BK: What are you doing for flood relief?
I’m the supervisor of a team of volunteers that work hand in hand with the relief services and the government to keep these donation stations open. I organize donations and see what supplies need to go where. 

BK: Is the government managing the situation well?
It’s really difficult to say. I think they’re doing the best they can but it’s probably not enough. It’s also hard to say what they can do better because we really don’t know the severity of the situation outside of Bangkok. It’s an incredibly difficult position to manage a flooding country to begin with, and I really find it hard to directly criticize those in charge. Now, it’s really up to people to come together and help themselves and each other. We can’t rely on the government alone to solve this problem. Everyone has to prepare on their own.

BK: What’s the average work day?
We’re open 24 hours a day, but my staff and I will come from 10 o’clock to midnight. It’s a really long day. The [Dust Thani] hotel will be using this space soon, so we’ll have to move everything out and then eventually move it back. We plan on being open for about two months, but we’ll see what happens, because at this point there’s no telling what can happen. I have a great team of volunteers doing their bit and helping out at this station.

BK: What has been donated? What else needs to be donated?
We’ve had all kinds of things donated, including medicine, which is what we need the most. Malaria is an increasing problem that we need to prepare for. The conditions are perfect for it to spread rapidly, so we could really use more medicine, and specifically malaria pills. We’ve gotten everything from clothes, to water to toiletries. People have been very generous so far and I know that many are very grateful for their efforts.

BK: What can people do to get involved besides donating?
Well, we’ll see what happens—but for now, donate what you can and don’t forget about the people outside of Bangkok, like in Ayutthaya. I think we’ll need to rely on people helping out a lot more after the flood comes than we do now. People will need homes rebuilt and we’ll all need to do our part in helping everyone recover. Preparation is the least difficult part.

Event details here.

Where did the name Booka Shade come from?
Actually it has no real meaning. That name goes back to the early or mid nineties. We were doing a lot of production work for many international labels, and we were in Holland flipping through magazines and there was the name “Booker T.” we turned the T into an A, and added the name shade, as in shadow. Some people thought it was an Asian name at first. It’s a hard name to learn, but once you’ve got it, it’s easy to remember.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?
I have a son who is 11 who likes to listen to the latest stuff, like Katy Perry. So I end listening to California Girls by Katy Perry. That’s the kind of stuff you listen to when you’re a dad.

Who is your musical inspiration?
We don’t listen to a lot of club music nowadays. A long time inspiration was a band called Dépêche Mode, and lately my partner listens to a lot of Gorillaz. The rest of the inspiration can be anything like the travels you do or the places you live in. The whole life we lead is very inspiring. We try and take the energy out of life and put it into music.

You’ve been touring a lot. Which has been your fave gig?
We’ve played in beaches, caves, warehouses…. But one thing that sticks in my head is in Red Rocks, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains. We had about twelve hundred people in front of us. After the show we got so much positive feedback that we really hope to go back.

This is your first time being in Bangkok. What are you looking forward to seeing?
I hope that we find some time to have dinner with people who can tell us about the history of the city and its people. I’m really interested in those sorts of things.

What’s the most important thing about being a DJ?
We’re mostly a live band: Walter plays keyboards and I do the electronic drums. DJ’ing is something fairly new for us. We only started two years ago. We got thrown into the DJ world at a high level, and we had to have a really fast learning curve. We can try out a lot of new things thanks to DJ sets. The important thing is bringing the audience a good amount of positive energy so they can have a great night. The DJ doesn’t always have to please the audience; there always has to be a sort of “educating”, but they should always leave saying “wow that was a great night.”

Where do you see yourself in twenty years?
If I’m still walking hopefully I’ll be doing something that interests me and something that’s challenging. I don’t want to stop with what I do or get into a slower place or get bored. I always want to check out new stuff. My life will always have something to do with music. It was very obvious from an early age.

