BC AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2022

Page 8

Issue 233 BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20 Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.

M. +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.comPublishedby:

Image Credit: @worldwalkerz

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Charlie Cooksey

PHOTOGRAPHY Angelo Jose A

Front Cover Credits: @World Walkerz TVConfidentialBahrainConfidentialBahrain@BahrainConfidential@ConfidentialBah

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Noor Albasri Zain Alhanbali

First of all...

Visit: Bahrain-Confidential.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas C. Cooksey

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Elyzabeth Ramirez

Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

The Best in Bahrain

DESIGN Dhanraj S

For Advertising Opportunities Call Charlie Cooksey

DISTRIBUTION MohammedAlAramexYousifAyam

Bahrain-Confidential.com Online edition at ArabianMagazines.com

We are officially in the second half of 2022 and there’s a lot to look forward to over the next few months. For now, we’ve combed through some of the best gastronomic delights and fun activities to indulge in around the island. The August-September issue also sheds a spotlight on Bahrain’s talented shutterbugs who have gone a long way in putting the island and their work on the map. As always, we bring you the best in Bahrain’s luxury, lifestyle, and people scene.

EDITORIAL Angela Acosta

Issue 233 Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

A Division of C.G. Arabia SPC. P.O. Box 26810, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel. +973 1782 2388, Fax. +973 1772 1722 www.ArabianMagazines.cominfo@ArabianMagazines.com

Ministry of Information approval no. ISDN 99901-01-17-5 © Copyright 2008, C.G. Arabia SPC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

ADMIN & FINANCE Nikesh Pola

Happy reading!

Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel.

Most businesses in Bahrain lack advanced digital and social media marketing skills to expertly manage a successful digital strategy, so missing major opportunities they don’t even realize. The good news is we can inexpensively create an effective digital strategy for your business, and manage it for you, for less than the salary of an employee - freeing you to run your business. We also build beautiful websites - optimized to generate income for businesses, and provide online services including SEO, design, e-commerce, photography and video production.

Social Media is changing business

For a FREE evaluation of your businesses digital marketing needs. call +973 36 188 100 | 1700 4575 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CORPORATE BRANDING GRAPHICS AND WEB DESIGN CONTRACT PUBLISHING ARABIC MEDIAPROFESSIONALTRANSLATIONPHOTOGRAPHYANDPUBLICRELATIONS fabianca.com

CONTENTS Online edition at Bahrain-Confidential.com 08 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2022 Issue 233 La Reine Restaurant and Cafe’s Grand Opening Special Features 8 An NYC Spotlight on 5 Bahraini Photographers 12 #WorldPhotographyDay: Best in Bahrain, Captured Going Out 14 24-Hour Cafes in Bahrain 16 La Reine Restaurant and Cafe’s Grand Opening 18 Play Time! - Kid-Friendly Spots in Bahrain 22 Get Fit! - Fitness Centres in Bahrain 26 Elite Summer Escape Interviews 28 Green, Green, Grass of Golf! 32 Alter Ego: Getting to Know Tamar Leek AKA Bahrain Barbie 36 #BahrainBios: An Interview with DJ Sam Gino 282616An NYC Spotlight on 5 Bahraini Photographers

Bahrain Confidential August - September 2022 7 Social Media

@Bahrain Confidential Here’s our top social media posts from last month. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page! @ConfidentialBahBahrainConfidentialBahrainConfidential onusFollow Top Posts 28.1k273,083 5,819 comments & shares 27.4K people reached 2.3K commentsreactions, & shares 244 likes 200 Likes FACEBOOK INSTAGRAMFANSFOLLOWERS

Follow

Feature 8 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

H

Ishaq Madan, a well-known face behind the lens in Bahrain captured Bahraini youth skateboarding. The depiction of tradition and modernity evident in this picture that comes from Ishaq’s intricate storytelling process, through metaphors.

is visa to New York was rejected but that didn’t stop Ali Al Shehabi’s work from finding a spot in one of New York’s subways. Along with Al Shehabi, Bahrain-based photographers, Ishaq Madan, Enas Sistani, Mustafa AbdulHadi, and Rasha Yousif have made it to the Museum of Modern Art’s Photo Club, a Webby Award-winning participatory social media initiative launched in May 2021.

PhotographersBahrainiAnNYCSpotlighton

@ishaqmadan

Take a look at these riveting captures from talented local photographers.

5

@mustafaa7

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 9 Feature

Ali Al Shehabi’s notable capture is part of his series, Men of the Pearl which depicts Bahraini men in their households. Pearl is used to describe Bahrain AKA the 'pearl of the gulf'.

