MUSIC • PEOPLE • LIFE
DUBAI'S GOLDEN AGE OF CLUBBING
Leader of the Pack Carl Craig headlines the next Installment of Theo Parrish, Ben Klock, Jamie Jones, Zinc, Joey Negro, Cavalli, Maya Jane Coles, Groove Armada, Ed Sheeran and more!
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A Note From The Editor
Publisher: Talal Budebs Managing Partner: Charl Chaka charlchaka@infusion.ae Editor: Andy Buchan andy@infusion.ae Sales Director: Vip Patel Vip@infusion.ae 050 169 8712 Online Guru: Chris Rayner chris@infusion.ae
There are a few tracks that I could slip into pretty much every set, and one of them is the Detroit Experiment’s ‘Think Twice.’ A funk-heavy, jazz-friendly odyssey, it builds and builds through layers of raw music, with swirling Hammond keys, freeform sax and a rumbling bassline. It’s perfect for a house music warm up, and it’s all thanks to Carl Craig and his merry band of live Detroit musicians. So, it’s safe to say we’re pretty pumped to see the great American electronic giant back in Dubai to play homegrown hit Groove on the Grass. Equal parts musician and DJ, he brings serious amounts of funk, soul and groove to his sets, as well as plenty of big bad techno beats. And, as you can see from the cover, the man knows how to strike a pose. Andy
Contributors: Richard Perez, Vip Patel, Monique Belle, Stephen Day, Nada Bokir, Chris Rayner, Matt Zaharias Design: Allan (Jmaxlolo) Tinsay Grown-up stuff: Infusion is published by Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098
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Looking
BACK Retrospective on what’s been happening in our world.
> What We Did > Say What? > Photo Gallery
Looking Back
What we did
Infusion We Are 10 @ Dek on 8
Osunlade and Born to Funk returned to celebrate the Magazine’s 10th birthday, and they did our decade of dance proud with Born to Funk warming up the venue nicely with a refreshed set that got everyone from the hostess at the from desk to the beautiful barmaids on the dancefloor. And then came time for Mr. Yoruba. Osunlade, the special guest of the party. He never fails to amaze with his track selection and constant interaction, high fiving and photo posing with his audience. What a gent! Highlight of the night was getting him to sign the Musical Wall of Fame and the brief yet welcoming chat we had with him on his chaperoned walk back to his door. Big love to all the family and friends that made it another Infusion night to remember, here’s to another 10 years!
Party in the Park @ Media City Amphitheatre One of the most ambitious one-day festivals we’ve seen in the city, Party in the Park brought together live music, a dedicated dance stage and local acoustic music, not to mention a mini market place for local artists and designers. Musically, headliner Lily Allen, resplendent in a gold catsuit, was on fine form, as was ex-Verve singer Richard Ashcroft who filled the arena armed with just his voice and an acoustic guitar. The dance tent meanwhile filled up as the night went on, and by the time Globalfunk went head to head with Bassworx for a Drum and Bass finale, the place was packed with heads down, hands up clubbers. An impressive debut, and well done on getting so many local stars involved.
Looking Back
Sole DXB @ Dubai Design District
Underground culture was very much alive and kicking at Sole DXB. A two day celebration of trainer culture, the well-organised event featured workshops, instructive talks, sneaker swaps and of course hundreds and hundreds of the coolest kids in town. All the big boys had their own stalls and areas, with Puma, Reebok, Nike, Adidas and more showcasing their latest releases. Musically, there was plenty to enjoy thanks to killer DJ sets from Kristian Valdini, DJ Bliss and Dan Greenpeace, while hip hop star Xzibit also made a surprise appearance, complementing the homegrown hip hop of The Recipe.
Photo:Threedots Photography
Lake People @ Electric Days
It might have been the busiest clubbing weekend in living memory, but the small matter of Luciano/Lily Allen/Joris Voorn etc being in town didn’t deter the Electric Days faithful. Packed by 10pm, and with the crowd getting into the house warm up, including a bit of well received Daniel Avery acid, cult German producer Lake People stepped up to the stage at midnight armed with a live Ableton set. Starting off low and slow, he gradually built his set up into a crescendo, moving the dancefloor through the gears from shuffling to stampeding. Running a weekly party that keeps the energy high is hard, but Electric Days have a knack of making it seem easy.
Say What? Say What? Say What? Questions we’re asking this week… Which female techno star that recently played in Dubai used to be a soft porn star back in the day?
Old Jokes Home
What have the Middle East and Kim kardashian’s bum got in common? Both are massive, have oil, and have been invaded by the west.
Dancefloor Dictionary
Deckhead A DJ that has all the moves, but none of the skill.
Face your fears
You can get help for buffet phobia, but first you’ve got to want to help yourself.
Album covers as they were meant to be?
PRESENTS:
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
THURSDAy 11 DECEMBER WITH RESIDENT Djs: under the moon. kasparov. Somalie. THE DEK ON 8 @ THE MEDIA ONE HOTEL 6PM TIL 3am OVER 21s ONLY
RECORDS 016 Matthew Charles “Trippin' EP� Tech-House
The second EP from Matthew Charles throws us right in the DEEP end. Trippin' hits us with a chuggy hypnotic groove and percussive beats. Backed up with Hmm, a chunky ditty for those deep and dark corners of the club.
Another great EP from our man
RECORDS 015 Andy Buchan. This guy goes
Andy Buchan “Nine Oh Nine” Nu-Disco
from strength to strength. Kicking off the EP with Nine Oh Nine. A downtempo affair with a sprinkling of 303, chunky beats and a slick catchy vocal. Followed by LRB. A beautiful 80s sounding jam in the vein of Paul Hardcastle's finest moments. Yet again Andy pushes the boundaries almost
Debut EP on Infusion from up and coming producer Matthew RECORDS 014 Charles. Matt has been in the game for many years DJing worldwide and holding a legendary residency at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza. This debut EP is a solid two tracker for those dark late night pumping clubs. Chunky beats and delayed FX. Matthew Charles There's a bright future in the “Out The Door” Tech-House studio for Matt and we look
Artists
Andy Buchan - Conan Liquid - Matthew Charles Submissions: conan@infusion.ae www.soundcloud.com/infusion-magazine/ www.beatport.com/label/infusion-records/3005
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Looking FORWARD Where we filter out the best things that are coming your way...
> Local News > Cover Story > Joey Negro True or False > The Golden Age of Clubbing > Happy Birthday Zinc > Birthday Beats > Open Format
Looking Forward
Local News NYE acts announced
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE has a reputation for big bookings, and their New Year's Eve booking is sure to be one of the biggest in the UAE as they've announced Hot Creations stars Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed and Ibellini will be seeing in 2015. Zero Gravity have announced that Groove Armada duo Tom Findlay and Andy Cato (pictured) will return to the region, with support from one of the biggest names on the house market, Hot Since 82. New Year’s Eve at Zero Gravity runs from 8pm to 4am. Tickets are priced at AED 250 for early bird options; AED 350 in advance and AED 400 on the door. If disco is your thing, then you’re in for a treat. Masterjam is taking place on NYE at the Media City Amphitheatre, with The Jacksons joined by Chaka Khan, R&B diva Gloria Gaynor, Nile Rodgers featuring Chic, Jocelyn Brown, Incognito and Kathy Sledge. Phew! Tickets from masterjam.ae, starting from Dhs295.
Ed Sheeran announces Dubai date
Brit-award winning singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran is confirmed to play his first ever Middle East date on Thursday March 5 2015. Held at the Media City Amphitheatre, he'll be playing material from his huge selling albums including smash singles 'The A Team,’ Thinking Out Loud’ and 'Lego House.' Tickets are on sale from Virgin, and via www.edsheerandubai.com
It’s Ben Klock time
A big month of house and techno just got bigger as Plus Minus have announced they’re bringing over German techno DJ Ben Klock. A regular at Berghain, one of the best German clubs, he also runs his own Klockworks label as well as releasing hard hitting tracks on BPitch Control and Ostgut Ton. He plays on Friday November 5 at Level 41, with tickets Dhs100 in advance from Platinumlist.net.
Maya Jane Coles plays Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE have pulled off one of the biggest underground house bookings in recent memory as they’ve confirmed that Maya Jane Coles will be dropping her trademark hypnotic deep tech house sound on the terrace. Taking place on Thursday December 11, she’ll be joined by Deian and Frederick Stone on support, and doors 8pm.
