MUSIC • PEOPLE • LIFE Jan 13 — Jan 27 2013 l Issue #191 l www.infusion.ae l EST 2005
Guitar Hero Rock on as Slash hits Dubai!
Hardwell, Paul Oakenfold, 13 best albums of 2013, Gig listings, Party pics and lots more!
THURSDAY, 24TH JANUARY 2013
BONG EVENT | WWW.BONGEVENT.COM
From the Editor’s Desk
Editor-in-chief: Talal Budebs Managing Director: Charl Chaka charlchaka@infusion.ae Editor: Andy Buchan andy@infusion.ae 055 882 5675
I was recently asked what the UAE’s club scene was missing. And looking ahead at the gig listings, listening to the rumours and pondering a few what ifs, I’m not sure we’re missing much. Trilogy and iLL Communications’ Thursday night battle continues with both sides pulling out the big underground guns (Adultnapper and Matthias Tanzmann for Trilogy, Mr C and Ewan Pearson for iLL Comm), while Analog Room continues its underground rise with weekly parties at a new Barsha venue. The bass scene is alive and kicking thanks to Something Big, Globalfunk and Bassworx, and the homegrown hip hop and urban scene is on the verge of big things due to the likes of Dany Neville and DJ Bliss. And that’s not forgetting Dubai’s superstar pulling power, as Hardwell, Digweed, Oakenfold and The Stone Roses are all confirmed for the next few months. If I was being picky, it’d be nice to have a central club to base all these amazing nights around, but until then this’ll do very nicely indeed thanks. Andy
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Looking
BACK Retrospective on what’s been happening in our world.
> What we did > Photo Gallery
Looking Back
What we did
NYE Sandance @ Atlantis In just a short space of time, Sandance’s NYE bash has become the go-to event for those ringing in the New Year. And with the event selling out 3 days before the 31st, there were some furious black market deals and favours being called in as people desperately battled to get a ticket. Those that did would have seen Rita Ora’s short and snappy pop set, and heard Ellie Goulding’s sensational voice, before Zane Lowe did his hyperactive thing, perfectly setting up the countdown and the stunning 15 minute firework display. Following a 15,000 strong chorus of ‘oooohs’ as the last firework fizzled out, Roger Sanchez and Paul Van Dyk were on hand to turn the sand into a frenzied dancefloor workout. Same again next year, please.
Looking Back NYE Atelier Festival @ Meydan While it might have had the biggest line up NYE has ever seen out here – Snoop Dogg, Gorillaz, Faithless and Armand Van Heldedn – sadly the organization at the Meydan Racecourse didn’t match up, as queues to get in stretched for more than 2 hours, while some bars ran out of alcohol before midnight. But those who were there for the music were in for a treat as Snoop Dogg, resplendent in a brand new robe for the occasion, dropped a classic set including set highlight ‘The Next Episode.’ Gorillaz, comprising a drummer, MC, DJ and VJ were equally impressive, remixing their back catalogue on the fly, and covering house, hip hop, breaks and DnB during their set, while Faithless, with Maxi Jazz to the fore, whipped the 15,000 strong crowd into one bouncing whole.
Nicky Minaj @ Meydan It’s been a busy few months at the Meydan racecourse, and coming just a few days after Christmas and a few days before NYE, Nicky Minaj’s event wasn’t a sell out (hardly a surprise when tickets were an eye-watering Dhs400). But with several thousand still in attendance, there was plenty of atmosphere notably when she played her biggest hit ‘Super Bass,’ as the mixed age crowd got into the holiday spirit.
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Looking FORWARD Where we filter out the best things that are coming your way...
> Local News > Cover Story > The Hardwell Way > No Optical Illusion > Disco Dubai
Looking Forward
Local News Oakenfold returns
He’s one of the biggest DJs on the planet, and his shows regularly sell out. So even though he’s not playing until February 22, we’re advising you to get tickets to Paul Oakenfold's XL Club show as soon as possible. Musically, he’s moved on from his classic trance sounds, and judging by his latest remix for Bruno Mars, fully embraced the current EDM sound.
Digweed at Nasimi 6 months doesn’t go by without a John Digweed gig it seems, but you won’t find anyone at Infusion Towers complaining – the British DJ continually packs in thousands to his gigs, and musically, has continued to evolve since his progressive house heyday. He brings his full Bedrock sound to Nasimi on Thursday January 31, with support from audio tonic’s Raxon.
Head to head
With iLL Communications now based at N’Dulge every Thursday, they’ve gone head to head with Trilogy, making sure Dubai’s clubbing weekend starts with a bang. Both are mining the same deep house meets tech house sound, with iLL Comm welcoming Ewan Pearson (pictured) on the 17th and Mr C on the 24th, while Trilogy host Adultnapper and Anthony Collings on the 17th, followed by the return of DC10’s hero Matthias Tanzmann. Let battle commence!
