We hung out with Damon Palermo aka Magic Touch the day after the party with Ashram // Deadrec in Jakarta, and here’s a piece of conversation we did over a couple of drinks with friends.

 

Welcome to Asia. Mind telling us a bit about the tour?

The tour started in Bali and then Jakarta. I went back to Bali for a couple more days before the next show which were in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. And then I am going to Japan for two weeks.

Did you go back to Bali for more shows?

No no, just to chill. So we went to Bingi beach with a friend of mine who lives there. I really like swimming and we can rent a scooter for pretty cheap.

Bali’s awesome. Where else have you been on tour?

Well in Asia, I went to Japan and Korea two years ago, and then to China a while later. On the other side of the world, I’ve been to Europe, Mexico, Canada, and some more.

Did the Koreans and Japanese like your music?

Korea is a little bit, uhm — I mean, the parties were good and they appreciate it, but what’s interesting is that they don’t really have any record stores that sell vinyl. The most we could find were CD stores who sell K-pop music.

Korea is interesting because during the Korean War, they were very into American music – Motown and the likes – because of the soldiers. They had this so-called Korean psychedelic movement in the 60s, with lots of Korean rock as the result.

And you go to these bars and there would be thousands of records on the shelves and you would just DJ with what they have there. There were lots of places like that and it’s strange that that culture is lost.

Japan is quite different, they’re collectors. And they’re big on vinyl.

And they’re really into hip-hop yeah?

Yeah yeah, and also into Chicago, Detroit – those sort of techno, old school stuff.

I played at WWW in Shibuya once. Was pretty cool – great city, great music, receptive crowds, yeah.

How was that compared to say, your experience touring Europe?

I used to be in a band and we went to Europe 3 times, and I’ve been there a few times myself. I think I’ve been pretty much to most of the countries besides Croatia and Ukraine. Because its just really easy to move between countries there.

I’m not sure exactly how the system works there but seems like they give the promoter an annual budget to book artists. They have good clubs with good sound systems so it’s just, well, they have the systems and facilities for such things. I think the whole European countries are really supportive. Like in the Netherlands you can make good money per month for just being an artist, and it seems that their government does have some kind of a support system.  There are some great record labels there too, like Rush Hour Records and Clone Records.

Oh, and I played in Berlin. At Panorama Bar, which is above Berghain. First I was a bit worried since Germans seems to be all about techno and I was gonna play these happy tunes, but was relieved finding that the people loved it! I think its kind of a myth that they’re only into techno – they’re mostly collectors who are really into all kinds of music.

Can you tell us the story of how you ended up at 100% Silk Records?

I was in a band called Miami, we did some tours in Europe where we played together with this band called Pocahaunted whose member started the 100% Silk Records. She knows I’ve been making dance music, and at one point I was just making music on my computer and she just asked me if I’ve got some songs finished. So yeah, it’s more like a friend thing.

Adios, Damon. We’ll see you soon!

Have a listen to Palermo House Gang out now on 100% Silk: