When did you move to Hong Kong?
Originally I grew up in Vancouver and moved to Thailand in 2001. I was based in Bangkok until 2005, which is when I made the move to Hong Kong. I had already DJ’d in HK a few times before I moved here permanently. My first gig was a six-week residency at the infamous Home Base club, and I was also international guest DJ at the opening of Volar. Upon moving here I had already had contacts, so that eased the transition into Hong Kong.
You’ve been featured in magazines such as Men’s Health and August’s Man in Asia as a model, have you ever considered modelling as a full-time career as opposed to being a DJ?
Well, actually I’ve been simultaneously DJing and modelling professionally for about 10 years now. But I do consider the modelling work semi-full time. There are not as many jobs out there for men, so we don’t work as often as women. The DJing is a great opportunity to travel: I have performed in eight countries in Asia, and it pays the daily bills. And then the modelling jobs go into the piggy bank.
In an interview you mentioned that you used to race professional motocross. How did you transition from that to being a DJ?
This is a tough story for me… Well, at the height of my motocross racing, I was training for a USA National MX (motorcross) event and landed wrong from a 65ft triple jump. The impact broke both my ankles and put me in a wheelchair for a few months. At that time I was totally into the Rave party scene, so my friends and I would take turns spinning records on my turntables all day. Since the thrill of racing MX was no longer an option, I had to find something exciting, so I just kept practising on the decks every day. I had the opportunity to compete in the China MX Nationals last year. I won the first event, then the China racing association kicked me out of the competition. They basically said “No foreigners allowed”, which is really lame, because all the top racing leagues in the world allow other nationals to participate.
Describe the difference between Vancouver and Asia.
There’s a very big difference between Vancouver and Asia. In Vancouver years ago, everyone I knew was a DJ, and most are really, really good. So there is much more pressure to perform well. Also the general public is very educated about house music DJs; the dance floor would frown if you play a track twice or screw up. It’s a tough crowd, but a great place to learn the ropes. In Asia, I’d say that DJ house music is relatively new compared to the West. So people seem to be more enthusiastic and quick to adapt to new styles of music. Asian clubs are great! There are some amazing venues, and lots of opportunities. Honestly if I had not come out to Asia to DJ and perform, I would probably still only be DJing in my bedroom for my cat.
Do you hope to collaborate with any local DJs to record new tracks in the near future?
I would like to hook up with a talented sound engineer with a solid house music knowledge. I have lots of tweeky thumpin’ sounds circulating in my head, I just don’t have enough audio software knowledge to effectively get them into quality production.
How long do you plan on staying in Hong Kong?
I’ve moved to Hong Kong permanently so I won’t be going back to Thailand, that chapter is done. Too much stuff going on here at the moment to move anywhere.
Thanks so much.
Antwone will spinning at Tivo on 1 & 23 March, and guest DJing at CLIQ and KEE Club. www.djantwone.com
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