Whats next for Booka Shade?
We try to have as much time as possible in the studio. Because we’re recording an album now for the New Year. We just came home from a five week US tour. We need to relax a little bit. We’re in Asia now and then South America, then in Russia, then the year is over. We’re trying to find as much time in the studio as possible. Hopefully we’ll be back next year with some more music for you.

How are these spirits made?
Each product is produced in small batches using only the finest ingredients. Take the St. Germain, for example, produced from 100% fresh, wild elderflower blossoms grown in the foothills of the French Alps. These delicate flowers are hand-picked in late spring when at their peak level of flavor and aroma and macerated using age-old techniques. They provide a delicate, refined balance of grapefruit, white peach, passion fruit and lemon flavors but with less than half the sugar content of most liqueurs. The result is a light, refreshing and incredibly versatile product which can be served chilled neat or to add character and complexity to cocktails.

What do you recommend drinking this liqueur with?
The signature drink is the St. Germain Cocktail which is 1/3 white wine (Sauvignon Blanc), 1/3 St. Germain and 1/3 soda served on rocks and garnished with a lemon twist or, for the Asian palate, we use a sprig of lemon grass. For an upscale variation you can substitute the white wine with Prosecco or Champagne.

Neat, chilled, as a cocktail—how do you drink this stuff?
Many bartenders will use St. Germain for a variation on classic cocktails such as a St. Germain gin & tonic, St. Germain mojito, St. Germain margarita, gimlet, martini, Manhattan and sangria. It’s almost impossible to find a spirit St. Germain does not mix with.

Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe for one of them?
My personal favorites, after the signature cocktail, are the Pear Tree martini (1 1/2 shots pear vodka, 1 1/2 shots St. Germain, splash of fresh lime juice, all shaken and strained into a martini glass garnished with fresh pear) and also The St. Rita (1 1/2 shots Siete Leguas Blanco tequila, 1 shot St. Germain, 1/2 fresh lime squeezed, all shaken then poured into a rock ice-filled glass).

Where can we try these spirits? What restaurants are offering them?
You can find St. Germain in several 5-star Bangkok hotels like the Westin, St. Regis, Sheraton Grande and Grand Hyatt, as well as upscale bars and restaurants such as Zuma and Bo.lan.

BK: How did you end up forming a band with your brothers?
When I was ten, my older brother got signed to a Thai record label, but just after signing the papers, he passed away. I’m fulfilling his legacy. My two brothers and I had always been musically inclined and we would always talk about forming a band, so when we were all old enough, we decided to pay respect to my brother by making an album for him called Fulfill The Dream. The band’s name is actually his name, which is Note.

BK: What did you do before you formed the band?
I was actually a parking valet in California, where I grew up. I’m from Temucula, which is right between Los Angeles and San Diego. My job as a valet let me drive some cars that I could only dream of. I also had to drive some real POS every now and then, but overall it was fantastic money, and it allowed me some free time to do my own thing. In a way, I really wouldn’t be here without it.

BK: So what was growing up in California like?
I was actually born in Hawaii. My father was the first real DJ at NARZ, DJ NOP. He moved to Hawaii after a stint as a DJ in Bangkok and started a successful career as DJ Kea Aloha. My mother owned restaurants in Hawaii and Los Angeles, so eventually we moved to the LA area. I absolutely love LA. It was all beaches all the time, with a little surfing, boogey boarding and fishing thrown in.

BK: So what brought you back to Thailand?
I always wanted to come back ever since I was young. Unfortunately I had a knack for going too fast in my Charger SRT-8, and I guess some people considered it street racing. One thing led to another and I decided that the time had come to make the move. I speak Thai at home, but I feel like a baby because I still can’t read or write it. It’s still a new place even though it’s in my blood. I love it here. I really haven’t thought about going back to the USA. Maybe one day, but for now everything I need is right here.

BK: What do you think about the Thai scene? What are you bringing to the table?
Thai music is awesome, but it might be afraid to change, because from what I’ve heard, this “popular Thai formula” has been around for ages. It is changing for sure, but it’s happening slowly. It seems there are a few companies who hold the reigns to the industry. What we’re bringing is American pop rock that’s produced and played by Thais. You have a lot of international artists that can make it to the Billboard, so why not Thais? I’m sure we can do it too.

