodia. What are your expectations for the audience in the gateway to Angkor? and how does it feel to bring your music to a new cultural landscape?
Aston Harvey: I’ve been very fortunate to travel the world through the music I’ve created over the last 28 years and it’s amazing that it’s still going strong. What makes it even more special is when I get to go play somewhere that I’ve never been, so I’m very much looking forward to the occasion. I’m hoping the audience will be up for something they may have not heard before which makes it more of a challenge, but will make it more satisfying that they’re really into it.
NewsWorthy:. Your music blends genres like breakbeat, big beat, and several others. How do you approach creating a setlist that resonates with diverse audiences, especially in regions where electronic music scenes are emerging?
Aston Harvey: The thing about djing is trying to get people into your vibe through your excitement for the music your playing. I’ve been involved in music a long time so reading a crowd is second nature, but still if u can get the people into what you’re doing it makes it so much better and especially if everyone is going off to music they’ve might not have heard before. I’ve a very eclectic taste so it does make it more exciting when I mix all these styles together too.
NewsWorthy: Having been active since the mid-90s, how have you seen the global electronic music scene evolve, and what keeps you inspired to continue producing and performing?
Aston Harvey: It’s gone from being super underground to a billion dollar business since it began back in the mid 80’s really. I genuinely love making and creating music, I think this is my biggest buzz so that’s why I’ve never stopped and part of releasing music is performing whether as a band or djing. Also the advancement of technology has helped create the music scene what it is today from how the music is made, released and played.
NewsWorthy: Can you share insights into your creative process when producing tracks that have stood the test of time, such as “Push Up” and “B-Boy Stance”?
Aston Harvey: I guess they’re pure genius!!! haha….When you make a record you just never know how it’s going to do. Obviously when were making them we knew there was something magic about them but still, and that’s the beauty of making music. Both these tracks didn’t actually take that long to create from beginning to the end process. Also Tenor Fly who features on “B-Boy Stance “ was an extremely great talent who is sadly missed. Regarding ‘Push Up” I sent the backing track to my publisher who then sent it on to the group Heist who came up with the lyrics and melodies which on first listen we just knew it was a smash and the rest is history. Sonically they still sound great too which is an important factor for any piece of music to stand the test of time
NewsWorthy: You’ve performed at major festivals worldwide including Coachella, Big Day Out and Glastonbury. How do you adapt your performances for more intimate venues like ColYve in Siem Reap?
Aston Harvey: To be honest I just like to keep it the same vibe even if it’s in a small intimate venue. Just hard and heavy to keep the crowd jumping. The fact that it’s in a smaller club is even better as the intensity can be insane.
NewsWorthy: What role do collaborations play in your music, and are there any artists from Southeast Asia you’re interested in working with?
Aston Harvey: Well I’ve just finished a new album and it’s a collaboration with the Dub Pistols. Every track has a featured vocalist which was an absolute pleasure and great fun to work on. The new album is called “ Enter The Sound “ and features General Levy, Tippa Irie , Johnny Osbourne, Belle Humble, Scarlett Quinn to name a few without giving everything away! Unfortunately I don’t know any artists from Southeast Asia but that can definitely be something to work on for some future projects. Send us some tips
NewsWorthy: With the rise of digital streaming and social media, how has your engagement with fans changed over the years?
Aston Harvey: As most Producers and DJs who started years before all this happened will tell you it’s like an extra full time job trying to juggle the music with social media. Nowadays it doesn’t seem to be anything about the music and more driven by how good you are on social media, I personally feel the music has suffered due to this factor. Obviously it’s great though that you can have direct engagement with your fan base, so there’s more immediate interaction between you and them which can be fun and very fulfilling.
NewsWorthy: What can fans expect from your set at The Craft Festival, and are there any surprises in store for the Siem Reap audience?
Aston Harvey: Unfortunately I won’t be throwing cake or stripping to my underwear!!!! [laughs] I’m not sure yet, I’ll have to gage when I get there but I can assure you the music is going to be a full on assault to get the party going which will be a combination of some classics mixed in with some new bangers, all heavy one bass end.
NewsWorthy: How do you see the future of breakbeat and big beat genres in the global music scene?
Aston Harvey: Always a hard one to answer because it’s not the most popular of genres only because it’s never pushed as much as House or Drum & Bass, however it’s still popular in pockets and it’s always on a cusp of a large revival. In saying that I’ve recently played to a lot of younger crowds as their parents would’ve introduced them to the music, so this will hopefully reinvigorate a whole new breed of Beaks Producers and DJs in the scene. Never forget the biggest dance act in my opinion ever are The Prodigy and what they do is Breaks, so en mass the style of music is loved by a lot of people.
NewsWorthy: For aspiring DJs and producers in Cambodia and similar markets, what advice would you offer to help them break into the international music scene?
Aston Harvey: Create your own vibe, try not to copy anyone. The most important thing is to get your own signature sound and that might take a while but don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas and sounds that inspire you and be open minded, think outside the box. Also get your social media game hot but also make sure the music doesn’t take a back seat to it. Put your music up on Soundcloud either mixes, your own edits of your favourite tracks or your own original material, all this can help create a buzz around your brand.
NewsWorthy: Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for our audience Aston and enjoy your time in Siem Reap!
That wraps up the interview portion of the article. Supporting acts for the event include New York underground DJ/Producer Don Stone, Heuristic throwing down that Black Rock City – Nevada vibe and Noghani from London UK.
Kingdom Breweries will be onsite serving up the best in Cambodian craft beer along with Pomme Brewhouse offering the finest beer brewed right in old town Siem Reap.
Food vendors include
– Birdies Jerk Pit, proper Jamaican wraps
– Itacate Authentic Mexican – Street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and the fines margaritas in the land
– Nomad Eatery – Pizza made with purpose
Technical Support by Kilat Events
Event info:
Saturday, June 14th, 2pm – 12am @ ColYve Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tickets for this event are $7 presale through the venue ColYve or $10 on the door. Free rides to the venue will be available from 2pm until 10pm from Pub Street in Downtown.