New York Club Provocateur launches
The latest club chain to arrive in Dubai is Provocateur, the New York club that’s launching at the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach Road. The New York version has featured acts like Marco Carola, Seth Troxler, Axwell, Deadmau5 and more, so here’s hoping for more of the same in Dubai.
Societe Dubai launches sister club
The throwback club in Dubai Marina has launched a brand new venue at the Capitol Hotel in Jumeirah. Spread over 2 floors, 300m2 and with a capacity of 350, the club opens on Thursday November 27 and will be open 7 nights a week playing the best of the 80s, 90s and 00s.
Looking Forward Edward Maya plays Festival of Colours
Global event Festival of Colours is making its Abu Dhabi debut on Friday December 5, with headline act Edward Maya. The ‘Stereo Love’ DJ will be joined by local acts including Dion Mavath and Taya Kruzz at the du Forum. Tickets are Dhs150 in advance from ticketmaster.ae, and colours – which you’re encouraged to use liberally – are available at the venue.
Rumours
Space are the latest Ibiza club to have concrete plans on • launching a full time club in the region.
• Daddy G from Massive Attack is set to play next year. • No Artifical Colours are playing the next Arcadia at the Dek on 8 on December 4. Campbell is rumoured to be returning to the UAE • Miguel after Christmas.
• Robbie Williams is playing Yas Island on April 26 next year.
Local DJs who week in, week out kill it in clubs and bars across the UAE. Salute! Infusion’s Monique got engaged, and we have the 2 day hangover to prove it. Congratulations you lovely couple you!
Soundcloud and Youtube content protection systems. Screw you. Dubai, a city of impossible buildings, bonkers architecture and zero parking/common sense.
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TOP DOG House and techno pioneer Carl Craig returns to the city for one of our favourite home-grown parties, Groove on the Grass. We spoke to the musical genius to find out what to expect… Always a pleasure to have you back in the city… I haven't played in Dubai for a while and I am excited to come back and see what's up. It seems to be changing and progressing all the time. It's 25 years since your first release – what have been the best and worst changes in dance music since then? 25 years, that is crazy, I forget sometimes. I try to just keep doing my thing. I always like to look forwards to the future and not think 'this was good,' 'this was bad' - it's all part of it. I try to keep an open mind and look at everything as an opportunity to learn and grow.
And what advice would you give a younger you starting out in the scene today? Be cool and go to school. Do your thing, don't try to be anyone else, be you. Your 1992 Innerzone Orchestra track 'Bug in the Bassbin' is said to have been a spark which inspired Drum and Bass – a pretty good claim to fame! Do you think you helped inspire that movement, and was it easier to be experimental in those days? I am always experimenting. That was made at an extremely creative time in my life, I was just open to trying new things. I am always doing that, trying to find the next sound to inspire myself. I feel honoured that people say this about this track. Jazz has always been a mainstay of yours, is there enough funk and free-flowing music around today? If you dig enough. There ain't 'nuthin like the original thing though.
And what can producers of today learn from classical music? A lot. You know classical music is said to improve how your brain functions. It is on a different frequency, literally. According to your Resident Advisor dates, you're playing Dubai, then Germany – and – France the following day. When does the travelling get too much for you? And do you actually get to enjoy yourself, knowing you've got to be up early to travel to 2 more countries the next day? I am used to it. You get into a certain motion to do it all. I try to balance so that I get good time on the road and good time at home with my family and in the studio. The touring is work and it does get tiring, but I enjoy it. I can sleep pretty much anywhere and any time now, which is great. If not, I'd be crrrazzzzy. What's working in your sets at the moment? And what should we expect from your show in Dubai? You'll have to wait and see. I like the element of surprise. People will dance. carlcraig.net
Groove on the Grass feat. Carl Craig & Recondite, Friday November 28, 7pm-3am, Dhs180 via Platinumlist.net
We have tickets to give away, head to infusion.ae to enter
men in igious also d o r p is st you Negro the mo One of music, Joeyolourful. Canut the e o c danc the more d false ab d? one of at’s true an usic legen tell whand house m disco
1 2
His real name is Dave Lee.
The reason Joey Negro is always seen wearing a hat is that he went bald at the age of 7.
He has more faces than a clock, and current aliases include Jakatta, Doug Willis, Akabu, Raven Maize and – believe it or not - Brad Schitt.
He convinced Take That to cover Dan Hartman’s disco hit, ‘Relight My Fire.’
When he was 17, he was part of a Bee Gees tribute act called The Glibb Brothers.
He was part of Hed Boys in the 90s, and went to business meetings for their hit ‘Girls & Boys’ disguised in wigs and sunglasses to keep his identity a secret.
Joey Negro was originally cast in Kevin Spacey’s role in American Beauty, but pulled out when he was offered work on the soundtrack.
Unable to decide on a name for his release, and being pressed for label copy, he took his name from two records in a pile next to his desk – one by Pal Joey and another by J Walter Negro.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
“No Sugar”, his collaboration with Gramophondzie and Shea Soul was a big hit in 2012, and was inspired by the news that he was diagnosed with diabetes.
10 He has remixed for hundreds of people, including Kelly
Rowland, Mariah Carey, Royksopp, Roisin Murphy, Sugababes, Empire of The Sun, Diana Ross, Pet Shop Boys, Roy Ayers, Simply Red, and Lionel Ritchie. Joey Negro plays Barasti, Friday November 28 and Saturday November 29. Numbers 2, 5, 7 and 9 are false
The Golden Age of Clubbing Like the city, Dubai’s clubbing scene has ebbed and flowed, has grown, collapsed in on itself and, incredibly come back to life stronger and more vibrant than ever argues Andy Buchan
Don’t believe us? Then the November 13-14 weekend featured, in no particular order (take a deep breath), Jay Haze, Andre Crom, Chris Tetjen, Jinx in Dub, Paco Osuna, Alex Niggeman, Ali Ajami, Joris Voorn, Lake People, Mike Steva, Luciano, Evan Baggs, Lily Allen, The Ting Tings, Richard Ashcroft, Riva Starr, M.A.N.D.Y, Tiefschwarz and Todd Terry. Oh, and the small matter of new Casa Latina alternative night Lo-Fi District, bass party Superheroes, the Sole DXB two dayer, techno homegrown party Glitch, Never Get Out The Boat and LoveBoat and audio tonic. Plus dozens of other nights, too many to list here. I’ve been here 10 years, and remember the days when you had iBO fighting the good fight, a lone clubbing beacon amongst a sea of RnB and ladies of the night. Today’s Dubai is virtually unrecognizable, with excellent parties every single night of the week. For a city in the middle of the volatile Middle East, and that was just a speck of sand 30 years ago, that’s beyond impressive. Dubai’s post 2009 boom is to thank – with renewed confidence, come more people from established cultures, which in turn means more promoters to feed the nightlife society. And while money does attract a certain brand of glassy-eyed commercialism – oh, hey there identikit high end clubs and bars – it also means that promoters are able to take more risks with your money. As a hibernating promoter, putting on an event on November 13 or 14 is risky – there’s so much competition. But tribes have emerged, cliques, loyal fanbases. Our House of Afrika night has an incredibly loyal following, that come down every Friday for their deep house Afro hit, while audio tonic, who have been running for nearly a decade (an eon in club time), have one of the most dedicated fans in the region. And Electric Days, despite the hoops the promoters make you jump through, are packed out every Friday with some of the most up-for-it clubbers in the city. You – yes, you – are literally spoilt for choice. From banging underground clubs (The Basement) to sunset terraces (Blue Marlin), and from homegrown festivals (Groove on the Grass) to the plethora of bass nights in town (Globalfunk/Something Big/Bassworx), Dubai’s clubbing scene has never been in better health. Well played Dubai, well played.
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ZINC
One of the longest running clubs in the city – if not the longest – Zinc celebrates its 12th birthday with a big weekend of partying including Mark Knight and DJ Skribble. We caught up with the Toolroom main man to find out what to expect…
Welcome back, do you look forward to coming back to Dubai? I love Dubai, so much so that we’re looking at buying a house in Dubai – it’s a beautiful, beautiful place, we’ve got some good memories there. As head of Toolroom Records, how has promoting records changed – for better or worse? There’s a million different angles to promote records now with the growth of social media, there’s so many different platforms which is great. Back in the day, it was about physically giving records to people and getting reactions from them and spreading the word that way. We’ve become far more creative, you’re fighting massively against declining record sales and piracy. So while promotion opportunities have shot up, sales have plummeted so they kinda balance each other out. If we could go back to the good old days, and had all these opportunities and were selling units, we would definitely be buying an island on the world. What measures do you use against piracy?
a lot of new people to dance music which breeds longevity. If you rewind 5 years, then the scene was pretty stale, it was tough to get out in the national charts. We’ve seen a lot of new producers coming in, which is fundamentally good.
