DALAH [Interview]

DALAH is a French DJ and producer making waves in Thailand's music scene. As the event manager and creative force behind Mustache Bangkok, he's known for his distinct DJ style that seamlessly blends organic, afro, and progressive house into deep and groovy sets.

DALAH's music is more than just sound; it's an emotional journey. His track "I AM UNIVERSE," signed to Ballroom Records, climbed to number 15 on Beatport's Hype Top 100 list, marking the start of his professional career as a producer. He's also featured on Shango Records, Tibetania Records, and Camel VIP Records.

When DALAH is behind the decks, it's all about taking you on a sonic adventure, making you feel the rhythm and lose yourself in the groove. He has graced the decks at some of Thailand's top venues, including Café del Mar, Why Nam, Bambu, Guy's Bar, Shelter, Oxa Beach, Hollystone, Sing Sing Teather, Mystic Valley and many more. Every set he plays is a unique experience that keeps the crowd moving and deeply connected to the music.

This week finds DALAH making his debut on Songuara with 'Soul of the Tribe', Progressive Astronaut caught up with DALAH to learn more about the release, his background, electronic music in the Thailand, DJing, and much more. Enjoy.

Hi DALAH, thanks for talking to us today. Now that we’ve reached the end of the year, how has 2024 been for you?

2024 was the most important year of my career, developing myself as a DJ in Thailand, and I started working as an event manager for Mustache Bangkok, organizing events and festivals around Thailand and Asia.

Let’s look back on the year. What gig of yours has stood out the most and why?

I have a top 2 gigs during this year. Café Del Mar in Phuket was an absolute pleasure, surrounded by so many people, and the vibe there is incredible. Kabana in Ubud was also a very incredible one with Fred Canal.

Now let’s look at tracks (not your own). What is a track or tracks which have come out this year that has impressed you the most and why?

I would say: Marasi – Opera. This track is an absolute gem, very powerful and afro. I really played it a lot!

Tell us about your artist name DALAH. What does it mean, and how did you settle on that for your artist moniker?

My first name is David, my last name starts with LA – so DA LA and my name starts! But I find it spiritually connected to Mandala, Dalai Lama, etc. So Dalah was just clear to me. I chose this name when I was 18 and always kept it!

Could you take us through a day in your life, from a possible morning routine through to your work? What does a day in your life look like?

I’m living in Koh Phangan, Thailand, so having a routine here is complicated! There’s so much to do all the time! But for a working day, let’s say: wake up at 8 am, coffee and computer till 11 am, then lunch break on the beach with my partner! Coming back to work until sunset time! And ending with a sauna and dinner on the beach!

For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you?

I started DJing when I was around 17. I asked for my first controller for Christmas, and from there, I started to post DJ sets on YouTube, getting my first bookings and gigs very quickly after this, until it became my life five years ago in Cambodia. For music production, I always found this interesting, and I was playing with Ableton for fun until I got to meet producers where I could spend time with them in the studio and learn a bit deeper. After this, I took music lessons and classes with Ryan Murgatroyd, and since then, I learn every day to get to share my love for music.

You currently reside in Thailand. Did you grow up there, and if so, how did it affect your music taste and direction into becoming a DJ and producer?

Thailand is incredible for DJs – so many events, so many festivals and things happening. But at the same time, it’s a place where everybody dreams to settle in, so it’s very competitive, and you have a lot of good artists around. It’s allowing me to step up to get to my best level, and I find it very interesting to live and develop myself here.

Who from your home country inspired you the most early on, and why were they inspirational for you?

From my home country, I was very impressed by Worakls. I was a fan when I was younger, his capacity to express emotion in his music and organize events with chorals and instruments around him. A legend for me!

What are some of your best memories from first going to clubs? Were there specific nights or sets that really made you feel you wanted to pursue electronic music?

I was going to Monegros Festival in Spain from a very young age, as well as Inox parties and festivals in Toulouse. I got to see very young artists like Richie Hawtin, Len Faki, Paul Kalkbrenner, and many more.

How would you describe the music you make? And are you always producing with the dancefloor in mind?