Deep Purple at Dubai Jazz Festival
It stopped being a pure – or even loosely-termed – jazz festival some time ago, but this year’s installment sees the brand embrace its rock roots as Deep Purple, 3 Doors Down, The Script and One Republic are the big acts during the week long Festival City event. Fear not though jazz fans, as the Jazz Garden will be showcasing the best in upcoming and established talent over 5 nights. Dubaijazzfest.com
Rumours
Greg Wilson is rumoured to be heading to Dubai in March. Carl Cox and DJ Sneak are on one promoter's hit list for this year. VIP Room, the long-running Paris, St Tropez and Cannes clubbing brand, has now opened at the JW Marriott Marquis. In the spirit of getting 2013 off to a good start, we've only got good things to say this issue, our Blacklist will no doubt be back next issue! No biggy, but we only got some face time with Snoop Dogg ahead of his NYE Atelier show recently, catch the full interview on Infusion TV soon… Infusion Records are up and running and coming to Beatport/ Juno/Stompy soon! Big ups to Hollaphonic, the tag team duo of Greg Stainer and MC Olly Wood who have just been signed to an EMI worldwide deal. As Olly might say, boom! Props to Analog Room and Blue Marlin who – at opposite ends of the spectrum – have added some underground DJ options to Dubai including Franck Rogers and Guti , good work!
hero As the larger-than-life guitarist in Guns’n’Roses, Slash was one of the biggest – and most debauched – stars of the late 80s and 90s. Now sober and settled, he’s followed up his Velvet Revolver outfit and recorded an album with his new band featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Ahead of his gig in Dubai on Thursday January 31, we caught up with the axe-man to find out more…
Talk about the first track people have heard - “You’re A Lie?” The first single from the record is ‘You’re A Lie’ which is the last song on the album that we recorded, but one of the first songs that I’d actually written with this album in mind. It was one of the first pieces of music that I presented to Myles and the guys and said; ‘what do you think of this?’ and we actually wrote it at sound-check so really there’s not much to be said for the song, it’s a cool bunch of music. I think ‘You’re A Lie’ is more or less self explanatory. I think in his case, when he was talking about it, it was a relationship based song. It pretty much speaks for a lot of different situations. What are your favourite tracks on the album? Are there any surprises on there for fans? I don’t really have any favourite tracks on the record per se. I think whenever I make an album I try and make it a good body of work from beginning to end so you get pretty attached to all the material so I wouldn’t say I have any favourites. There’s one song on the record called ‘No More Heroes’ which is an interesting collaboration between Myles and I, it’s a piece of music I wrote and sent to him and he had an idea for a chorus that was completely different from the music I had
sent him and we put the two together and it was almost explosive how well they worked together. You’ve worked with the biggest names in music - is there anyone else you’d still love to collaborate with? The thing about collaborating with a lot of different artists is those situations, those opportunities, aren’t something that are really pre-planned. They’re more things that happen because you were hanging out at a pub and, you know, the common language being music you end up talking about different things to do with records or different styles or whatever and that invariably ends up leading to going into the studio together and working on something. Every so often I get a phone call asking if I would like to play on somebody’s record but usually what happens is it is just very spontaneous so I have no idea who I’m going to be working with in the future. You’ve had a success and longevity in your career – a rarity in this climate – what is the secret to this? It really just stems from my passion for what it is that I do. That’s really what keeps me going, that really where the longevity comes from. The success, you know, it comes and it goes. The fact that you are around doesn’t necessarily
mean that you’re successful. I’ve had some ups and downs success wise but I will always be doing this so I think I will always have longevity just because I’ll never give it up. What inspires your writing after all this time? I don’t sort of get inspired by different situations; I’m more of a composer than I’m really a songwriter. I don’t spend a lot of time with lyrics and writing songs in the traditional sense. I write pieces of music that all seem to work together, in my mind anyway, and then, as is the case with this record, I’ll put together a series of ideas and then I’ll play them for Myles and see if they inspire any vocal melodies and any lyrics. That’s how all the material on this last record came together. The inspiration for writing music is always there. I can be inspired from hearing other people playing music or maybe jamming with people or just hearing melodies in my head at any given team. As Keith Richards often puts it ‘It’s in the air you
just have to reach out and grab it’. Where is the strangest place you have ever written a song? I think I would have to say the bathroom. I was in a dressing room and I was looking for good acoustics and I ended up taking the guitar into the bathroom and I wrote some music in the toilet. You have two sons, do they play the guitar and what would your advice be to them if they decided they wanted to be in a band? My two kids have an aptitude for music. They have really good ears but they’re too young at this point to really know whether or not they’re going to follow in my footsteps as far as being musicians is concerned. I’m not going to push them into it, I’m just going to let them do whatever it is that they feel like they want to do and we’ll see what happens down the road. Thursday January 31, Dubai Tennis Stadium, 7pm-late, Dhs300, Dhs500 Platinum, slashdubai.com
The
Way
In a sh become o ort space of time ,D ne market, h of the hottest proutch DJ Hardwell h e p lp in g to sound. Ah define the erties on the hou as se e a e d v e of h r-gro with him to talk Tieis Dubai debut, we wing EDM s being the to, marriage propcaught up os 6th best D J in the wals and orld… Welcome to the city – what can people expect from a Hardwell set? Expect a typical Hardwell set filled with lots of energy and great new music. I also have some special edits and mashups ready for this show! You’re another big name Dutch DJ – why do you think the country has so many star DJs, is the club scene in Holland that vibrant? Dutch people just love electronic music - we’ve been embracing it for many years. DJing and dance music is ingrained in our culture so
myself and many others have grown up with guys like Tiësto, Ferry and Armin, who have all been an enormous influence on our country’s small but vibrant music scene. Growing up, who were the DJs and producers that inspired you? Tiësto has been the biggest inspiration on me. We came from the same town so he was a local hero even before he became the national/ international icon he has since become. Chuckie is another artist who has been a huge inspiration to me – what he
has achieved with his Dirty Dutch brand and on his own as an artist is incredible! You were voted 6th in the recent DJ Mag poll – what’s your take on the result, and did you vote in polls like this when you were a fan? I think the poll is a great indicator of what is popular at that time. Some people take it all too seriously and see it as a negative but personally I think it’s a great way for us to gauge the scene and is also a fantastic platform for making clubbers aware of new DJs and different genres. Yes I voted and still continue to vote for DJs I like. Your mentor is Tiesto – do you see yourself evolving and changing your sound musically as he has? My sound is constantly evolving as I believe this to be an important factor for any artist. I don’t know what the future will hold for me musically so I
can’t say right now, but for the moment I’m happy with my sound and really love the music I am producing. I like to live life in the now and enjoy what is going on around me and not get too carried away with planning for the future. And what were your first impressions when you met Tiesto for the first time? He’s extremely focused and committed to his craft. He’s a really cool guy with loads of humour but at the same time he’s the complete professional and is a part of everything that is going on around him. Is he the most famous person in your phone contact list now? He’s certainly one of the most known people I’ve met but I don’t regard him as a celebrity, we’re friends.
