What do you think of today’s Myanmar music industry?
My opinion might differ from those of the others in the industry, but today’s music industry is flooded with rehashed songs and copy songs. Music is going in a backward direction. Sure, if we are at the back, we can chase, but if we are in a backward direction... so far away.
What was the reason behind releasing the album (with Lazy Club)?
Three years ago, I got a permit to produce a DJ series of albums and I released three. We were pretty successful, to a point. At that time, most popular dance music was techno-style. But during the water festival this year I struck upon the idea to remix Myanmar pop with dance music, and hence keyboard player Ko Okka and I released another album.
What do you think of copy songs?
DJs have more opportunity to copy other countries’ songs given the nature of our work, but we very rarely do. We would prefer to create songs of our own, but they need to be accepted by our Myanmar audience. I really envy DJ’s in neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia. In Indonesia, people of all ages love their own house music, not international house music. They have the freedom to do this.
Why do people come to hear DJ Phyo?
As the type of people who come to a club is different I go around the club and study what kind of people are there before I start spinning. Then, I play four or five songs as a trial… if the crowd appreciate it, I chose songs accordingly. In most Southeast Asian nations, a DJ cannot have a set play list as the people do not have much music knowledge. Sometimes, it is really difficult to attract a crowd.
Is DJ culture for the young?
Well, ‘DJ culture’ starts with the young but in Asia, not only youngsters but also oldies love DJ music. I want young and old fans to appreciate DJ music in Myanmar as well. Since people in Asia love dancing, I would love to see this take off in Myanmar as well. If I received permission to remix Myanmar classical music, I would. I want to create Myanmar house music, make it big here.
Do you pass your knowledge on?
Yes, of course. I want to establish a DJ school if I can. Talented DJ’s can get great opportunities working overseas. Nowadays, Malaysian DJs work in the United Kingdom and Indonesian DJs are (amongst) the most popular in the world. But, the number of clubs in Myanmar is much smaller than other countries. So, it’s hard to train potential DJ’s when there are only a few places for them to work.
What keeps you being a DJ?
Enthusiasm. When I used to watch MTV, I wanted to become a DJ so badly. There was no nightclub in Myanmar and I was pursuing this dream against my parent’s wishes. No one encouraged me to be a DJ, I had to do it myself.
Where do you get your music from?
I used to buy DJ albums from Bangkok, but now I create them myself.
What style of music do you like?
I like hip-hop very much because it depicts daily life and young people can identify with it. It’s also pretty easy to compose, which is why hip-hop music became so popular. I also like Asian house music, especially, Indonesian traditional house music. I want to create Myanmar house music with traditional musical instruments.
Is it easy being a DJ in Myanmar?
Uh, it’s not strange for me. I just live like a normal person.
Pioneer is a great venue, do you think it is used to its maximum advantage?
Pioneer is a ‘high society’ club (catering for the upper end), so I am really happy being a DJ with Pioneer. I like its image.
What is the best thing about being a DJ?
The best thing is when I see people whipping the dance floor to my DJ creations.
What is the worst thing about being a DJ?
That people’s opinions of nightclubs are reflected in their attitude towards me. I would rather they just see me as a DJ, rather than with all the negative connotations surrounding the local nightclub scene.
Who are the DJ’s in Yangon you admire?
The DJ I admire most is my teacher, DJ Kiro. He is full of experience and professionalism. I also admire people who create DJ music of their own without copying other countries’ songs.
If you had a choice, where would you work?
As I am Myanmar, I want to develop my interest and beliefs living in Myanmar. I was invited to work in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia with a sound salary, but I rejected them because I want to focus on the future of music in Myanmar.
What are your future plans?
Well, I will not always be a DJ because I’m getting old. I might stick with the nightclub business. I will train new DJ’s and promote house music in Myanmar.
Myo Theingi Cho | 