Mustafa AbdulHadi’s ‘Iftar’ captures a significant part of the Ramadan rituals. People gathering at dusk to break their fast at a local spot was the setting for his work that made it to the MoMA spotlight.

@_alishehabi

Rasha Yousif’s photography focuses on culture, architecture, and traditional ways of living. Born and raised in Muharraq, Bahrain, Rasha’s work showcases the less-travelled cultural destinations around the world - the Columbian Palanquera being one of them.

@solovagabond

Feature 10 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Enas Sistani received her MoMA recognition for capturing tea time at a local spot. Along with stunning street photography, Enas uses her lens to shed light on mental health awareness.

@rshrsho

School search made easy...

Feature 12 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Best#WorldPhotographyDay:inBahrain,Captured

World Photography Day (August 19th), we asked Bahrain's talented shutterbugs to share their favourite shots featuring the best in Bahrain! Take a look at these incredible clicks by the island's fine photographers and their perspectives of Bahrain's myriad shades!

@@saifeeml jaassi

@ricoestigoy @mustafaa7 @manahil.in.bahrain @aljammalstudios

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 13 Feature @jinzmoments @postcardsfrombahrain @alynnah @aia_noor @srini.pixels @the_gobro @bretufer @theobaf @attafida

24

Going Out 14 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Cine Cafe

24-hour branch: Diplomatic

Bahrain’s many locations serve as perfect spots to complement the 24-hour culture. For anyone wanting to grab a bite or a cup of coffee in the wee hours of the day, a number of options exist on the island. Take a look at some of these 24-hour cafes in Bahrain for your next late night out.

Hour Cafes in Bahrain

While Cine Cafe is for the sweet tooth, the joint offers breakfast options, beverages, and sandwiches around the clock.

24-hour branches: Diplomatic & Riffa

Café Ségo

Founded by Ségolène Crêtaux in the Diplomatic Area of Bahrain, Café Ségo is a little piece of France on this island. The cafe boasts freshly roasted coffee and a menu inspired by the time of King Louis XVI’s reign in France.

Dose Cafe

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee has been the go-to for workaholics around the island. One can visit four branches of Costa Coffee operating around the clock with specialty beverages created frequently.

24-hour branches: Juffair & Salmabad

24-hour branches: Isa Town, Juffair, Manama, Muharraq, Sanabis, and Zallaq

Starbucks

For the coffee-lovers, Dose Cafe has a plethora of choices. Sourced from coffee capitals like Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, and Ethiopia, among others, the cafe serves cappuccino, latte, and espresso along with cold beverages and eats.

No one’s a stranger to Starbucks on the island. The Seattle-based coffee house has a number of branches in different parts of Bahrain that operate 24 hours.

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 15 Going Out

24-hour branches: Zayani House (Diplomatic), Al Raya (Riffa), The Park (Janabiya), and The Palm Drive (Sakhir)

Header 16 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 Feature Grand opening: La Reine Cafe and Restaurant A Trip to 18th FranceCentury

It brings a French mix with modern twists and tastes. A visit is sure to give you a five-star fine dining experience within interiors that will transport you to the 18th Century Chateau De Versailles.

La Reine

FrenchcarryingbakeddestinationsBahrain’sago,establishedPatisserieayearhasbeenoneoffavouriteforfoodandsweetsatouchofgoodness.

A

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 17 Feature

Here are some glimpses from the grand opening of La Reine Cafe and Restaurant. n

La Reine Patisserie established a year ago, has been one of Bahrain’s favourite destinations for baked food and sweets carrying a touch of French goodness. The Cafe, situated in El Balcon Mall, marks La Reine’s newest addition to the island.

n all-new French Dining concept celebrated its grand opening in Bahrain on August 15th. La Reine Cafe and Restaurant, inspired by the history of France and the lives of King Louise XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette takes us back to the culinary roots of the French dynasty during the renaissance time.

Play Kid-FriendlyTime!Spots in Bahrain

Location: Adhari

Wall-climbing, karting, rides, and bowling, Bahrain is home to a number of spots to keep kids engaged and entertained. Check out some of the best in Bahrain for little ones to have a fun-filled time.

Feature 18 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Adhari Park

Ride and slide - Bahrain’s famous Adhari Park has been revamped for a whole lot of fun for the entire family, especially the little ones. The amusement park is home to 22 outdoor and 17 indoor rides with artificial lakes.

