Oozing the same appeal as a vampiric rock God and donning picture-perfect porcelain skin that would make any woman green with an envy, actor/singer and famed Thai celeb Dome Pakorn Lam was answering floods of calls about his new project in Chiang Mai when we sat down to interview him. This is one celeb that means business. Completing his look was an army green barber jacket and black jeans that had chains dangling from the sides; we thought this fashion trend had died down years ago but somehow Dome made it hot again. We got to grips with Dome's true passion in life, music, and what he's doing right now to fulfil this passion.
How is your focus in life today different from the focus you had five years ago?
Five years ago, I'll admit I was a way more selfish man than I am today. All I thought about in life was what I wanted and how things would benefit me, personally and in my career. I just wanted to have fun and live in the moment. Today though, I really think less about myself and more about others. When I make decisions, I take the future into account and how my decisions will impact it. Now, everyday, I want to make my mum proud and take care of her in the manner she deserves. My decisions are based on how I will make her life better. I also love my girlfriend very much and consider my future with her and how can I make her happy. I'm always thinking about how I can give back to the community and make the lives of others better. There's more to life than just me and I think this has been my biggest shift in focus over the last five years. Maybe it's an age thing; but I think I've grown a lot.
People have always known you as a pop singer. When did you realise you liked techno and EDM?
Actually, I was into techno before I was ever into pop. EDM wasn't around back then so it all started with techno and trance for me. I started DJ'ing at the age of 15, at a time when this whole obsession with DJ'ing you see these days wasn't even a thing. I was one of very few people who actually DJ'd and even knew about techno; back then no one really understood this genre, knew about it or even liked it. To have made a living off of this genre of music was impossible. But that didn't stop me from loving it. However, I transitioned into pop and singing because this was an angle of music people understood more; it was more commercial. And that's how I began making a living off of it. But I always liked techno and trance. EDM -- well that's a trend that's very current now and obviously I like that too.
What projects are you focusing on right now?
Right now, my main focus is on an EDM festival I set up in Chiang Mai called North Fest. This year's rendition of the festival, in its second year, will be happening on March 11-12 at Prasert Land in Chiang Mai. To be honest, this is my main focus right now because it represents everything I love and am truly passionate about.
Why did you decide to have North Fest in Chiang Mai?
If you've been to Chiang Mai you'll understand why I chose this wonderful city. It is an exemplar of Thai culture at its finest. The backdrop of my festival is the temple of Doi Suthep. To be able to watch such magic and wonder, the pinnacle of Thainess, at sunrise or sunset, while enjoying the music that our younger generations are listening to, is pretty cool. The festival fuses past and present: the rich history and past of the culture of Chiang Mai and the present music trends that have taken over the world. Stepping into the present and future of music does not mean we have to forget the beautiful culture and history of Thailand.
Tell us more about North Fest.
This is an EDM festival that I started last year and its aim is to bring this strand of music to the real people of Chiang Mai, some of them who love it already and others who may have never heard it before. This year sees a full line-up of internationally renowned EDM DJs; last year there was more of a focus on Thai DJs however this year North Fest puts itself on par with other internationally recognised festivals of the world. North Fest is about bringing music to people; music is one of the most powerful things in life; it brings people together, it makes people cry, it makes people happy; and North Fest is about just that -- allowing people to gather in one place to share something they love and connect with. This is a festival like no other which immerses itself in the true beacon of Thai culture.
Why and when did you decide to start North Fest?
Throwing a festival like North Fest has been a dream of mine for over 10 years now. I waited this long because I really had a clear vision of what I wanted and it had to be perfect. Making it happen has made me so happy.
How is North Fest different from other EDM festivals?
A lot of festivals you see these days are in exhibition halls or concrete buildings. This is not what North Fest is about at all. We've got unmatched, natural and unique surroundings and like I said, our backdrop is Doi Suthep temple. In terms of music, this will be internationally recognised EDM at its finest -- we've got DJs from the Top 40 on djmag.com. No other festivals in Thailand are bringing in the international names we're bringing in. What's even more special about our festival is the famous Thai rock bands we have brought in to warm up the festival. Festival-goers will be able to see The Yers, Paradox, Big Ass, and bands that Thai people love.
What DJs are in the line-up?
We've got Top 40 DJs Unmet Ozcan and Quintino who will be our main headliners. Also expect to see sets from Dutch talent Jayden Jaxx, Portuguese duo Kevu, Dutch DJ and producer Maddix, Snavs, all the way from Denmark and duo Tom & Jame.
Do you think EDM is a trend that will die down or do you think it's here to stay.
I think it's a trend that will inevitably die down, maybe to come back in the future, or perhaps it will go underground again. This is the nature of all commercial music really -- and we know that a lot of music is recycled. What goes away always comes back.
North Fest 2017 The Oasis will be happening on Mar 11-12 at Prasert Land, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Regular tickets cost B599 and VIP tickets cost B999, purchase via go.eventpop.me/northfest2017.
