DYSFUNKTION MAKE SOME WHYT NOYZ!
2016 in Review • Decibel • All Day I Dream • Sasha • Hot Since 82 • Elton John • 7 essential DJ apps • La Cala • The Spin and more!
MUSIC
•
PEOPLE
•
LIFE
TALAL BUDEBS Publisher CHARL CHAKA Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae FRAK FU Sales/marketing sales@infusion.ae ANDY BUCHAN Editor andy@infusion.ae PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae SONIA IGNACIO Operations operations@infusion.ae
We’ve barely broken the seal on January, and already we’ve seen some big names get unveiled with Hot Since 82, Skream, Sasha, Eats Everything and more confirmed for shows in the coming weeks. There go our best intentions… There are some ace films coming soon, including Alien Covenant, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, another new Star Wars, Ghost In The Shell, The Circle and Blade Runner 2049.
Our successful Infusion DJ Factory operation is set to reach the next level as we’re launching our music production courses in the very near future!
CONTRIBUTORS: Holly Hart, Paul Walker, Stephen Day, Frak Fu, Vip Patel
GUEST LIST
INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098
BLACK LIST
infusionmag
infusionmagazine infusionmagazine
OUR PARTNERS
New Year speeches on 2017 – you’re moving into the next year, not accepting an Oscar, mate. Tone it down a bit yeah, it’s just your mum who liked your 600 word Facebook opus…
That weird period between Christmas and New Year. We woke up one day covered in mince pie crumbs and didn’t know what day it was, or if we’d even missed NYE.
2016. The worst.
Say What? RUMOURS
Deep Like, the hugely popular weekly party, are moving home in 2017 to the Steinberger hotel in Business Bay. Fabric regular Utah Jazz may be coming back out to Dubai again soon for another drum and bass rinse out. Bicep are on one promoter’s hit list and could be coming over this Spring. DANCEFLOOR DICTIONARY
The pint of no return. That one drink that pushes you over the edge, turning “just a few beers” into “a proper night out”; the pub tipple that leads to you going “out out.” MEME CORNER
WE LOVE El Chiringuito Dubai
‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ So said Winston Churchill. And while it’s doubtful that he was into melodic techno and the latest Diynamic signings, he did have a habit of making a salient point. So it is that Eden became no more and in its place came El Chiringuito. A classy, hedonistic Ibizan bar and restaurant, they’ve opened a sister restaurant on the site of Eden beach club, and got 2016 off to a storming finish as they booked Damian Lazarus and then Ibiza overlord Marco Carola to usher in 2017. With some supremely cool bookings coming up (Benoit & Sergio, Soul Clap and Amine K), coupled with their impressive restaurant offerings, 2017 could well be the year that the Rixos club truly spreads its wings. 2nd time lucky! El Chiringuito, Rixos The Palm, facebook.com/ElChiringuitoDubai, 054 449 6464
JANUARY
20
2017
NOIR
ANDHIM
ARMIN VAN BUUREN @ WHITE DUBAI
V
AXWELL
INGROSSO @ MEYDAN
NYE WITH ELROW @ BLUE MARLIN IBIZA
What we did
PLUS MINUS ARENA FEAT. DAVID AUGUST @ MEDIA ONE CAR PARK
The Plus Minus crew celebrated NYE a day early with the 2nd installment of their carpark parties with German prodigy David August dropping a DJ set with the help of Haidz/Hoolz/Ghadz on warm up duties. With Blitz productions on-point with the layout once again, including great use of basic colour lighting and atmospheric smoke, it created a real of warehouse feel, perfect for the night’s soundtrack. The warm up acts dropped quality melodic techno and house vibes which you could tell had been thought out and planned to maximize the evening. Diynamic DJ David August opened his set with chunky, low BPM beats, mixing house with an infusion of disco but soon progressed the speed and intensity, bringing the dancefloor with him. Once again Dubai welcomed another pioneer in the dance music scene to help educate and entertain, which hopefully opened up their minds and hearts to new music. Words by Paul Walker Up next: Robert Babicz, January 20, ON42
LUCKY VOICE @ GRAND MILLENNIUM HOTEL
This new venue was completely not what I was expecting! Having been to the Soho, London venue last year, I was assuming it would be a similar dark basement labyrinth of karaoke rooms. Instead, we were greeted with smiley pink-heeled girls and lead out the back to the service lifts of the hotel (!). As we entered Lucky Voice up on level 6, it was a large open New York feel, duplex, loft style bar alive with people. A great mix of music was blasted out by the DJ on stage with social media imagery from Lucky Voice globally projected onto the huge 2 storey walls behind him. Cosy tables were clustered together with attentive and bright waiting staff on iPads to take fast, accurate orders. The idea, I would assume, being that you meet in groups for a few drinks/ snacks first (snacks we had included Sliders, veggie wraps and balls of gooey chocolate dunked in sweet biscuit crumbs) and then get suitably happy/brave from the drinks, before heading into the Karaoke rooms. The karaoke booths were at the back of the venue, all around the walls through hidden doors and upstairs (including “The Room� for large group bookings). The booths were almost secondary to the
actual venue with its amazing fit out, great lighting and such a good feel to the whole place. You could happily go there for a drink and not even notice the rooms! Once inside the karaoke booths, the quality was the same as London. Absolutely first class. Among this super cool setting, the standard neon wigs, inflatable props and naff giant sunglasses were there – don’t worry! The built in video screens had instant access menus including “Power Ballads (for those who can sing)”, “Duets” and “Songs for Beginners.” With 2 wireless mics and built in speakers in the (almost) soundproof rooms, the quality of the music and sound inside was excellent. It was easy to adjust the music volume, mic volume, reverb and even the key. The booths are for 4 people minimum, with a minimum spend of 150AED per head for 2 hours which is redeemable back on F&B during that time. You can have around 8 – 14 people in the booths, and up to 25 in “The Room” for bigger groups. The bar area outside is so inviting and lively, I am sure people come before for drinks, then in to a booth to sing, then stay for the atmosphere outside! With the right levels of cool, fun and quality, Lucky Voice should be a big success. Words by Holly Hart
