DJ Mag Malaysia #002 DJ Mag Malaysia #002 | Page 32

DJ of The Month

Multifaceted artist Boris Foong makes it seems very effortless to balance between
b e i n g a c l u b & r a d i o D J , s t a g e VJ p r o j e c t i o n i s t , T V C c o m p o s i t o r, g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r a n d
c i n e m a t o g r a p h e r. S t a r t e d a t a v e r y y o u n g a g e , B o r i s d i s c o v e r e d h i s i n t e r e s t f o r d a n c e
music when he was introduced to the technicality of DJing. As he strives to push his limit
and break boundaries, he has become one of the most prominent figures in the Electric
D a n c e M u s i c c o m m u n i t y. D J M A G M a l a y s i a c a u g h t u p w i t h t h i s D J w h o i s c l o c k i n g h u g e
success in Malaysia to talk about his beginnings and future plans.
1. Hi Boris Foong, tell us about your journey towards becoming a DJ.
From the moment I was born, I have been surrounded by music as my mom is a piano
t e a c h e r. G r o w i n g u p , I w a s e x p o s e d t o a n e c l e c t i c r a n g e o f m u s i c f r o m c l a s s i c a l t o j a z z ,
pop to rock and gospel to R&B. This developed in me a wide taste in music. When it
came to instruments, I started with piano, moved to guitar but found myself drawn to
the percussions and drums. When I got to college, many of my friends were listening to
dance music. My dad interestingly introduced me to the Hed Kandi World Series: Ibiza
album and I was instantly hooked to all those house tunes in the album. That marked the
beginning of my journey into the world of dance music.
I found myself dabbling in the world of DJ-ing, learning about the history of dance music
but it wasn’t until I turned 21 that my parents allowed me to further develop my skills.
I am so blessed that I had the privilege of being mentored by renown local dance scene
icons - Callen, Bryan Burger & Fono from Excessive Records.
I b e c a m e p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t e r e s t e d i n Tr a n c e m u s i c a s I w a s i n t r i g u e d b y t h e e u p h o r i c
feeling it elicits in the listeners. The genre places great emphasis on melodies. Having
had a couple of years experiencing the scene, I realized that having the passion to share
music with people in itself wasn’t enough. I recognized that creativity must be coupled
w i t h h a r d w o r k , d i s c i p l i n e a n d p e r s e v e r a n c e . To m e t h a t ’ s t h e k e y t o m o v i n g f o r w a r d i n
the local dance music scene. I am continuously learning and I don’t want to merely just
be known as a good DJ. I have a dream to help raise our local dance scene to atmospheric
heights!
2. Which DJ/Producer Inspired you the most?
S e v e r a l i n t e r n a t i o n a l D J ’ s i n s p i r e s m e . Te c h n o l u m i n a r y D J / P r o d u c e r R i c h i e H a w t i n
for example. His contributions to the electronic music scene are invaluable. With his
innovative blending of technology and music created a whole new movement which has
s i n c e b e e n e m u l a t e d w o r l d w i d e . M o r e o v e r, I h a v e g r e a t a d m i r a t i o n f o r h i s e x p e r i m e n t a l
ENTER event series in Space Ibiza.
O t h e r D J s w h o’ s s o u n d a n d s t y l e i m p a c t e d m e i n c l u d e Fe r r y C o r s t e n , G u y J, S a s h a , J o h n
Digweed, Tiësto, Andrew Bayer and Armin van Buuren. Local icons who move me are
C a l l e n , Te r e n c e C , F o n o , B r y a n B u r g e r, G o l d f i s h & B l i n k . T h e s e g u y s c o n t i n u e s t o r o c k
and shake the local dance music scene.
3 . W e f e e l t h a t t h i s i s o n l y t h e s t a r t o f s o m e t h i n g b i g g e r f o r y o u r c a r e e r, w h a t d o y o u
have planned out for 2016?
2016 brings me new and exciting challenges. I’m excited about the opportunities I’ve
been given to open and warm up for renown international artistes coming to spin in
Malaysia.
I’m also working closely with Fono, Ramsey Westwood, MisterAriffin and Samuel Dan
(TRIMIX) to host exclusive trance nights in KL . It’s a work-in-progress between DJs
aimed at creating a unique dance experience through top quality music and visuals up
a n d d o w n t h e c o u n t r y.
On music production, I’m excited to be working closely with Ramsey Westwood towards
producing and debuting our own tracks. In fact we have one track that’s cooking in the
oven. Look out for more coming your way soon!

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