TALAL BUDEBS Publisher CHARL CHAKA Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae Sales/marketing magazine@infusion.ae
Old Jokes Home Q: What does a sassy horse eat? A: Heyyyyyyyyyy
Its Official… Clubs in Abu Dhabi are now open until 4:30am. Music stops at 4am, crowd vacate by 4:30am.
KIMBERLY DEAN Editor editor@infusion.ae PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae SONIA IGNACIO Operations operations@infusion.ae CONTRIBUTORS: Paul Walker, Grace Bright INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098
We Love… The Dubai Mall has launched ‘Wave-Field, Variation B’ – a musical see-saw installation – which brings an experiential playground of light, sound and motion to the Waterfront Promenade.
infusionmag infusionmagazine infusionmagazine
OUR PARTNERS
We looking forward to… David August’s return from hiatus with an ambient album on his new label, 99CHANTS.
We salute… The Noodle House in its fight against single-use plastic as you will receive 50% off your bill when you bring your unwanted takeaway plastic cutlery to any of The Noodle House branches.
GUEST LIST Barasti has launched a Club Loyalty Card – rewarding members with discounts & benefits ranging from beverages, watersport discounts to priority access to all of their events.
BLACK LIST We’ve recently heard of a Dubai resident DJ playing a pre-loaded mix when he is suppose to be mixing? Swedish House Mafia fueled reunion rumours with a new group cover image. Just what we need, more EDM.
Carl Cox will be releasing his first D’n’B mix in over five years on Apple Music’s Beats 1 this month. Nicolas Jaar is this generation’s most important electronic musician. Fact. SoundCloud announced an expansion of its invite-only Premier monetisation and development platform for creators that includes expanded editorial, marketing and promotional opportunities. (Billboard) Forget the hedonism – millennials crave safe, clean clubbing. We love Larry Heard for still spreading house music’s original message of hope and unity. The Big BBQ Social on Fri 27th April will be a doggie friendly event, first of its kind.
Legendary night Cream Ibiza has left Amnesia after 23 years. Can artist really rely on Spotify for an income? Only time will tell. After much speculation, Winter Music Conference has announced it will indeed return this year, March 20-22. We thought it was over like 10 years ago? Start-up Pacemaker has been putting its artificial-intelligence DJ technology through its paces, in what it’s describing as a ‘DJ Turing Test’ against dance star Steve Aoki. 51 million bottles of gin were sold in the UK last year; roughly 9.5 million bottles more than in 2016. You really needed to know this. Not.
#THROWBACK
Who remembers Peppermint and the time Infusion TV interviewed Steve Lawler before he played for their 6th Birthday Edition! Ah the good old days! I wonder what Steve would say about the ‘party scene’ in Dubai today, we’ve definitely come along way!
LOOKING
BACK
Retrospective on what’s been happening in our world.
What we did KALUKI AT BLUE MARLIN
The British have landed as the age old saying goes and it was no truer with the British invasion of Kaluki Music at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on Friday 9th of March. Kaluki was formed in Manchester underground scene as one of the final raves of the infamous Sankeys club. Kaluki philosophy for music is to deliver underground club bombs and on that Friday, you could really feel it in the atmosphere. With Blue Marlin’s new residents, Charl Chaka and old guard Frederick Stone kicking down on the new beach layout setting the Balearic atmosphere before the two residents of Kaluki came on the decks. Pete Zorba and Pirate Copy played their familiarly style of uplifting and Identifiable by emotive and groovy qualities of House and Techno. Next on the decks was part of the new breeds – Calvin Clark – with his raw ability shinning through on the day, its no wonder the Kaluki brand have snapped him up and got him playing for them on a regular basis.
After a great afternoon of music for all on the beach and the dance flour, the main event of Solardo and Skream b2b for 4 hours was about to take place. Known for taking it easy during their sets… joking. They played banger after banger. The energy from the two sons of Manchester and one of the original of the Crydon dubstep crew was second to none. If you see them on a poster this summer then I highly suggest you buy a ticket at all costs. But last but not least was the home grown talent of Dubai in Raxon. Since his move to Barcelona he has gone from strength to strength with booking all across Europe and the world, firmly putting him self on the map as a true international do. The crowd at blue marlin where hit from every angle on the night and if you didn’t walk away happy with the night then there must be something wrong with you. Up next was the after party at Elysium – La Cala. Skream and Calvin both took to the stage and played what can only be described as a nu disco / house master class. With the crowd baying for more and more at every point of the night it was no wonder that not a single person wanted to leave. Words by Paul Walker
BARASTI
RITA ORA AT BASE DUBAI
at Brunch Grill h ig H Sky ar & ted ator y B g selec Obser v includin 50) e rso n e AED 4 0 per p AED 30 s (original pric ge pm bevera to 3.30 2.30 pm 1 , s y a Frid
BRUN
CH
NDS E K E WE RTED. R U O Y W SO O N ARE Brunch Nation at The Croft AED 250 per person including selected beverages (original price AED 399) Fridays, 12.30pm to 3.30pm
BRUN
NATIOCH N
For restaurant reservations, call 971.4.319.4000. DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street | Dubai Marina marriottharbourdubaidining.com Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites | marriottharbour Terms & Conditions: Quote “Infusion” while you make the booking to avail the offer. The discount valid until 30 April 2018. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or discount and cannot be exchanged for cash.
LOOKING
FORWARD
Where we filter out the best things that are coming your way...
COCO LAUNCHES NEW URBAN NIGHT, VICE
Media One’s Miami style pool deck, Coco, launches Hip-Hop themed Friday Nights. In the words of R.Kelly, there ain’t nothing wrong...with a little bump & grind... and every Friday the Miami style pool deck Coco at Media One, will be bringing you just that! With incredible resident DJs Skinny Loop and Megrov spinning the best in Hip-Hop and RnB, in a chilled, picture perfect location. To top it off VICE will be giving away a comp bottle of pink fizz for ladies with a booking of 6 people or more. So grab the gals & your best pals and head down to the pool deck for the perfect weekend night out while the weather is still being kind to us! Open from 8PM with reservations highly recommended. Click here for info
RIVA GOES RETRO!