ELROW FEAT. DENNIS FERRER @ BLUE MARLIN IBIZA UAE
ElRow’s infamous parties exploded into town at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on New Year’s Eve with US house DJ Dennis Ferrer headlining. Rising star De La Swing guided the crowd through the new year’s bells, while Stacey Pullen was on warm up duties alongside the trusted residents (Frederick Stone, Jean B, Jixo and Danz), as they kicked off the last party of the year in Ghantoot. Those that have attended Elrow’s infamous Ibiza parties will know their party philosophy where spectacle, music, colour and happiness come together, creating a unique experience. The sound on the night was a combination of up-lifting house with elements of techno, but with a constant drive for the crowd to really get their dancing feet moving and their teeth into the groove. With no detail spared in the dressing of the venue, the ‘Feria De Abril’ captured the imagination of the crowd with its performers, artists and more importantly music. The crowd were not only exposed to great music and an electric environment but for those that stayed to the later hours of the morning, they got a very welcome treat of being able to watch Dennis Ferrer and Stacey Pullen, two moguls of the house music scene go back to back. A great way to welcome in 2017. Words by Paul Walker
Up next: January 13 Pig & Dan and Edu Imbernon
2016 IN REVIEW
A beyond bonkers year for the world – Trump, Brexit, Middle East conflict, Bowie, Prince and Princess Leia all gone – but as ever the dance world proved a fitting antidote to the madness that enveloped the world. Here some of Dubai’s homegrown stars, up-and-comers, DJs, producers and party promoters give us the run down on their 2016…
SCOTT FORSHAW Track of the year : Kideko & George Kwali ‘Crank It.’ Local Hero : Greg Stainer. Best gig you’ve played : Zero Gravity with Martin Solveig. Favourite label : Armada. Best new club/bar : Vii, Conrad. Party of the year : Fiesta Des Los Muertos with Major Lazer. Best international DJ set : Krafty Kuts & A Skills, Zero Gravity. Best local producer : ZOH. Sum up 2016 in 5 words : The whole year was lit. What will happen in 2017 : Big things.
LPHUNK
Best track of the year: Skream ‘You Know, Right?’ Best gig you’ve played: Electric Run @ Zabeel Park. Favourite label: Ma’ana. Best new club/bar: Lock Stock and Barrel. Party of the year: F1 Abu Dhabi. Best international DJ set: Fatboy Slim @ Zero Gravity.
Best local producer: Shaun Warner. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Been buzzing here in Dubai! What will happen in 2017: More driverless vehicles, more payment facilities without cash/cards, more fines for idiots on Dubai’s roads.
MACH 4 – GLOBALFUNK Local Hero: Tim ‘Woodle” Woodstock for keeping the DnB fire burning in the UAE. Best gig you’ve played: Playing the opening set for Marcus Intalex’s SOUL:UTION night at Sun and Bass in Sardinia. A very very special moment in my 25 years as a DJ. Favourite label: Tempo from the UK. Best new club/bar: All Bar SyaOne. Party of the year: The Bassworx
Old School Night, my knees are still f***ed. Best international DJ set: Digital @ GlobalFunk v Bassworx. Best local producer: Altitude. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Countless Underrated New Talent Shining What will happen in 2017: Dubai will realise that what is being touted at ‘Techno’ by every man and his dog is really house with extra high hats. Real techno is a rare breed and for those that know.
SAM DEE – EDM DXB Best track of the year: Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha ‘In The Name Of Love.’ Local Hero: Sam Farsio. Best party of the year: Carl Cox at BMI. Favorite label: Fonk Recording. Best new club/bar: BOA. Party of the year: Sensation Dubai. Best international DJ set: Martin Garrix NYE. Best local producer: Scott Forshaw. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Best year with amazing events. What will happen in 2017: There will be some of the biggest names and big festival will be happening in 2017.
JIXO & DANZ Best track of the year: Hyenah - The Idea (Frankey & Sandrino Remix). Local Hero: Each local artist is being a hero in his own playground. Best gig you've played: Lasta in Belgrade, we love that outdoor club. Favourite label :: Connaisseur Recordings. Best new club/bar: Disconekt. Party of the year: Carl Cox at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE. Best international DJ set: Maceo Plex at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE. Best local producer: Mario Bazouri. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: It was all about music. What will happen in 2017: Next year looks very promising! We have many local and international gigs in the pipeline, along with our weekly residency at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE that will be bigger next year hosting fresh artists and showcases all year long.
MARK PICKUP – ARCADE 82 Best track of the year: Weiss ‘Your Sunshine.’ Local Hero: Theo Makris for doing what no man has done before, got decent house music on the air waves locally 24/7 with Dance FM. Best gig you've played: Chemical Brothers Warm Up at Du Arena. Favourite label: Toolroom. Best new club/bar: La Cala. Party of the year: Loco Dice at BMI. Best international DJ set: Loco Dice at BMI. Best local producer: Sam Farsio/Andy Buchan.
