Ever since a friend said to me a while back, ‘you got to hear Saul Bliss play, he’s now my new fave DJ on the island,’ I thought I gotta track this guy down and find out more. And here he is. this week we speak to Saul Bliss.
Where are you from?
Born and bred in England, but been mostly wandering about the globe from the age of 21 so I feel kinda nomadic…which sounds very Bali and cringe lol.
How old are you?
Closing in on half a century…not out.
How long you been in Bali?
First DJed here 20 odd years ago but moved over about 6 years ago from Perth
Single or hooked up?
Hooked, whipped and simped out.
How did you first get into electronic music? Like, was there a certain moment it all made sense?
I got into electronic music after listening to cassette tapes of my sisters from raves like Fantazia and Obsession in the UK in the early ninties. I was really intrigued by the scene and how crazy and wild it seemed. It really captured my imagination and drew me in. It probably made sense when I first went to an event with fake ID and saw everyone just going mental to this exciting new fresh sound. It felt like it was a new dawn for dance culture in the UK and being part of that was very exciting as a kid as you can imagine. I felt like I was part of a revolution of sorts I guess.
What do you think makes electronic music so good?
I mean I appreciate lots of music styles, but I guess electronic music is the one for me because of the simple fact its made primarily for dancing and that has always been a good thing. People have been dancing around the campfire with drums for a long time. Now we have louder drums and more lights! Disco cavemen if you like.
Do you produce music?
Yes, I have been producing music for a fair few years and have had a few things signed. I love the process but have found it hard to prioritize time of late. I also am involved with a Sydney based label, Beatfixed in an A&R role that has been a bit quiet of late, but has put out some great tunes.
How long have you been a DJ and how would you describe your music you make or play?
I started as a vinyl DJ about 30 years ago and I guess I would be called a house and techno DJ. However I play a lot of sunsets in Bali which encompasses everything from chill downtempo, funk, soul, organic and deep house. I’m lucky in that I do like a lot of different styles of music so I’m versatile and can shifty musically if needed dependent on what is in front of me at any given time.
What’s your favourite area in Bali to hang out (day-time)?
To be honest I don’t do alot of hanging out as I’m playing most days and there is always something to be done. If I get a day off I’ll try and get in the water for a surf up in Berawa. I tend to shy away from the more tourist saturated areas and venues so I can get a bit of a break from all the madness.
What’s your favourite place in Bali at night (where you don’t work)?
My bed…if I’m not working, which is very rare, I love a night in. I get rediculously excited about a night in.
What do you do in your spare time? Any other interests?
In my spare time I’m found surfing, at the gym or playing padel. Yes, I have been dragged into the cult sweeping across the island I’m sorry to say. I’m currently back ‘in the studio” with some fresh motivation to get some music out there for the world to listen to.
I’m glad to hear it. Where are you a resident, or a regular DJ?
I’m currently resident at Luna Beach Club, Red Ruby, Mrs Sippy, Ohanas Beach Club, Chiri and the Beat Boat. I can also be found playing at Ulu Cliffhouse, Mesa, Brick Lane and some other spots in the coming months. I also hold a residency in Perth Australia for Kinky Malinki which I fly into now and again to support the brand there.