Bouff up your hair, dig out your scrunchie and prepare to get nostalgic as RIVA Beach Club, located on The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah is bringing back the 80¹s every Thursday from 6pm – 12pm. The new theme night will see the beach club transform into the funkiest 80s beachside hangout, complete with DJ Samer bringing his old school mixtape with pop classics from the likes of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson and Prince, 80s themed drinks – priced at just AED 20 a pop may we add, and fancydressed servers, that will have you questioning which era you¹re really in. Oh and did we forget to mention, entry is FREE! Click here for info
TIGER SESSIONS FEATURES DJ QUIVVER
The highest rooftop bar in JBR, Pure Sky Lounge brings guests the best in live music. Enjoy a night out partying to the latest tunes, brought to you this time by renowned British DJ John Graham aka Quivver as well as their talented in-house DJ. Aiming to celebrate global creativity through the exposure to different cultures and experiences, Tiger Sessions have become synonymous with a fantastic night out in Dubai. Entry is free, check it out 9pm – 2am, March 30th.
Click here for info
MARCH
23 2018
FREDERICK STONE / AIDIN KARAMI / BACHIR SALLOUM +9715656113 1133400 3400 RESERVATION@BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM RESERVATION@BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM +971 RESTAURANT / SAFETY DRIVER SERVICE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTHOURS HOURS1PM-11PM 1PM-11PM / SAFETY DRIVER SERVICE AVAILABLE
FACEBOOK.COM/BMIUAE FACEBOOK.COM/BMIUAE
TWITTER/BLUEMARLINUAE TWITTER/BLUEMARLINUAE BLUEMARLINIBIZAUAE BLUEMARLINIBIZAUAE WWW.BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM WWW.BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM
SNOOPY BEATS PRESENTS CARNIVAL ISLAND IN COLLABORATION WITH DEEP LIKE For the past two years, Snoopy Beats has brought you the most unique parties based on amusing themes, interactive experiences, and fresh music from Global DJs. For their 5th edition, on April 27th they present “Carnival Island” in collaboration with popular deep house night Deep Like. Think live acts, arcades, and a bunch of other wild surprises to compliment the magical music performed by STAVROZ (live), Seth Schwarz (live) and more. To top it off, the beach resort’s conveniences are all accessible and part of the experience, making it the perfect musical getaway weekend at #SnoopyCarnival!
Click here for info
SUNDAYS ARE MEANT FOR SHO CHO’S! Legendary Duo Samad Idas and Dj Elie Abi will be dropping the best of the 80’s every Sunday at ever popular Dubai Marine Beach Resort Bar, Sho Cho. Let the charismatic venue take you back in time to the classic beats of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Guests can enjoy a charming outdoor dinner overlooking the picturesque skyline with Samad Idas setting the scene during dining hours before DJ Elie Abi turns up the heat on the dance floor during the later hours. Be ready to dance your way into a new week every Sunday!
Click here for info
MR. MIYAGI’S LAUNCHES MORE SOY AMAZING OFFERINGS LadysBoy Night is kicking off every Wednesday and Saturday from 8pm-3am through March. Head over to Cobra Kai, the bar area of Mr Miyagi’s, Media One where Ladys and boys can expect a guaranteed happy ending, receiving one complimentary drink. While the lights dim sum, ladies have the option of unlimited drinks for just AED99, which includes a selection of house grape and bubbles, and Mr. Miyagi’s famous Thai-tastic bucket specials! Expect a phonomenal night with live comedy performances, beer and Prosecco pong and a photobooth to capture your soy saucy memories. This will be running alongside the current LadysBoy Night, in the restaurant side where Boys pay AED 99 for 3 dishes and 1 drink and the Ladys pay and AED 99 for 3 dishes and 2 hours unlimited.
Click here for info
White Soirée
WEAR YOUR CHIC WHITES TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AND ELEGANT DINING EXPERIENCE. BE DAZZLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD, CHILLED AMBIANCE AND A BEAUTIFUL CROWD. 29th MARCH 2018 | 6PM TO 10PM AED 395 PER PERSON, ALL-INCLUSIVE
BOOK YOUR SEATS VIA WWW.PLATINUMLIST.NET For more details, call +971 4 414 3000 or WhatsApp +971 56 655 2459 Dress-Code: elegant white | Age Policy: 21 years and above
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971 4 414 3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | JWDubaiMarquis | JWMarriottMarquisDubai
BEDOUIN TECH BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER FOR ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY!
The Bedouin Tech community, once only known by word of mouth amongst Dubai’s illusive burners, is now ready to share its culture and beats with the wider world! The fifth year of Bedouin Tech is coming up and another magical experience will be held from March 27 to 31 in the beautiful desert dunes of Ras al Khaimah. This year will feature another extensive lineup of music, largescale art, and interactive experiences and workshops.
THE MUSIC Beats are paramount to this participation-driven crowd! The highlights of this year’s lineup include the superduo Britta & Unders, Yor Kultura, Charl Chaka, Ziad Ghosn, Safi from Egypt, Zone+, and D'Arksy – among so many more. The beats of the BT main stage will start at 1pm and go everyday until sunrise. THE CAMPS Bedouin Tech is a collection of different camps, each offering something special and unique to the event. This year welcomes a new sound camp, the VOiD, providing a platform for local artists from the UAE to showcase their talent. The VOiD will host workshops and live performances to radical sounds of the underground from various genres including Drum & Bass, Jungle, Techno, Bossa Nova, Future
Beats, Hip Hop, Electro Cumbia, and House. The Cosmic Swingers camp will be offering its usual morning and daytime beats from 8am to 2pm in their beautiful lounge. Amongst others is the Spirit Oasis - a healing hub dedicated to human connection and elevated consciousness, who this year will host TED-style“Bedouin Talks’ and will offer a sweat lodge experience lead by Michael Paul Hill, an Apache tribal leader and advocate for indigenous rights and ways.
