Spin, spin, sugar

MANILA, Philippines - YStyle spends the day with Katrina Razon, professional DJ and daughter of billionaire magnate and Solaire head honcho Enrique Razon. Whether she's frolicking under the Mindoro sun at Malasimbo or roughing it up in an African safari, she's always dressed down for comfort and fun. After spending four years studying overseas, it's finally time for her to come home. Get to know more about this occasional globetrotter and full-time lover of life before her comeback.

YSTYLE: Graduation is near. How does it feel?

Katrina Razon: To be honest, it feels bittersweet. On one hand, I am looking forward to focusing on my career and music-related projects ahead. On the other hand, apart from being a student I am also a teaching assistant (TA) at my university and will miss the routine of structuring lectures and facilitating class activities.

One more month left in Boston for you. What will you miss the most?

Well, one thing I won’t be missing is the grueling winters! But, the one thing I will miss most is all of my friends that I have made here. I’ve met some of the most incredible individuals from all over the world while attending university in Boston. We were all going through the same experience together and I’m going to miss the dynamic of having a group that was more like a family to me throughout these years.

You’re finally moving back for good. What’s in store for you back home?

Undoubtedly, it is an exciting time to move back to the Philippines. That being said, my plan is to focus on producing music, collaborating with different artists as well as developing new musical experiences for people of all ages and demographics to enjoy. Also, it is a great opportunity for me to learn more at Solaire.

How did you start as a DJ? Who did you look up to in terms of music?

I started playing music when I was 17 after a DJ duo named the Bloody Beetroots taught me how to mix music. Ever since childhood I was always immersed in music, but there was something ephemeral about the performance component and energy involved in a DJ set, whether in the privacy of your home or in front of an audience. Some of my earliest influences range from different scopes of music including Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Joy Division, Jeff Mills, Magda, among others.

What’s your favorite crowd to DJ to?

As a DJ, I truly enjoy every opportunity I get where I can play music in front of an audience, whether intimate or large. Admittedly, I love playing for a crowd that is looking to hear forward-thinking and music out of the commercial hodgepodge, who are not afraid to dance and groove on the floor. In other words, I thrive when I play for people who attend solely for the music and are looking to have an unforgettable night with friends and loved ones.

Is your career as a DJ a long term thing? If you weren’t DJ-ing what would you be?

I have been playing music for years and I do not think I will ever stop. My mom always encourages me to continue playing music even if I decide not to pursue it as a full-time career. However, if I were not a DJ I would most likely be a safari ranger in Africa. I travel to Africa every year to go on a safari and that connection I’ve forged between my life and the environment is important to me.

Worst rumor ever said about you was…?

I usually do not spend too much time paying attention to rumors, but I think the worst one I ever heard was that I was apparently paying promoters to hire me for gigs, which to me, is absolutely absurd and ridiculous. I think every promoter or club owner who’s booked me in the past could easily refute this false allegation. As the saying goes, “haters gonna hate, potatoes gonna potate.” 

The thing that people don’t know about you is…?

Most people don’t know that I carry a hacky sack everywhere I go. I can kick it in the air continuously over a hundred times if anyone dares me to. 

What inspires you?

Family, friends, films, music, travel and my albino hedgehog Loofah.

How would you describe your style?

Laid back and eclectic.

What’s the last song you played on your iPod?

Space Me Out featuring Egle Sirvydyte (Mario Basanov Remix), Downtown Party Network.

If you have a more formal occasion to attend, what would you wear?

I’d either wear a digital printed dress or black tuxedo-fitted jumpsuit. I try to have fun whenever I dress for formal occasions — as long as the ensemble resonates with my personality, I’ll wear it.

What is your go-to default outfit for everyday wear?

A white T-shirt by Club Monaco, Black J Brand skinny jeans, Saint Laurent leather biker jacket, and Isabel Marant high tops.

Who taught you how to dress?

Music taught me how to dress.

What won’t you be caught dead wearing?

Pink jeans.

Last book you read? How was it?

David Grann’s The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness and Obsession. It’s a brilliant collection of true stories about people whose fixations propel them into unfathomable and often deadly circumstances. Grann takes the reader around the world, revealing a gallery of rogues and heroes who show that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

What’s the last thing you purchased?

Tracks on Beatport.

Worst thing you ever bought?

Gluten-free soy sauce.

Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

Black leatherette high-waisted shorts by the one and only Boom Sason.

Favorite city: Cape Town, South Africa.

Favorite drink: Vodka Sake, Cucumber Collins from Las Flores and Rambla. My favorite cocktail in the universe.

Your top five places in the world (it can be a country, city, a hideout, or even your room):

1. My garden at home

2. Amanpulo

3. Solaire

4. Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival

5. Streets of Tokyo

Best advice you ever received?

“Always play the music that you love because half of the people will hate it and the other half will follow you forever.”