Angger Dimas

Despite having a massive, massive dance music scene, Indonesia has produced very few artists that can rival the world’s top DJs. Except for Angger Dimas that is, who more than makes up for them all. The young DJ and producer from Jakarta is arguably Indonesia’s number one DJ, having exploded beyond its borders in 2009 after his music was on regular rotation by artists like David Guetta, Laidback Luke and Sebastian Ingrosso. Then a collaboration with Tiësto really sealed the deal and finally, after Steve Aoki released Angger’s debut album called Angger Management on Dim Mak Records, he began touring the wild West on the regular.

It’s been a crazy ride but Angger stays humble about it all, like he still lives with his parents. And sometimes Steve Aoki stops by and kicks it with them like it’s no big deal. Mixmag Asia is immensely happy when we’re able to shine the spotlight onto our own territory and Angger Dimas gave us some great material to share, like an exclusive mix and the answers to twenty insightful questions so we can get to know the DJ a little better, or perhaps we should say lawyer…

What’s the best part about living in Jakarta?

Home sweet home, fam moments and simple life! Couldn’t get more.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned in your rise to fame?

Choose your friends and being nice to the enemy. I had “EDM politics” few years ago just because I wrongly picked my friends. 

If you could DJ back-to-back with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Laidback Luke – we created tracks but we never did any b2b, he is the master. 

What was the moment you realized you’d ‘made it’?

Haven’t realized it yet. I only have two moments everyday – happy or happier.

You are in equal parts a DJ and producer. If you had to give up one, which would it be and why?

I’d say both of them.

Sometimes big meetings/collaborations/gigs come easy, and other times they happen because of how hard you try. What’s been the biggest push and test of perseverance that’s paid of for you thus far?

Everybody’s train of thought is different, so to put them together in a collaboration is very hard. What I do usually is make a very basic concept that everyone can follow, and as time goes by people who are involved can develop and chip in to the idea. I will do my part, which is giving my all in order to finish the project. In general, working hard and strong will are enough to make things happen.

What’s your fondest memory of working with Steve Aoki?

Everything! We’re like best buddies. For example, I went to Hollywood and went over to his house and every time he’s here in Jakarta, we always catch up. There was one time he visited my house and met my parents.

Your life has become rather glamorous, to say the least. What do you do when you need to step back and be humbled?

I always try to keep it low. It’s really hard to say because my life is not glamorous at all. I’m still living my life the way I used to. Nothing has changed drastically. I live with my parents. I eat at home a lot. So I don’t know…

To whom do you owe your biggest thank you?

My mom and dad, who always supported me in pursuing this career.

How much of a role does your early formal music training play in your music today?

I have been playing guitar and some other instruments since I was a kid, but I never had any formal music training. I think learning music from an early age must have influenced the way I produce. If anything, an early introduction to music made me realize that I love it first and foremost and that there are so many things that can be explored.

What would you be if you weren’t a DJ?

I would work for the government, like what my dad does. 

With your law degree, you will…

be a lawyer!

Which would you promote, one big farfetched dream or several small and realistic goals?

I think they’re all related. One big dream can sometimes happen because of several small and realistic goals that have been achieved. As long as we do it wholeheartedly, I think it doesn’t matter.

You’re an inspiration to young Indonesians. What advice do you have for those looking to follow your path into the global music industry?

Do not stop learning and always try to create something fresh.

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Hahaha. I got drunk, and my parents didn’t know anything about it! It happened a few months ago…

What’s on the top of your to-do list for 2015?

Resurrection! The past two years I’ve been developing my own management team that I built with my friends. I hope it can grow more this year. 

What’s the biggest problem in the world today?

I don’t think there are any.

Describe the music scene in Jakarta?

It’s complicated. The dance music scene in Jakarta is different in every region.

What’s the best dance music scene from the last five years?

I think 2012 is the best year for this music scene.

What’s the nicest thing a fan has ever done for you?

There was a fan who lived sooo far away from the city where I live. In order to see me, he was willing to sell his phone so that he could ride a bus to the city and visit me. So honored!