Trans DJ Wanton Witch is hosting a live-stream party in the face of Covid-19. The cofounder of creative collective Non Non Non tells us about her journey and future.

Why the name Wanton Witch?

Actually, I started with the name ‘C.**tagious’ but a photographer friend ‘yourmomscamera’, took a photo of me and wrote ‘Wanton Witch’ in the caption. I found it so fitting and captivating so that’s how Wanton Witch came about.

Why did you decide to move to Bangkok at the age of 19?

After spending some time in Kuala Lumpur, I needed something new and exciting to experience and explore. A friend suggested Bangkok. I just decided right away I’m gonna move here, not knowing anybody and not knowing what Bangkok has in store for me.

What was it like growing up as someone who doesn’t conform?

I was always the odd kid, a little bit extra, a little over the top — OK maybe not a little. Growing up sure was rough but maybe, because of whatever I’ve gone through in my childhood, I’ve developed a very thick skin. Back then I was so concerned about being myself 100%. I didn’t really care what people would say or do to me, I would not back down. My high school counsellor called me into her office to talk about how I carry myself in school, my behaviour and how someone saw me wearing a skirt outside of school. She asked me if I’m homosexual, preached about how wrong homosexuality is and all that BS. So I look her dead in the eye and told her what I do outside of school is none of her goddamn business and, basically, let her have it. That’s how fierce I was to be able to deal with people every day. I didn’t have time to feel any other way. I defended myself every single day at the time. The pains didn’t set in until later in life. But today I can say that ‘being accepted’ is not my priority in life.

When did you discover your love for DJing?

I discovered my love for DJing when my friend who’s now my co-founder of Non Non Non [Mae Happyair] gave me her old DJ controller and that’s how I started.

How did you find your way into the nightlife scene?

I didn’t intend to get myself in any scene, to be honest, when I first moved here. I was just really lucky that, right off the bat, I met a lot of friends who just so happen to be industry people. I have to admit that, throughout the years, even till this very day, I’ve met countless amazing people who have helped me so much in life and love me unconditionally. They took me in and made me feel a part of the community. I wouldn’t be here, standing, alive, if it wasn’t for them.

Do you consider your presence in the scene as a form of activism for the LGBTQ+ community?

I would like to think so, but for me, it is more personal. I always slip in pieces of music with political messages in my set, often revolving around LGBT issues.

How would you describe your DJing style?

I try not to put myself in a box and my style depends on how I feel and what I want to talk about that day. But if I have to be specific, lately I’ve been playing a lot of heavier industrial hard techno stuff. I always switch things up, though. I’m a Sagittarian, you never know.

What is like casting spells on the deck?

It just feels good. It’s freeing, seeing people let go and just be in the moment. For my part, connecting with people through music feels powerful.

How did Non Non Non come about? How is it different from the other party collectives?

I was thinking about doing a safe-space queer night with a more refined and edgy electronic music direction — where the music is the main focus and pushing the envelope is the mission. So I called up Mae Happyair, who has already run an LGBTQ+ collective Go Grrrls, with my good friend DJs Dookie & DJ Cleo P. Go Grrrls has a totally different direction to Non Non Non but we’re collective sisters. They were the people who took me in when I first moved here. Anyway, we launched Non Non Non in 2018 and the rest is history.

How did the idea for Skype party come about? What’s it about?

It’s Mae’s idea, a response to the current virus situation obviously. A lot of my collective friends all over the world, especially in China, has been doing live-stream parties in a way to pay respect and keep the music scene alive during this difficult time. It’s only right we do it, too.

What’s next for you?

I started producing since late last year so that’s what I’ve been mainly doing these days. I’m releasing my debut EP around mid-2020, and currently working on an album, which will be released after that. I’m in the process of signing with a record label and agency that I’m releasing on but I cannot reveal much yet. We’re trying to make it a surprise world debut. Touring comes after and basically a bunch of exciting stuff. So stay tuned!

For more info on Non Non Non: Skype Party, go to fb.com/ NONNONNONMUSIC.