We work with a company who help us with that, and they get on it and check links but you’ll never beat, you never will, it’s a tough one. There are still ways to make money, and we’re still expanding and we’re keeping our head above water. It’s tough. Dance music seems to be in a very healthy state at the moment, what’s your take on it? Without a doubt, you’ve only got to look at the national charts in the UK, or anywhere else in the world – deep house, EDM, electronic music is very much in vogue at the moment. It’s exciting times. Whether you like certain genres or not, it’s been brilliant for the scene and attracted
As a DJ, what sort of music is working in your sets at the moment? Tech-house, techno – I’m going more towards those sort of sounds. What I do like to do is not stick to one genre. If you play two hours of tech house or techno, then it can get a little bit boring, it’s about intertwining different genres and making that story make sense. What have been the highs of 2014 so far? I had a great season in Ibiza, we moved clubs last minute to Booom which was very exciting. We did some great shows, Serbia was a great place to be this year, it’s really expanded – those Eastern European countries are immense to play in. As a performer, it ticks all the boxes – they’re very enthusiastic and open minded. Lovefest was phenomenal, 40,000 people going insane. I’ve been to Dubai about 5 or 6 times, so it’s been a good year.
A quick word with…
Greg Stainer
Zinc’s musical heartbeat, we grabbed 5 minutes with the resident DJ and main man Greg Stainer…
We have tickets to give away, head to infusion.ae to enter
Congratulations on 12 years, you must be one of the longest running club in town – what's the secret to the success? We have always had an amazing team. Right from the start 12 years ago with the original opening team till now. Everyone from the Hotel GM down to the guys who keep the place clean each day ready for another night of partying! What's your Zinc anthem? It’s pretty old and cheesy, but I think the longest running track to still get a big dancefloor reaction at Zinc has to be Mr Saxo Beat (Massivedrum edit)! Love it or not it just works every time! Funniest memory from the club? When we first got a DJ mixer with built in effects, the club was rented out early evening for a corporate function. The boss of the company was giving a speech on a wireless mic. Me and the head bouncer
at the time were secretly switching on the echo and pitch effect on the mic. You can imagine the company staff hearing their boss doing a speech sounding like a chipmunk in a cave! Unsung hero at the venue? Francis and Regi have been there since day one running the bar and the tables making sure everyones drinks are flowing every night! How many cabin crew girls have you kissed? Just the one. Then I married her. If you could be any other element apart from Zinc, what would you be? I’d create a new one called Awesanium. Mark Knight, Thursday November 27, DJ Skribble Friday November 28. Ladies free, men Dhs150 after 11.30pm. 10pm-3am.
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An electronic gem of a night, Analog Room turns 2 this month and they’ve invited down Detroit house and techno legends Theo Parrish and Derrick May to play on consecutive Thursdays. We take a closer look at Theo Parrish, while we also dig into our archives to pull out a Derrick May interview
Theo Parrish A hugely revered name in dance music, Theo Parrish was raised on a musical diet of Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, and that musicality shines through his sets and productions. He began spinning and producing tracks in 1986, at the age of thirteen and in 1994 moved to Michigan and got heavily involved in Detroit’s underground music scene. He’s a prodigious editor, creating his own takes on old disco, funk and soul tracks, and is renowned for his expansive, genre-hopping DJ sets.
Derrick May Welcome back to Dubai – did you ever envisage that 30 years after your techno revolution, you’d be headlining in the Middle East? Actually it's my 4th time in Dubai, and I have been to several other Middle East countries in the last 15 years. I always find the hospitality and reception very nice. It is always a pleasure to come back.
Where’s the most far flung place you’ve been booked to DJ? Arica in Chile. Detroit has had a pretty turbulent recent history, is that helping or hindering the music scene? It does not help and it does not hurt. Detroit has lost more than half of the occupance in the last 5 years. You’ve been creative outside of DJing and producing, and worked on the Tekken soundtracks – how did you put that together? It comes from my relationships in Japan with previous projects, which includes the Mix Up Cd Series, the Ghost in the shell motion picture and video game, and my Air Mix Cd. You’ve described your Hi-Tek Soul project like ‘George Clinton meeting Kraftwerk in an elevator’ – if you could be there in the elevator as well, what would you ask them? I would probably tell them a joke. And what would you choose as the lift music? Classical music. Analog Room, Q Underground, 10pm-3am, Dhs100 on the door. Thursday November 27 Theo Parrish Thursday December 4 Derrick May
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One of our favourite funk/soul brothers, DJ Format returns to Dubai to play for pool party purveyors Sunny Vibe Up. We caught up with him to talk about being Jurassic 5’s driver, opening for DJ Shadow and the death of hip hop.
Open Format According to your Wikipedia page, you used to be the Jurassic 5 bus driver – if true, were you always telling them to sit down at the back, and who got control of the bus stereo? Ha ha! Yeah that's a true story. J5 are really nice guys, as I'm sure everyone knows, so it was an absolute pleasure driving them around and getting to know them in the process. Cut Chemist was usually riding in the front with me, controlling the stereo and talking about records all the time. We covered some serious mileage on their 2 week tour and Soup would never go to sleep in the bus because he was too scared that I was going to fall asleep at the wheel and kill them! You played on DJ Shadow's 2002 tour, that must have been a highlight – what did you pick up from him? The main thing I remember was when Shadow played a totally obscure Miami Bass record that I also owned & loved, but would never have had the balls to play outside of the privacy of my own house. The only time I'd ever played Miami Bass records at a club (at a Mo Wax party in London a year or two previously) was a bit of a disaster because nobody except James Lavelle wanted to hear that stuff. I was very jealous that Shadow could play almost anything he liked and people would give it a chance because they trusted him and his musical tastes. I was still finding my identity as a DJ back then so I wasn't so brave.
You're an insanely talented turntablist, how's the scene doing – is it in good health at the moment or has the SYNC/digital technology slowed things down? To be honest, I don't really consider myself as a 'Turntablist'. I think I'm just a DJ that uses traditional Hip Hop skills/techniques to play all kinds of music. Back in the late 80s and early 90s I was in awe of DJs like Cash Money and Aladdin but I lost faith in the credibility of DMC battles because they so often let the wrong DJ win. I mean...DJ David?!...twice??!! In recent years I've seen DJs using laptop's in battles and I have no idea what they are actually doing.
We have tickets to give away, head to infusion.ae to enter
Your music production has slowed down after several excellent albums, is that due to slowing sales as a whole in the market or something else? I think I'm just finding it hard to keep making the same old traditional style of Hip Hop that I love after all these years, without feeling that I'm just repeating myself. There are also less MCs with rhymes that I can relate to so that makes it harder to find collaborators. How connected do you feel with the modern day hip hop scene, how has the culture changed? Don't get me started on that, I'll just sound negative...and I prefer to speak about positive things. Hip Hop is such a huge thing now, it's almost unrecognizable from the music and culture that excited me so much as a kid and changed the course of my whole life. How's your 2014 been, what have been the highs and lows? And big plans for 2015? I've played some of my best gigs where people have really loved all the music I've played, and been really open-minded to hearing records they probably don't know. Unfortunately I've also played some of my worst gigs where people constantly ask for commercial music and seem to have no understanding or respect for a DJ trying to do something different. What's your go-to dancefloor killer? I've always got 1 or 2 unknown/obscure killer covers versions of big tunes. That way I can hopefully keep everyone happy by playing a classic song that's recognizable to sing or hum along to. But with a new twist for the people, like myself, that want to hear a record they don't already know. Sunny Vibe Up feat. DJ Format, Friday November 28, Dust Terrace, 3pm-2am, free before 5.30pm, Dhs85 after including free drink.
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December 9 Mr V, The Basement
DECEmber 12 Creamfields, Yas Island
December 11 Maya Jane Coles, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
December 12 James Zabiela, Nasimi
December 11 2ManyDJs, 0 Gravity
December 12 Anja Schneider, Level 41
December 12 Kevin Bridges, World Trade Centre
DECEmber 14 Laidback Luke, Cavalli
For a full list of what’s on, please head to infusion.ae. Pease submit your listings to andy@infusion.ae for possible inclusion.