BK: What will we see next? What’s in the works?
This new album is a different side of The Note. You’re going to see a matured sound with more thought being put into the conceptual side of things. I really think this album could take us somewhere. I wrote all the songs and I put a lot of thought into the arrangement. This should have been the album that we first came out with, but we had to start somewhere and we had to grow.

1. Because I like it

367 Siam Center, 3/F, 081-495-9718. Open daily 12-6:30pm. BTS Siam
Specializing in Omega, this shop has an expansive selection of classic dive watches in addition to very rare pieces like a rose gold Omega Speedmaster, and a pristine Omega Seamaster 300 “Big Blue,” the first chronograph able to be used underwater. They also are one of the very few places to stock brand new Zeno-Watch Basel models. The store policy is that only watches graded above 80% condition are allowed to be shown, so you can be assured that only the finest specimens are found here.
- Omega Bullhead 1970s, B300,000
- Omega Speedmaster Gold Anniversary Edition 1970s, B700,000

2. Wichai Watch & Kits

Mobile Zone (opposite Hutch Shop), 4/F, MBK Shopping Center, 081-837-7657. Open daily 1-7pm. BTS National Stadium
Khun Wichai used to pen the monthly Retrograde column in Watch World Wide magazine. So he knows his stuff, and is always willing to have a chat about the latest trends. Check out this stall for NOS (new-old stock)and secondhand pieces. His strap making work is rather impressive as well, so be sure to check out his handcrafted stingray and leather straps.
- Universal Geneve 1980s, B70,000
- Sandoz Redfish 1980s, B8,000

3. USED SHOP

Room 17-20 (near the office lifts), 4/F, Fortunetown Tower, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-641-1852. Open 11am-7:30pm. MRT Rama 9. www.usedshoponline.com.
Not only does this shop have a great selection of secondhand watches, but it also deals in just about everything from sunglasses to model planes. The watch selection isn’t chock full of rare, expensive timepieces but rather an assortment of robust and reliable well-known marks. You’re bound to consistently find some old automatic Seiko’s and quartz Tag Heuer’s from the seventies through nineties.
- Seiko 6309 1980s, B12,000

1. Timo Editions. B3,000 at BOYY store, G/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., BTS Chit Lom
2. PlatinumX Board Shorts. B2,390 at Billabong, 1/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Chit Lom
3. Anda Swim Trunks. B1,550 at Painkiller, 3/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam
4. Swim shorts. B1,950 at Top Man, 2/F, Beacon Zone, CentralWorld, Ratchaprasong, BTS Chit Lom
5. 2eros ICON. B2,960 at This Shop for Men, Silom City Walk (next to Yada Bldg.), Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng

1. Frame & Fork

This is the backbone of your ride. Smooth welds and pristine finishes mark a fine quality frame. If you’re interested in tricks, opt for a smaller frame size, or go larger for cruising. Sadio Booster B13,900 at Rollyas, Ramkamhang Soi 24, 087-919-7719.

2. Stem & Bars

Flat and riser bars are ideal choices for Bangkok due to them giving you an upright-seated position, allowing you to keep your eyes on the treacherous road ahead. Zoom Bars, B800, at Cog N Roll, Soi Fraser & Neave, Mahanakorn Rd, 081-376-0606.

3. Saddle

Fit comes first when selecting a saddle. It’s necessary to try a few out before committing to one. Try a small cable lock wrapped around the seat rails as a good theft prevention measure. Origin8 Saddle, B850 at Cuca Bikes, SinTorn Village, Happyland Rd., Bangkapi, 08-1413-0308.