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 19 Feature

Adventure Hub

Location: Bu Ghazal, Manama

Chuck E. Cheese

One of the oldest and most beloved spots in Bahrain, Chuck E. Cheese is dedicated to kids with its fast-food options and friendly mascots making meal time a fun affair.

For the adventurous tiny tots, Adventure Hub is an active entertainment center in Bahrain. Kids can engage in wall climbing, rope challenges, and more at this spot.

Location: Seef Mall

GrafEATii

JumpUp

For the young bowling stars, there’s a special place at GrafEATii Bistro & Bowl. The sport sure helps build a team spirit along with agility and concentration. While adults can enjoy a good game at the spot, kids can play their own matches too!

Funscape at Mall of Dilmunia

Location: A’ali

Location: Mall of Dilmunia

Location: Amwaj

Kids can do just that - Jump Up. The indoor trampoline park and adventure hub lets kids explore free jump, basketball, dodgeball, and the foam pit.

The Funscape at the Mall of Dilmunia has an adventure facility, an ice skating rink, football pitches, and a family entertainment center.

Feature 20 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Location: Hawrat Ingah

Yabeela

Location: Al Liwan Mall

This Dilmun-era inspired water park in Bahrain is bustling with attractions for the kids, including carnivals, kidsania club, water slides, and a tots pool.

Location: Bahrain Mall

The largest indoor E-karting circuit in Bahrain, a rock wall, a skating rink, and a mirror maze - Bahrain Confidential recommends Trax if you and your kids are looking for an adrenaline rush.

Trax

Yabeela is an indoor entertainment center at Al Liwan Mall with an arcade and rides for the entire family.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun (LPOD) Water Park

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 21 Feature

Location: Zayed Town

Spartan is a 40,000 sq ft fitness centre that offers a spa, rock climbing area, boxing ring, octagon cage and over 60 machines to train with. Test yourself through various championships hosted by the gym and access qualified nutritionists and trainers to reach your fitness goals.

Location: Avenue 21, Saar

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Fridays, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Feature 22 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

If you are looking for the right place to reach your fitness goals, Bahrain has a variety of fitness centres with different offerings - boxing, weight training, dance fitness, and PRAMA. We asked our readers to recommend their preferred gyms around the island and here’s a list of Bahrain’s finest fitness centres.

Olympia Health Fitness Centre

Olympia fitness centre provides classes and sessions to enhance your workout regime through yoga, boot camps, and boxing classes along with personalized training and basic muscle exercises.

Get Fit!

Spartan Fitness Bahrain

Timings: Daily, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Flex away at this newly opened spacious gym well-equipped to facilitate your workout routine.

Train Fitness

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 5:00 AM12:00 AM | Fridays, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Location: King Hamad Highway

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 6:00 AM10:00 PM | Fridays, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Location: Barbar

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 23 Feature

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 6:00 AM10:00 PM | Fridays, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Hala Plaza

Grip makes working out a celebration with its parties and events. You can participate in various challenges and outdo yourself every day.

Grip Fitness Centre

Oxygen Gym

Oxygen Gym is one of the largest co-ed fitness centres in Bahrain with high-tech weight training and cardio equipment.

Timings: Daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Location: Riffa

Al Nakheel Premium Al Liwan

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 6:00 AM10:00 PM | Fridays, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Feature 24 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Location: Al Liwan Mall

Timings: Saturday - Thursday, 8:00 AM8:30 PM

Location: Manama

Dessange features a tranquil urban spa and an energetic health club with a well-equipped fitness centre for women. Trainers use the facility to conduct yoga and dance fitness sessions.

Lightning Fitness

Step into a gym playground full of neon lights, high-speed games, and challenges to get your heart racing. The gym uses an interactive system called PRAMA to help you bring your fitness routine to the next level. PRAMA turns your workout into a game.

Dessange Health Club

Al Nakheel Premium hosts regular health and wellbeing seminars and provides private fitness training.

These hotels are offering a relaxing family getaway in Bahrain!

Feature 26 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 An ‘Elite’EscapeSummer

All hotels of the hospitality group are offering special rates with 15 percent discounts on food and beverages along with access to VIP facilities. Elite’s Summer Escape is available in all their hotels until the end of October 2022.

Elite’s Summer Escape is available in all their hotels until the end of October 2022.