THE ART Art is a key part of the BT experience. Many of the installations are made possible by Bedouin Tech art grants given to the community for large-scale, interactive, and LED pieces. This year will feature the return of the Dune Forest, a chamber of thousands of wind-blown strands suspended over a furry soft platform – perfect for daytime reverie. There will be several new LED installations and this year, the imposing GeoTem will morph into new dancefloor centerpiece of geometry and color.
BE READY TO ‘LEAVE NO TRACE’ Campers pitch in to keep the festival site clean throughout the event with line-sweeps to collect even the smallest litter. Trash as small as a cigarette butt or even a feather are found and disposed of so the beautiful desert is left pristine. Bedouin Tech also tries to reduce plastic consumption by requiring all campers to bring and use their own drinking cups. WHY BEDOUIN TECH AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Bedouin Tech is radically inclusive and welcomes anyone to be a part of it. It’s a not-for-profit event and a community supported exclusively by volunteer contributions. Nobody is paid at BT and everything is organized, built and operated by its members. BT is five-day camping event that starts with a build day on the 27th of March and ends with breakdown onSaturday the 31st. A ticket provides entry, drinks, and amenities such as showers, water, ice and more. It’s a commerce-free event (nothing is bought or sold there) that encourages radical self-reliance and acts of gifting. Campers need to bring all camping gear, shade, and food supplies they need to survive in the desert for five days.
BEDOUIN TECH AS A HAPPINESS ADVOCATE Next weekend Bedouin Tech is collaborating with the Ministry of Happiness at their free Happiness Journey event with an Origami Workshop and performances, movement workshops, and meditations on the main stage each night from 9pm. Look for the colorful Bedouin Tech Origami Workshop near the main stage, close to the water. Located at D3 from 4pm – 10pm, March 16 to 20.
Created from the heart, this is a festival that turns into a community, and leaves you with a family. Buy a ticket and get involved! www.bedouintech.com Click here for info
JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE HOTEL FRIDAY 27th APRIL | 2PM-2AM #BIGBBQSOCIAL
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON PLATINUMLIST.NET EARLY BIRD TICKETS: 80AED UNDER 21: 40AED | UNDER 6 FREE
NORMAL ONLINE: OVER 21: 120 AED UNDER 21: 50 AED
AT THE DOOR: 150AED UNDER 21: 60AED
BEATS GET BIG AT BASE THIS MARCH
This March, it’s celebration time at homegrown super club BASE where guests can enjoy the intimacy of a concert in this arenashaped open-air venue. Prepare for an impressive line-up of eclectic performers!
LYFE with Mr. Brainwash, Tony Vegas & AIK: The official after party for Bulldozer Group’s Evening With Mr Brainwash famed for his graffiti style contemporary art will take the stage with a live art performance, showcasing his creative talents at BASE. Toy Room’s Tony Vegas and parisian sensation DJ AIK will provide the ultimate soundtrack for the event on March 22.
Shortcutz: New York based DJ Shortcutz is one of the biggest names in NYC nightlife, spinning at some of the city’s most exclusive venues, for the some of the most high-profile brands and celebrities. He will bring his contagious energy to BASE on March 23. Swizz Beatz: DJ, hip-hop artist and producer, whom Kanye West called “the best rap producer of all time” has worked with Beyonce, Jay-Z, Drake, Usher, Cassidy and just about every mainstream recording artist on pop and urban radio. Known for being a disrupter in the industry, constantly shattering stylistic boundaries, and now he’s bringing down the house at BASE on March 24. Click here for info
BASE presents Black Coffee: Considering his meteoric rise to fame, it would be easy to stereotype Black Coffee, but as he proved on his South African Music Award-winning album “Home Brewed”, this DJ and producer defies convention. Attention grabbing performances at some of the world’s biggest festivals have elevated Black Coffee into the realm of global superstar in waiting, and we can’t wait for when he headlines at BASE on March 29!
Click here for info
Friday with Vice: Not your average DJ, the LA native, Vice has been titled one of “America’s Best DJs.” He creates soundscapes with his distinct ability to take listeners around the world to Ibiza, Tokyo, London and Hong Kong, literally making the world his playing ground. Get on his wavelength and give in to Vice as he rocks BASE on March 30. Not only are the line-ups impressive but BASE guests can expect to indulge in hedonism with large scale state-of-the-art sound and light standards, the likes of which has only ever been seen in Las Vegas or Ibiza. Its time to BASE!
MARCH
30 2018
FREDERICK STONE / AIDIN KARAMI +971 56 113 3400 RESERVATION@BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM RESTAURANT HOURS 1PM-11PM / SAFETY DRIVER SERVICE AVAILABLE
FACEBOOK.COM/BMIUAE
TWITTER/BLUEMARLINUAE
BLUEMARLINIBIZAUAE
WWW.BLUEMARLINIBIZA-UAE.COM
UK Urban Takeover, Headline Ready for Second Atlantis Instalment
Headline is back at Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah for the second instalment of its UK Urban takeover on Thursday 5th April. A unique monthly concept bringing some of the hottest UK Urban Talent to Dubai. Taking over the N'dulge club space every month the team at No.1 Events & Vanquish PR will transform the club into a 3 room entertainment Hub. Set to be one of the largest strictly UK urban events in the region!
Headlining this BBC 1xtra exclusive event will be legendary 1xtra residents: DJ Semtex: Whether it’s opening shows for artists such as Skepta, The Wu-tang Clan, or Migos, etc. Festival stages, clubs or corporate events for Google or the NFL – Semtex moves crowds, and is known to tear down any show!
DJ Target: This London born DJ and producer has over 10 years experience and was part of the groundbreaking UK garage act, Pay As You Go, producing a top 20 hit with Champagne Dance in 2002. He is now part of one of the UK’s best-selling and wellknown urban acts, east-London collective Roll Deep. Manga (from Roll Deep): DJ, producer and long standing member of Roll Deep since 2004, featuring on hit tracks "When I'm 'Ere" & "Do Me Wrong".
