Vitaly Khvaleev: DJ’s Journey Music and Global Exploration
In this interview “Vitaly Khvaleev: A DJ’s Journey Through Music and Global Exploration”, Vitaly Khvaleev, a globe-trotting DJ and music producer, shares his unique journey from Russia to various corners of the world.
Discover his experiences living as an expat, the challenges he’s faced, and the cultural differences he’s observed making his Music and Global Exploration.
Vitaly also offers advice for aspiring travelers and insights into balancing work with a passion for exploration.
Dive into his fascinating story of music, travel, and cultural immersion.
Tell us a little about yourself: who are you, what do you do, and where were you born?
My name is Vitaly Khvaleev, and I’ve spent my life immersed in music, traveling the globe as a DJ with the Moonbeam project, and producing tracks and remixes in house, techno, trance, and minimal techno.
Born in Russia, I co-founded Topgun Music, a music publishing company based in the USA.
Additionally, I work with a British distribution company and currently reside in Bangkok.
Can you tell us a little bit about your experience of life as an expat and what led you to choose this lifestyle?
I’ve always dreamed of traveling, and as an artist, immersing myself in different cultures, landscape and beliefs keeps my energy and inspiration flowing.
When I think about exploring a new place, there are four things that excite me:
- Beautiful natural places: Like the Iguazu Falls in South America, where the beauty of nature is overwhelming.
- Historical or cultural sites: Such as the Louvre, to connect to centuries of artistic expression.
- Places of energy: Exploring sites like the dolmens in the Andes Mountains or the ancient city of Hampi in India, to connect to a mystique kind of power.
- Modern attractions: Activities like bungee jumping from Macau Tower or marveling at the architectural wonder of the Burj Khalifa, gives me another shoot of adrenaline.
A few years back, after living in Montenegro for four years, I returned to Russia.
But quite fast, I decided to continue my travels to find a new place that feels like home.
Drawn to the dynamic economies of Asia, I explored Thailand, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia staying in each country from two weeks to three months to really experience what each place had to offer according to my interests.
Eventually, I chose to settle in Bangkok, where I’ve now been living for 1.5 years.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have encountered living and traveling abroad?
The first challenge I’ve encountered is the language barrier.
English isn’t my native language, and I had to practice a lot, communicating with people who speak different accents before I could understand most of them.
Moreover, English isn’t always sufficient; for example, living in Montenegro required me to start speaking Serbian.
And of course, there is always a lot of paperwork when one decides to establish oneself in a country for more than six months, lol!
Otherwise, there aren’t many problems.
It’s quite easy to book apartments through Airbnb now, although I’ve had a few issues with places not matching the photos or descriptions.
For instance, in India, an apartment advertised as a 10-minute walk from the beach turned out to be a 15-minute motorbike ride away.
Which countries have you visited so far and which has been your favorite? Why?
I’ve visited 25 countries so far, including Brazil, Mexico, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Turkey, USA, Czech Republic, Spain, Andorra, Albania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Israel, China, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, France, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.
My favorite countries include Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), despite the insecurity, due to its charming atmosphere; China, especially Shanghai, for its unique character; Montenegro, where I lived for four years, for its beautiful landscapes; and, of course, Bangkok, where I currently live, for its balance between tradition and megapolis.
Was there a moment or experience that particularly marked you during your travels?
A particularly memorable experience was visiting the ancient city of Hampi in India. It was a 7-hour drive on narrow, dangerous roads each way, but it’s a place everyone should visit.
The sunrise from Matanga Hill was spectacular, adding to the mystical surroundings.
How do you balance work with your desire to travel?
Working remotely, I try to structure my day effectively.
I wake up early at 6-7 AM and work intensively until 3 PM.
After that, I explore places I’ve researched and picked.
For longer trips, I always try to travel on weekends. Bangkok is quite convenient for this as Thailand is a large country with many highlights and convenient transportation.
Working on trains, buses, planes, or in cars allows me to stay on track with my business goals without losing time while reaching a new destination, freeing up my days for visits and relaxation.
When touring as a DJ, being invited to clubs in destinations I hadn’t always considered before allows me to discover new countries while combining work and travel.
What are the most significant cultural differences you have noticed between the various countries you have visited?
The cultural differences between countries can be striking.
For instance, there are notable contrasts in daily life and customs.
In Brazil, the beach culture is prominent, with bikinis being common attire, while in India, it’s not unusual to see women swimming in saris.
Similarly, in Thailand, street food is ubiquitous and freshly prepared, contrasting sharply with the processed fast food that dominates in the US.
Each country has its own unique cultural traits, and these can even vary significantly from one region to another within the same nation as well.
Have you learned new languages during your travels? If so, what and how was the learning experience?
Yes, improving my English has been a priority in every country I’ve visited.
While living in Montenegro, I learned Serbian, which was not too difficult for me as a native Russian speaker.
The Thai language, however, appears quite challenging with its 44 consonants, 16 vowels, and 5 tones.
Despite this, I’ve found that connections can be made with the local community through smiles and gestures of kindness.
I have a great neighborhood, and although we don’t speak the same language, we understand and interact with each other on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an expat or starting long-term travel?
My advice to someone considering becoming an expat or embarking on long-term travel is to not overthink it and just take that first step.
If you’re working with a limited budget, it’s wise to plan carefully in advance—purchase transport tickets, research accommodation options, and make lists of places you’d like to visit in each country.
However, your budget should not be the decisive factor.
If you feel a strong urge to go, trust that instinct.
Whatever challenges you might face on the road, you won’t regret taking the leap.
Is there a place you visited that disappointed you or did not meet your expectations?
Because of my origins and past, one place that disappointed me was Nha Trang in Vietnam.
Growing up in the USSR, I was surprised by similar imagery in the Asian city, and seeing the red scarf on schoolchildren and hammer and sickle flags in the streets of Nha Trang evoked a sense of stepping back into that era, bringing back memories from my childhood, which was a bit disconcerting for me.
What are your next plans or destinations for the future?
Next week, I’m heading to Laos.
Then I’ll continue exploring new destinations from my base in Bangkok.
I’ve already visited several islands like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Phuket, and Koh Phangan.
Now, I’m looking into the rich history and architecture of Thailand by exploring its ancient cities, including Sukhothai, Sri Satchanalai, Chiang Mai, and Phimai.
After this, I’ll be ready for my next tour, which will take me back on the traveler’s path once again for a while.
Thank you very much Vitaly!
Vitaly Khvaleev’s journey as a DJ and music producer has been marked by a deep love for travel and cultural immersion.
From navigating language barriers and bureaucratic challenges to exploring the vibrant landscapes and cultural landmarks of 25 countries, Vitaly has found a unique balance between his professional commitments and his passion for discovery.
His story is a testament to the enriching experiences that come with embracing life as an expat, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone considering a similar path.
As he continues to explore new destinations, Vitaly’s adventures remind us of the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their dreams.
If you want to learn more about Vitaly and his fascinating story, here are some useful links:
https://www.instagram.com/moonbeamofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/moonbeamofficial/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/khvaleev/
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