Interview: Kubika

By Ben Liew  •  in Features
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Kubika he was the big man that blazed the club and crowd. In the span of 4 years Eddy Faizal Zainal aka Kubika has played at countless after-parties, clubs like Metro Lounge, Chill, Backroom II, Sugar, Blonde, Laundry and even Koh Phangan’s Warm Up Bar. His obsession with music is unique as he considers Pearl Jam, A-Ha, Royksopp, Tiga, James Zabiela and AC/DC as his main influences. A graphic designer by day and bass player on weekends, he aspires to bring his label electric dreams to the highest… Please welcome Kubika!

A big ‘Woot!’ for winning the contest! How’d you celebrate?
I celebrated in minimalistic style, nothing big just hung out with close friends

You’re the oldest contestant. Do you think your age and experience has anything to do with your victory?
I don’t think my age really played a role in winning the competition. My competitors who were much younger than me had some wicked tunes and skills. Lots of practice and selecting the right tunes won me the competition I guess.

We heard that you also rock the bass. Did you start off as a bass player?
Yeah, I use to play for a couple of bands before. Pocket Hercules and Spunky Funggy to be exact. These days, electro seems to be the crowd pleaser in clubs.

Do you still favour techno, tech house and progressive dance music?
Yes, I still favour techno, tech house and progressive dance music simply because I don’t like to “bang” all the way through the night. For me spinning is not just playing music but the art of delivering it.

How would you describe your style and flavour?
Funky and soulful.

Who would you like to collaborate with?
Anowl, Gabriel, Flickswitch, MANDY and Roman Flugel.

Who are you currently listening to?
My dad hahaha! Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of old stuff like the Police and A-ha.

If you could invent a new dance music genre, what would you call it?
Basstrip.

What’s the one thing that a DJ shouldn’t do?
Pick their nose while on the decks.

What’s the one thing that a DJ shouldn’t play?
‘911’ by Akon. I don’t even understand why this song was ever made.

How did you get your nickname “Kubika”?
From F1 driver Kubica.

Who do you look up to as a mentor?
Victor G, Raysoo, Bryan Burger, Nicky C, Gabriel, Syko G, Richie Hawtin, James Zabiela and John Digweed.

If you didn’t become a DJ, what would you be doing now?
I’d be sleeping hahaha! Actually, if I didn’t become a DJ I’d probably be a graffiti artist.

Complete the following: A happy DJ is…
…a crazy DJ and that’s good! Look at Ben Cracko – JUICE DJ Quest Winner 2006.

What’s ahead for you in 2010?
Looking forward to the Zouk apprenticeship, playing for Minimalaysia, starting my own night called Electric Dreams and producing my own tracks.

Hit up DJ Kubika’s tracks at minimalaysia.podomatic.com.