JON BESANT Best track of the year: Hot Since 82, ‘Voices.’ Local Hero: Tim Derry & Greg Dufton get my vote every time for what they do behind the scenes but this year also goes to Arcade82 for that Chemical Brothers gig. Best gig you've played: Tiesto for DXBeach. Favourite label: Defected. Best new club/bar: Breeze is rocking on the Palm. Party of the year: Fatboy Slim at DXBeach. Best international DJ set: Mark Knight at Zero Gravity. Best local producer :: Scott Forshaw, Greg Stainer & Olly Wood. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: The year we all survived. What will happen in 2017: Clubs will close rapidly, venues will open rapidly and the same faces will all pull together to give the best possible night out to expats, locals and tourists.
SAVO SAVO Best track of the year :: Noir & Olivier Giacomotto, ‘Reste’ (Raxon Remix). Literally on another level Local Hero :: Jon Besant, the guy’s a machine I swear! Favourite label :: Dynamic. Best new club/bar :: El Chiringuito. Party of the year :: Carl Cox – BMI. But globally, Space Closing. Best international DJ set :: Hector Couto, Plus Minus. Best local producer :: Arcade 82. Sum up 2016 in 5 words :: Hotter than the sun, ahhaaaa. What will happen in 2017 :: A cool clothing label will be opening in Dubai, El Chiringuito will be the new place to hang out. BMI/Plus Minus will reign supreme on the awesome DJ front and Stu Todd will whip us up a storming DJ set/mag article each week.
WILL JANSSEN – BOXTONES Best track of the year: Stressed Out, Twenty-One Pilots. Local Hero: Adam Baluch, a loop station extraordinaire. Best gig you've played: Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. Favourite label: Universal Music MENA. Best new club/bar: Lock, Stock & Barrel. Party of the year: Party in the Park with The Charlatans, Travis and Kaiser Chiefs. Best international DJ set: Grandmaster Flash at Cavalli Club. Best local producer :: Elvis Garagic at Soundstruck Studios. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Big, music, stressful, exciting, Boxtones What will happen in 2017: Keep moving onwards and upwards to the next big thing. Continually make music part of your life and 2017 will be your year!
SMOKINGROOVE Track of the year: Too many decent ones to name one. Local hero: Theo Makris for making Dance FM a reality. Best gig played: Secret Circle. Favourite label: Suara. Best new club: Be. Party of the year: Loco Dice @ BMI. Best international DJ set: Hector. Local producer: Raxon. 2016 in 5 words: Lets forget this ever happened.
MAKS Local Hero: Deian Markov aka DEIAN aka Spider King. The guy has done, and continues to do, momentous amounts for the music industry in this region, while also developing into a great artist himself. Best Gig You've Played: The year isn't over yet, but I think my favourite is Original Sound with Gescu and Dan Andrei. Favourite Label: Locally, it's gotta be my bro Salah Sadeq's imprint, TECHFUI. Best New Club/Bar: ON42 @ Media One Hotel. Party of the Year: Without a doubt, Groove On The Grass Season 4 Closing Party and the afterparty in the sea that followed with DJ Tennis. Best International DJ Set: I have to go with Cabanne back to back with Dana Ruh at BE. at DIMC recently. Unreal. Best Local Producer: Paul Josef. Sum up 2016 in 5 Words: A pretty f***ing s*** year. What Will Happen in 2017: Who knows? World War 3?
MEHDI ANALOG ROOM Best track of the year: Salar Ansari ‘Low Love’ (Unreleased). Local Hero: Salar Ansari. He made it all the way to Detroit and became the label manager of Transmat Records. Best gig you've played: A house party in Tehran - Iran. I played for 11 hours alone. Favourite label: Volt Music by Siamak Amidi, a vinyl only record label from Dubai. Best new club/bar: Sailing club at DIMC Dubai Marina. Party of the year: Analog Room's last party at The Q Underground. Best international DJ set: Answer Code Request at Analog Room. Best local producer: Siamak Amidi. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Tough year made us tougher. Wat will happen in 2017: Big things like Jeff Mills at Analog Room!
FUENTE Best track of the year: Josh Butler ‘Need Me.’ Local Hero: Many to mention Rutherford, Andy Buchan, Deian Markov, Jack Woodcock. Best gig you’ve played: Winning GOTG #TalentQuest & Warming up for FooR at Superheroes, both equally the best for me this year). Favourite label: Ma’ana / Bootleg Social (Local) / Dirtybird (International). Best new club/bar: Stereo Arcade. Party of the year: DJ EZ at Zero Gravity. Best international DJ set: Josh Wink, Groove on The Grass. Best local producer: Scott Forshaw. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Busy, Fun, Confusing, Lit, Fundamental. What will happen in 2017: Birth of Fuente & Tito Mike (Watch this space!)
WOODLE
Best track of the year: LSB ‘Missing You ft. DRS & Tyler Daley. Local Hero: Imitiaz Hussein, F&B Manager at Casa Latina. Best gig you’ve played: The first Liquid Brunch with Mistanoize. Favourite label: V Recordings. Best new club/bar: Rose & Crown (they serve Hobgoblin Gold on tap!) Party of the year: Bassworx ft. Command Strange was propa vibes! Best international DJ set: Bryan Gee’s 4.5 hour marathon set in May. Best local producer: Altitude - Ali’s new tunes are sounding fierce! Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Cataclysmic. What will happen in 2017: The world will keep spinning... for now.
