After rising to international prominence by winning the 2017 Pioneer DJ Controller Battle Championship, Siangyoo has since become one of the most sought-after DJs in the region and around the world. Beyond commanding huge crowds at renowned nightclubs and festivals with his infectious blend of EDM, hip-hop, and house music - the Filipino talent has also amassed a massive following online.
His creative and cutting-edge digital techniques have made him a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok. It’s Siangyoo’s unique connection with his audience - whether through crafting engaging content that showcases his skills, or crafting a joyous atmosphere on the dance floor through expert song selection and flawless transitions - that makes him such a captivating DJ.
Ahead of his highly anticipated set at AVENUE Singapore on Saturday, 15 March, we caught up with surging selector to learn more.
View this post on Instagram
Hi Siangyoo! How did you first get interested in DJing?
So, the story goes back 12 years ago. I had a friend who loved partying and introduced me to DJing. At first, I wasn’t really interested until I attended my first music festival. I was amazed at how the DJ made the crowd dance, and that’s when I realized that DJing looked cool. When I got home, I downloaded Virtual DJ, and that’s basically how it all started.
Who were the DJs who inspired you to pick up the craft?
The one who inspired me was the first DJ I ever watched—DJ Ace Ramos. He’s the number one DJ in the Philippines.
What was your first gig like?
I kind of messed up my first gig. I was an hour late, and my mentor was pretty upset about it. I’ll never forget what she said: “DJ etiquette is important. You have to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your set so you can get a feel for the place. Arriving an hour late after the set has started is a big no-no.”
And it never happened again.
Winning the Pioneer DJ Controller Battle in 2017 is a standout achievement in your resume. Could you tell us about that competition, and the memories that stayed with you?
It wasn’t my first competition, but it was the first one I won. It was a nerve-wracking moment and a game changer for my career. One of the best memories from that time was making a lot of new friends.
You’ve played some very big stages in recent years. Which performance has been your personal favourite (and why)?
I’ve never really liked big stages. Personally, the most memorable events for me are the small and intimate ones.
What’s your current DJ setup like?
I recently upgraded to the CDJ-2000 Nexus 2 and DJM-900 Nexus, but I’m planning to upgrade to the CDJ-3000 and DJM-A9 soon.
Beyond playing shows, you’ve found a massive following online. How important has TikTok and other social media platforms been to you?
Social media is king. I think it’s a game changer for anyone looking to boost their career.
Social media can be a double-edged sword though. It makes it easier for everyone to showcase themselves, but it’s also harder to stay relevant amidst an avalanche of content. What is your approach to creating content that engages, resonates and builds a following?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the fundamentals of DJing. If you’ve spent years practicing and honing your skills, you won’t have trouble understanding trends and knowing your target market.
Watch on TikTok
What advice would you give to DJs (or other artists) with regards to balancing the need to create new content and working hard to perfect their craft?
Mastering your craft should always come first. Like I said earlier, if you’re a new DJ and you want to survive in the world of social media, you need to have the right tools. That’s why investing in your craft is so important—once you do, content creation becomes much easier.
Finally, what can fans expect during your upcoming set at AVENUE Singapore?
Well, I can’t really say. I’ll just keep doing what I do best and hopefully, everyone will have a good time!
Catch Siangyoo at AVENUE Singapore on 15 March, make your reservations here.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-