DECEmber 18 David Guetta, Live @ Atlantis
DECEmber 19 Matthias Tanzmann, Eden Beach
December 31 Groove Armada & Hot Since 82, Zero Gravity
December 31 Masterjam feat. The Jacksons, Chic, Media City
DECEmber 31 Jamie Jones, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
February 14 Redfest feat. The Script, Media City
March 5 Ed Sheeran, Media City
April 26 Robbie Williams, Yas Island
Sunday 23 Milk on Sundays, ChinaWhite
New RnB night from the No.1 Events team featuring Brooklyn and Shef Codes. 10pm-3am.
INFUSION PICK!
Occupy Sundays feat. Moguai, Cavalli House and EDM at the popular Occupy Sundays night. 9.30pm-3am.
Rock The Love, OKKU
DJ Amir Sharara is joined by drummer Hush and Lucina on Saxophone for the this popular start to the party week. 8pm.
Monday 24 Brooklyn Base, Atelier M
Half price house drinks from 6-9pm, with Brooklyn in charge of the tunes as the night develops. 6pm-3am
Club Classics, Boudoir
All the classic house and electro cuts courtesy of DJ Destroyer. 10pm-3am.
Manic Mondays, Zinc
Greg Stainer and Andy Swift drop 80s and 90s classics, with free entrance for ladies and FACE card all night. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
Money, Murder, Mayhem, The Act
Murder mystery new show from the renowned dinner/show act. 8.30pm, repeated Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
Secret Circle, The Basement
House and tech-house at this brand new weekly night. 10pm-3am.
Wasted Mondays, Story Rooftop
Dhs150 for 3 hours of drinking, with Somalie supplying the cool tunes. 8-11pm.
Tuesday 25 Abri and the Funk Radius, Atelier M
Super talented singer Hamdan Abri and his band start their new midweek residency. 8pm
Hip hop Chic, Cirque Le Soir
Bustling early-week party with hip hop vibes from start to finish courtesy of DJ Bliss. 10.30pm-3am.
Ladies Night, GQ Bar
2 complimentary welcome drinks, as well as some special drink deals on Champagne. 7pm-2am.
Madmen, Z:One
A dedicated men’s night, with 2 free drinks for the dudes and a 60s playlist. 6-9pm.
Champagne and Strawberries night, Horizon Lounge
3 complimentary glasses of Mojitos or Bubbly from 6pm, with a happy hour from 4-8pm.
Censored Tuesdays, Cirque Le Soir
Commercial and deep house with plenty of dance-floor entertainment from the Cirque Le Soir troops and live vocals from Parisian Jay Sebag. 10pm-3am.
Champagne & Heels, Boudoir
David Craig and Emtee Pockets head up this new ladies night, with free drinks for ladies all night. 11pm-3am.
Dirty Laundry, GQ Bar
Fashion orientated night, with Sam Farsio on the deep, tech house vibes. 9pm. Weekly.
En Vogue, Armani Prive
Darko De Jan takes control of this high class ladies night, with complimentary mojitos until 1am for ladies. 10pm-3am.
Exposure, ChinaWhite
Shef Codes and Shero trade hip hop and RnB tracks, with free Cosmos for ladies from 11pm-1am. 10pm-3am.
Girls Don’t Q, Q43, Media One Hotel
Pink Ladies Night, Mahiki
Complimentary pink Champagne, with plenty of guilty pleasures on the decks in this paradise-themed club. 7pm-late.
Selfie Tuesdays, People By Crystal
DJ Brooklyn mans the decks, with selfies encouraged. 10pm-3am.
Wednesday 26 Bootik, Vanity (Al Murooj Rotana)
Deep house and tech-house from Frederick Stone and friends at this popular mid-week joint. 11pm-3am. Weekly.
Back To The Future, Music Room
Dance and games retro night with Rohan Nunez on deck duty with retro classics. 8pm, Dhs60.
Catch, The Basement
New underground house and techhouse night, with a strong line up of local talent. 10pm-3am.
Diamond Wednesdays, Blends
3 free drinks for ladies at the panoramic, gorgeous-looking Media City venue. 6pm-1am.
Shero and Brooklyn drop the urban tunes at this popular weekly night now at their new home. 9pm-3am. Weekly.
Hunters Gentlemen’s night, Hunters (Westin)
Gossip, Z:ONE
50% off your steak or red wine at this male-focussed mid-weeker. 7pm-late.
Lost Angels, 0 Gravity
Four hours of free flowing bubbles and gourmet treats from 7-11pm for Dhs100 at this lady-friendly night. 7pm. Weekly.
Part one of the Media One Hotel’s ladies night, with 3 free drinks from 6-9pm and 90s classics from Da Sendri. 6-9pm.
Gossip, Dek on 8
3 free drinks from 9pm-midnight, with resident DJ Natalie Brogan dropping a cool house soundtrack. 9pm-late.
Kiss Urban Ladies Night, The Box
INFUSION PICK!
Mahiki Retro Wednesdays
Detroit flavoured house and techno from the highly rated DJ and producer. 10pm, Dhs100.
Rone Jaxx heads up the classic urban anthems at this new Bur Dubai hot spot. 10pm-3am. All the classics from the last 4 decades. 7pm-late. Weekly.
Analog Room feat. Theo Parrish, Q Underground
Rosa, Cavalli
Hip hop and urban classics at this popular mid-weeker. 9pm-late.
Societe School Night
Retro pop hits, classic TV shows (including Biker Grove and Grange Hill) and Dhs30 vodka Red Bulls. 10pm. Weekly.
Soulful Session, 360
Infusion favourite Schooly returns for his weekly funk, soul, disco and house throwdown. 8pm-late, free.
Ultimate Ladies Night, Zinc
DJ Dan and Mister Ash have an open format, anything goes policy with a 10pm-midnight happy hour. 10pm3am, men Dhs50 after midnight.
Thursday 27 Abri & The Funk Radius, Pizza Express JLT
Abri and the extremely funky Funk Radius drop funk, soul, hip hop and rock covers and originals at this bustling Thursday night joint. 9pm, weekly.
INFUSION PICK!
Alcatraz, Story Rooftop
Story turns 1 with a live show by local star MUUI, with Salah, Nader Razdar and Dante on house and techno support. 8pm-3am.
Cause We Love Music, Bliss Lounge
Chris Tetjen and Arado drop the deep house beach-side soundtrack. 8pm-late.
Cirque Sauvage, Cirque Le Soir
House and pumping beats from Vandalism. 10pm-late.
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 Like, JW Marriott Marquis
Very cool new deep house party on the 5th floor terrace, with Soul Button headlining. 10pm-3am, Dhs100.
Luxury Thursdays, Cavalli Club
Nick Tohme DJs at this weekly celebration of all things Cavalli. 9pm-late.
Greatest Show on Earth, Cirque Le Soir The craziest show the club have put on all year, with all the freaks and entertainers in attendance. 10.30pm-3am, free.
Pacha Ibiza Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah
Commercial house in the main room, Nu-Disco in the Red Room and deep house on the rooftop at Dubai’s latest club. 10pm-3am. Repeated Thursday and Friday.
Shibuya, The Basement
Deep house and tech house from guests Jixo and Danz. 10pm-3am, ladies free before midnight, weekly.
Simon B presents Basics, The Box
We Are One, F-Lounge
Skinny Loop and Don Corneille drop urban tunes. 10pm-3am.
Velocity feat. EDX, 0 Gravity
Swiss progressive house DJ headlines, with local support from Chris Wright, DJ Dan and Scott Somers. 7pm-3am, free before 10pm, men Dhs100 after, ladies free until midnight.
INFUSION PICK!
Zinc 12th birthday
Toolroom head honcho and Dubai favourite Mark Knight headlines Part 1 of Zinc’s birthday party. Ladies free, men Dhs150 after 11.30pm. 10pm-3am.
Deep house vibes from the Radio 1 DJ at the new Bur Dubai club. 11pm-3am.
Societe Jumeirah, Capitol Hotel
Opening night for the retro sister club, with throwback classics all night. 10pm-3am.
Splendid, Blends
Mad Hands is on the decks, while there are free drinks for ladies from 8-11pm. Weekly.
Superheroes, Dek on 8
Friday 28
The Superheroes residents take you on an adventure through house, bass and garage music. 6pm-late, free.