MADJAM Best track of the year: Hyenah ‘The Idea’ (Frankey & Sandrino remix). Local Hero: Miss Foster, she’s just so jolly happy fun and a school teacher by day! Best gig you’ve played: Pre Beirut, the new Rooftop with 3 rooms underneath at the end of November while it was a little chilly the heaters were on pumping flames into the air as the crowd did with their energy over the old and new Beirut skyline. Favourite label: Crosstown Rebels. Best new club/bar: BOA, incredible performances and soundsystem! Party of the year :: Too many to mention. Best international DJ set: Locals played better! Best local producer: Raxon, but he aint no local no more. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Single, Happy, Energetic, Groovy, Fun. What will happen in 2017: Donald J. Trump!
UCH
Best track of the year: Andrea Oliva, ‘Scream.’ Local Hero: TODD. Best gig you’ve played: Pukka Up at Nasimi Beach, March 2016. Favourite label: Defected Best new club/bar: BOA Party of the year: Black Coffee at BMI in April, wowwwwww! Best local producer: UCH of course! Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Mind blowing experience and more! What will happen in 2017: Releasing a lot of new music, and collaborating with a few legends. I have a few tricks up my sleeve, looking forward to sharing the great news!
PAUL MENDEZ Best track of the year: TJR ‘We Wanna Party.’ Local Hero: Hollaphonic. Best gig you’ve played: Tiesto opening set in Doha. Favourite label: Bonzai Progressive. Best new club/bar: Cargo @ Pier 7, it’s not entirely new but it made a big splash this year. Party of the year: My birthday! Best international DJ set: Tiesto @ Zero Gravity. Best local producer: Scott Forshaw or Mendexx. Sum up 2016 in 5 words: Respect and book local talent. What will happen in 2017: Hopefully the venues in Dubai can open their eyes and ears a bit more and start to offer headline slots and support slots to more of us local DJs and producers who 90% of the time are bigger names on the world stage than the majority of acts brought in to perform with the tag line ‘international’.
Sofie Hagen
Rob Deering
Thu 12 Jan Fri 13 Jan Mon 16 Jan Tue 17 Jan Wed 18 Jan Thu 19 Jan Fri 20 Jan Jack Dathel
8pm
Ticket AED 140 / QR 140. Over 21’s Only
Buy your tickets now !
www.thelaughterfactory.com call : +971 50 8786 728
BABICZ FOR GOOD
One of the most consistent parties in the Middle East, Plus Minus return to action on Friday January 20 as they welcome down techno don Robert Babicz for a set of pulsing techno. Blessed with synaesthesia, a rare condition which allows him to see music in 3D, the German DJ is part of the Kompakt and BPitch Control families, and is a mainstay on the techno scene. It all takes place at ON42 at the Media One Hotel from 9pm.
NEW YEAR, SAME HUGE BLUE MARLIN LINE UPS
Another year, another killer Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE monthly line up. Edu Imbernon and Pig & Dan come together for a techno combo on Friday January 13, with Andhim and Danish DJ and label head Noir combining on January 20. The following week is another biggie as Fur Coat and Miss Kittin bring the late January heat, while February is possibly even bigger as Tini and Eats Everything team up on February 3, while Skream and Sasha (pictured) headline on February 17.
HOT SINCE 82 AND MORE AT PROVOCATEUR
High end bottle-service club Provocateur have been busy over the Christmas period as they’ve put together a killer line up of up-andcoming DJs and well established names like Hot Since 82. German born, Jamaica raised tech house DJ Melanie Ribbe takes over the 4 Seasons club on January 13, with Ibiza superclub Space on hosting duties the following week with Spanish DJ and Suara main man Coyu DJing. It’s a biggie the week after as UK DJ Hot Since 82 (pictured) plays on February 3, with Uner (February 17) and Dosem (February 24) confirmed for the rest of the month.
BACK TO THE 90S
Heads up all retro fans – there’s a new throwback party in town as the Feel Good Festival touches down at Nasimi on Friday January 13. ‘Macarena’ stars Los Del Rio are joined by Atomic Kitten, Panjabi MC and ‘Mambo No.5’ singer Lou Bega (pictured), while they’ve also tracked down DJ Sash best known for his high octane hit ‘Ecuador.’ Tickets are AED295 and available from Platinumlist.net.
ELTON JOHN RE-CONFIRMED FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 20
We were massively excited about the arrival of Sir Elton John, but he sadly had to postpone his 2016 Dubai date until January 20 on the advice of Doctors who told him to rest after a bout of flu left him fatigued. Promoter 117Live confirmed that the new show date will be Friday January 20th and that fans should retain their current tickets as these will be valid also for the new date and that these fans will receive a signed merchandise item from Elton John when attending the show – for ticket holders unable to attend the new show date full refund will be made available from the point of purchase and subject to the terms & conditions of the ticket distributor. Please allow the ticketing companies a few days to respond to enquiries on the exact refund details.
