Turntable Tuesday: DJ Panic

You might not have heard of DJ Panic but he’s been making waves in the underground goth club scene in London for years. Now a resident DJ at Slimelight in London, he brought his dark sound to Singapore recently, thanks to “dark alternative” advocates SDAM (Singapore Dark Alternative Movement), whose Dark Friday monthlies have amassed a dedicated “freaky” following for Marilyn Manson types. Junk uncovers the mystery behind the DJ persona.

You're able to play a diversity of musical styles. Is there a particular genre that you'd like to embrace next?

I play industrial, EBM, goth, new wave and electro. Each one of these genres is pretty diverse and there is quite a lot of quality music I am able to play. As I listen to varied music including European classical and American gospel, I always have a fresh approach to my club music. In other words, I never tire of playing electro or goth as my tastes are not diluted by the usual rubbish that is released on a daily basis. So no, there is no genre I'd like to embrace next.

Why do you think the "dark alternative" scene has been slow to catch on in this part of the world?

Music is a cultural phenomenon, and culture in our modern society is influenced by political and social structures. Countries in South East Asia obviously have other means of expressing alternative feelings or the “counter-culture”. “Dark alternative” is a European import and as such, will always be very underground. At the same time, that is a good thing as most people into alternative culture would not like to see it become popular.

Who has been a major influence in your life?

My life changed after hearing Cabaret Voltaire, as suddenly it all made sense and it meant I was not alone. It was almost comforting to hear 'Nag Nag Nag'. Obviously, my mother thought I should go see a doctor....

What are you doing for Halloween?

I don't like Halloween and the main reason is that most people who celebrate it do not know what the festival is about. Also, most goths I know are Christians and to celebrate a pagan festival seems quite strange to me. I suppose the main reason is that I do not subscribe to anything that's being bastardised by the Americans.

What's the biggest misconception that people have about you?
I don't think there are any misconceptions as such, but people do find it surprising when they find out I have a life outside the club scene.

What are you listening to these days?
I listen to a lot of new wave from around 1979 to 1983, and lately some traditional Tibetan music as I have been editing a short film that was filmed in Tibet.

People always say goths just don't know how to lighten up. Can you tell us a goth joke?
I don't know goth jokes.

If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do today?

I’d spend time with my family.

Interview Naseem Photo SDAM


For more info on the Singapore Dark Alternative Movement (SDAM), surf its website. SDAM's Dark Friday monthlies will see DJ Stefan P from Factory in Germany, and DJs DestroyX & ZooG from Aussie's Angelspit on decks in November and December respectively. Click here for more info.