Their Ladies Night at Captain Jack’s comes with three complimentary beverages by the poolside or in their indoor lounge between 7 PM and 12 AM from Saturday to Wednesday. The Business Lunch Buffet at Julio’s Specialty Restaurant will begin at 12:30 PM and go on till 3:30 PM everyday priced at BD 6.5 net per person including one bottled water, canned Juice, or soft beverage. n

T

Elite Resort and Spa, located on Sheikh Hamad Causeway provides spacious and bright suites with a sea view and WiFi access. Enjoy Tarab Nights at The Al Naseem Poolside where you can indulge in live grills, and entertainment every Thursday and Friday from 7 PM to 11 PM at BD 12 net per person and BD 6 net per child.

The La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant offers special Tandoor Delight chicken with Arabic bread and soft drinks at BD 3.900 Net per person.

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 27 Feature

Elite Seef Residence & Hotel, at the heart of the happening Seef District, entertains guests with Khaleeji Nights every Thursday & Friday from 8 PM till 12 AM.

For bookings and inquiries please call, +973 17 558 200 or visit our website at www.elitegrouphotels.com to know more.

his September, Elite Hospitality Group of hotels is offering guests a respite from the heat with a refreshing getaway. Celebrate a vibrant September with your family and friends and explore. With a variety of choices at their comfortable suites, enjoy a relaxing time with your family while taking in the sea and city views.

An Interview With the Royal Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy Green, Green, Grass of Golf!

Interview 28 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

planted and developed to maturity where it is set for play. The process of adding bunkers, creating landscape areas, and filling the lakes are part of the last steps. We utilise native planting for the landscape where possible as it tolerates the harsh climate and requires less water.

The most pleasant is seeing our members visiting regularly and enjoying their leisure time out on the course and in the clubhouse.

I currently oversee the maintenance of the golf course along with managing our experienced and loyal team members. My work is primarily based at the golf club, however, I also work on the requirements of clients across the Kingdom for their landscape and CartFleet needs.

The golf course is shaped out of the natural landscape of the desert and has been excavated for lakes and irrigation storage.

B

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 29 Interview

The climate is by far the most challenging aspect of the operations. We use two different grass types – one for the summer and one for winter – to offer our members optimum playing qualities all year round.

The golf course is shaped out of the natural landscape of the desert and has been excavated for lakes and irrigation storage. We maintain a complex network of drainage and irrigation infrastructure which are laid out throughout the course. Clean, sterile sand is placed over this network, and finally, the grass is

ahrain Confidential speaks with William Evans, Director of Agronomy, The Royal Golf Club (RGC) about the art of maintaining a golf course. Agronomy is a branch of agriculture that deals with the science of field crop production and soil management.

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most pleasant?

Can you tell us about your role as Director of Agronomy (DoA)? How did you end up in this field? Agriculture and golf were parts of my life growing up in Ireland. My grandfather was a keen golfer and he introduced me to the sport at an early age. I enjoyed the culture and atmosphere that golf created which prompted me to pursue agronomy as a career. I’ve spent 20 years in the field, having worked in the US, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Can you briefly share the process behind the planning and construction of golf courses and landscape areas at the RGC?

How do you benchmark your success as DoA at this property?

A golf course lives and breathes, and working with something that is so changeable means that each day is different. We can’t compare ourselves to yesterday; we can only look for the opportunities that come tomorrow.

In my experience, utilising fertilizers, managing pests, and an optimum usage of water, results in a healthy turf. Having the right agronomy programmes in place reduces stress on the grass and enables the lush green colour all year round. These practices also help balance the effects of climatic changes on the turf.

What steps are you taking to cultivate a more sustainable and environmentally friendly golf course management?

Golf is the most environmentally regulated turf grass maintenance sector worldwide. As the custodian, it is my duty to maintain the golf course in the most sustainable way. RGC has one of the most advanced automated irrigation systems in the region which ensures targeted and lower use of available water. Added to this, we utilise treated water onsite from local developments to create an environmental cycle of low waste and reduce our environmental footprint. The pesticide usage is in line with international regulations. We rely on organic products and a sustainable integrated pest management system.

Our comprehensive Annual Member Satisfaction Survey, as well as our guest experience questionnaires following each visit, provide valuable feedback that help us improve our golfers experience at the course. We hold ourselves true to standards through The 59 Club (mystery shopper) programme, where we achieved a 98% rating – making us the regional leader in agronomy. We also won the top 59 club award in 2018 and 2019 and are recognized as having achieved the gold standard since 2017.