80s Night, Bapas
Vintage, Societe Dubai
Audio tonic feat. AFFKT, 360
80s, 90s and 00s at this alternative venue in the Marina, with tables for 4 starting from Dhs1100. 10pm-3am.
DJ Gilbert spins the best of the 80s at this freshly launched night. 9pmlate, selected drink 50% off. Deep house and tech house Above from Sincopat signings AFFKT, with Breaking Even testing the bass bins Below. 4pm-3am, free. Weekly.
INFUSION PICK!
Aurora feat. Chicane & Eats Everything, 0 Gravity A rare live set of sunset house music from Chicane, with bass warrior and UK favourite Eats Everything playing after. from 7pm-3am, free before 10pm, men Dhs100 after, ladies free until midnight.
History of House, The Basement
Stone cold classics from the last 30 years at this popular night. 10pm-3am.
INFUSION PICK!
Groove on the Grass feat. Carl Craig & Recondite, Emirates Golf Course The open air house and techno festival returns with Detroit house master Carl Craig headlining. 7pm-3am, Dhs180.
Cocktails and Dreams, Societe Dubai
A post brunch party, with 50 cocktails to choose from and Societe’s usual fun mix of pop and chart. 4pm-8pm, Dhs250.
Electric Days feaT. Joyce Muniz, Tamanya Terrace House and tech house from the super popular weekly night. 6pm-3am, Dhs100, doorlist@ electricdays.net
Fab Fridays, XL Beach Club
House of Afrika feat. Vimo, Dek on 8
Freaks and Beats, Cirque Le Soir
Ladies Evening, Atelier M
House and commercial hits at the newly renovated pool club. 1-9pm.
Nick Tohme heads up this weekly night, where entertainment is at the fore. 10pm-3am. Weekly.
South African guest DJ Vimo heads up this afro, deep house party. 4pm-3am, free. Mike Steva from Australia does the afro/deep house honours. 6pm3am, Weekly.
INFUSION PICK!
Joey Negro & The Shapeshifters, Barasti
A disco and funky house special with Joey Negro and The Shapeshifters dropping exclusive sets. 6pm-late.
Redbull Soundclash, Dubai Trade Centre
Red Bull Sound Clash, the unique musical confrontation concept will put two bands, one from each nation, against each other to compete for the affection of the crowd, on two opposing stages. 9-11pm.
Salem, Music Room
Live metal and rock from UK group Salem, with strong support from local band Ascendant. 9pm-3am, Dhs100.
Sunny Vibe Up feat. DJ Format, Dust Terrace
Funk, soul and Latin vibes with vinyl specialist DJ Format and the usual support from the Deep Crates Cartel residents. 3pm-2am, Dhs85 after 5.30pm including a free drink.
Noir & Andrea Olivia Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Deep house of the finest order from DXB favourite Noir and Andrea Olivia. 1-11pm.
Muzik, Nawwara (JW Marriot Marquis)
Long running urban night Muzik starts up again with Dany Neville, Sir-Taz and S-D’Red Lion on the decks. 9pm-late.
Never Get Out The Boat, Jebel Ali Resort & Spa
Matthew Charles and Sammi Adami play back to back, alongside the guest DJs. 1pm, guestlist only via info@wearedumm.com
Onshore Social, 0 Gravity
Late brunch building up to the evening session, with a huge range of food and drink on offer. 3-6pm, Dhs444.
The Music of Queen, Media City Amphitheatre
A live rock and symphonic spectacular with Queen’s classics lovingly played by a 16 strong band and over 70 performers. Tickets from Dhs195, 7pm-late.
Tonight I’m A Single Lady, Movida Free drinks for ladies from 11pm1am, and resident DJ Mitchell on the decks. 11pm-3am. Weekly.
INFUSION PICK!
Warehouse Dubai feat. DJ Zinc & EZ, Level 41
A serious double header of bass, with ‘crack house’ producer Zinc joined by Garage and bass specialist EZ. 9pm-3am, Dhs100 advance.
Zinc 12th birthday
Hip hop and urban classics from DJ Skribble for Part 2 of Zinc’s birthday celebrations. Ladies free, men Dhs150 after 11.30pm. 10pm-3am.
Saturday 29
INFUSION PICK!
411 Birthday Party, People By Crystal
The long-running hip hop and RnB night celebrates its 4th birthday in style. 10pm-3am.
Balearic Pool Sessions, Dek on 8
Da Sendri and guests return to the Dek on 8 for chilled out day time vibes and a pool side brunch deal. 12.30-6pm.
Day Vibes, Conrad Dubai
Brand new pool party session, with rotating residents including Adam G and Tim Kay. Free, Midday11pm. Weekly.
Joey Negro & The Shapeshifters, Barasti
A disco and funky house sunset special from Joey Negro. 6pm-late.
Homegrown, 360
House music and more from some of the best local DJs in town (Conan Liquid and DJ Shenon) with sunset drink deals. 5pm-3am, free.
Prestige Saturday feat. Trinidad James, Movida The world famous urban party returns for its weekly residency, with ‘All Gold Everything’ star Trinidad James headlining. 11pm-3am.
URBN,White Dubai
DVN supplies the urban tunes at this high end rooftop club. 10pm-3am.
Sunday 30 Occupy Sundays feat. Otto Knows, Cavalli
The ‘Million Voices’ Swedish house star headlines with support from residents Nick Tohme and DJ Michka. 9.30pm-3am.
INFUSION PICK! Mashrou’ Leila, Music Hall
This five-member Arab alternative rock band has sky-rocketed over the past three years and has toured extensively across the region and internationally. 9pm, Dhs195.
Wednesday 3 Looney Tunes, Music Room
Live music, live comedians and DJs at this monthly night. 8pm, Dhs50.
Thursday 4
INFUSION PICK!
Analog Room feat. Derrick May, Q Underground
The last part of Analog Room’s birthday celebrations, with Detroit house pioneer Derrick May playing live. 10pm, Dhs100.
Friday 5 Audio tonic feat. Jonas Rathsman, 360
Stunning nu-disco and house from Jonas Rathsman and Isaac Tichauer on the main floor. 4pm3am, free.
Cassland, The Basement A huge back to back affair with 6 local DJs competing, plus UK international DJ Lee Brinx at this house and tech house party. 9pm-3am.
Festival of Colours, du Forum
Edward Maya heads up this day/ night mini colour throwing festival that’s well established across the world. 4pm-2am.
INFUSION PICK!
Plus Minus feat. Ben Klock, LEvel 43
A first for the city, as German techno star Ben Klock makes his debut at tech-house party Plus Minus. 9pm-3am, Dhs120.
Deep Like Presents Thursdayz JW Marriott 5th floor
New deep house party promising cool, fun vibes. 10pm-3am.
Shibuya, The Basement
Deep house and tech house from guests Rich Showell and Smokingroove. 10pm-3am, ladies free before midnight, weekly.
Skank, Story Rooftop
Garage classics from DJ Luck, Dennis G and MC Kie. 10pm-3am, free entry.
Saturday 6 Reggae Beach Fest 1st Birthday, XL Beach Club
The popular monthly beach party celebrates 1 year of reggae classics.
WEEKLY DJ SHOW LIVE FROM THURSDAYS 4 - 6 PM
4TH DECEMBER 2014
Lee Brinx Rishi & Somalie
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Look AND
LISTEN Music be the food of love, so read on...
> Music News > Albums > On the Record > Sound Check > Soulninja Photo Diary > Tech Talk > DJ Booth > DJ Top 10
Look and Listen
Music News... Twitter up their audio game
Twitter have teamed up with Soundcloud and Apple to create new Audio Cards which directly imbed audio links into the Tweet instead of taking you to an external site. Deadmau5, Steve Aoki and David Guetta are already on board. The move makes it easier than ever to connect with other DJs and your followers, you can check us out here: twitter.com/InfusionMag.
MUSIC BITES “WHY ARE THEY WEARING RED FLOWERS?” One Direction fans didn’t cover themselves in Twitter glory recently when the band were spotted wearing poppies for Remembrance Day.
The magic Calvin Harris formula
Hit maker Calvin Harris has a new album out, Motion. And we’ve noticed that there’s a very cunning – well, not so cunning – pattern. Each song starts slowly, builds up about a minute, there’s a big drop. And that’s it. The first drop comes at 48 seconds, in ‘Summer’. Then 12 of the other tracks build to a drop which comes in somewhere between the 50 - 70 second mark. ‘Overdrive’ is a bit riskier - you have to wait for a whole 90 seconds for the drop. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
.. Dance out Walk In..
