ContirbutorFrom learning the decks on Technics turntables in 2004 to becoming a familiar name within Asia’s evolving electronic music scene, Bendosh has spent more than two decades immersed in electronic music. Originally from Bordeaux and now based in Asia, his sound draws from a wide range of influences, moving between Indie, Melodic, Afro House and Techno without being tied to a single genre.
His latest single, Stay Far Away, sees Bendosh combine a strong bass-driven foundation with warm melodies and an emotive vocal, creating a track designed to work both on the dancefloor and beyond the club. In this interview, he reflects on his journey into electronic music, the differences between Asian and European audiences, opening for international artists, his work with Entourage Concepts Events, and why he believes the Asian electronic music scene has plenty more to offer.
MI4L – You first discovered electronic music back in 2004 when you received your first Technics turntable. What was it about electronic music that immediately grabbed you, and what has kept that passion alive for more than two decades?
Bendosh – At that time, most of the DJ’s were still playing with vynils so it was a great experience to learn with! Quite complicated but also fascinating! Plus in the 90’ and 00’ there was some great tunes that made history.
MI4L – You grew up in Bordeaux and have now spent 17 years living in Asia. How has that combination of French and Asian influences shaped your musical identity and the way you approach DJing and production?
Bendosh – Actually, French influence was mostly due to great artists such as Daft Punk, Justice and I was also a big fan of Laurent Garnier. But for me, German were way above plus some great British & Dutch artists too which all made me enjoy Electronic Music. Unfortunately Asian influence (at least Chinese) was mostly EDM when i came to China and this has never been my cup of tea.
MI4L – Your latest single, Stay Far Away, has a really warm and uplifting melodic sound, with organic grooves and an emotive vocal. What was the starting point for the track, and what did you want listeners to feel when they heard it?
Bendosh – I would say that I m more an Indie or Techno guy but my feelings says that strong vocals are nowadays trendy and to avoid bringing tracks that are too dark to play in commercial venues in Asia, I like to mix a strong Bass always & a cool vocal.
MI4L – The track feels particularly suited to summer sunsets, open-air terraces and those moments where melodic music and the dancefloor meet. Do you have a particular setting or moment in mind when you imagine people listening to Stay Far Away?
Bendosh – Yes I believe this track can be played in some beach club or clubs. But besides the clubbing scene I also think about people that love good music and that are not always clubbing so the track must fit on Spotify for people going out, working out, driving … music is made to please! Starting by your friends!
MI4L – Your taste spans Melodic House, Indie and Afro House, while your early influences included the Spanish Makina scene and artists such as Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier, Agoria and Oxia. How have those seemingly different influences come together in your sound today?
Bendosh – I don’t have or play one style in particular. I listen to electronic music since I am 13 years old and few hours by day, can’t live without music. So my taste can vary on the venue, the time. From Afro (with strong bass) to Indie, to Melodic, as long as the track is well done, why not being open minded?! Some research says electronic music keep your brain younger! 😆
MI4L – You’ve played opening sets across Asia for artists including MANDY, Monkey Safari and Badknife. What have those experiences taught you about reading a crowd and setting the tone for a bigger artist’s performance?
Bendosh – I have learnt first about controlling your stress and emotions. Then no offense on big names but it happens that some opening or closing unknown artists deliver better sets than the headliners.
MI4L – You’ve been deeply involved in the Asian electronic music scene, both as a DJ and through Entourage Concepts Events. How would you describe the current state of electronic music in Asia, and what makes the scene there different from Europe or other parts of the world?
Bendosh – I believe is the future for economics and I tend to say the same for Music. It is clearly opening to the world with obviously a strong European influence but there are also more and more local talented DJ pushing hard. And in terms of places, Bali, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong are already top places for electronic music and some great festivals are already in place! I also know that most of the DJ love Asian cities and come to perform here.
MI4L – Having lived and worked in places including Shanghai and Hong Kong, have you noticed major differences in the way audiences across Asia respond to electronic music? Are there certain sounds or styles that seem to connect particularly strongly with Asian crowds?
Bendosh – I would say that EDM is still a big scene in Asia but real electronic music is slowly catching up and that s a great news!
MI4L – Electronic music has changed enormously since you first started DJing. What excites you most about where the scene is heading right now, and is there anything about the modern electronic music landscape that you think has lost some of the magic of the early days?
Bendosh – I’m not known enough to have a clear vision but I m already 42 so the generation dancing now is already different from mine. When I see Ibiza now, some festivals.. yes I believe that there is clearly a change of vibe and unfortunately social medias and iPhones have their part of responsibility. Nowadays people want to be seen or saying « I was there » instead of 100 % enjoying and dancing.
MI4L – Looking ahead, what can we expect from Bendosh over the next year, both musically and through your work with Entourage Concepts, are there any artists, labels or scenes in Asia that you think the rest of the world should be paying closer attention to?
Bendosh – As a DJ I would love to play in some big festivals, as a producer, I would keep bringing tracks and finding bigger labels to touch more audience. As an event organizer, being a Dad made me slow down organizing but never knows what will come next! Music is my side job so there is absolutely no pressure on my shoulders! As said, Asian local artists may grow and Asian scene will also, this part of the world can’t be forgotten ✌️but being based here is Gold for the lifestyle.
Pick up a copy of Stay Far Away here – https://www.beatport.com/release/stay-far-away/7283054