My all-time favourite movie is Gladiator and I also enjoy watching Peaky Blinders. I am a big football fan. Italy is my favourite destination to travel to, especially for the cuisine. Coffee is my beverage of choice which I enjoy while reading any kind of autobiography. n

We use organic fertilizers and are moving closer to a completely organic-based agronomy programme. We are currently undergoing certification for GEO which highlights sustainable approaches to golf. RGC is striving to create natural habitats within the landscape areas for aquatic species (such as fish, ducks, birds), native desert foxes, along with many reptiles and insects.

What have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout the years in this field?

The RGC has a beautiful green golf course, how do you manage to maintain its condition in Bahrain’s heat?

On a personal note, what is your favourite: Movie? Show? Song? Band? Book? Sport? Cuisine? Cocktail? Holiday destination?

Interview 30 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Bahrain Confidential gets to know Bahrain-based British singer-songwriter, artist, and fashion enthusiast, Tamar Leek – more popularly known as Bahrain Barbie. to Tamar

Know

Interview 32 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

Alter Ego: Getting

Leek AKA Bahrain Barbie

Each song tells a story about deception, heartbreak, and anguish caused by the betrayal of true and authentic love in today’s modern world. Digital love is like dense and compacted pixels, showing you a mere

Tworld”.hevocals on this album are very raw and emotive; it was written during some difficult times in my life. There is a ‘cry’ sound to my vocals on the high notes in some of the songs – I can tell you now that it was genuine. Essentially, it is like a poetic diary that I have left open for people to experience.

Tell us about your new album. What was the inspiration behind it?

has previously worked on a self-titled extended play (EP) album with multi-platinum producer David Bendeth in New Jersey. She has also worked with producer Robin Axford on the album “Electralytes” with her all-girl band.

I wrote and recorded the album seven years ago with Sejo Navajas at 4th Street Recording, Los Angeles (@4thstreetrecording). My very good friend Kathleen Wirt, who owns the studio, described the album as the representation of “analogue love in a digital

Can you tell us about yourself and your Bahrain story?

B

I came to Bahrain nearly five years ago on a contract with the InterContinental Regency Hotel. I have stayed here ever since, working freelance.

I worked really hard on building my brand and establishing myself as an artist in Bahrain, which has become my second home, my family. It’s a beautiful

community and I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support. So, launching my album here just felt right.

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 33 Interview

ringing a little glitz and glam to the Kingdom’s rock music scene, Bahrain Barbie recently released her first alternative rock album in Bahrain titled “Change in the Retrograde” with her Los Angeles band, Reveries. The album features a harmonious mixture of dreamy melodies with hard-hitting guitars and compelling Tlyrics.amar

Interview 34 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

image. It can be manipulated and distorted. But, around the pixels is just space and emptiness. Real ‘analogue’ love is sweet, authentic, and infinite.

I am an oil painter. I am in the process of creating my first art collection. It’s going to be a blend of pop art and fine art.

I have a fantastic Broadway-style show at Viola (@violabahrain) every Wednesday called “Burlesque: Vegas Show”. It is like nothing anyone has ever experienced in Bahrain. I have residencies at MAGO (@mago_bahrain) and Hazel (@hazelbahrain) as well. n

What do you do outside of singing and writing music?

Most people who came to my album launch party at Calexico (@calexico_bahrain) on 25th June 2022 said they were expecting me to sing ‘bubblegum pop’ because of my alter ego “Bahrain Barbie”. The party had a Barbie doll theme, all pink and sparkling, and then they went inside, and BOOM! Surprise! It’s alternative rock and roaring guitar solos.

During the pandemic, I started to self-teach and learned how to produce my own music. I am still in the very early stages of learning and understanding it. Mixing, mastering, and EQing requires a strong skill set and a tuned ear. Which, among other aspects, will take time and dedication to become good at.

How would you describe your style in this album?

Finally, are there any shows you have coming up that you’d like our readers to stay tuned for?

There are so many amazing bands and artists here, I love them all. The music community in Bahrain is very friendly and supportive. I really admire musicians who write their own original music, so I’d have to say two of my favourite artists are Ali Malik (@acemalik) and Mo Zowayed (@mozowayed). I also like bands such as Jack Rabbit Slims (@jackrabbit.slims), Rooftop Band (@rooftop.band), and The Legendz (@the_legendz).

I also work closely alongside Catalyst Latex (@catalystlatex) with designing clothes and my collection. I am known for my fashion in Bahrain, and I really express myself through my look and creative vision.

Who are your favourite artists in Bahrain?

I worked really hard on building my brand and establishing myself as an artist in Bahrain, which has become my second home, my family.

It’s an imaginative rock record with thrashing guitars. I love the dichotomy of having something very pretty and light next to something dark or alternative. I feel it gives that element of surprise. I like to surprise people.

