A chat with Djuma Soundsystem

As Danish DJ duo Djuma Soundsystem get ready to spin Kuala Lumpur silly at tomorrow's Heineken Green Room, Junk gets cosy with them about the ins and outs of touring, and the hidden secrets of Denmark.

You guys played in Kiev to 50,000 people last year. How was that?
It was a little surreal, I must say. We played music festivals like here in Denmark for 10,000 people, but 50,000...that’s just crazy. You cannot imagine it! You feel rather small when standing on a stage over 100 metres.
      
What got you into dance music in the first place?
We started in teenage clubs (alcohol free, under 18). Wanted to be the cool guy behind the deck in the 80s.

What is planned for 2009?
Two releases out in March: Bipolar and Orange Crayon. And a world tour! Been to the States. Going to India for one month, [then] Asia Australia and South America.

Scandinavians are said to be the happiest people in the world. Why do you think that is (maybe the great ice cream)?
Are we!!? You totally made my day!!! In Denmark, there's a very strong democracy. People pay a lot in tax, but you also get a lot back–the infrastructure, health systems, etc. And you don’t have very poor people. People are still struggling, but we’re well taken care of.

I’m a budget traveller stuck in Copenhagen for 24 hours. Quick, where should I go and what should I do that’ll give me the best time?
Go to Christiana, an old hippie town located in the middle of the city. There's a surrounding lake and small strange houses. Food is organic, vegetarian, very cheap. People like smoking up there; it’s a free town. Only 2,000 to 3,000 people live there. It’s very welcoming to visitors. A lot of concerts and clubs. But go in the summer. Rent a bicycle...there are a lot of pavements.
      
What can Malaysia expect from your upcoming show?
Live set: focus on being more of a band. Start off more groovy. More track. DJ set: dancing experience. Clubby.

www.myspace.com/djumasoundsystem

More info on Heineken Green Room tomorrow at Orange Dance Club, KL here. Click to the Heineken Green Room website to watch the dance documentary directed by Malaysian producer and They Will Kill Us All guitarist Edwin Raj. The video will also be screened tomorrow night.