They will be joined along-side local DJ Adam J. Doors open from 10pm-3am and tickets are on sale via platinumlist.net with Early bird priced at 100 AED and on the door at 150 AED. Click here for info
TIGER SESSIONS WITH DJ QUIVVER
John, what’s your secret! Over the past 20 years how have you managed to be so versatile and keep your sound always current? Dj’ing regularly helps me to keep up with current sounds and also having my regular ‘controlled substance’ show means i’m always looking for the best new music. I always find i’m more inspired to get in the studio the day after i’ve put my show together, with all the fresh new tunes still running around in my head. You cover a great deal of genres, from Alternative, Electronic and House, to Progressive House, Tech House and Techno. Do you have a favourite? At the moment I really like the darker, techier side of progressive and the groovier, head nodding side of techno. Tell us a little about the creation behind track ‘Mumbo Jumbo’, a track that went on to become Bedrock’s #1 selling single of the year and Beatport’s 8th highest selling progressive track of 2017 right? When I started mumbo jumbo i just wanted to create a fat, housey groove, then I started mumbling random vocal ideas into the microphone and processing them. I intended to go back and re-sing the vocal with proper lyrics but in the end I liked the sound of them as they were - hence the title. after that the rest of the track came together with some weird electronic piano bits and old school stabs. it was quite a unique track really, i’ve not done anything like it since - and now I’m saying this I’m wondering why not, maybe I should..
Apart from rocking clubs all around the globe, you also produce music for video game trailers such as ‘Transformers’ and the ‘Call of Duty’ series, as well as films. How did this come about? this happened after i moved to LA 12 years ago, I worked with composer harry gregson-williams (who i met when I was working with hybrid) on 3 films. then i worked on 'american ultra' with composer marcelo zarvos. the game trailers happened after I met a friend of a friend who worked for a company that made big game trailers. He happened to be a quivver fan and mentioned they were looking for someone to do music. These were all really cool projects to work on and a nice change from making house music every single day..
What is in the pipeline in 2018 for DJ Quivver? Oh and on a quick end note, is there a meaning or reason behind the DJ name Quivver? I’m putting an album together at the moment, which is going to be part artist album, part dj mix compilation. There will be 5 new tracks from myself, plus new, unreleased stuff from some of my favourite artists. I’ll be remixing or re-editing most of the other tracks too so it’s going to require quite a bit of additional production. hopefully this will be released in July so I’ll be doing a big promotional tour later this year.. There’s no big story around the name. quivver was originally 2 people, myself and my friend Neil Barry (we split after the 2nd single). We needed a ‘band' name and the first two choices - scope and shivver (actually shiva, but it was too close) were taken, so quivver was the 3rd choice.
Catch DJ Quivver this Friday, 30th March at Pure Sky Lounge. Click here for info
A POPPIN’ SECOND BIRTHDAY AT LOCK, STOCK & BARREL
Lock, Stock & Barrel Barsha Heights, TECOM is throwing a second birthday belter with Pop Gunn! Time flies when you’re having fun, and it’s certainly been a HUGE two years since the opening of Dubai’s most awarded, pioneering party bar, Lock, Stock & Barrel.
To celebrate its second birthday, they’re bringing out the big guns (don’t mind the pun)! International sensation, POP GUNN, returns with a bang on Friday 23rd March, blasting the speakers and bringing down the house with their rock-solid mash ups and medleys of the greatest hits, from the 90’s to now. If their last appearance at LSB JBR’s Lip Smacking Music Festival in February is anything to go by, you can expect this to be big! With headbanging remixes from Jay Z, Avicii, Peter Andre and more, you’d be a fool to miss this second birthday bonanza. Oh and don’t worry, you don’t have to take them a present! Just get down for some finger lickin’ good food, banging beverages and a wild night of party antics. Doors open at 4pm (post-Big Fat Brunch, which starts at 1pm) with a banging happy birthday happy hour from 4pm to 8pm, bringing you two-for-one beverages. Happy Birthday from us LSB!
ON THE RADAR
JORIS VOORN THU, 22ND MARCH, DRAI’S CLUB
BLACK COFFEE THU, 29TH MARCH - BASE
AME DJ & STEPHAN BODZIN FRI 23RD MARCH - BLUE MARLIN
SVEN VATH & GERD JANSON FRI, 30TH MARCH - BLUE MARLIN
RAG‘N’BONE MAN FRI, 23RD MARCH - DUBAI OPERA
DENNIS CRUZ FRI, 30TH MARCH - ZERO GRAVITY
EDU IMBERNON FRI, 23RD MARCH - PLUS MINUS
RONY SEIKALY THU, 5TH APRIL - BASE
ON THE RADAR
PAUL VAN DYK THU 5TH APRIL - ZERO GRAVITY
BACKSTREET BOYS FRI 20TH APRIL - BLENDED MUSIC FESTIVAL
JAMIE JONES FRI 6TH APRIL – BLUE MARLIN
CARNIVAL ISLAND FRI 27TH APRIL - SNOOPY ISLAND
BEDOUIN TECH 27 –31 MARCH
GOODLUCK FRI 27TH APRIL - BBQ SOCIAL, JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE
DONETSK OPERA & BALLET FRI, 20TH APRIL - EMIRATES PALACE
FAT BOY SLIM FRI 27TH APRIL- ZERO GRAVITY
HEART DRIVE WITH DAVE CLEARY
WEEKDAYS 4PM - 8PM
Shock Middle East | www.shock-me.com | +971 4 557 7666
LOOK AND
LISTEN
Music be the food of love, so read on...