My music is a mix between organic house and afro house. I’m deeply connected to spiritual sounds and instruments. My wish is to share joy and emotion in my tracks. I want people to experience bliss and ecstasy just by dancing to it. I have the dancefloor in mind, of course, but will always keep my taste, which is between organic, afro, and progressive.

You’ve had a successful career as a DJ in a short time, performing at some of Thailand's top venues, including Café del Mar, Why Nam, Bambu, Guy's Bar, Shelter, Oxa Beach, and more. Looking back more on your gigs, what have been some of the most memorable ones for you and why?

Why Nam is very special in my heart, the spiritual community from Koh Phangan dancing all afternoon and evening on the beach in a private area accessible only by boat. It’s pure bliss to play there.

You have a new single, ‘Soul of the Tribe,’ which is out now via Songuara Tales. Tell us a bit about the track and what sort of vibe you were going for on it.

Soul of the Tribe is a track that awakens the tribal part of yourself. It’s an instrumental journey that leads to joy and liberation. My idea behind it is to connect people to this dormant energy.

Is there a special meaning behind the track title for you? 

Yes, the title gives a hug to the still existing tribes who are still living around the world, and the voices I used in the track are from the Maasai tribe.

How much play has ‘Soul of the Tribe’ gotten in your sets, and to what reaction?

I’m starting to play it, and I have to admit it’s a strong pleasure to do it!

Let our readers inside your studio for a moment. What is your current setup, and what studio tools are featured heavily in your recent productions, and more specifically on ‘Soul of the Tribe’?

I finally invested in a MacBook M2 Pro and got Ableton with a few plugins like Omnisphere, Native Instruments, Portal, and Fab Filter, which are the ones I use the most!

Shifting to DJing for a moment, as stated earlier, you are a fixture of Thailand’s nightlife. But we’re curious, what were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a DJ, and how have they changed over time?

I spent four years in Cambodia, surviving and living with music. I got to spend hundreds of hours in clubs, bars, and restaurants, playing hours and hours and using multiple different controllers. That’s where I got my skills that allow me to be where I am now. The challenge in Thailand is that getting popular here is a real challenge! It takes time and dedication – and I have both!

What is it about DJing, compared to producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you?

DJing is an incredibly addicting feeling. It’s an exchange between you and the crowd, and it’s quite strong. For me, it’s more than just music; it’s a language, it’s vibration, raising people’s consciousness and level of happiness.

Can you tell me a bit about how your work as a DJ has influenced your view of music, your way of listening to tracks, and perhaps also your work as a producer?

Yes, I have a very specific way of listening. I love only spiritual and uplifting music, so for me, I mostly play major music, and it has to be very specific. I don’t play what is not a hundred percent yes when I listen to it.

How much prep do you put into the sets you play, or are they spontaneous for the most part?

I never prepare my sets since the last three years. Never. Always going with the flow and people’s response. It’s allowing me to be pro-creative

Current Top five tracks in your sets?

I don’t know!

If you are not DJing, producing, or socializing at clubs, where do we find you? And doing what?

You will find me in my paradise, Koh Phangan, enjoying some saunas, sunset views, beaches, and ecstatic dances.

If you could set up an event with a lineup of five artists of your choice, who would you book, and what set times would you ascribe to the artists? 

8–10: M.O.S.E
10–12: WORAKLS
12–2: Paul Kalkbrenner
2–4: Solomun
4–6: Apollonia

What is a song/track you’ve never stopped listening to since childhood?

TUPAC - Changes

If you were not a DJ/Producer, what do you think you’d be doing with your life? (Something not music-related)

I was a massage therapist before and was working for retreat centers. I would still probably do this, organizing retreats and wellness events.

What’s something people do not know about you?

A lot!

What TV series have you been enjoying recently, and what are some of your all-time favorites?

I don’t watch TV and series!

Apart from music, what makes you happiest?

I’m working on developing my consciousness with spiritual practices and medicine – finding out who I am is my happiness.

What can we look forward to from you in 2025? Any releases or gigs you are looking forward to?

Mustache in Bangkok, Thantawan Festival, and I will go back to India and Bali. ;)

'Soul of the Tribe' is available now via Songuara: https://tinyurl.com/2s4tu62n