5 MINUTES WITH...
LAUREN RITTER After a stunning launch party by Pureink, Lee Burridge party All Day I Dream is back for another day time party at new venue d3 with Lauren Ritter joined by Gorje & Izhevski. We caught up with her to talk classical violin, kickboxing and being American in 2016…
My first big break was… Lee Burridge playing my track "Lark" during his BBC Essential Mix. The outpouring of love and support from friends and everyone listening was really touching. Seeing that track (plus 3 more of mine!) released the following year on ADID was another huge milestone as well. My dance music hero is… I wouldn't say I have one hero in particular, but I've been very fortunate to work with & play alongside artists that I respect beyond words, like Raresh, Zip, Sonja Moonear, Daniel Bell, and of course Lee Burridge and Matt Dekay who have been endlessly supportive of me. My biggest gig to date is… One of the most momentous gigs recently for me was ADID's closing party in San Francisco. It was my first time in San Fran and I was blown away by the love, the vibrancy, and the positivity of everyone I met. People were so friendly! Playing alongside Oona and Lee made for a wonderful soundtrack to all that amazing energy. Being American in 2016 was… Frustrating, to say the least. 2016 was… A wild ride. I had the opportunity to play in new cities all around the world, and my first solo EP was released on All Day I Dream. To hold a copy of my own music on vinyl was surreal and a dream come true. 2017 will be… Filled with more studio time, more traveling, and as many crazy adventures as I can possibly squeeze into 365 days. One thing you might not know about me is… That my latest obsession is kickboxing, I absolutely love it! I have bright pink tiger gloves from Overthrow NYC that I wear to every class. My trainers have even started playing "Eye of the Tiger" when I'm in class, it's hilarious. When did you first start making music? I started producing electronic music 8 years ago. I had just picked up a copy of Logic Pro and had access to a studio filled wall-to-wall with analog synths. I spent many long nights in there teaching myself the ins and outs of synthesis. Before that, I had been classically trained as a violist and violinist. My gig in Dubai will be… Full of lots of sunshine and good vibes! I'm excited to spin with the Gorje & Izhevski boys and catch a break from the frozen tundra that is Brooklyn in the winter. All Day I Dream feat. Lauren Ritter, Design Quarter, Dubai Design District, Saturday January 14, 1-10pm
Kintar Hero
Quiet January? Yeah, not if you’re a Decibel fan as they’re back in early season action at their ON42 home with Ibiza resident Kintar on tech-house and techno duties.
Welcome to the UAE, your first time we think – what have you heard, what are you expecting? Hello guys, yes it's my first time in UAE. I´m so excited about playing with Decibel DXB and I'm expecting an amazing underground crowd from Dubai and all the cities around. You've recently toured in Argentina, were the crowds as amazing as legend has it? Yes I'm always going to Argentina and it's so nice, I’m going back for a few gigs in February. Argentina has the perfect mixture of Latin American and European roots, so it makes an incredible energy on any dance floor. You're based in Ibiza, is it hard to maintain a work/life balance on the party island? Well Ibiza is an incredible place to live, surrounded by nature and an epic atmosphere, that gives me the balance to travel a lot. Where are your favourite places to Dj in Ibiza? Ibiza offers so many nice places to DJ but for me Pacha is the best place. It's unique and a big door for artists to conquer the island. How was 2016 for you? And what's lined up already for 2017? 2016 was my best year as DJ and producer. I also produced events at LIO Ibiza, travelled the world headlining parties and festivals and released music on fantastic labels. 2017 will be big, I'm sure about it. I have confirmed dates until March, playing in Dubai, Punta Del Este, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Córdoba and more... and I have a really nice release schedule as well. Musically, what are you playing in your sets, what are the big tunes working for you? I'm playing from Tech house, to Tribal, Techno, Melodic Techno and some Proggy Tech also. There is an upcoming tune with Maindave called "Rage" that will be out on Stereo Productions that is rocking everywhere I go. Also a tune with Brigado Crew that is not signed yet but is the best tune that I have so far. And what should people expect from your set in Dubai? Well I will make them fall in love with my sound, that´s my main mission wherever I go. There are so many DJ just making people dance. My vision is to make it a night to remember by sharing this universal language called music. Decibel feat. Kintar, Thursday January 12, ON42, 9pm-3am
DYSFUNKTION MAKE SOME WHYT NOYZ! Already a firm Infusion favourite, techno party Dysfunktion are launching themselves head-first into 2017 with a series of big parties, with white-hot UK techno act and Sci+Tec signing Whyt Noyz headlining their January 26 party at ON42. Ahead of their first party of the year, we caught up with founders Ju Lovett and Tobie Allen to talk techno, techno and more techno Welcome to 2017! What’s coming up this year? JU: When we started Dysfunktion back in 2015, we were aiming for a very small party with 80 - 100 people and just local artists. Now we have an event for 500 people in one of Dubai’s most infamous underground venues, booking
some of the best artists in the world. The first major change you will see in 2017 is that we have added a second room to our parties. We teamed up with another great local promoter ‘Night Vibes’ to bring you that awesome jacking house back room that is so prevalent is clubs across Europe but seems to have been forgotten here in Dubai.
Techno is obviously a big buzz word in dance music, how do you approach it? JU: Well first of all Tobie and I didn’t just jump on the Techno band wagon. Both of us have had a passion for all things Techno for the best part of 2 decades. For us, any music, Techno or otherwise, has to actually sound good. So many people out there today just play music without actually listening to it or liking it. Emotionally it has to tell a story and take you on a journey, it has to make you feel something. Energetically it has to have punch, it has to roll and have a certain amount of bounce to it. We both get very excited when we hear a great track like that and all the elements talk to each other in some sort of perfect harmony. Simply put, we play proper Techno. How competitive is the UAE scene? How collaborative is the scene? Are there enough clubbers to go around? JU: Extremely competitive. There are so many events now it can be difficult to stand out. Everyone who is involved in promoting here works very hard on their projects, I know that it takes up almost all of my free time. I really can’t speak for anyone else but if they are like us, they would like to see everyone with full venues and throbbing dancefloors, if that were the case it would only make the scene here even better
than it already is. However some people really do go out of there way to help you because they can see what you’re trying to do and want to be involved, not for financial gain, but for the love of music. What’s your history of party promoting, how long have you been doing this? JU: The first party I ever threw was an under 18’s event at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich. The venue held about 1500 people and I was only 15 at the time but no one had ever thought to do an under 18’s party on this scale before. It completely sold out and was a huge success, and it didn’t take long before similar types of events started popping up all over the country. After that I co-promoted the notorius Rapture Records parties in Colchester with my good friend Jon En’ry. From there, London, The States and Ibiza. But I really feel like I’ve found my home now with Dysfunktion. TOBIE: : I started promoting in Cape Town at the infamous Boiler Room in 1996 after playing for a couple of years down there. I co owned a nightclub with four other lads called Unity in 1999-2001 which I can quite safely say was hedonistic. When I returned to UK for a few years in 2005 I started doing label parties for my brand Bootleg Social at clubs like Ministry of Sound, Pacha, and Brixton Academy.
