Standard Sounds

Q&A: Kolour Founder on Building a Vibe

How Coran Maloney built Thailand's most successful festival and what's in store in Hua Hin.
Kolour brings house music from around the world to Thailand's most in-demand locations—like The Standard, Hua Hin. After last year's first event at The Standard, Kolour's back for more in 2024. We sat down with founder Coran Maloney to talk about festivals, music and curating a vibe. 

Kolour blew our guests away last year...what can we expect to see this time around?

We took last year’s feedback seriously. We expanded the stage, enhanced the lighting—especially at the back of the venue—and kept the sound system everyone loved. We also refined our artist lineup for a smoother progression throughout the day. Additionally, we improved guest operations by focusing on faster queues and easier table access. Our goal was to enhance both the production value and the overall guest experience.

For those who missed it last year, describe Kolour to us.

Kolour is all about freedom and connection. It’s a place where you can let go, enjoy great music, and escape the daily grind. We foster an open and inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe and connected through music. It’s about high emotions, unforgettable moments, and creating memories that last long after the event ends. If you missed it last year, this is what Kolour is all about.


Which acts are you most excited to see perform in Hua Hin?


Definitely D Jeff because I've heard him before, and he's a phenomenal artist. Viviana is another talent we’ve been following closely, and I’m thrilled to see her perform. A big highlight for me is Wild Dealer, one of the fastest-rising local artists. Supporting local talent is crucial for us, and we want to inspire the next generation of Thai DJs. Putting Wild Dealer alongside international names is a big moment for him and for us. I’m really looking forward to his set.


Tell us a little about the brand partnerships and activations that coincide with the musical sets.


Our partnerships, especially with the venue and sponsors, are key to elevating the event experience. We’ve built strong relationships with our sponsors like Grey Goose, who’ve been with us since 2021. Their activations, like branded photo areas and influencer support, add to the vibe and enhance the guest experience. It’s not just about logos; it’s about creating memorable touchpoints that resonate with our audience.


You’ve been at it since 2011! As a founder of Kolour, tell us how the festival came to be. 


Kolour started out of frustration—Vina and I were both hosting house parties and got tired of the chaos at home. After trips to Europe, we fell in love with the open-air party scene and wanted to bring that vibe to Bangkok. The local scene back then was limited, and we felt it needed more variety and color. That’s how Kolour was born—out of a desire to create something different, vibrant, and exciting for our friends and the community.

Do you have any advice for first-time festival goers?

Definitely hydrate, pace yourself, and arrive early. The day portion of the event is often overlooked, but it’s a great time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy the venue, and ease into the music as the energy builds. Also, look out for your friends and those around you. We strive to create a safe environment, but it’s always good to be mindful of your group and the people around you. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy every moment.


What is it about The Standard, Hua Hin that fits so perfectly with the Kolour vibe?

The Standard has this unique blend of minimalism and fun that aligns perfectly with Kolour’s identity. The architecture, the yellow accents, and the overall design of the venue resonated with us from the moment we saw it. It just felt right. We had another location booked, but when The Standard became an option, we knew it was the perfect fit. Everything from the layout to the vibe of the place enhances what we aim to create at Kolour.


What’s your dream artist to book for a Kolour festival in the future?


While we’ve always aimed for top-tier talent like the Keinemusik crew or Black Coffee, I also get excited about discovering and showcasing up-and-coming artists who are just starting to craft their own sound. It’s about balancing the big names with fresh talent that can bring something new to the scene. We enjoy connecting with these emerging artists, getting to know them, and helping them reach new audiences. That’s what makes our lineups special.


How do you measure the success of a Kolour festival?

Success for us is all about those peak energy moments during a DJ set when the crowd is completely in sync with the music. That electric vibe in the air is something we strive for. But beyond that, guest feedback is crucial. We always ask our regulars and first-timers how they felt, what worked, and what didn’t. It’s that combination of feeling and feedback that tells us if we’ve succeeded.


If you were stranded on a desert island with one house or techno record, what would you choose?


A: I’d go with "Orbital Life" by Johnny D. It’s a niche track that I’ve listened to on repeat for hours. Its minimal, hypnotic quality puts me in a flow state, and I never get tired of it. Even on a desert island, I think it would keep me going for a while.


Contributors

Related Stories

Get on the List and Get Up To 15% Off

Wanna be the first to know about exclusive offers, events and happenings? Sign up for our mailing list and get 15% off your stay in Hua Hin or The Maldives.

Book Now