Electronic music duo DCNXTR
With their single P./Again being lauded as Best Song on Thailand’s iTunes Best of 2015, beat-makers Charlie Nipanan and Piruntar Kalasanimi have emerged from a bedroom studio onto the big stage. DCNXTR (reads De Connextor) makes their uplifting electronic dream pop music here in this studio which was once Charlie’s bedroom. The duo are now preparing a set list for the upcoming Bukruk Music Festival on Jan 23.
What are the main perks of having a home studio?
Charlie: The best part is that I don’t have to commute to work every day. My house is quite far [from Central Bangkok], really. At least I don’t have to waste two hours on the road.
Piruntar: But I have to drive like 20km every week [Charlie laughs]. Now we have live acts to perform, so I come here at least every Sunday to rehearse. I prefer rehearsing here anyway. I don’t like going to music rehearsal spaces because the carpets smell [laughs].
What do you like about this studio?
Piruntar: It’s cosy. I’ve been hanging out here for years since being in our former band [Revenge of the Cybermen]. I’ve been coming here so often that it’s become my second home. I’m used to everything here already — these yellow walls, the shelves and everything. I also like this neighbourhood, especially the local flea market just nearby.
So you make music here?
Piruntar: When writing a new song, Charlie comes up with a rough draft and we then start throwing in new sounds by sending the track back and forth between us.
Charlie: We started to get used to this working method when I was studying [electronic music production] in the US. So we emailed each other once we added new material to the tune.
Piruntar: I’m more productive when I spend my time alone and work on my parts at home. But some of the works also happened here spontaneously while we were rehearsing. We finished writing and making the demo of Summer Rain in one day.
Tell us more about the interior.
Charlie: Everything adds up just naturally. When I wanted these wall shelves, for example, I bought reclaimed wood panels and asked a blacksmith in the neighbourhood to make it. Nothing fancy. There are a lot of second-hand items here in addition to my vintage keyboard collection. I also sell used American furniture as a hobby. So sometimes I get cool stuff on the cheap from my friends who are in the circle.
How does this environment boost your inspiration or enthusiasm to work?
Piruntar: I prefer working in a place I feel comfortable in. I hardly ever come up with new ideas in other rehearsal spaces. When I work here and feel bored, I can just pick up some toys to play and tease people. It’s just more comfy and relaxing.