You do a Q&A session on Youtube, what’s the oddest question someone’s asked you? I’ve had a few girls ask me to marry them, which is always quite strange! What’s in the pipeline for 2013 for you in terms of gigs and releases? It’ll be hard to top 2012 because it has been the most incredible period of my life but this year I want to produce more original tracks as I feel there was a slight lack of original music from me last year. My diary for this year is really busy with lots of new shows coming up so I’ll be on the road a lot more in 2013, which is very exciting. Hardwell, Nasimi, Thursday January 24, 7pm-3am, Dhs180.
No Optic
No Optical illusion New bass night Something Big is trying to do something different – every month since December, they’re bringing two headline acts, one spanning DnB and the other dubstep. And following on from December’s Black Sun Empire and Thelem double header, January features Optical on DnB duties and J:Kenzo on dubstep. Impressive. We caught up with Optical main man Matt Quinn, and one half of leading label Virus to find out what’s in store
al illus Which has had the biggest year – Drum and Bass or Dubstep? I would say that 2012 was the year that things evened out between the two. Dubstep’s rise was meteoric for a few years, but I think people want to have more choice again now and so I have seen a considerable rise in DnB in the last 12 months.
How would you sum up last year? For Virus and myself it has been a vintage year, we had 2 number one selling LPs from Optiv & BTK and Audio and also a number one in the vinyl charts for the re-release of ‘Wormhole’ on green vinyl. Also DJing has been amazing with so many highlights and great moments for us.
And what’s in the pipeline for 2013? It's our 15th birthday at Virus and myself, Ed Rush and all our artists are going on a year long tour to celebrate all over the world. Also we will be releasing our 8th studio album for Ed Rush & Optical mid 2013.
Drum and Bass and Dubstep seem to have more than its fair share of ‘purists’, fans always looking to make sure acts don’t ‘sell out’ - what’s your take on the situation? Yes that is true and I think it can be one of the strengths of a music scene, but also can prohibit experimentation. We personally feel that DnB should
No Optical illusio
cal illusion have a strong identity whilst still being able to accept new ideas and that keeps it healthy. It’s an incredibly diverse genre and that is not a bad thing. How much has the other genre crept into what you play/produce this year? For me I play 99% DnB with the odd Drumstep tune that fits my style, but I would never really get on any other genre’s bandwagon as I am a strong supporter of Drum and Bass.
ion
on
How would you sum up your Djing style? I play for the crowd and I perform every show as if it is my last, I aim to entertain and educate the crowd without losing sight of the fact that we are there to have a good time and enjoy ourselves. We’ve had Marcus Intalex, Chase and Status, Goldie, Andy C, Black Sun Empire and Patife all over in the last few months – is it fair to say that Drum and Bass Djs are happy to come to Dubai after the Grooverider incident? I am a good friend of Groove’s so I was concerned during the time he was having those
issues, but I have been traveling the world for over 15 years and I am a broad minded person so after being told by friends that it was a good place to go I am looking forward to it. What can people expect from your sets when you’re in Dubai? I will be playing ultra modern tech DnB mixed with classics from over the years, plus new and old Virus tracks and a selection of the best tracks from all the DnB genres thrown in. At my stage in life I feel free to go wherever the night takes me. Something Big feat. Optical & J:Kenzo, The Music Room, Friday January 18. 9pm-3am, Dhs100.
