Varun "Beaver" Sony has become the first Thai to enter DJ Mag's Top 100 DJ list. Known as 22Bullets, Beaver debuts at No.98 (though he did make it to No.146 and No.134 in 2018 and 2019, respectively) and getting here was no easy feat.
He's gone from sending his demo track to DJs he admired to sharing the stage with them — Afrojack, DeadMAU5 and KSHMR, just to name a few. Guru speaks to 22Bullets about his new-released single Another Night, an album launching on Sept 12 and his journey in music.
How does it feel being the first Thai to enter DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list?
I feel so blessed. As a Thai artist, I have been slapped around with insults all the time, saying that there is no place for Thai artists on the world stage. At that point, I thought that even though no Thai has made to the list in the past, that didn't mean we can't make it!
When did you start DJing?
I have been interested in DJing since high school. Back then, I was immersed in electronic dance music (EDM) because of my brother's music taste. Believe it or not, his playlists inspired my career today.
How did you come up with the moniker 22Bullets?
There's nothing fancy about it and it's kinda a funny story. At my first gig, I got a phone call from the organiser and they needed a name to be put on a flyer at that very moment. I completely drew a blank but I was watching a French movie called 22 Bullets. So, that's where it came from.
(Photo © Warner Music Thailand)
What skills do you think a DJ needs to be successful?
A successful DJ can be divided into two types. Those who have a team or someone to push them ahead of the pack with a couple of hit songs, whom I would call 'Temporary DJ', can succeed in this business. But when their ongoing tracks cannot reach a peak like previous releases, some of them just quit their booths. It feels like they use DJing as a way to make money. On the other hand, I would rather be the second kind of DJ who does not care much about the chart, but is always focused on the quality of the music we make.
What techniques do you use to engage your listeners?
I don't think I have any special techniques to control the crowd because my music does its job spectacularly. Honestly, my music taste is what I set as the standard for the tracks I have made. Setting this standard means I have dug through many music genres to find the right tune that everyone can jam out to. I've observed mistakes or dead air from many concerts and adapted those lessons learnt for my own show. I am lucky enough to have friends in the music industry, who are willing to give me honest advice about my songs. In short, you gotta trust your musical instincts and believe in yourself. And at that same time, get a second option from people you can trust.
How did you meet the big-name DJs and get collaborations with them?
I believe in possibility. I asked for a favour from a promoter to send my demo track to Hardwell when he played a concert in Thailand. I wasn't sure if they would give it to him or not. Worst case, he might overlook my track because I was nobody back then. I was always told that a no-name Thai artist would not catch his attention. It's impossible. And yes, I did not hear any word back. I was so disheartened but I did not give up that easily.
Later on, I met a DJ friend who had released a song on Hardwell's record label -- Revealed Recordings. I asked him to contact his label to send my demo track. Within a few days, I received an email from Hardwell asking me to sign a contract with his label. It was like a dream come true. I would like to say a special thanks to Revealed Recordings because it was like a golden ticket for me to enter the world of DJing, as well as make a name globally.
A trick I learnt is that if you want to collaborate with big-name artists, you have to first understand their music taste or what style of music they play. Then, make your own music demo that's relatable to their jam. You do not have to be afraid if you are a newbie. Take my story as inspiration.
Is it difficult to reach renowned DJs?
Yep, it is hard for a newbie to get their attention, but it is possible! Unlike in the Thai music industry, the big-name artists do not care how famous you are. They are willing to give you a shot if your work matches their standards. You make good tracks, good things will come around.
What kind of vibe did you try to create with your latest single Another Night?
The song infuses the 80s retro and disco-pop style, while the analogue sound gives a zingy kick when the beat drops.
The entertainment industry has been hit hard by Covid-19. How do you cope?
I dedicate my time to the upcoming album, produced under the Warner Music Asia label, which will be launched on Sept 12. The album comprises 12 tracks and I got a chance to work with a couple of big-name artists like the famous Chinese female rapper Vava. Our collaborative song will be the theme song of a Chinese rapper TV show that has more than a billion viewers.
Any words for aspiring DJs?
Everything is possible when you believe in yourself. I can speak from experience that the beginning is always the hardest and puts your determination and discipline to the test. You should see DJing as a part of your life, giving time and value to it.
Listen to Another Night on youtube.com/watch?v=NVpzbyC5mUA and visit soundcloud.com/22bullets.