Music News
FUTURE SOUND OF EGYPT 500
Aly & Fila’s acclaimed Future Sound of Egypt radio show has reached the almighty milestone of 500 episodes. As is customary, the duo and the label have performed a sell-out world tour to their legions of fans from the US to the Great Pyramids of Giza and beyond. To celebrate, FSOE are releasing a compilation of 5 mixes to represent the various sounds from across their spectrum of labels. 2017 saw the introduction of the progressive sounds of FSOE UV, which A&R’d by progessive house veteran Paul Thomas, who delivers the first mix. Monoverse follows with his favourite tracks in the progressive trance scene and showcases the sounds of his label FSOE Parallels. A pair of DJs that need no introduction, Ferry & Dan Stone provide the third mix of the series, offering a slice of their uplifting and melodic signings from FSOE Fables. British born DJ and producer James Dymond takes the duty of mixing the sounds of FSOE including The Chronicles anthem, while FSOE Clandestine heads, Stoneface & Terminal complete this set of mixes with a darker, tech-oriented list of tunes. Re-live the energy from this record-breaking world tour and discover the sounds of Aly & Fila and their Chronicles! Available now at all stores. Click here for info
Big Hass Brings THE BEAT To DXB!
Hassane Dennaoui , a.k.a "Big Hass" is the founder of Re-Volt Blog & Re-Volt Magazine and radio host to Saudi's first & only FM HipHop Radio Show "Laish Hip-Hop?"! Believing in Music Liberation and taking pride in supporting local & regional artists, Big Hass’s passion is all about being true to Hip-Hop culture. With Big Hass’s recent relocation to Dubai Infusion were excited to sit down with him and get a little bit of insight from the man himself…
Tell us a little about your journey from a blogger to making history & launching Saudi's first FM hip-hop radio show? It all started back in 2008 when I launched my blog Re-Volt. I started this because I felt that there was a huge gap for representing underground artists on main stream media (TV, Radio, etc..). I wanted to showcase talents across the region and I was able to connect with so many from different genres, but then I got hit by the Arabic Hip-Hop movement. These Arab rappers were saying things I related to, they weren’t just talking about relationships & love, but their topics went on to discuss social, community & sometimes political issues that the Arab youth feel every single day. My aim was to reach the masses and I've always been a radio guy, I love radio, hence, I tried to launch my show "Laish Hip-Hop?" which means "Why Hip-Hop?" on Saudi FM, but that failed because we only had one radio station at that time and they weren't interested in something like this. I traveled to countries like Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, UAE and Lebanon without much success until in Mid 2011, a couple of new stations opened in KSA. These were more youth oriented and so I approached one of them (MIX FM). It took me 6 months to convince them but in the end, history was made & I was able to launch Saudi's first & only FM Hip-Hop radio show & one of the very few shows in the region that promotes the true essence of Hip-Hop culture & supports local/regional talent by airing their tracks. It’s been a great ride. I just celebrated the 8 year anniversary for the show and we still going! How did your passion for true hip-hop culture start and can you name a few of your most
inspiring artists? Believe it or not, I wasn't into hip-hop until 2007, for me Biggie was the rapper I loved & used to & still listen to! His flow is incredible. I believe I got into Hip-Hop because I heard a few Arab rappers in the Diaspora rapping about things that I didn’t see being reflected on any mass stream media in Arabia. There are mainly 4 rappers that got me to launch revolt & there rappers are, Lowkey (Iraqi-British MC), Shadia Mansour (Palestinian-Britsih MC, 'The first lady of Arabic Hip-Hop), Omar Offendum (SyrianAmerican rapper/poet) and Narcy (Iraqi-Canadian MC), I owe a lot to these artists because they truly elevated my mind through the thought-provoking lyrics and passion. One of the artists that also inspired me and I had the pleasure to meet is Chuck D (Public Enemy) , his passion & his loudness inspired me a lot. Another rapper I should mention is Brother Ali who is someone that I look up to and someone who symbolizes the reason why I love Hip-Hop & music, he’s humble, he’s real & he’s always relevant!
What does the future hold for your popular ReVolt Blog and Re-Volt Magazine? Re-Volt blog will continue to feature artists/videos. As for re-volt magazine, my wife was the one that worked on it design wise. We had to move from Jeddah to Dubai last year in order to give our autistic son a better chance at life & that took a toll, but the good news is, and this I am announcing for the very first time here, is that we will be back! We took a break of 1 year but we are launching re-volt magazine mid June 2018! ..so stay tuned for that! Tell us a little bit about the reason behind your recent relocation to Dubai and what this has in store for Big Hass? As stated above, my son was diagnosed with Autism & sadly Saudi isn’t the right place for him at the moment. UAE has more awareness and better therapy when it comes to that. He's my hero and he inspires me daily. I also believe that God doesn’t give you something you can’t handle and the move to the UAE has opened
many different opportunities for me. I am still doing the show, I am still blogging, I MC here & there and on Friday March 16th, I launched the BEAT DXB. The Beat is a concept I started in KSA in 2013 & it’s a series of events aimed to support local artists by having them perform LIVE. Make sure to check out one of the next events! Anghami, known as the Spotify of the Middle East recently appointed you as its Hip-Hop editor, are you excited about the potential growth for this local music streaming service? YES! I am able to educate the masses about Arabic Hip-Hop and I am also responsible for the rising Indie artists. Anghami is the biggest streaming service in the MENA region and for me to on board being exposed to a lot of people that might not listen to hip-hop, I feel it’s a responsibility to get them on the right path when it comes to tunes and artists I keep recommending and pushing. I am also working on 2-3 big projects with Anghami that will blow your mind! ` Thank you Infusion for the interview! Bless & Salute!
It looks like Big Hass is going to be bringing more than just THE BEAT and is set to be another great addition to what DXB has to offer! Make sure to check out his upcoming events soon.