And how hard is it building a circle of fans in Dubai when the population is quite transient? What are the keys to making a night work out here? TOBIE: It’s really hard to build a unique circle of fans. As it’s a small city, there are only so many clubbers going out per night so to capture your own unique following is a difficult task. I think the biggest key to making a night work is being personal with the clubbers. At the end of the day we are clubbers ourselves so we try to reach out to them how we would like to be communicated with. We are always reachable and always humbled by any support we get. If you had an unlimited budget, who would you most like to bring over to the UAE? TOBIE: I don’t think budget is always the answer to creating the best night. At our last event, our 1st Birthday party, the energy and the vibe we strived for was created by a not too expensive act. I would rather see that energy at our Dysfunktion parties where it is small, intimate and going off rather than spending unlimited money. And if people haven’t been to Dysfunktion before, what should they expect? JU & TOBIE: Well we are basically just a couple of old messer’s that still love having a good time. So expect a wild ride celebrating the weird and wonderful humans we all are! Dysfunktion feat. Whyt Noyz, Thursday January 26, ON42, Media One Hotel, AED100
ON THE RADAR BENOIT & SERGIO
HOT SINCE 82
JANUARY 27 - EL CHIRINGUITO
FEBRUARY 3 - PROVOCATEUR
FRESHLY GROUND JANUARY 27 - MCGETTIGANS JLT
FEBRUARY 4 - ZERO GRAVITY
JOSH BUTLER
REDFEST FEAT. CHRIS BROWN FEBRUARY 2-3 - MEDIA CITY
DECIBEL FEAT. ALBERTO RUIZ
EELKE KLEIJN FEBRUARY 3 - ON42
SKREAM & SASHA FEBRUARY 17 - BLUE MARLIN IBIZA UAE
FEBRUARY 9 - ON42
ON THE RADAR DUBAI JAZZ FEST FEAT. TOM JONES FEBRUARY 22 - MEDIA CITY
TUBE & BERGER MARCH 3 - ZERO GRAVITY
DUBAI JAZZ FEST FEAT. MARIAH CAREY FEBRUARY 23 - MEDIA CITY
KODE 9 APRIL 13 - VENUE TBC
DUBAI JAZZ FEST FEAT. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS FEBRUARY 24 - MEDIA CITY
APRIL 21 - EL CHIRINGUITO
GUNS’N’ROSES MARCH 3 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA
MAY 6 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA
SOUL CLAP
JUSTIN BIEBER
Appy Days Close Facebook, shut down Snapchat and make the most of your mobile time with these cunning, innovative and game-changing DJ and music-making apps‌
FIGURE As intuitive notepad style app, Figure lets you put down your creative ideas on the fly including drums, bass and synth sounds, while you can export to iTunes or share your creative work on the app’s hub, Allihoopa.
FL STUDIO MOBILE Already a main player in the DAW world, this mobile version available for Android and iOS gives you a stripped down but very capable version of Fruity Loops studio including step sequencer, drum programming and FX control, and full desktop/laptop interactivity.
TRAKTOR DJ As powerful as the full system, the mobile app lets you mix up your library, with the touch screen looping a powerful new tool, especially on iPad sized screens.
NINJA JAMM Not only does this give you access to the Ninja Tune releases, it also lets you remix on the go with Loopmasters sample packs, meaning you can literally remix on the fly. Easy to use and with large on screen controls, this is an Infusion favourite.
ANIMOOG
You know you’re in safe hands with a Moog app. With detailed synths, it brings the legendary analog gear to digital life, using X/Y pads to tailor your sound. It can get a little heavy (and time consuming!) so it’s for serious heads only.
PACEMAKER With neon visuals and a controls so simple even David Guetta could mix on them, this free app takes control of your iTunes collection (or Spotify playlists) and lets you mix them using effects, loops, reverb tools and more. Plus, the auto mix function is perfect for party playlists.
DJAY PRO Already a leading DJ app, the new djay Pro brings gig-grade features to the iPad, including 4 deck mixing, video and controller support and Spotify streaming. It’s not cheap for an app at $20, but it’s packed full of easyto-use features.
Gadgets BOSE QUIET COMFORT 35 HEADPHONES
Don’t sacrifice premium sound for comfort—get the best of both worlds with these top-rated wireless headphones known for their industry changing active-noise cancellation feature. CROSLEY CRUISER TURNTABLE
If you’re looking to get into vinyl but still not ready to give up that digital familiarity, this versatile turntable is the perfect transition piece fusing digital and classic features in one stylish, compact package.
GOOGLE CHROMECAST
Discover Google Chromecast, the innovative streaming device that enables you to stream high quality audio and video from any mobile device straight to your TV. “SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY” BY GEORGE MICHAEL
Commemorate the legendary musician with this must-have album featuring a curated selection of covers of some of the century’s most-loved hits.