Disco Dubai What do you get when you combine some of the city’s best talents – including the DUST DJs and Hamdan Al Abri – with one of the main players from LCD Soundsystem and DFA? Thanks to Tiger Translate, an almighty guestlistonly party on Thursday January 24. We spoke to ex LCD Soundsystem drummer and disco DJ extrordinaire Pat Mahoney (left above) ahead of his debut Dubai gig…
Firstly, welcome to the region – is this your first visit to the Middle East? And if so, what have you heard about Dubai? Thank you! This will be my first visit to Dubai and to the Arabian peninsula and I’m really looking forward to Tiger Translate. In fact I’m very interested in sustainable cities and architecture and have heard about some amazing engineering projects in your city that I would like to visit. You were part of DFA, which had a large part in the nu-disco sound (well, we think so) – how do you see the label and its progression? First they called it electroclash, then punk/funk, and then nu-disco, and now I don’t know what they’re calling it, but I think the label and its artists have always been a little hard to categorize and instead what has happened is that there is a ‘DFA sound’. You were also the drummer in LCD Soundsystem, how hard was it to watch your recent documentary back? I had a bit of heartache, but it was OK. Seeing it confirmed the basic decision to stop, but also reminded me of the special bubble that was LCD Soundsystem. I miss it, but I like seeing my kids more. And how will you get your live music kicks from now on? I have a new project with my
friend and musical partner Dennis McNany. I guess we’ll have to take it out on the road at some point... You’re a big fan of disco, what’s the best story you’ve heard about the era? I love thinking about Steve D’aquisto grabbing some dancers from the Loft and getting them to sing on “Is it all over my face?” with Arthur Russell. I grew up playing in punk bands and the whole ethos is ‘Hey, I could do that!’. Just the idea of creating a timeless piece of music with non-musicians. It’s also an effect of all of these amazing artists and producers and music lovers gravitating to NYC and meeting up and making things happen. And if you could convince a non believer of disco’s merits, what track would you play to convince them? “ “Tell You Today” by Arthur Russell. What can people expect from your set in Dubai? We are going to have fun at Tiger Translate! I will play my favourite music, whether that be disco, house, techno, indefinable, rock, whatever moves me, and you. Tiger Translate feat. Pat Mahoney, Seiji, Hamdan Al Abri and more, Thursday January 24, Media One, 9pm-3am.
ALL NEW
COMING SOON...
ARTY GUIDE
We’ve tweaked the listings, and give one-off events preference. For a full list of what’s on, please head to infusion.ae. Please submit your listings to andy@infusion.ae for possible inclusion.
ON THE THE RADAR ON RADAR John Digweed, Nasimi, Jan 31 Kanye West, Yas Island, Jan 31 Slash, Dubai Tennis Stadium, Jan 31 Dubai Jazz Fest, Festival City, Feb 14-22
Stone Roses, Feb 21, Media City Paul Oakenfold, Feb 22, XL Deep Purple, Festival City, Feb 21 Justin Beiber, 7s Stadium, May 4
Monday 14
Barasti
Manic Mondays, Zinc
Greg Stainer and Andy Swift play old and new skull anthems, with a 10pm-midnight happy hour. 10pm-3am, ladies and couples free. Weekly.
RnB Anthems, Sensation
Dev Master and DJ Badir are joined by MC Money Plus at this Urban weekly. 10.30pm3am, buy-one get one free bottles all night.
RnB Mondays, Velvet Underground
No.1 Events presents Shero and Brooklyn on urban duties. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Tuesday 15 B:Lush, Media One
4 free drinks for ladies, with Da Sendri dropping funk, soul, disco and house. 7-10pm, free.
Hugely popular ladies night, with a Dhs50 entrance fee getting you free flowing bubbly all night. 6pm-late, Dhs50.
En Vogue, Armani Prive Darko De Jan takes control of this high class ladies night, with complimentary mojitos until 1am for ladies. 10pm3am.
Shine, The Music Room
Live music from one of the best local bands, with drink deals all night. 8pm-late.
Uber Tuesdays, Sho Cho
Markii, Mike Daniels and more hold it down with deep house. Weekly.
Wednesday 16 Diamond Wednesdays, Boudoir
Radio 1’s Brooklyn and DJ Shero on the urban soundtrack, with free Diamond cocktails for ladies until 1am. 9pm-late. Weekly.
Gossip, Dek on 8, Media One
Free flowing cocktails from 8-11pm, with Shaun Somoro DJing at the newly refurbished venue. 8-11pm, Free.
Mingle, Left Bank (Souq Al Bahar & Madinat Jumeirah)
Dhs5 cocktails for ladies (no, really) from 8pm-late.
The Ultimate Ladies Night, Zinc
One of the most popular ladies nights in town, with free bubbly for ladies before 1am, and house, electro and hip hop. 10pm-late. Weekly. Ladies free, men Dhs75 after midnight.
The Face of Babylon, XL
The UK’s pin up DJ Kellie Acreman headlines this one-off glamourous night. 8pm-3am, Dhs100 for men, ladies free.
Adultnapper, Trilogy
The first of several backto-back specials for Trilogy, as Anthony Collins and Adultnapper are on tech-house duties. 10pm-3am, Dhs100.
Analog Room feat Franck Roger, The Q
The French DJ and head of Real Tone Records headlines at this underground electronic night with a strong following at their new Holiday Inn location. 10pm-3am, Dhs75, free before 10.30pm.
Boudoir
Free shots for ladies until 1am,
Bollywood Party, Sensation
Desi and Bollywood hits all night long. 10pm-3am, ladies and couples free entry until midnight.
Club Anthems, Zinc
Greg Stainer and the rest of the Zinc crew drop chart bombs. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Conan Manchester, Loca
Foot-tapping funk, soul and rock and roll from Conan at one of our favourite bars in town. Weekly Thursday and Friday.