044202393 0569499428 www.tempodubai.com
Look and Listen
Album Reviews... Matthew Charles – Trippin EP (Infusion Records) House/Tech-House / Infusion.ae
Being unsigned can be a blessing. It gives you unlimited time to work on your tracks, to fine tune without record label deadlines, to get your (tech) house in order. And Matthew Charles, Infusion Records’ latest signing, is testament to that. He sprinted out of the blocks with his first EP, the hugely well received techhouse double header ‘Out The Door,’ and just a month later he’s back with two more well-honed, carefully crafted dancefloor destroyers. ‘Trippin’ is an atmospheric builder, as techno Lego bricks are carefully layered and layered over 8 minutes of undulating tech house RECORDS 01 grooves, creating a dynamic dancefloor workout. B-side ‘Hmm’ meanwhile is all perky percussion, found sounds and vocal Andy Buchan “Nine Oh Nine” snippets which build RECORDS 016 Nu-Disco to a hollowed out Debut EP on Infus bassline and some and coming produc acidy top notes. Charles. Matt has game for many Matthew Charles Good things do come worldwide an “Trippin' EP” legendary reside to those who wait. Tech-House
The second EP from Matthew Charles throws us right in the
Mambo in Ibiza. This a solid two track dark late night pum Chunky beats and There's a bright f
Basil O’Glue & Styller - Saturated Audio Immersed Trance
I
facebook.com/saturateaudio
When someone mentions Trance, what usually comes to mind is hands in the air breakdowns and ethereal vocals. But you’ll find neither on this compilation from Basil O’Glue and Styller, whose label Saturate Audio steers things more in the direction of Progressive House, minus the big drops which have distorted the genre in recent years. From the second track of Disc 1 you know you’ve got something different on your hands - head down, driving progressive music with fantastic melodies. Producer’s producer Gai Barone gives us an 80s synthesiser throwback with ‘Kajal’ and Naden’s ‘Chrononaut’ brings soaring riffs to the fore while Basil O’Glue’s ‘Will to Believe’ is the Greek producer at his most atmospheric. Disc 2 is more restrained, giving a dark, theatrical feel Styller and Basil’s Novus Ordo is a chuggy dance-floor filler and Danilo Ercole’s ‘Plug’ plays with 8-bit samples to keep us on our toes. Payoff comes at the end of the disc, with the penultimate track ‘Into U’ by Naian the high point of the journey. – Matt Zaharias
Look and Listen
MUSIC THAT MATTERS Send tracks/edits/remixes to andy@infusion.ae
The White Cube Playlist
Our musical friends at White Cube Studios have scoured the web and return with another essential dose of original music from the UAE, all lovingly compiled on their Soundcloud playlist Palayan - Unconquered Hills Of Gain Palayan in Sanskrit means, “Escape”. The song takes a blend of styles from Post Hard Rock and shows a strong influence of bands like Porcupine Tree. This is one of the strongest releases from Palayan. soundcloud.com/palayan Melissa Le Rue - Easy Melisa Le Rue is one of the most regarded musicians in the country. She’s brought a new edge to her music, and one we’re liking. Think a more chilled Erykah Badu… soundcloud.com/melisalerue Josh Monteath - Untitled Josh Monteath has a unique voice and good guitar skills, and it’s always a pleasure to see him live. Combining a sweet acoustic vibe and emotional lyrics, Josh keeps it simple but very sweet. soundcloud.com/josh-monteath Sarah El Gohary - Hi | هاي Sarah El Gohary is one of the
most talented musicians in the region and was a big crowd favourite at the recent Metronome event in Abu Dhabi. A ‘life-loving Egyptian songwriter, composer and actress,’ ‘Hi’ is one of her most immediate tracks. soundcloud.com/sarah-el-gohary Khalipha - Nameless (Prod. By & Feat Sherif El Abd) Most musicians say that music has been a part of their lives ever since they can remember. It’s the very reason they breathe. But that isn’t the case for UAE-based rapper Khalipha, and that isn’t the only way he stands out from the mainstream rap scene. soundcloud.com/khalipha Joanna Broomfield - The Light A talented singer/songwriter currently based in Dubai, and with ties to Sydney and London, Joanna makes mellow acoustic sounds, the sort that will soothe and ease you after a long day at work. soundcloud.com/joannabroomfield
To listen to all the tracks, head to the White Cube Soundcloud page soundcloud.com/whitecubeuae/sets/thewhite-cube-playlist-november23-december9
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On The Record
The latest UAE record label to be featured is Stained Music, run by Greg Stainer – alternatively the driving force behind Zinc, and also the production genius in charge of Hollaphonic’s electro-pop.
Stained music – Need to know
Running since: 2010 Number of releases: 44 Genres covered: House, Deep House, Tech House Main artists: Greg Stainer + Remixes by Stefano Noferini, Crazibiza website: www.stainedmusic.net
The best thing about running your own label is… The speed of releases. The worst thing is… Doing admin and accounting type of jobs, which is time spent not being creative. Our biggest seller is… Your’s truly! We’ve had support from… Roger Sanchez, Grant Nelson, Groove Armada. What does your label sound like? A house music night club in the UK. The best online portal for us is… Traxsource and Beatport score evenly.
How do you make yourself stand out? Consistent quality. You should keep an eye out for… Scott Forshaw & KORT. How does a smash hit happen? Normally the one you spent the least time on… in other words it just happens naturally without too much thought. How involved are you with UAE producers, how can people get in touch with you? I always listen to demos sent from UAE and all over the world via demos@stainedmusic.net. How hard is it to make money as a record label? From direct sales it’s pretty tough! The bulk of income comes from live shows and publishing (although publishing is a sore subject in the UAE since there are currently no collection agencies). And what’s next for your label? Always on the look out for new music and new talent.
And, to accompany the series, we’ve compiled our very own mix with one track from each of the labels, available to stream via our Soundcloud page, soundcloud.com/infusion-magazine Infusion Magazine – DXB On The Record Andy Buchan – LRB – Infusion Records Francis Inferno Orchestra – Ellingfort Road – Voyeurhythm Records Pryor – Fela Shuffle – Centric Music The Linguinis – If I Was – Ark To Ashes Arnav S – Subkraft (Sasse Mix) - one28 Recordings Florian Kruse – The Green Wine Experience (Raxon remix) – audio tonic Records Smokingroove – Message To The Playas – Illuminati DJ Sneak – The Party Of All – Gold Drama Records Greg Stainer – Back Home – Stained
www.soundcloud.com/infusion-magazine
L Club DANCE TILL YOU DROP! Best Arabic Hits @ the most Luxurious Arabic Club in town Get your groove on with Micho every Thursday and Friday night Doors open at 11pm For reservations Call: +971 52 810 3333 or +971 50 226 6432 Mรถvenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai.
Sound check When we heard about online mastering service Landr, which promised to master your tracks within minutes online, we were skeptical. So we put it to the test.
The Test One original WAV, one professionally mastered WAV and one WAV mastered by Landr. All played at the same volume, on the same equipment, in random order and with our office of 7, including 3 DJs and 2 producers, listening and giving feedback. The track we used was Conan Liquid’s ‘The Very Beginning,’ selected from the Infusion Records back catalogue and according to the producer, one that’s ‘very hard to master.’ Original Toes tapping, heads nodding. It sounds flattish, but OK. 2nd Landr Version ‘This is the same track? This is wicked,’ shouts Monique. The bass booms and thumps, it’s hard to concentrate on work. It sounds crisp and very digital. The vocals sound like they’re stood next to you. ‘There was more clarity,’ says Chris. Overall impression: LOUD.
3rd Professionally Mastered It’s slightly quieter but it sounds warmer, a bit more melodic, more analogue, there’s more depth to the bass. It’s not as loud as the Landr version, and it sounds slightly muddier – ‘It sounds slightly over-compressed’ argues Chris. ‘I’d go for this one,’ says Charl Chaka, ‘it sounds more textured.’ The verdict: It’s close – very close. We had to play each track 3-4 times each to hear the differences. The Professionally mastered track wins, but the Landr version runs it very close. If you’re after some analogue warmth, a human touch will win, but if you want to beef up your sound and make it shout, then Landr is a very good option. And for $19 a month for unlimited masters, it’s a lot cheaper. Plus, they’ll give you unlimited 192kps masters just for signing up, ideal for budding producers and Soundcloud warriors. Landr.com
Soulninja
photo diary
When we heard that breaks/hip hop/party DJ Soulninja was representing the UAE at the Pioneer DJ Asia finals in Manila, we asked him to document his trip and the finals for us in all their Balut-eating glory and gory.
