DJ Erny was born and raised in Kupang, Indonesia. Though the daughter
DJ Erny was born and raised in Kupang, Indonesia. Though the daughter of a pastor and teacher, music and dance had always been a part of her life. She could often be found break-dancing with school friends in Kupang, or listening to music during her days at university in Bali. Her apartment at college was often a gathering point for other students who wanted to hear the latest music trends.
Educated in tourism, Erny’s free time continued to revolve around music. Upon completing school, she decided to become a DJ and make music her career. While maintaining a position as resident DJ in Bali for more than a decade, she was able to play in a dozen countries ranging from USA to Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.
ASIANCE: How did you get into DJing?
DJ Erny; I started DJing in 1998 in one of the first discotheques in Bali. My first big break came in 2001, landing the position as Resident DJ for Maccaroni Club in Legian, Kuta, Bali. Female DJs were quite rare at the time, so for the club’s owner Arturo Caruso to take me on as their first resident DJ was quite a significant step, both for the club and for me. I owe a debt of gratitude to Arturo, the club and regular guests for the very good years I had with the club.
DJ ERNY @ Glow Nightclub, Bangkok
DJ ERNY @ Pyramid Mega Club, Siem Reap, Cambodia
ASIANCE: Legian, Kuta. Wasn’t that the site of the nightclub bombings in 2002? How close was that to where you were working?
DJ Erny: I was DJing at the time of the October 2002 nightclub bombings. The second of the two bombs was across the narrow street and did some damage to our club (though some were injured in our club, fortunately none of the 202 fatalities were inside Maccaroni). Damage was significant, so the club had to close for a couple months of remodeling. A night and event I try to forget.
ASIANCE: What is the hottest music right now?
DJ Erny: EDM remains very popular in many of the clubs I’ve traveled to. It varies from city to city, club to club. Playing the discotheques in Vientiane (Laos), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Yangon (Myanmar) was typically to locals who were accustomed to hip-hop .. a genre that wasn’t often played at my home club, Maccaroni. Being accustomed to a wide-range of guests in Bali, I was able to accommodate their preferences.
Playing clubs like Les Visages (Hong Kong), Glow Bangkok and StereoLab Phuket was for well-travelled expatriates who preferred House, Tribal and Progressive. This was also the genre I played at S Nightclub in Holland, Michigan USA.
ASIANCE: Which DJ would you like to learn from or stand behind in the DJ booth?
DJ Erny: I’d like to share the DJ booth with, and learn a bit from Raphaël Pathé, an international DJ and television producer from France. He has recently relocated from Paris to Hollywood where I hope to catch up with him in the coming months.
ASIANCE: Top 5 songs in your current mix right now?
DJ Erny: Bassfinder feat. Natasha Burnett – Brighton Beach (Srairi Aymen Remix)
Sak Noel – Loca People (Loco Tony Rework)
Kasa – Maczo (Bass Fun Rmx)
Morten Hampenberg & Alexander Brown – Istanbul (Original Mix)
Simon De Jano & Pat-Rich – New York Road (Original Mix)
ASIANCE: Where do you usually play? Do you have a steady gig?
DJ Erny: After more than a decade as resident DJ at the Maccaroni Club in Bali, I’ve been looking to shake it up a bit and play a mix of venues.
ASIANCE: Where would you love to play? Ultimate gig?
DJ Erny: Certainly on my list are the clubs of Ibiza, New York, Miami & Vegas. Also of interest are clubs like Womb (Japan) and Warung (Brazil).
I’m also reviewing clubs in areas that are not traditionally on a “must-do” list such as Nairobi, Cairo, Moscow and the South Pacific. The world is my oyster.
ASIANCE: Favorite Asian DJ?
DJ Erny: Internationally acclaimed Steve Aoki, who’s performed in Bali in the recent past.
ASIANCE: Favorite DJ?
DJ Erny: Marchesini & Farina, DJ Cahill
ASIANCE: What other hobbies do you have?
DJ Erny: Cooking and Making greeting cards.
Some specific events:
S Nightclub Holland, Michigan USA: http://youtu.be/ZwILGwNSuOw
Pyramid Mega Club, Siam Reap, Cambodia: http://youtu.be/wSFzGsGKUig
For more on DJ Erny:
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DJ-ERNY/279542972077062
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/DJERNY
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/DJ_ERNY
Web address: www.djerny.com
Email: djerny@djerny.com