Deep Crates, Casa Latina
Popular vinyl-friendly hip hop, funk and soul night led by DJ Lobito. 10pm-3am, free, free wine for ladies 10-12.
House Party, Rare
Masterstepz drops the house party jams, covering hip hop, RnB, funky and more. 10pm3am. Weekly.
i2, Habtoor Grand
Cheesy but fun 80s and 90s anthems from start to sweaty finish. 10pm-3am. Weekly Thursday and Friday.
iLL Communications feat. Ewan Pearson, N’Dulge
The Berlin-based super producer, and frequent deep and tech house Dj, headlines with Dany Neville on urban duties in the main room. 10pm-3am, Dhs120, ladies free before midnight.
PARTY GUIDE
Thursday 17
and commercial RnB and house. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
ARTY GUIDE
Jamrock, Sublime
Reggae and Caribbean vibes from a revolving roster of Dubai’s best urban DJs. 9pm3am, ladies free before 12am. Weekly.
Ladies First, Blends
4 hours of free Cosmos, and a properly fun classic mix from Patrick Pereira. 8pm3am free. Weekly.
Friday 18
INFUSION PICK!
audio tonic feat. Audiojack, 360
Big hitting deep house, mixed in with bass music and techno from their Leedsbased headliners. 4pm-3am, guestlist only via platinumlist. ae between 4-8pm.
MustHaveSoul, 360
Nu-disco, disco and soulful house vibes from the longrunning party. 6pm-3am, free.
Only, Armani Prive
Mass Ramli, Darko De Jan and Roberto Mermand do the RnB, commercial and tech house honours. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Pulse, Movenpick (Bur Dubai)
Energetic house and crossover tunes at this popular club. 10pm-3am, ladies free. Weekly.
Republique, The Address, Dubai Mall
Alternative party anthems at this perma-packed downtown club. 10pm3am. Weekly Thursday and Friday.
What da Funk, Chameleon
Deep to commercial house soundtrack with resident DJ Stu Laurie. 10pm-3am.
Brunch Beat Session, Bahri Bar Ambient and chilled out grooves from Jeli Maniago. 4-8pm. Weekly.
Cafe Del Mar, Meydan
Sunset to commercial house at the newly launched JBR venue, with Pierre Ravan in charge of the sunset sessions. 12midday-3am. Weekly.
Connoisseur, Velvet Underground Sophisticated urban soundtrack. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
No.1 Fridays, Rixos
Following their move from N’Dulge, No.1 Fridays host their weekly urban thrown down at the Rixos beach club. 10.30pm-3am, ladies free before midnight, Dhs100 after. Weekly.
Step On, Catwalk
New and old indie and rock’n’roll at the long running night, with drink offers during the night. 10pm-3am, free.
Trilogy Fridays
INFUSION PICK!
Desi and crossover in the main room, with commercial hip hop on the rooftop. 10pm-3am, Dhs130. Weekly.
DnB and dubstep double header with Optical headlining, with support from J:Kenzo. 9pm-3am, Dhs125.
411, People By Crystal
Something Big feat Optical and J:Kenzo, Music Room
Saturday 19 It’s the monthly UV edition of the weekly club night, with urban goodness from DJ duo Shef Codes and DJ Bliss. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Cafe Del Mar featuring, Meydan Beach Club
Destination, Zinc
UK Garage, Funky house and urban with Richie D and Mister Ash. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Spanish Flavour, Blue Marlin
Paco Fernandez headlines the high end beach club, with support from Fred Stone and Jean B. 1pm-11pm, guestlist only reservation@ bluemarlinibiza-uae.com.
Entra Mi Casa, 360
Deep house and Afro rhythms from Charl Chaka, Nthayi and more. 5pm-3am.
Good Life, Shimmers Buff Wise takes control of this sunset party at the stunning Burj-side venue. 4pm-late, free.
PARTY GUIDE
Part two of the Café Del Mar weekend, with Pierre Ravan on sunset duties. 12midday3am. Weekly.
ARTY GUIDE
Thursday 24 Possibly a dry night, check ahead Analog Room, The Q
The residents take control of this burgeoning underground electronic night at their new Holiday Inn location. 10pm3am, Dhs75, free before 10.30pm.
INFUSION PICK!
Hardwell, Nasimi Big room – or beach, in this case – house with an EDM twist from the hardhitting Dutch DJ. 7pm-3am, Dhs180 .
iLL Communications feat. Mr C, N’Dulge
The larger than life ex End owner, Superfreq head honcho and ex Shamen main man headlines on the terrace, with Dany Neville on urban duties in the main room. 10pm-3am, Dhs120, ladies free before midnight.
INFUSION PICK!
Tiger Translate presents Pat Mahoney, Media One
Disco, punk funk and more from the ex LCD Soundsystem drummer, with support from Seiji, Hamdan Al Abri and more. 9pm-3am.
Friday 25 audio tonic feat. Sasse, 360
Deep house with a twist upstairs courtesy of Moodmusic’s Sasse, with nudisco and party jams below. 4pm-3am, guestlist only 4-8pm via platinumlist.ae, free all night.
The Commitments, Irish Village
Boisterous rock and roll from popular Irish band The Commitments. 6pm-late, free.
INFUSION PICK!