I was over in Manila for an amazing 4 days. The whole event was staged in a swanky resort, complete with clubs, casinos and many Asian eateries. We also saw quite a lot of the city itself, and always travelled in style. After meeting all the DJs, judges and the Pioneer Asia crew, we were whisked off to play some paintball. Judges v DJs. The losers had to eat "Balut", which is a filipino delicacy, basically a duck fetus, in an unhatched egg. The DJs lost, and my worst nightmares came true. Absolutely rank... skull, claws, beak, feathers, afterbirth the lot...
There were many more team building activities, TV interviews and welcome parties. There were always hundreds of cameras and selfie sticks pointing in my face the whole time which was something I wasn’t used to. All the DJs, judges and Pioneer team were super cool though, and made us all feel part of a big Asian DJ family. Over the 4 days we really bonded and hopefully will stay in touch, with a few gigs around Asia coming out of it possibly...
The montage is of all 9 DJs performing in the final - they were the best from Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The winner on the night was DJ Pickup from Pattaya, Thailand (not to be confused with Mark Pickup!). His winning set is on his Facebook page if you’d like to judge for yourself. It was very close between 1st and 2nd (Malaysia), but Thailand definitely deserved the win with a really dope set. All the DJs were super skilled technicians, with good musical knowledge and I'm not ashamed to say that I didn't crack the top 5 this time around...
Overall was a top experience that will stay with me all my life. soundcloud.com/soulninja
Pioneer
Kuvo The internet is alive with rumours that Pioneer’s new box will record your sets, steal your music and stop dance music creativity. Well, no. Not really. Infusion plugged KUVO in, and got to grips with the black box technology to find out more… KUVO, very, very simply, records a log of the tracks you played. Once the box is plugged in, you need to set up a KUVO account and play through Rekordbox for the hardware to log your playlist. The casual clubber can log onto a DJ or club profile and find out what was played last night and what is being played right now, if they want. Equally, you can set it to private and keep your musical cards close to your chest, meaning the clubber will have to resort to Shazam. Its success will rest on how many people are willing to divulge their tracklisting – to some DJs, giving away their dancefloor secrets is tantamount to selling their first born, but equally it’s another platform for you to promote yourself and your music. As a by-product of obtaining the data, Pioneer teamed up with the newly formed Association for Electronic Music who help distribute nightclub performance royalties. Most countries – the UAE not included – charge an annual umbrella fee to clubs to cover the music played in the clubs. Historically, DJs would submit charts and those tallied up into profit shares, so the most popular would get the lion’s share, meaning the big labels got bigger. But now, the music being played can be tracked, and the smaller labels – like Infusion Records – can
actually see more money for their blood sweat and tears. The AFEM estimates that about $160 million worldwide was lost due to misallocated performance royalties in 2013. As of this issue, Armani Prive, Barasti and Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE have signed up in the region, as have we for our Pioneer DJ Lab sessions every Thursday, so check us out! Email support@pioneer-uae.com for more info. Kuvo.com Kuvo: Infusion Magazine
DJ Booth: KaY TeK
One of the city’s most in-demand DJs, Kalim AKA KaY TeK is one of the new resident DJs at Eden Beach Club, the brand new Palm Jumeirah venue at Rixos Hotel…
One thing you might not know about me is... I have a day job and I work as Trade Marketing for British American tobacco. My worst ever job was... I’ve never had a worst job because I’ve never done anything I didn’t like. My favorite ever record is... ‘It’s All In Your Mind’, Mendo. DJing is much like… A dedication and love for the music. Dubai’s clubbing scene is… Getting better by the day, more clubs and beach clubs are opening, which makes things more interesting. I’m really proud of… My new residency at Eden Beach Club, which is set to open in November. What track could you drop in every set? ‘Jaguar’ by Sebastien Leger. I can’t live without… My close friends in Dubai. My biggest DJ achievement to date is… Warming up for the legends in the electronic scene such as The Martinez Brothers, Marco Carola, Luciano, Radio Slave, Jamie Jones and many more. What is your guiltiest pleasure? Having McDonalds at 4am. If you could DJ in any decade which would it be… The one I’m in now. If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be… Without any doubt Marco Carola. I’m not a politician but… I’m political. soundcloud.com/kay-tek
www.facebook.com/clubbeats
RISHI Electric Days, Cassland, Catch @The Basement
Psynapse Beach House Rooftop, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island , Abu Dhabi
Ejaz (Alola Records Disclosure UK) Pacha Ibiza Dubai
Shaun J. Wright, Alinka - I Wanna Go (Derrick Carter Remix) Leon Vynehal - It’s Just (House of Dupree) Lee Brinx, Davide Sciortino - Same Things feat. Davide Sciortino (Original Mix) Anton Zap – Ain’t Got Time Lil Louis – Club Lonely (J. Cub Mix) Adrian Niculae - conTRASt Arapu - Pe Fuga Dietter - Loopul Moralist Suie Paparude - Minute (Emi Edit) Roustam - Rustospace (Noidoi Remix)
London Grammar - Hey Now (Ten Snake Remix) The Presets - It’s Cool (Bayer & Grant Remix) Psynapse - Violet (Original Mix) Above & Beyond - We’re All We Need (Psynapse) Golden Sky - Passenger 10, Lika Morgan (Sons Of Maria Remix) Seinabo Sey - Younger (Kygo Remix) Martin Roth - Mel (Original Mix) John Newman - Losing Sleep (Disciples Remix) Mat Zo - The Lost (Original Mix) Ejaz - Changes [Disclosure UK] J.O.B.A - Egoistic Views [Ready 2 Rock] Ron Flatter - Desert (Kohra Remix) [Traum] Mark Henning - Roots [Soma Records] Christian Smith - Mutate [Tronic] Rob Hes - Survivor [Senso Sounds] Harvey McKay - Silk Road [Drumcode] Morgan Geist - Detroit (C2Rmx1 by Carl Craig) [Environ] Plastikman - Spstik (Dubfire Rework) [Minus] James Holden - Lump [Border Community]
To submit your Top 10, send in the above format to andy@infusion.ae
PLX-1000 BORN AGAIN High-torque direct drive system Removable power, ground and phono cables ±8%, ±16% and ±50% tempo control, and Tempo Reset Professional sound quality and build
youtube.com/pioneerdjglobal
PIONEER-MEA.COM cartridge not included
Looking
CLOSER Opinions, thoughts and gibberish...
> Weird News > The Spin > Est Sleep Rave Repeat > Big Q > Cool Test > Movies > Angry Monkey
Looking Closer
Weird News... No ring ring
It’s the biggest question you’ll ever ask, and it’s always a good idea to have an inkling that you’re going to get the answer you want. So one Chinese programmer must have been 100% certain that his proposal, including a heart-shaped ring of 99 iPhone 6s costing a reported $85,000, would woo his lady. Sadly, and very publicly, she said no. Maybe the iPhone 6 Plus might have done it mate?
WEIRD PIC Remember that underwater Lotus from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me? Well, it’s now a reality, although a rather expensive one at Dhs7million. The revolutionary car is powered by an electric motor which allows it to reach a maximum speed of 75mph underwater, and comes with built in scuba tanks and diving regulators meaning you can stay under for an hour. Soon to be seen in Dubai, no doubt…
It’s enough to drive you to drink
A teacher from the Republic of Ireland has been turned down for a job in South Korea due to the “alcoholism nature” of Irish people. She was told that the client did not hire ‘Irish people due to their perceived drinking habits.’ “Usually when you apply for a job and they don’t want you, they don’t send a reply,” said Katie Mulrennan. “But this reply was a first. When I got the email, it was so abrupt and short. I actually laughed.”
The Spin NOVEMBER 2014
PAGE 200
Issue 10
Manumission to make ‘shock’ club comeback in Dubai
Following the recent trend of sticking Ibiza after a Dubai club name, one enterprising club promoter has been in touch with long running explicit night Manumission to bring them out of retirement. Promoter Peter S. Leazy argues that the spectacle won’t be too dissimilar from current shows in the city. ‘Head to any of the big name clubs, and they’ll have girls dancing. Ours might have a bit more market penetration than the others, but I’ve seen a hole in the market and I’m going to bend over backwards to make it happen.’ Their scheduled launch event, Glory Hole at Manumission Ibiza Dubai, is set to bring out A-list DJ talent including Paris Hilton. ‘We’re going to charge people Dhs100,000 each spray Champagne at our guest Djs in the Glory Hole,’ said Peter.