DJ BOOTH: DJ TAYLLOR
Greek Treehouse resident DJ Dimitris Raptis AKA DJ Tayllor has been DJing for over 15 years and can count David Guetta and Bob Sinclar as fans…
One thing you might not know about me is... I’m a studio freak. I’m always trying to perfect DJing and production! I’m always hard at work in my home studio. My worst ever job was… I don’t know! My hobby is my profession so I’m focused on that, haha! My favorite ever record is.. Robin S “Show Me Love”. A huge classic house track from the 90s! DJing is much like... DJing is a passion for me, I’m very connected with my production! Every time I leave the studio with a new demo, I’m very curious to see the expressions of people, if the track works! Dubai’s clubbing scene is... Dubai is a huge international hub. You can find everything you like! Every week you see many big names from the music scene! I’m really proud of... I’m really proud of my productions so far. I have made a lot of original tracks and remixes that are supported from names like Bob Sinclar, Erick Morillo, David Guetta and many more. What track could you drop in every set? I think that the music hit at the moment is Kungs ‘This Girl,’ I play it in every set and it makes people dance for sure. It always works! My biggest DJ achievement to date is... My biggest achievement was hitting the Beatport and Traxsource Top 10! It is very important that your music makes it to the charts. After that you receive the respect and recognition of being a professional! What is your guiltiest pleasure… I love Kinder chocolate! Is that bad? If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be... I would like one day to play along with Mark Knight! But most of all I want to make studio sessions with many Toolroom artists like Ben Remember, Weiss, CamelPhat! soundcloud.com/officialtayllormusic
THE SPIN DUBAI, JANUARY 2017
PAGE 217
ISSUE 52
NEW TECHNO BANDWAGON LAUNCHED IN DUBAI
Following the success of the Deep house Bandwagon in 2015, Dubai’s RTA have launched an all-inclusive Techno Bandwagon which will service the whole city. Although some early techno adopters have complained that the Bandwagon is already a few years too late, the service will start along Sheikh Zayed road from January 12, running every Thursday and Friday night. Once you’ve bought your AED50 ticket, you’ll be able to use the full range of facilities including access to Richie Hawtin’s hairdresser, the Maschine branded tech section and lessons on how to perfect the Solomun limp-wristed hand flick. One company insider told us that they’d simply given the popular tech-house bandwagon a new lick of paint and re-branded the bus. ‘The music is actually the same, it’s just cooler to call it techno now – we just play the same 4 bar Plastikman loop and people just imagine they can hear it evolving by the end of the ride.’ These stories are not true, this is not a real newspaper. This is a parody/fiction/ satire/joke. The Spin is not intended, in any way whatsoever, to be taken as factual.
What we Ate GAUCHO FRIDAY BRUNCH
We’ve grown up, we want quality not quantity: buffet bunfight brunches were so last year, so let’s start 2017 with one of the best at The Gaucho Grill in DIFC. This is about sophistication. It’s not poncy, it’s still chilled but elegant. You enter via a dark welcoming main room, with glass walls and leather clad opulent, inviting booths. The starters are bought to the table and each one gives a little nod to Gaucho’s Argentinian heritage. The empanadas were light, the tuna tartar perfectly balanced and the star of the show was the slow cooked ribs, dripping in Aji Amerillo sauce. I’m not going to lie, they are amazing and we had 3 more portions and cleaned the plates. Mains are largely based around steak and Argentina produces some of the best beef on the planet, but even that can be spoilt in the wrong hands. After our mains, we can confirm this kitchen can seal, sear and deliver. If cooking perfect steaks was an Olympic sport, the Gaucho kitchen would be Usain Bolt. We were by now stuffed, but lucky for us the desserts were sticky, sweet, creamy and easy to get down. We opted for a cheesecake, a banana and coconut mess and a gooey chocolate brownie, all great and the perfect end to our afternoon. Well those and the Espresso Martinis. So it’s time to sit down, walk away from those cooking stations (yawn) and raise your game. Let’s show this city that we’ve moved on, we want excellence, not average and the way to start is by booking a Friday brunch at Gaucho. Words by Stephen Day
SUSHI AND BUBBLY TUESDAYS @ IZAKAYA, JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS
Sushilizing is a very important part of our social calendar and with an increase in the amount of Sushi nights cropping up in the region, we’re spoilt for choice. We checked out Izakaya, which in Japanese means a type of Gastropub, for their Sushi and Bubbly night and were seriously impressed by the stylish decor reminiscent of a trendy Tokyo bar. We were greeted at our table by the “Wasabi Girl” dressed in all green, like a slab of the hot stuff, as she then proceeded to bounce around the venue preparing fresh Wasabi at diner’s tables. The chef brought us out a trio of Scallops Hokkaido which were prepared perfectly and plated like a piece of art. Next up we were treated to an assortment of Sushi & Sashimi which was served on a platter of dry ice looking visually stunning and tasting just as good. Once done we were served the Hoba Yaki Black Cod which was the standout dish, every bite melting in your mouth. Last but not least we sampled the Maccha lava cake and Japanese Mochi Green Tea Ice Cream both providing a lovely bit of sweetness to finish off a great dining experience. Words by Vip Patel
Eat Sleep Rave Repeat
La Cala There’s now a lot more to Ghantoot than just Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE as Stephen Day finds out…
Occasionally you want to get away from it and feel transported to somewhere a little more chilled and a little less hectic. Nestled to the right of The Golden Tulip entrance, along a winding path sits La Cala, a fantastic open air beach bar but without the pretense of some others. It’s blessed with a Balearic vibe that will
take you away from city life and plonk your head by the side of the Med. But first, we tried out some water sports. Situated right next door is Xtreme Wakeboarding and it made for the perfect start to the afternoon. We were all novices, but a great and patient instructor helped us all get the hang of it as we worked up our technique and appetite.