Guti, Blue Marlin Deep, bassline friendly house from the Argentinian star. 1pm-11pm, guestlist only reservation@ bluemarlinibiza-uae.com.
No.1 Fridays, Rixos
Urban, garage, hip hop, funky house and more from the long-running weekly night. 10.30pm-3am, ladies free before midnight, Dhs100 after. Weekly.
Saturday 26 411, People By Crystal Mixed up urban tunes at this high end, and always busy Saturday night party, with Shef Codes and DJ Bliss. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Audio tonic presents Saturday Showcase, Australia Day party, 360 Simonne Cooper performs live, with support from DJ LouLou, Rod Lee Winters, Bruce Hill and James Field. 5pm-2am, free.
Congo Faith Healers, Irish Village
Forward thinking blues and rock and roll from the UK band. 6pm-late, free.
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Music News... EDM on TV?
EDM might be taking over our airwaves, but it could soon be on the small screen as a TV company in America is trying to capitalize the State-side rush on electronic music. Although details are scarce, SPIN has just published an interview with the man responsible with casting the show, Doron Ofir. He’s president of Doron Ofir Casting, the company responsible for picking the cast of reality TV shows such as Jersey Shore, a fact that has caused a little controversy within the dance music community. The show has a website, edmcasting.com, which is currently accepting submissions from DJs and producers hopeful to receive a shot at becoming MUSIC BITES famous. However, Ofir assured SPIN that the Every headline DJ people behind the programme are “titans of on the planet will the industry” and “legends” who are “true to be in Las Vegas their craft”. He was adamant in distancing next year; it’s edmcasting.com from previous projects such pretty much over as Jersey Shore, too. for everyone else He was also keen to state his credentials An unnamed ‘top as a dance music fan with experience in the nightclub execuindustry and on the dancefloor. “There’s a tive’ comments on reason that I’m casting this over any other the implications of company, because I understand this world Vegas’ ‘unlimited DJ budgets’ which mean probably better than anyone else in the television entertainment pop-culture Deadmau5 is being universe,” he said. paid US$425,000 a “It’s time to define the impact that dance show. music has had over the last 35 years to a much larger, worldwide audience. That’s my goal,” he added before saying, “This is a way of expanding that world and showing all the different variety that exists within dance music currently — but with a bit of talent, because these are the future producers that will be making the next wave of music.”
Look and Listen New Bowie?
In recent years – decades even! – Bowie has turned into something of a recluse, rarely being seen out in public, with his musical output diminishing to virtually nothing. But with zero fanfare, and on his 66th birthday, the Thin White Duke has finally released a brand new track. Available to listen via his site davidbowie.com, ‘Where Are We Now’ is a gorgeous slice of downtempo pop, and the good news doesn’t stop there – rumour has it he has a brand new album set to drop this March.
Foreign Office Full Moon Murder Message
British authorities have upgraded their travel advice for revellers planning to attend Full Moon parties in Koh Phangan after Stephen Ashton, 22, was shot dead as he danced at a bar on Haad Rin beach on New Years Day. Press reports said the London City trader was hit by a stray bullet fired when two local gangs clashed at the Zoom Bar, and died soon afterwards as he was carried to hospital. Referring to the incident specifically, the Foreign Office warned of predatory criminals hunting unwary tourists throughout Thailand, with the holiday island particularly perilous. “Western tourists have been victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks by gangs in Koh Phangan. These attacks are particularly common around the time of the Full Moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan,” The Foreign Office declared. “There have been incidents of sexual offences committed against foreign men and women, especially in the Koh Samui archipelago. Since 2009, a number of British nationals were victims of serious sexual offences.” “There have been incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged in both tourist areas and red light districts. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and at clubs and parties, particularly in Koh Samui and Pattaya and, at the Full Moon party on Koh Phangan, where date rapes have been reported,” they added.