SHAUN WARNER IS HERE TO STAY! UNIVERSAL MUSIC MENA ANNOUNCE “MESSED IT UP” RELEASE
Shaun Warner has released his second single 'Messed It Up' from his highly anticipated second album 'Stay!'. The single is accompanied by a remix and a music video. Shaun Warner's first single 'Chasing' ft. JVMIE has been greatly received locally as well as internationally; being streamed over 300k times and climbing up the Billboard Dance charts, currently sitting at #34. Valiant Kings & Sonny Vice’s remix of ‘Messed It Up’ adds the sound which they have become famous for; bass-line driven house music. This uptempo club banger keeps the essence of the track while giving it a more driving, big room feel. The anticipated album “Stay!” will be released later in the year and will feature a host of regional and international artists.
WHO IS SHAUN WARNER? Previously signed as an ambassador for Hed Kandi in Australasia, Shaun is now a UAE-based, Irish DJ-producer whose work spans multiple genres of electronic music from deep house through pop, to drum and bass. In 2016, Shaun signed a deal with Universal Music MENA to release his debut album, “Shaun Warner & Friends” which dropped in January 2017. The album made its way to number one on the UAE iTunes chart as well as cracking the top 30 charts in Ireland and New Zealand. As a producer, Shaun’s expansive musical taste and deep knowledge of electronic music combine to create an eclectic range of sounds that draws from drum & bass, hip-hop, techno, ambient and more, his work is particularly characterized by a lyrical depth that makes it stand out from his peers. Shaun’s carefully constructed DJ sets focus on bassline-driven house music and have packed out dancefloors and festivals around the world. Get a Taster of the Track Here Click here for info
BOX-TALK with the BOXTONES
Question: What does a bone man, a moustache and a cool new pedal have in common? Answer: All have been featured right here in this issue! Need we say more? Enjoy the read peeps and get to these gigs! GIG-TALK Saturday, March 17th – 26th - #SIKKA18 Art Fair at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This art festival primarily features emerging UAE-based and GCC talents at this 10-day program, but also has plenty of live musical performances from the likes of Hadi Sarieddine, Kdun Albaz, Part Time Sinners and Leo and the Groovy Heavy!
Click here for info
Friday, March 23rd - Rag’n’Bone Man at Dubai Opera. The team at LMYW are bringing this international favorite to Dubai for the first time later this month. Don’t miss this must-see performance from the UK rapper turned Blues singer and his hit tracks “Human” and “Skin”.
Click here for info
Friday, March 30th- Jay Wud at The Clavichord, Barsha Heights. This will be Jay’s first solo performance away from the full rock band – so make sure you get there before the venue fills up! Music starts at 9:30pm.
Click here for info
TECH-TALK Roland SPD:ONE KICK – This is the newest piece of equipment that our drummer Gill Tierney just can’t play a gig without! It’s pretty versatile in terms of effects, has many great percussion sounds and the best part of it…it runs on batteries and is so small it can fit in your pocket (well…if you have oversized pockets)!
DDJ-1000 DEDICATED REKORDBOX DJ CONTROLLER
T H E NEW REKORDBOX DJ EXP ERI EN CE NXS2-style layout in a lightweight, portable body Low-latency jog wheel and crossfader response Customisable, high-definition On Jog Display
Visit
DJCORNER.AE
See the video on
PIONEERDJ.COM
DJ BOOTH: KARAM TOUBBA
Karam Toubba is half Syrian half Turkish, the resident DJ & Music Director of Decibel DXB & got a show on DanceFM. Infusion also know him as a massive “Metal Head” fan and his known to head-bang for the love of Drum & Bass. Infusion caught up with him in the DJ Booth & chatted about the guest list culture in UAE among other things….
Whats your favorite part of Dubai’s clubbing scene? The people that are open minded and display interest towards artists FIRST, not promoters or venues. What needs some work in the scene? “Miss Thang... There is no Guestlist Tonight” - Lil’ Louis - Club Lonely (I’m on the Guestlist Mix) The clubbers need to work on the scene. Back in the day, guest-list was granted to the media, promoters and PR (professional courtesy) and nevertheless, to those who have showed support for the events over a long period of time; promoters/club owners naturally recognize these people’s support and so they put their names on the guest-list as an act of appreciation. And that’s dope. But overtime, many promoters/club owners have granted the wrong people to get on the list; people who care nothing about the event nor support it. It’s now mostly based on who they are or who they know and all of that crap. Which negatively effected the scene. It has pumped egocentric behavior, losing the right people and the true essence of why initially the movement was created in the first place: the music! The Problem: When you’re an underground movement, guest-list should not be for anyone and everyone. As mentioned and I’ll mention it again, it should only be for professional courtesy and for the regulars that supported promoters through and through. Yes, for the big fish it works to have a 20 page guest-list for anyone and everyone but for the underground scene, people need to understand that promoters can’t afford everyone being on the guest-list. When people ONLY go to an underground event if they’re on the guest-list and when they ONLY start to say that a party is “great” because they’re ON the guest-list, it really doesn’t help these events grow.
