This Montreal DJ’s weirdest gig? A Russian mob island castle

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, legendary Montreal DJ Tiga shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood split between Goa's psychedelic beach parties and Montreal's structured upbringing to becoming a foundational figure in the city's electronic music scene. He recounts throwing the first rave in Montreal in the 1990s, opening the city’s first real techno club Sona, and launching the influential label Turbo. Tiga reflects on his early ambition, rebellion against the hippie culture of Goa, and the pivotal moment in Zurich at age 16 when he discovered techno through a documentary, which set his life on a new path. He also reveals the surreal and unsettling story of his most bizarre gig: playing a private party on a remote Russian island castle, guarded by armed oligarchs, where he was physically grabbed and asked if he’d 'fuck them on the dance floor.' Despite the danger, he delivered, emphasizing the importance of knowing your exit. The conversation closes with a preview of his new album 'Hot Life,' and a reminder that at the heart of it all is fun—something he’s come full circle to embrace.