4. Wheels

Deep V branded wheels have long been the fixed-gear standard, and they’ll never go out of style thanks to the myriad of colors, patterns and finishes available. Track inspired Aero wheels are catching up and gaining popularity as the available technology has finally made them crack-proof. Velocity Deep V, B6,500, at Velothai, Klasaemsamut Soi 12, Tambon Baknam, Thanon Sailuat, Amphoe Muang Samutprakarn, 02-388-0199. Aerospoke Wheels, B15,500, at Brother Bike, 28/1 Inthara Phitak Rd., Thonburi.

5. Crank

Selecting the right crank can be tricky; crank arms that are too long will scrape the road. For urban riding, use 165mm crank arms to be safe. Campagnolo Record, B12,000 at Velayenn, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 080-900-2610.

Total Cost: B43,050

Fix Your Look
 

I was born in Bangkok, educated in England, and I grew up in Ireland. I’ve been a world citizen most of my life.

I’ve wanted to be a film director ever since seeing ET. Spielberg is one of my idols.

I’d like to invite him for dinner. He’s an amazing storyteller and has an uncanny ability to get what he wants from his actors. He has a magic touch.

I once had dinner with Franco Zeffirelli and Bryan Ferry in a Thai restaurant in London. That was pretty bizarre; I was sandwiched between a great filmmaker and rock musician. I felt awfully inept to be sitting among these men.

At 18, I believed the world was my oyster, that I could achieve whatever I wanted to. I thought that I could win an Oscar. I still think that.

I went to film school in Leeds, England. We made short films there over the course of two years. After doing that I decided I wanted to be my own boss. I directed my first film, which was a low budget British film that was sold to television.

My biggest accomplishment hasn’t happened yet. But it’s coming. I’ve been producing for ten years and I’m about to release my first film in Thailand.

I most appreciate tenacity in others because I don’t give up easily, and I don’t think other people should give up easily.

My Sunday mornings aren’t lazy. My children wake me up at 7 and we go to the funarium, where I have to endure the smell of children’s feet, or sometimes I take them swimming at the British Club.

My idea of hell would be working 9-5. I would find it very mundane and my existence on the planet would be a waste.

I’ve got a weakness for women, and I get distracted easily. That’s maybe why my career has been less than it could have been.

I’m Eurasian and I’m attracted to the same DNA mix. I think halfies have a connection. My future girlfriend will be a luk krueng.

I like the idea of working in Hollywood and then coming back to Thailand. The weather is nice in LA, not so balmy and muggy.

I’m-tri-religious in that I have a Catholic father, a Buddhist mother, and I married a Muslim. I have to balance all three religions in my household. It’s difficult, though. I’m not very religious myself, and I don’t let religion come first in my life.

Judging by the earthquakes and tsunamis, the world might very well be ending in 2012. I also believe aliens have landed, and that the American war on terror is being instigated by some secret world order.

I hate George Bush. I can’t understand how Americans could believe all his bullshit. How did that happen? For once the French were right.

“Love thy neighbor” is something that I feel I have to keep reminding myself. I lost my brother in a bombing in 2002. Bush blamed it on Muslims and the world became polarized.

I married a Muslim. I don’t blame her, or any other Muslim.

Filmmaking is better than sex. Although sex is a close second.

I want to be able to just pick up a guitar and play Led Zeppelin. I always felt that I missed out on that. Live entertainment is visceral and has a bit of an edge over film.

Media is an ambassador for Thailand. But these days the Ministry of Culture has relaxed its stance on sensitive films, maybe because of Apichatpong winning awards.

People outside Thailand think the country is unstable. I wish we could do something to make them see that Thailand is the great country that it’s always been. Tourism is down and fewer films are coming here.

We need to keep color out of politics. I think we need to stop the quarreling and just get on with it.

In a way, Thaksin was forward thinking in encouraging people to come here. But he got too greedy. It’s never going to end as long as he’s still out there playing Robin Hood.

Inefficiency seems to be a Thai thing. Especially with government bureaucracy. There is so much red tape. If people didn’t have the jobs of stamping and checking everything, everyone would be out of work. Interview by Cole Pennington and Pinhathai Chunharas