Laughing Buddha will be headlining at ‘Ravelations Turns 7’ on 11 April. Platinum List caught up with him to find out what’s in store for the night.
How would you describe Psytrance to someone that doesn’t know it?
I would say that the only way to understand it is to see it for yourself… words can’t do it justice. Get on a plane and travel to a beautiful festival in some exotic location and have some fun. It’s about much more than the music, it’s an experience!
What is it about Psytrance that inspires you so much?
The people. Plain and simple. Psy fans are some of the most switched on fun loving and positive people on the planet and it’s such a joy to be part of this global community. Musically, I love the energy and experimental nature of it. It’s like a sonic mandala, an active meditation that allows you to explore your own mind, and that still inspires me after more than 20 years.
And how important is Goa to the movement, does Psytrance sound better in its natural home?
Goa was the key to the emergence of Psy culture, as it was a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, and had all the right conditions for these parties to take root. However it has now become a global scene and can be enjoyed at amazing events across the planet.
Where were you when you first heard it, and what did it sound like to you?
I first heard trance in a warehouse somewhere in East London at a gathering of people who had all been partying in India together. It was like walking into another world, and the music sounded like it had been made by aliens. It didn’t even sound like music… more like geometric shapes and colours!
Does it ever surprise you how far Psytrance has spread?
Not really. It has always been a very international scene. There is something about Psytrance that speaks to all of us on a deep level, transcending normal cultural and linguistic differences.
How far have you travelled as a DJ, and has the popularity peaked or are you still getting out to new places?
If you were to add up all the miles I’ve travelled as a DJ it would probably get you to Mars and back! Even so there are new places opening up all the time. There have even been parties recently in China! Places go up and down, but there is always somewhere in the world where popularity is peaking and things are really happening. On the whole Psytrance is more popular globally now than it has ever been.
And what should we look forward to from your set in Dubai?
I have just finished a new album – ‘Illusions and Collusions’ due out soon on Nano Records which is full of collaborations with some of my favourite artists from Tristan, Dickster and Avalon to Eat Static, Space Tribe and Electric Universe. It’s all been fully tweaked and polished and is sounding massive, so prepare for some delights and surprises!
Originally published on Platinum List