Dried off and sat on the terrace, brunch is a menu affair, with some lovely sharing platters to start including a creamy burrata, spicy calamari and some tangy chicken wings, all washed down with a bottle or 3 of bubbles. All the dishes were nicely presented and more than genenous, in fact we were full enough to put the brakes on for a rest before mains. The beauty of this brunch is also the timing: you pick a 3hr slot between 1pm and 6pm which takes the pressure off trying to get your money’s worth like other places. Back to the food and we were greeted with steak, chicken and a great duck pizza which was full of flavour and not too heavy. Served with accompanying sauces, including a sambal and chimichurri, it was all nicely
balanced and perfect as the sun comes down. Deserts could do with a bit of an update as the cheesecake was dull: perhaps something like a panna cotta or a crunchy and sugary finish like churros would work better for me, it’s only a small niggle as overall everything was great. Finished and full, we sat back, took in the tunes that resident DJ Conan was expertly dropping and got an inside tip from the manager that we should come back later. You see the other great thing about this place is it’s just up the road from Blue Marlin, so when they kick out, La Cala is still open, they move the tables out and the BMI after party can begin, genius. Now you really have no excuse not to head over.
Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Ghantoot, 050 151 8407 facebook.com/lacalabeach/
Cool Test ERIC LALOR VS KARL SPAIN
Ahead of the McGettigans Comedy Fest on January 12-13 at the Baggot, we caught up with reputed funny men Eric Lalor and Karl Spain through their paces… The funniest word is… ERIC LALOR: Nincompoop
KARL SPAIN: Swivel
The best heckle I’ve heard is… ERIC LALOR: ‘I don’t know what a tracker mortgage is.’
KARL SPAIN: Very rude, and fortunately it wasn’t shouted at me. I’ll tell you if I meet you in person in Dubai
The question I get asked the most is… ERIC LALOR: ‘What’s the best heckle you’ve heard?’
KARL SPAIN: ‘What’s the best heckle you’ve heard’ or ‘no offence but has anyone ever said you look like that comedian Karl Spain’ .
My biggest claim to fame is ERIC LALOR: I stood at a urinal with Manchester United players Teddy Sheringham on one side of me and Ronny Johnsen on the other..
KARL SPAIN: I was in a football magazine as a kid and I suppose I’m a comedian I should mention that.
The coolest person in my phone book is? KARL SPAIN: Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt .
ERIC LALOR::My Mam.
Have you ever used your name or fame to get out of trouble? ERIC LALOR: Never tried, but got passed through a police checkpoint once when the policeman recognised me from the telly.
KARL SPAIN:It probably got me in to trouble, I’ll often pretend I know Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt
It’s not big and clever but… ERIC LALOR: Shouting obscenities into my pillow is a great stress reliever.
RAM: I wish Al would keep it in his trousers.
Your answer to everything is… ERIC LALOR: Sure it’s Christmas.
KARL SPAIN: Make a joke of it.
THE VERDICT:?????
McGettigans Comedyfest, January 12 and 13, JLT Baggot, 8pm, tickets AED50 including 1 drink
COOLSTUFF we want
My Peaple Homegrown artist Lynsey Broad – AKA Red – has taken her hobby full time and launched My Peaple, an extremely cool illustration service, that will give you your own super-cute avatar that can be printed on mugs, canvas and even pillow cases. Oh, and those cool kids in the group photo below? That’s team Infusion, 10 points if you can spot Charl Chaka in there…
How does it work – do you design the images from a photo? Yes I normally ask for a 2 colour pictures, one full length to get the height, weight and style of a person and then a portrait for hair line, skin colour and face shape. How much does it cost and how long does it take? It takes me about an hour for each person and it costs AED90 for a basic full colour design which you can take and print itself on anything if you wish. Did you spot a gap in the market, have you done this sort of thing before? I have actually done this since I was 15, mainly as greeting cards. I have always had a passion for handmade things and gifts, I genuinely enjoy it and in the last year I decided to have a go at turning into a brand since so many people enjoyed their gifts. www.peaple.co.uk
After years in living in Dubai, my bull**** detector has become a finely tuned instrument. So, without further ado, here’s a little help for reading between the lines in this sordid city we call home… What they say Random Facebook message: ‘Hey bro, how r u?’ What they actually mean Hello good sir. I know we have not had the chance to meet yet in person but as we’re Facebook friends and that’s clearly an unbreakable bond, I was hoping to avail to your good nature. Would you be so kind as to help me out with some gigs in your illustrious club? What they say Biography: I’m a DJ/chef/model/writer/photographer/w*nker… What they actually mean I’m not good enough to do one thing in life. I blow. What they say Event info: Surprises, guest appearances and give aways on the night! What they actually mean We’re desperate, like really, really desperate. The celebrity is the club owner, the give aways are Dhs60 beers and the surprise is you’re a sucker for believing it. What they say Packed out club last night, amazing atmosphere, thanks to everyone that came! What they actually mean Literally no one came. No one. Monkey Out... The Angry Monkeys’ views are his own, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Infusion Magazine.
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
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
OF citIes i n tHe cloUds SESSION 2
GORJE HEWEK & IZHEVSKI · LAUREN RITTER LOCAL SUPPORT BY: CARL B2B HAIDZ
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 TH 2017 · DESIGN QUARTER, DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT