Mixmag Asia Radio: Maarten dishes out a slice of his global palette

Maarten is one of those DJs who's played a 360 role in every music scene he's touched. Whether it be programming, curating, booking or producing events for venues, or for himself, he certianly knows how to keep himself busy. It begs us to wonder where he finds the time to dig deep, like he does with his Poi San edits which we recently featured on Mixmag Asia.

Surrounded by Amsterdam's nightlife as his early abode, Maarten bagged a DMC win a the age of 17; he's now household name across Thailand's house and disco scene and made ground in the region when he played a pivotal role asMusic Director of Bangkok's infamous BEAM club. When he's not eating records for breakfast, you'll find him DJing at some of the region's top events including Wonderfruit (where you'll find this December!)

Find out more about what tickles Maarten's musical fantasies, and tune into his set for Mixmag Asia Radio below.

Where are you based and how did you get there?

Sawasdee! I'm based in Bangkok via Amsterdam. I moved to Asia (Hong Kong) when I was in my early twenties.. never really looked back!!

What’s your favourite thing about the music scene there?

Bangkok is full of creative energy! Loads of youngsters ready to learn about our culture and become a part of it. Bangkok now has a solid foundation of independent labels, record stores, vinyl listening bars, underground clubs and collectives. A lot has changed for the better since I landed 10 years ago!

In five words, what do your DJ sets sound like?

A groovy, raw and soulful journey

And in three words, how would you describe yourself?

ALL ABOUT LOVE

What recent trends in music have you been paying attention to? Have you caught onto them?

I think there is consistently more focus on quality in terms of songwriting, production value, overall deepness of the music.. you have to be good if you want to stand out of the crowd.. I’m all about it!

Are there any producers and DJs in Asia that have recently caught your attention?

I’ve lately been digging Munir (Midnight Runners) from the Indonesian record store and label, Peels Records — great consistent output and some really fun records. I think my man Roshan [Saturday Selects, Kuala Lumpur] is very up and coming and is showing some real solid production potential, and he’s a great DJ too. And I have to big up my man Seelie from Transport BKK, who just contributed to my latest EP with his amazing photography. He’s an all right DJ too, just a shame he supports Manchester United.

From pre to post pandemic, what has changed & what hasn’t changed about your life in the music world?

I think we all have this pent up energy that needs to be released!! I can't wait for the festival season and get this babylonic pandemic out of the system for good.

Tell us about the inspiration behind this mix - what drove your thoughts and emotions, and how did you curate your selection?

Being a DJ for over 25 years, I've learned not to overthink these things too much, that goes for mixing too. No need to force it, just take it the natural way and the happy accidents will come and hopefully a little bit of magic. This mix represents a bit of my influences (first track is from 1988) weaving through some grooviness some nice bumping house and paying some attention to some of my favourite pan-Asian labels such as More Rice, Cosmic Tiger, Midnight Runners/Rave Fantasia, Siamese Twins, Ballloom Records.

I am ending this mix with one of my favourite Thai soundsystem crews, The Srirajah Rockers. They have just released some of the most amazing music with Laotian songstress Molam Inteng Keawbuala. (I highly recommend it!)

What equipment did you record this mix on?

Just some CDJs, Turntables, a Mastersound Radius Mixer and a Roland Space Echo Pedal.. I ran it through a Pultec Equalizer for some warmth and sheen.

Where can we hear you playing next?

Wonderfruit!! See you in the Fields!