Have you ever thought and wondered how promoters get by? The bar sales is NOT where the money is actually coming from, it’s a very small fraction in fact. Money comes from TICKET sales. Ticket sales are being avoided by many people and that again, prohibits growth. I don’t understand why people are happy to spend insane amount of money for overpriced beverages just as long as they’re on the list. But, to actually pay a reasonable priced amount for a ticket to support a movement and in addition, could purchase cheaper beverage prices becomes too expensive for them? People need to stop saying they “love” this movement and that movement but then come stand on these doors asking to be on the guest-list. You love it? Then show support by purchasing a ticket for God’s sake. Or else, we’ll die and you’ll miss the movement..... (hah) It’s simple. Music lovers, if you want to support promoters who spend insane amount of money to get you artists? Stop asking for guest-list. And vice-versa for promoters. If your got an international headliner? Stop giving guest-lists left and right as well! If this doesn’t change, subcultures will vanish, new ideas will dissolve and the platforms for our favorite local artists will disappear! How uninspiring would Dubai be then? What style of music you into? Metal, Jungle, Dub, Post-Punk, Darkwave, Ambient Music and Techno. To Sync or Not Sync? Taking people on a journey, captivating the audience, track selection and the SKILL to do all 3 are a lot more important than whether you sync or not in my opinion. The sync button is a tool, that’s it. People shouldn’t be judged if they choose to use it or not. There are some that are passionately into DJing without syncing and
that’s all inspiring. Regardless of your skills, if you love what you’re playing and people are connecting to your music, mission is accomplished. I do recommend to play & practice without using the sync button though, you’ll get better with time. The ear is a muscle and it needs to be trained, and once you get to beat-match without using sync, it’ll also be useful when you start making your own music in the future for example. “Learning to Listen” is something we all learn in life, and it’s an important form of communication with one another. We might as well learn it and get better at it for the sake of music too. My favorite ever record is… Ruff with the Smooth - Art of Intelligence (Original Mix) [Basement Records - 1993] Biggest DJ achievement to date is… Closing set for Oscar Mulero with the TeknoAnd crew at B018, Beirut, Lebanon last year. Favorite musical era? 80s all the way to today. If you can’t seem to find amazing music in this current era, you’re looking in the wrong places and you haven’t found it yet. Don’t get stuck in the past, time moves forward and nostalgia is ‘sometimes’ a blinder to your current reality. DJ Hero? Goldie Where do you play these days? Decibel DXB as a resident, and I’m making my debut at Bedouin Tech this year at The Void stage. I’ve also got some international gigs lined up. Just a matter of time till I announce them. https://www.mixcloud.com/Toubba/ https://soundcloud.com/toubba
LOOKING
GOOD
Opinions, thoughts and gibberish...
Food News THE SUPPER CLUB’
MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill will be starting a unique pop-up dining experience for one week only curated by #TheItalianWay starting March 19th. Bringing the concept of immersive dining and aperitivo culture to life, The Italian Way has partnered with Milan’s most famous and popular supper club: Ma’ Hidden Kitchen to bring you the very best in Italian cuisine as part of the ongoing The Italian Way campaign. Turning the theory of fine dining on its head – ‘The Supper Club’ will bring a new level of authenticity and integrity to Dubai‘s food scene. A 5-course pairing menu will be prepared by top, Michelin Italian chef Stefano Ratti. Expect a fully immersive Italian experience, starting by meeting other diners over an Aperitivo at the bar, then being seated at a long sharing table filled with like-minded people for an evening of live music, laughter and delicious food. A table for thirty will be set every evening from 7.30 PM, March 19 - 24 with each seat at the table priced at 350AED. Guests can indulge in five simple yet elegant courses, matched with a specially crafted drinks menu. So take yourself, your style and your friends for a mouth-watering gastronomic journey! Spaces are strictly limited on a first come, first served basis. Reservations highly recommended. Click here for info
BRUNCH EGG-STRAVAGANZA
Head down to the Lock Stock & Barrel BIG FAT BRUNCH on Friday, March 30th for an afternoon of glorious food, free-flowing bevvies and the chance of winning an egg-cellent selection of prizes as the biggest ever Easter Hunt commences, with prizefilled, Golden Eggs set to be hidden all around the venue! The kitchen will be serving up four rounds of mouthwatering deliciousness, straight to your table from 1pm - 4pm and if that wasn’t enough, there will be ongoing games to suit even the most ultimate of game players, with Sumo wrestling, Battle Ships, Jenga and Twister all in the mix! This alongside a live band, pop-up bars and a magician, just to make sure the magic really happens! Mr. Easter Bunny himself is said to even be expected to make an appearance! To get involved packages include; AED 269 with soft drinks and AED 369 with house beverages. If you are more of an evening bunny however, and looking for a solid Good Friday night out then a second massive Golden Egg hunt will be happening from 10pm. The night will be full of equally wild antics, live music, delicious food, fabulous bevvies and BIG prizes! All will be happening at both Barsha Heights, Tecom and Rixos, JBR. Lock Stock & Barrel Barsha Heights
Lock Stock & Barrel Rixos, JBR
Alchemus –
Let’s Make Stuff Together!
The Alchemus Project, shaped by artist Alin Saenz is a new arts and crafts project that aims to experiment with combining people, creativity and the childlike spirit. Just like in Alchemy, the idea is to transform different elements into something new whilst potentially transforming something within the artist too. Alin describes art as her medicine, and that in difficult moments she turns to art to heal, to unblock, and to realize she is not alone. Furthermore, art helps her to understand her imagination and non-rational brain through creativity and in the process helping others do the same, a transformative experience for everyone involved. Intrigued, Infusion sat down with Alin to find out a little bit more about Alchemus Art‌ Why arts and crafts? Art is my medicine. In difficult moments I turn to art to heal, to unblock, to realize I am not alone. To understand that my imagination, my non-rational brain, my creativity, and being uncomfortable with the nonsense, drives me forward. For a long time making things with my hands has been one of my favourite activities, which brought me into the world of arts and crafts. Then I discovered that there is an amazing connection with others when I co-create with them. I believe that my calling is to give a small push to those that are not in touch with their creative side, and in the process adding some colour to the world. These ideas have shaped the Alchemus project and I’m excited to see the stuff you and I will make together.
What made you start Alchemus? We live in a sometimes stressful world where we need to cope with some overwhelming emotions. We need more ways to be kids again and do fun stuff. Arts and crafts allow us to do just that! What does Alchemus do? Alchemus is centered around communal art, installations, imagination and craft making workshops, as well as costume and craft design for different purposes. Tell us about communal art? Art is all around us. We experience it most of the time from the outside but how often do we feel curious to actually be part of it? Who doesn’t want to use their hands, be in touch with the materials, take part in the creation of an art piece by adding something of their own to it and thereby rediscovering their creativity?
What is one thing that makes Alchemus unique? Lately, one of the main interests of this project has become using trash and repurposed objects to raise awareness of environmental issues and trying to make good use of what otherwise would end up as landfill and in our oceans. Arts and crafts is an area where it is challenging to be sustainable, and therefore with Alchemus we are exploring practical ways to make use of existing waste as well as be efficient during the process of making art.
