On the Sofa with... DJ Starkov Born in Moscow, this Russian University graduate was invited to Kyiv four years ago to play his sets for the crazy Ukrainian club-going audience. As a result, Anatoliy Starkov has settled down in the city of chestnuts and is continuing his successful career right where it started. I met him in Prad-a-Cafe where the 25 year old spends a lot of his time. We spoke about the club scene, about girls, the solitude that rarely comes with DJing and the best party of the summer What’s On has procured him for. The Buddha Himself “Very often, the idea emerges that there is nothing more interesting in life than being a socialite. However, once you are involved in the business for some time, solitude and tranquility really aren’t so bad.” This is the first thing that comes out of DJ Starkov’s mouth as soon as we sit down for a nice cup of soothing tea. I am surprised and can’t help but ask how this serene gentleman in front of me keeps up with this DJ lifestyle that often has models parading in front of him, VIPs throwing their money about and usually involves a lot of drugs. “It’s hard to believe that a man in my position doesn’t do drugs,” he answers, “but it’s true. When I’m not working nights, I go in for football training three times a day with my local team Maestro; it’s made up of local celebrities so we have a lot of fun. But besides that, I’ve grown up in situations that weren’t the easiest and I’m well aware that the ‘sexy’ environment is only part of it. Anybody can be seduced, from famous DJs to humdrum Sales Managers.” That said, sitting with me completely in white with some very trendy sunglasses, he gives the impression that he’s in search of a bit of stardom. Guessing what I’m thinking, Anatoliy says “I don’t want people thinking I’m arrogant, it’s just an image of a man who performs for the masses. I work in the entertainment business and so what I portray to the public is very important.” The Clubs After we have settled somewhat and become a little bit more comfortable with each other, Anatoliy lays it all out for me. “I really enjoy being in Kyiv; it’s different from Moscow. One of the most interesting things about clubbers in Ukraine,” he says, “is that even after a tiring week at work they still get dressed up and ardently come out strutting their stuff. The people here are positive; they really enjoy dancing and when I’m playing my music, it really helps me to stay positive as well. It’s fascinating to watch, especially from my vantage point.” Here in Kyiv, Stakov can be seen in Barsky, Salminsky and Arena and on the 13th of June, you can find him at Biblos Zelenyi Teatr where he’ll be spinning the best grooves all night long. One of the things he mentions is that he really enjoys moving around from club to club; he doesn’t really want to be the resident DJ of any particular place because you get treated differently, and besides, he likes the different atmosphere each has to offer. There is however, one club the DJ really longs after, and that’s Orangerea. This particular venue used to be the hot spot for all who were really serious about their nightlives. “It was a great place for Kyiv’s burgeoning club scene. I remember playing at the party the night it closed and the girls who were there were crying! It was simply remarkable.” The Chicks When the topic of girls comes up, Anatoliy says that as he’s matured, he finds that his tastes too have become more developed, explaining that in his late teens, like all boys maybe, he was more preoccupied with the way a girl looked. “Now, although it’s kind of a cliche, I really concentrate on her inner beauty.” Today, he gets cards from different girls almost every time he plays and he’s even had to create a new social website to keep up with befriending all the girls he has on his tail. There is one however, that gets a lot of his attention, but because she lives in Moscow, he doesn’t get to see her that often. And with that said, he really doesn’t mind admitting that he’s a bit of a mama’s boy. Anatoliy realizes how important family is and plans to have his own one day but says that he’s not quite ready yet to start the implementation process. “Perhaps when I’m financially stable, maybe then will be the time.” Which takes us to business and as far as that is concerned, if you’re not as big as Tiesto or Carl Cox for example, you’re not going to earn a fortune by any means, especially here in Ukraine. “DJ’s salaries vary from one booking agent to another. In a different time, I could have pocketed $2000 a night, but the way things are going these days, kids are working for pennies just to earn the title of ‘DJ’. But in any case, the main goal to life is remaining professional no matter what and finding contentment.” Having said this, he stays true to the things he loves: football and music. Come and check him out this weekend where you might find a bit of both… Ksenia Karpenko