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DJ Booth: Adrien Callier
He’s a nu-disco champion and Zuma’s excellent resident DJ…
One thing you might not know about me is... That my name is Adrien Callier, I’m French and I’m the resident DJ of Zuma. I actually did serious studies, but I finally managed to make a living out from what was a real passion at the beginning: music. My worst ever job was… A summer job at one of my Dad’s company warehouses, cleaning the courtyard, delivering barrels in deep underground cellars and sorting pallets. Hard work which gave me a sense of values and a taste for success... My favourite ever record is… “Love To Love You Baby” by Donna Summer. Just timeless! DJing is much like… Empathy and seduction. You need to read your crowd, feel what they want, to seduce them. Just like chatting a girl up... Dubai’s clubbing scene is… More eclectic and less commercial than what people think. I’m really proud to… Have been living in Dubai for 3 years and playing at one of the city’s multi-awarded and hottest spots. If I could change one thing about anything… It would be racism! It’s just destroying our nations. I can’t live without… Smiles, encouraging comments, and support from the crowd I play for. My biggest DJ achievement to date… Estblishing a music identity for Zuma and myself, out of the “mainstream” on a commercial scene. If you could DJ in any decade which would it be... At the end of the 70’s at the Studio 54, playing for the people who inspired me today such as Andy Warhol or Diana Ross. If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ… It would be Roger Sanchez, to watch and observe, just to get a lesson! I’m not a politician but… The music I play simply aims to touch and federate people. soundcloud.com/adriencallier
Soundstage
Bunny J
Another aspiring Emirati hip hop talent, we caught up with Mohammed, AKA Bunny J after his debut single ‘Fly Away’
How would you describe your sound? Commercial Pop Hip hop. Being a musician in Dubai is much like... An adventure into the unknown. My first musical influence was... Snoop Dog. What’s your musical motto? Do feel good music. The best way to get noticed in Dubai is... Bring quality, work hard and play hard. What’s the best gig you’ve played? I performed at a beach festival in Africa to about 10,000 people, it was incredible. And the worst? I haven’t had one yet… Dubai’s music scene is... Growing. With time, I hope Dubai will become the center of music making and entertainment in the Middle East, just as it is the center for so many other types of businesses in the region. The best lyrics of all time are... Jay Z: “I keep my enemies close/I give ‘em enough rope/They put themselves in the air/I just kick away the chair.” The best band/artist in Dubai is… Hehe, I can’t name myself, so I can’t name others. Well I believe on the real, music is not a competition. facebook.com/pages/Bunny-J/
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LouLou At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
Mr Doris We Love‌ Space Ibiza
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Wiz Khalifa Ft.The Weeknd - Remember You Daley Ft. Jessie J - Remember Me Brandy - Can You Hear Me Now Nicki Minaj Ft. Lil Wayne - High School B.O.B Ft. Playboy Tre - Just A Sign Lil Wayne - Put It Down Tyga Ft. Big Sean - I'm Gone Machine Gun Kelly - See My Tears Kendrick Lamar Ft. Dr. Dre - The Recipe Swizz Beatz Ft. Chris Brown & Ludacris - Everyday Birthday
1. Kings Of Tomorrow - Let Me Tell You Something (Sandy Rivera & C. Castels Mix) [Defected] 2. Ziggy Funk, Taliwa - Everyday (Fish Go Deep Remix) 3. Waze &Odyssey - I Want You You You (Original) [Throne of Blood] 4. Giom - Hot Rabbits (Spiritchaser remix) [Muak music] 5. Duke Dumont - The giver (Original) [ITH] 6. DJ Doctor ft Nathalia - Love To The World (Original) [Pierogi] 7. Copyright - Sometimes [Defected] 8. Reel People - Butterflies (Layabouts remix) [Reel People Music] 9. Nora En Pure - You make me float [Nero Bianco] 10. Marlon, Ultra Nate - Gods Message (Marlon D's Original mix) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
D-Funk & Mr Doris - Hit The Yellow Brick Road [Grits n' Gravy] Ray Lugo - Walk Around Like This [Jazz & Milk] Harvey K-Tel - Hotstylin' [Music For The People] Mr Doris & Donewrong - Twaddle [Grits n' Gravy] Alkalino - Alwayz [Audaz] Mr Fresh - The Dopest [Booty Fruit] Swamburger - Sun-Vibes (Beef Wellington remix) [8th Dimension] Mr Doris & D-Dunk - New Orleans [Grits n' Gravy] Joe Revell - Jungle IQ [Scour] Skeewiff - Brutha Noah [Pedigree Cuts]
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Chris Isaak - Wicked Game (Thyladomid & Adriatique Edit) Imagination - Just an Illusion (Satin Jacket Rework) The Romantic - Talking In Your Sleep (Ren Riz Remix) Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight (Yoruba Soul Mix) Prince - When Doves Cry (Finnebassen Remix) Led Zeppelin - All Of My Love (Slow Hands Re-Do) Santana - Black Magic Woman (Christian Gimbel Remix Sade - Smooth Operator (Dank Extended Remix) Eric Clapton - Co*aine (Dank Needs A Refix Mix) Bob Marley - Jamming (Paul Groucho Smykle Remix)
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CLOSER Opinions, thoughts and jiberish... > Weird News > Pan Arabia Enquirer > Cool Test > Films > Big Q > Angry Monkey
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Weird News... WEIRD BITES Cat burglar He was completely ethical, upright and honest. He just oozed honesty and integrity. He was an outstanding sheriff Former Arapahoe County District Attorney Jim Peters speaking about retired sheriff of Arapahoe County, Colorado, Patrick Sullivan, 69, who was this week sentenced to 30 days in prison, after he was caught on camera trading crystal meth for sex with rent boys.
It sounds like the plot of a particularly bad episode of Prison Break, but a cat has been caught trying to sneak into a Brazilian prison loaded with contraband destined for the prisoners. The white cat was stopped on the edge of the Arapiraca city jail which holds 263 prisoner, and had drill bits, files, a mobile phone and charger and earphones strapped to its body. A prison spokesperson was quoted by local paper Estado de S. Paulo as saying: “It’s tough to find out who’s responsible for the action as the cat doesn’t speak.”
Forget me nots
We’ve all been there and left a pair of socks and our mobile charger in the hotel. But UK hotel chain Travelodge has found a winning EuroMillions lottery ticket, a bucket of live crabs and a diamond-encrusted iPhone left by their guests. “From keys to a Bugatti, Harry Potter’s original wand, a micro pig, breast implants to a script from a well-known British soap programme, our customers’ left-behinds demonstrate what a cross section of people stay in our 527 hotels,” said Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed. More than 20,000 books were also left behind in hotel rooms, 7,000 of which were of which were copies of E L James’ Fifty Shades of Grey.