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 35 Interview

Interview 36 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 Bahrain Confidential gets to British-BulgarianBahrain-basedknow DJ, Sam Gino DJAn#BahrainBios:InterviewwithSamGino

camp on a beach while they were playing funky, soulful house all night long. This sparked a fire in me and made me chase the rhythm that makes us all Sdance.incemy

I draw inspiration from dark analogue electronica, acid beats, and ethnic synth lines merged with pulsating high-energy melodic percussions. My sound has evolved into an eclectic and well-composed distinctive plethora of emotions. I aim to celebrate the wonderfully weird by bringing the unconventional to everyone on the dance floor.

Tell us about your creative process - from an idea to the final result

When were you first inspired by music?

nvigorating the underground electronic music scene in Bahrain, Sam Gino (@samgino_) is passionate about bringing a unique and eclectic style to his work behind the decks. Inspired by alternative cultures, his music represents the multidimensional nature of underground music in SBahrain.amisan

Tell us about yourself and what brought you to Bahrain

Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022 37 Interview

I

My first inspiration came from my early teenage years while hanging out with older friends around the fire

I am a British-Bulgarian electronic music DJ with a diversified taste between deep house, melodic techno, breakbeats, and afro rhythms. Born and raised in Eastern Europe, I am no stranger to alternative Acultures.lthough my daytime occupation as an interior designer is what brought me to Bahrain initially, I was extremely fortunate to be able to dive into the Bahraini underground scene. I was given the platform to express myself while bringing something new and filling a niche not yet explored, although this has proven to be quite a challenge at times.

debut behind the decks in 2016, I have always strived to finesse an unusual, yet familiar sound to the dancefloor. Having lived in London for 10 years, the constant merging between past and future inspires my appreciation for the multidimensional nature of underground electronic Imusic.wasimmersed in the London underground nightlife and got fascinated by the drive and passion of the cultural life the city has to offer. Connecting with quirky people, exploring unusual places, and new wave sub-genres helped me develop an eclectic taste and a key to my success.

I have always liked mixing creative chaos with

interior designer by day and brings his creative perspectives to his professional work and music alike.

Apart from creative fields, I also enjoy extreme sports like kitesurfing, which help me clear my mind and refocus on the tasks at hand. n

Interview 38 Bahrain Confidential August-September 2022

What's your favourite venue/location you've played at so far and why?

I’ve recently teamed up with INFRARED, the founder of Project Void, in order to push the monthly event Euphoria to new levels with each edition by bringing what I’ve learned over the many years of travelling and raving back to what I currently call home. We aim to lift the underground electronic music scene in Bahrain as a whole by challenging every aspect of the events we put forward.

We aim to lift weeveryasmusicundergroundtheelectronicsceneinBahrainawholebychallengingaspectoftheeventsputforward.

Apart from that, I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to help the team behind Soundscapes Zanzibar organize their last event and I hope I will continue to do so in the future. This has been a profound experience and has taught me so much about the scene from a different perspective.

If I had to pick one venue in Bahrain that would definitely be Calexico. I love its industrial aesthetics but at the same time, its laid-back environment, awesome sound system and a crowd that any artist would wish for. Its heritage of bringing local and international artists reassures good set-up and quality service.

What do you do outside of music?

Having said that, spontaneous sets and events have always had a special place in my heart, where no preparation was ever done. They let me reveal my multifaceted nature as an artist best. My versatile nature lets me go back to back with most fellow DJs, which always ends up being extraordinarily fun for both the crowd and ourselves.

I consider myself a professional within the interior architecture and design sphere. My work is inspired by the quote "Technical skill is mastery of complexity, while creativity is mastery of simplicity." by Christopher Zeeman, giving me another edge of mixing while pushing my creative abilities even further.

I will keep the rest a secret for now, but stay tuned for more exciting projects!

pragmatism - being organized definitely helps, as creativity is often quite taxing and demanding. I would like to approach a project from a few angles simultaneously and filter through ideas until I find what really works for me. I use the same approach as I use while designing - clashing ideas and taking out the unnecessary until I can deliver a polished and completed product.

show on Ibiza Underground Radio is every Friday 4:00 PM CET time (5:00 PM local time).

What are some upcoming projects you're excited about?

I’m also proud to be a regular guest at the Melodia On-Time monthly gig, happening in a secret room in Shoreditch, London - a very exciting quirky small scale event bringing the best from the Mediterranean

Msounds.yweekly

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.