Interview: TravNasty of The Dancetronauts

TravNasty is a DJ and co-founder of The Dancetronauts, an EDM sound system that encompasses DJs, dancers and some incredible sound engineering. Check out their tracks, performances and elaborate mobile stages at dancetronauts.com.

Name: TravNasty

Profession: Spacey Ghetto Superstar and Co-Founder of Dancetronauts

Age: 32

Packing Tip? 

When I travel, I tend to go big, long and economy, which sucks when you’re 6’5”. I call in advance and let them know I am vertically challenged and I demand by humanitarian law and civilian safety that in the event of an emergency I should be seated in the emergency exit row … opposed to the 5’1”, 68-year-old elderly woman. My carry-on is more like a survival backpack turned treasure chest from fine gentlemen’s club’s bathroom attendant, and items include toothbrush, deodorant, cologne, breathe mints, condoms, hand sanitizer, pen, lollipops, turkey jerky, iPod with my own headphones, good book, travel itineraries, passport, Immodium AD, sleeping pills, baby repellant, spare socks, shoelaces, underwear, eye mask, ear plugs, neck pillow, business cards and miscellaneous items.

TravNasty Front and Center © Dancetronauts

Favorite travel memory? 

Every year in Thailand in mid-April, they celebrate Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. It is celebrated traditionally by splashing/pouring water over Buddha or one’s self as a cleansing and new beginning for the year. It also happens to be the hottest time of the year, so it’s definitely a double blessing. This tradition evolved into a ginormous celebration that takes over entire cities, streets are filled and lined on both sides, as parades and dancers go by. It is a full-blown water war for three days straight among anyone who is in sight. I have had the privilege of attending this celebration and festival every year for the past five years with some of my best friends from all over the world. It’s one that is not to be missed; however, it’s popularity has grown and with it has come some ignorant and disrespectful foreigners and tourists. It’s not a party, it’s a culture.

Bucket List Destination? 

LETS GO TO BRIK!

Brazil

Russia

Iceland

Korea

Favorite off-the-beaten-path spot? 

Bali, Indonesia, Bingin Beach: Hike down the steep hillside, check out the amazing surf and have a cold beer or fruit smoothie in the tide pools while the sun sets.

© Dancetronauts

What kind of traveler are you?

I am a baller on a budget. I do my research, I hit the streets, I make friends, ask the locals and find the deals. Currency exchange rates can be a good motivator for where I end up. The more bang for your buck, the longer and more enjoyable your stay is going to be. You just have to make the most of it, no matter what or where you are. I pre-set a budget based on the comfort level and length of my travel — $50 per night accommodations might not get you much more than a camping site or single bed at Motel 6 in California; however, $50 nightly accommodations in Cambodia and you can be the Maharaja for the night! If there is a tour I like, I will just rent a motorbike and follow the tour buses, not be stuck in the cattle call, but still be at and enjoy the same places and things. My meals are better, the lines are shorter and, best of al,l I am on my time.

Funniest travel story? 

In 2013, during one of my travels, I accidentally fell in love with a former Miss Universe and we spent the next year and a half together. She had never been camping before, so I decided it would be a good idea to take her with me to Burning Man that year — her first dust storm, getting shirt-cocked by a half-naked panda and not realizing until three minutes into conversation, random looks of awe and amazement when that same panda did a headstand and farted out of a kazoo before he rode off on a tricycle waving goodbye and singing, “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white,” by Michael Jackson.

Best meal you’ve had on your travels? 

I had the pleasure of joining a family in Eastern Thailand in their small village. We all sat on the grandmother’s hand-woven mats that we placed over the same ground where the eldest daughter prepared food all day for that night’s dinner. It was probably the most organic, authentic, earthy, colorful and interestingly delightful meal I’ve ever had.

© Dancetronauts

Craziest thing you’ve done while traveling? 

I’ve rode an elephant, night scuba dived with manta rays, pet tigers, fed kangaroos, caught a blue fin tuna, carried a Koala bear, worn a live 12-foot snake and been attacked by a monkey. I have crashed a wedding, skinny dipped during a full moon party, eaten bugs, made love in thunderstorms and dared to go where most would not. I almost died while in a tuk-tuk, while surfing, failed sailing, from food poisoning and while saving a woman from being raped … oh and that one time I almost died while getting stuck in the middle of a riot.

Favorite item collected from your travels?

I have a few amulets gifted to me from several Buddhist monks while living in Thailand for two years; they are by far the most meaningful ‘souvenir’ that could never be bought. But, ultimately, my favorite items are the memories, photos and friends along the way.

Where next?

I am jumping onboard the Dancetronauts summer tour with my awesome crew and seeing where the Strip Ship and BASS Station take us this year! We all want to go to the moon … BAD!