NOW WE’RE ROLLING! sho cho’s renowned sushi chef’s are now open for business. Design your own sushi and we’ll deliver it sharpish. Let’s Roll!
Call 800 SUSHI or visit chezshushi.com Eat or collect at our restaurant. Find us at Shop 18, Wasl Square, (opposite Safa Park) Al Wasl road, Dubai.
panarabiaenquirer.com
Israel shoots down Santa Claus over Negev desert
TEL AVIV: The Israeli Air Force confirmed it had shot down a “sleigh-shaped, reindeer-powered aircraft” over the northern Negev desert. According to military spokeswoman Avital Leibovich, the Israeli Defense Forces had spotted the vessel – which was said to have been carrying a large number of unidentifiable packages of various shapes and sizes – around 4am on Christmas Day and kept it under surveillance until a fighter shot it down over the Yatir Forest. “We view any attempt to enter Israeli airspace – even magically – very severely, and will take extreme measures no matter if it means disappointing several million children across the world on Christmas morning,” said outgoing defence minister Ehud Barak, who also warned people not to attempt to locate the crash site or reach the downed craft’s cargo. “Please don’t assume it was carrying toy trains and Wii Us and iPad minis, like the media would have you believe. Until we’ve completed a full examination of the wreckage, we’re assuming the cargo is made up of instruments of terror that were to be used against the state of Israel.” The Pan-Arabia Enquirer is the Middle East’s premier source of satirical news. This means that it’s entirely made up and not intended, in any way whatsoever, to be taken as factual.
Cool Russ Cooper
Megadon Betamax
They’re the DJs charged with soundtracking one of Dubai’s newest spots, the Below bar at 360 for audio tonic. But who out of Russ Cooper and Megadon Betamax can raise their game for the Cool Test? Have you ever injured yourself at work? A heavy window in the office once closed on my finger, trapping it. It was too heavy to Yes, if dancing could be considered lift on my own but, after much part of work... I (embarrassingly) screaming, someone came to broke my hand not too long ago while help me. When we lifted it, there reliving my dancefloor youth. was lots of blood and I could see the bone inside my finger. It’s not big and clever but… Irritating my fiancé, Anna, at any given opportunity - it never gets It looks good on! boring…. well, not for me anyway. My best claim to fame is… I have a personalized autograph from Mark Hamill who played My first job was as a roller skating DJ Luke Skywalker in the original Star at a local roller rink (which involved Wars movies – he wrote ‘To Russ, getting hit on by 15 year old girls and Galactically Yours, Mark Hamill’. It falling over a lot). has to be one of my favourite (and nerdiest!) possessions. Describe your best track in 5 words… Five words is not enough. Robo boogie eats turbo love. Have you ever been arrested? The good ones don’t get Not that I remember. caught, right? Your answer to everything is… “You are!” Turn up the bass! What’s the best insult you could give each other? I love you man! Russ loves requests!
The verdict: As self-confessed Star Wars geeks, Russ is the winner for his Mark Hamill autograph, he gets a copy of the recent Trilogy as his ‘prize’.
MOVIE Les Miserables All singing (obviously) cinematic rendition of the classic musical, with Hugh Jackman outstanding, and laugh out loud cameos from Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. Not just for girls. Classification: PG13 Director: Tom Hooper Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe
Zero Dark Thirty
Tense and taut re-telling of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden, and his final death at the hands of the Navy SEAL Team 6 in May 2011. Classification: 18 Director: Kathryn Bigelow Starring: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt
PREVIEWS This Is 40
Follow up to Apatow’s previous comic hit Knocked Up, in which Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann have to deal with the stresses of their marriage, life and their 2 rapidly growing up kids. Classification: 15 Director: Judd Apatow Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann and Jason Segal
Django Unchained Tarantino’s take on the classic Western, set two years before the Civil War, features Jamie Fox as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him in a murderous battle. Vital viewing for all Tarantino fans. Classification: 18 Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio
Looking Closer
The Big Question
Adil El-aouad: Disclosure, Laurent Garnier, Mr Scruff, London Electricity‌
Marty Met: Roots Manuva would be delightful
Ross Laing: Andy Weatherall Mohammed Shafiq: Matt Zo
Who would you like to see live in Dubai in 2013?
?
Maureen Castillo: Gareth Emery
Simeon Kerr: Featurecast, Funkanomics, A Skillz
Melina Mitri: Chromeo, A-Trak, Tiga or Daft Punk
Youssef Nasser: Julio Bashmore!
ANGRY MONKEY We live in an enlightened world – democracy has spread across the globe, social media has put the power (or at least the power of voice) back in people’s hands and the human race, more than ever, are in control of their own destiny. But yet, despite all this empowering bullsh*t, despite all this – Dubai club owners still think that creating a dozen fake Facebook profiles for their big-chested ‘promoters’ is the way to get their venue busy. Click yes to one of their billion friend requests, and you’ll instantly be bombarded with event notifications for some utterly gash Monday night RnB meets EDM night. And should you turn up, you’ll no doubt discover that the big chested ‘promoters’ are in fact one rather weedy little dude furiously updating several Facebook accounts via his iPhone. It’s 2013, time for a bit of realism in the world, please.
Monkey Out...
The Angry Monkeys’ views are his own, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Infusion Magazine.