New club promoter claims his night is first ‘underground night in the city’ *
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.
eat sleep rave repeat Cavalli
Famed for its opulence and over the top décor as it is for its high end Italian cuisine, we sent our food reviewer Stephen Day to experience the high life at Cavalli. Little did he know, he’d be dining with the big man himself, Roberto…
Known for exotic prints and for creating the sandblasted jeans look, Roberto Cavalli’s empire spreads across several decades and ventures, including his club and restaurant at The Fairmont Hotel on SZR. Tucked away at the back of the hotel sits the lavish entrance to a crazy world where only the fabulous are truly welcome. But style doesn’t have to mean looks or money, and a little attitude goes a long way to get you past the gaze of the front of house and up in the big glass elevator to a imaginative land designed by
Willy Wonka on vintage Barolo. Nothing can quite prepare you for what you are greeted by as the doors open and you’re hit full on in the face by leopard skin chairs, huge video screens and sections segregated by huge hanging beads, creating a spacious and airy environment. Once seated, we were left with some beautiful Italian bread all made in house whilst we looked over their new winter menu. It reads like a journey across Europe to Italy with a few stops on the way, but before we can order, a figure is spotted in the distance. Roberto himself is in town and
seems very friendly, happy to have his photo with fans, waving at everyone and is sat close by – it’s nice to see that he visits and cast his expert eye on proceedings. We ordered a selection of starters to share and they arrived with the Head Chef in tow. Ernesto Tonetto is incredibly passionate about his food and it shows as he proudly explains the dishes, even pointing out the Burreta is award-winning and the best he could source, but modestly takes no personal cooking credit for it as it speaks for itself. He’s not wrong: it’s beautiful and creamy, a real stand out piece of artisan production. There was however an impressive level of cooking for the grilled octopus salad – it was a thing of beauty, the star of my meal and possibly the best cooked octopus I’ve ever had. Smokey, meaty, succulent, I would happily have had a plate to myself and struggled to share it with my guest. After a pitstop to check out the DJ’s deep house mix (including a cheeky Daft Punk medley), our mains arrived – a tasty lamb loin and mustard sauce for me and a butter soft beef tenderloin for her. This type of cooking requires modern
techniques and I would wager a sous vide (vacuum sealed in a water bath) was involved to produce such melt in the mouth morsels. Finally, we were delivered a deconstructed coconut cheesecake that was light and packed a lovely flavour and the intriguing Green Apple which transpired to be a delicate vanilla mousse encased in a green sugar casing like an adult toffee apple: a very fitting and playful mouthful to finish on. As I was looking through the menu for the last time, I came across the Crepe Suzette – a slightly odd dish, a French classic on a predominantly Italian menu and a little bit old fashioned
perhaps as it’s cooked at the table. But then the Dirham dropped, of course, what spectacle and theatre it would create as people turned around to look at your table, as you’re there to eat and be seen. This is perhaps the perfect dish to explain what dinner here is like. The food is excellent, but as an experience it’s one I will probably never forget.
Cavalli Club, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04 332 9260, dubai.cavalliclub.com
Looking Closer
THE BIG
QUESTION Who’s your weirdest celebrity crush?
Regina: Pharrell Williams
Nicole: Johnny Depp
Hassan: Keanu Reeves
Moe: Kylie Minogue
Mohamad: Hugh Laurie
Moe K: Iggy Azealea
Gill: James Corden
Kate: Will Ferrell Dany: David Bowie
Cool
Two of Cassland’s DJs go head to head in a blistering battle of barbed words. But who’s the Wordsworth and who’s an illiterate monkey? Read on...
SOMALIE
RISHI
Who’s the coolest person in your phone book? Who is deciding the winner of this competition? If it is Andy who has just released Does a picture of Alicia keys Buchan wicked new track called ‘Nine on my phone book count? I’m a Nine’ then it’s you Andy! not a creep, believe me. Oh You the man, haha! [Ed’s note: thanks Rishi, the Dhs50 is in the post]. What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep? 3 days when we recently went Romania for the Sunwaves Once I stayed up for 2 days to We hadn’t left Dubai raving at a festival, and I did not Festival. a while before this trip so cheat (I’m sure I get extra points for went crazyyy! (By the way, for not cheating!) we Somalie cheated! And lied about it, so minus 2 points for him). Coolest DJ in Dubai? is! He is such a cool guy! Not Rishi! Somalie And a philanthropist! My idol. You’ll win the battle because... He is none of the above! Plus If Rishi wins, I’ll take him it’s my party, I decide who wins hostage (and he knows it, and he has already lost! Some hence his weak answers). say he can only play with the sync button on.
Have you ever injured yourself at work?
Yes, once when I was giving aid to the homeless whilst saving a in surgery, I gave myself a Never got injured. I wear a life cut! Damn paper! It hurt Mandalorian armor to work. paper real bad, but I always think of others first and I am proud to say they are all alive and well.
Somalie vs Rishi Your best dance move is…
I don’t really have time to dance in between giving aid and saving lives in surgery. But on the odd I still grab my crotch in public occasion when I do have a minute places every now and then. I can still do the running man! But the actual running man, not what it’s called nowadays – shuffling! Definitely not a shuffler. What’s your best claim to fame?
I once told a girl I’m Stromae, The Belgian singer’s first cousin. She ended up giving me more than just her number (true story!).
Being an extra in Star Wars! But I think my scene was cut coz when I walked in front of the camera the director said cut immediately and they shifted me off and did the scene again without me.
What’s the best insult you could give to each other? Talk is cheap bruh. Let’s see what your weak skills behind the decks will have to say on December the 5th’.
I don’t really throw insults especially at my man Somalie! We want a clean fight, no biting, no eye gouging and Somalie please don’t play any Britney Spears at this party, the crowd won’t like it! It’s not big and it’s not clever!
The verdict: Who knows how these two are going to share deck time after the battering they’ve given each other, but the points verdict for his verbal sparring goes to Rishi. Cassland feat. Lee Brinx, Friday December 5, The Basement, 9pm-3am.
MOVIE Horrible Bosses 2 The surprise comedy hit returns as Dale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business. But things don’t go as planned thanks to a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme. Classification: 15 Director: Sean Anders Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
Penguins of Madagascar
The ingenious penguins get their own cinematic offshoot from Madagascar. The plot really, really isn’t important, but the jokes should be fast and furious. Classification: PG Director: Eric Darnell, Simon Smith Starring: Chris Miller, Tom McGrath
PREVIEWS The Good Lie
Sudanese refugees are given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas, where their encounter with employment agency counsellor (Witherspoon) changes their lives. Classification: PG 13 Director: Philippe Falardeau Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Arnold Oceng
Foxcatcher Oscar-tipped film which depicts wrestler Mark Schultz and his relationship with new sponsor, millionaire John du Pont, as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances as both men feel inferior to Mark’s revered brother, Dave. Classification: 15 Director: Bennett Miller Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum
Disclaimer: Film release schedules are subject to change, please check reelcinemas.ae, novocinemas.com and voxcinemas.com for full schedules.
Here’s a new one. The Monkey complaining about other people complaining. That’s right, the Monkey’s gone postmodern. To be specific, DJs complaining. There’s a well known Twitter account called @DJsComplaining that simply retweets DJs when they complain – they’ve lost their luggage, there’s no sugar free Red Bull, they didn’t get a complimentary blowie etc. I wouldn’t mind so much (everyone loves a good rant every now and then – hey there Tim Kay) but when you do a job you love and get paid good money for it, perhaps you should do what Pharrell Williams does, and be happy. But there’s a new hate crime in town: EDM. Martin Garrix admitted that he’s fed up of ‘Animals’, Diplo banned Kandi beads at his Mad Decent Block Parties and Seth ‘Never Stops Complaining’ Troxler has unsurprisingly attacked it with both guns blazing. Leading the charge is that nerdy Canadian with far too much time on his hands. Constantly whining about Paris Hilton or Afrojack, if Deadmau5 spent as much time bitching online as making music, perhaps he’d be half decent again.
Monkey Out... The Angry Monkeys’ views are his own, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Infusion Magazine.