Can you describe some of Alchemus Art’s most recent work? We participated in the first edition of Sunrisers, an event by Suzanne Zephyr and House of Africa. We made a totem out of waste materials like cartons, takeout boxes, plastic cups, and old magazines, and let everyone at the event paint on the sculpture. At an event called Dream Woman, we made a giant dream catcher and gave the opportunity for attendees to hang their dreams onto the structure. The dreams were in the form of cut-out charms with written messages made by each participant. Our very latest adventure was at Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival. We were commissioned to make an art installation for their Workshops area, made out of repurposed canvases, fabric, and spray paint. We also started imagination workshops at offices to boost creativity in the workplace, as well as craft making workshops at private events for kids to make their own costumes.� Alin and Alchemus Art are always excited to work with new people, why not get involved, rediscover your creativity, and turn your emotions into art!
Click here for info
Gadgets
KINDLE OASIS E-READER
The Oasis is Amazon's first waterproof Kindle featuring its largest 7-inch 300 ppi display with a thin and light design that lets you read more comfortably. PRYNT POCKET IN GRAPHITE
The Prynt Pocket attaches directly to your smartphone, turning it into an instant camera that lets you capture & print life’s everyday moments.
CROSLEY COUPE TURNATABLE RED
Round the corner with style in the 3-speed Crosley Coupe! Enjoy your music solo with the headphone jack or listen with friends through the built-in speaker. XIAOMI MI BAND 2 BLACK
Mi Band 2 uses an OLED display so you can see more at a glance. Simply lift your wrist to view time and tap the button to see the time, your heart rate and steps!
WITHOUT A LI
QUOR
COULD BE, LICENCE YOU
DON’T TAKE TH
E RISK!
APPLY NOW, just follow these three simple steps. STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Complete the Application Form and get it stamped by your employer.
Attach copies of the required documents.
Visit any MMI shop to submit your Application Form and documents.
For more information please contact our Liquor Licence team on 04 304 0331/0332 or e-mail lipsadmin@mmi.ae mmidubai.com
/mmidubai
@mmi_dubai
MMIDubai
Gaming KIRBY: STAR ALLIES
The pink puff is back – in HD – and he’s not alone. Recruit enemies by hitting them with heartd and gather helpers for a party of up to four characters.
XBOX ONE X BUNDLE
Experience the Xbox One X. With 40% more power than any other console, experience immersive true 4K gaming. This box includes a 1 month Games Pass subscription trial.
SONY PS4 GRAN TURISMO SPORT
NINTENDO LABO VARIETY KIT
Fan of Gran Turismo Sport? Then this is the PS4 Console you’ve been dreaming of! This slim and light unit is a limited edition console that comes with a Day 1 Edition of the game!
Get Ready to Make, Play and Discover with Nintendo Labo! Pre-order now at www.virginmegastore.ae and receive it as soon as it lands in stores.
Be Safe Get a beverage Licence DRINK LEGALLY AT HOME
Have a drink without the worry of breaking any rules
GET VALUE FOR MONEY
Save on cost of drinks by enjoying them at home
AED 1,ooo WORTH OF BENEFITS when you apply with African + Eastern
It's Easy to get a licence
Just follow the simple steps online or visit an African + Eastern store
Get your licence now 800 CHEERS (243377)
14 Stores in Dubai
africaneastern.com
Character, Charm and Culture Aplenty - Himalayan Hiking in Kathmandu, Nepal!
After weekends spent brunching and lunching, it was time to stretch our legs, give Uber a break and find some inner zen. There was only one place for it: Nepal.
Heralded as trekker’s paradise, this Himalayan beauty houses eight of the highest mountains in the world, (Burj Khalifa Vs. Mount Everest – sorry, the latter triumphs). But Nepal is more than just an uphill ramble. As we discovered, there is character, charm and culture aplenty. We began in the capital, Kathmandu. Some say to get in and get out, but Thamel’s carless cobles and technicolour bunting left us rather charmed. Once we learned to ignore the pollution that is. It’s easy to forget your mountainous surroundings when strolling through the city’s backstreets, however a trip to Swayambhunath Temple, with its views across the valley, puts things back into perspective. Next stop: food! The centre has a multitude of global cuisines, but if you’re after swapping fine dining for cross-legged feasting, head to Phat Kath for beers, burgers and laid-back funk. Breakfast? It has to be eggs Florentine at La Bella Café. No regrets.
We move onto the pertinent question: to street food, or not to street food? Our opinion: definitely street food! Samosas, veggie momos – Tibetan steamed dumplings – and Nepali sel roti (sweet bread shaped like a donut) are your best bests. Wash down with a masala tea at Gaia or try Himalayan Java Coffee for a caffeine fix Nepalese style; hello honey latte with extra cream (#treatyoself). Continuing to feed our appetites, we took a paywhat-you-think-it’s-worth cooking class courtesy of socialtours (http://www.socialtours.com/); choose between momos, national dish dal bhaat, alu paratha and many others. We’ll be quick with our two favourite bars; KC’s and Sam’s – after walking around in the cold, the camp-style fire and informal seating had us sold. Exchanging the city for hillier landscapes we headed to Pokhara and, after listening to Marvin Gaye’s, ‘ain’t
no mountain high enough’ for encouragement, signed up for the four-day Poon Hill trek. We won’t ruin the view but at 3210m, it’s epic! If wild animals are your bag journey to Chitwan National Park. We opted for a morning walking tour and afternoon jeep ride on the promise of sighting tigers, bears, crocodiles, elephants, rhinos and monkeys. To tick them all off the list, you might want more than one day. Unwind with sundowners at any of the lake-fronted restaurants – just make sure you pack mosquito spray. And Friends Café, equipped with an expansive menu, tech-house beats and organic coffee (no smashed avo on toast, though) is a fine spot for day-grazing. If you’re lucky like us, you might even spot a rhino wandering the streets. What’s that coming over the hill? A plane ticket with your name on it - Just don’t forget your hiking boots!