Infusion # 237: Dec 7-21 '14

MUSIC • PEOPLE • LIFE

KEEP THE FAITH – NORTHERN SOUL IN DUBAI!

WHITE Dubai’s 1st Year Anniversary with Tinie Tempah Creamfields, 2ManyDJs, Anja Schneider, Pioneer Turntables, Christmas Gift Guide + more! infusionmag

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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 Contributors: Richard Perez, Vip Patel, Monique Belle, Stephen Day, Nada Bokir, Chris Rayner, Matt Zaharias

Even after 10 years, it never feels like Christmas in Dubai. But we’ve done our best this issue, as we’ve pulled together loads of must-have goodies in the magazine (Pioneer Turntables, if you’re reading this Stef) to make most music heads happy.

Elsewhere, we talk to the local DJs that make Creamfields tick, talk nonsense with 2ManyDJs and also spend 6 hugely insightful pages looking into the Northern Soul scene in Dubai. Oh, and we also tell you how you can set up your own Outdoor Cinema in your back garden/balcony, making the most of the festive weather. Plus, we have the usual music, film and club news, reviews and previews to keep you occupied in the countdown to Christmas.

Infusion is published by Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098 Never miss an issue, get Infusion delivered to your door for just Dhs100 a year.

Email info@infusion.ae now!

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BACK Retrospective on what’s been happening in our world.

> What We Did > Photo Gallery

Looking Back

What we did

Aly & Fila @ Emirates Golf Course

Egyptian duo Aly & Fila have been heavyweights of the trance scene for over six years now. Now on their third studio album The Other Shore, the duo brought their signature sound to Dubai for the Asia leg of their tour.

We had to check we were in the right place at the beginning of the night when DJ Bliss took to the decks for the ‘warmup’ his choice of blasting out as many disparate house and electro hits as possible, as quickly as possible whilst yelling on the mic for everyone to come up and dance didn’t work for us, and we opted to explore the venue instead.

Once Aly & Fila took to the decks though it was a completely different story. Warming us up with some smooth progressive trance, proceedings were kicked up a notch when they dropped the classic ‘Cafe del Mar’ by Energy 52, and continued upwards from there, with a smooth journey though psy and uplifting trance. The Sneijder remix of Orkidea’s ‘Unity’ had the dancefloor pumping and the ever-smiling Fadi (Fila) was enjoying the set as much as the faithful crowd.

– Matt Zaharias

Jazz @ Seraphina Souk Al Bahar

Located in the beautiful Souk Al Bahar and overlooking the impressive Dubai fountains is Serafina, an Italian restaurant that’s arrived to Dubai via New York. Serafina ticks all the right boxes: great service, wonderful food and amazing live music. The food is based on authentic northern Italian cuisine and between the four of us we couldn’t of asked for anything better. All courses were cooked to perfection and packed with flavour. We highly recommend you try the Burrata, an imported Italian Mozzarela cheese just for the pure indulgence. Every Wednesday Serafina has a live Jazz band, headed up by the Afif brothers Rony and Elie and every other week they are joined by Dubai vocal legend Hamdan Al Abri, if you haven’t managed to catch these guys before we highly recommend you do, the musicianship is something to behold. If your looking for a lively, reasonably priced night out with great music, you can’t go wrong with Serafina.

Looking Back

Analog Room feat. Theo Parrish @ Q Underground

Analogue Room was celebrating its 2nd birthday and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to be impressed with their selection of Detroit legend Theo Parrish to help them celebrate. For anyone who hasn’t yet been, Analogue Room is the city’s best intimate rave cave with a crowd of music heads that’s there to party. A perfect fitting indeed then for Parrish, often referred to as the best DJ on the planet, his connection to the raw tools of the trade is second to none. Fuelled by high energy funk (James Brown pounding out of the speakers), soul, disco and that raw house and techno sound that’s so deeply rooted in the origins of Detroit, he smashed the birthday celebrations. The night came to a close with massive smiles everywhere, shouts of ‘THEOOOO!’, ‘Legend’ and ‘One more tune’. And that’s usually the sign of a pretty special night, which it certainly was. Happy 2nd Birthday Analogue Room x – Garethisonit

Groove on the Grass feat.

Carl Craig @ Emirates Golf Course

It’s been over a year since my last Groove On The Grass, a party which has become much loved by the people of the city with their excellent techno bookings, excellent marketing, great team and unique outdoor venue. And with another Detroit Techno legend playing this weekend (Carl Craig) what’s not to love?! He was supported by Recondite, who played too much of a flat set to get me hyped (but some of techno fans seemed to enjoy it). So I was pleased to see Carl Craig spin a surprisingly free flowing set which spanned funk, a Floating Points track, some house classics and of course, plenty driving of techno which had that all important groove. Being such a big outdoor venue, hopefully even more party goers can help cement what’s already a great night and make it something of legend very, very soon.

– Garethisonit

Looking Back

Globalfunk feat. Fabio @ Level 41

Globalfunk ended their season on a high – quite literally at Level 41 – as returning Drum and Bass legend Fabio dropped a set full of his trademark liquid rollers. Mach 4, Somalie and Sya were their usual on-point selves on warm up, while MCs Prit and Olly Wood, later joined by MC GQ, hyped the venue to boiling point. Onwards and downwards for 2015 as Globalfunk take up residence at The Basement in Tecom, with a fresh line up set to be revealed soon. s Island uren @ O1NE Ya un & Armin Van Bu lom So : RIP ST PHOTO

on EIGHTeL The Dek O ne Hot @ Media

PARTY FROM 9PM-3AM | FREE BAR UNTIL 11.45PM* TICKETS AED 295 BEFORE 18 DEC & AED 395 AFTER AVAILABLE FROM MEDIA ONE & PLATINUMLIST.NET *FREE FLOWING HOUSE BEVERAGES

DJ TIM CHEDDAR

FOR TABLE PACKAGES CALL 055 144 1549 MEDIAONEHOTEL.COm

DJ SOULNINJA

Aly & Fila

@Emirates Golf Course

Analog Room feat. Theo Parrish @Q Underground

Flawless Diamonds

@White Dubai

Globalfunk feat. Fabio

@Level 41

Groove on the Grass feat.

Carl Craig @Emirates Golf Course

House of Afrika

@Dek on 8

Joey Negro @Barasti

Mixtape Rewind @Emirates Golf Course

Stereotype feat.

Ripperton

@ The Basement

Warehouse Dubai feat.

DJ Zinc & EZ @Level 41

Book your VIP table at the hottest clubs in Dubai! VIP in a click with InVIP.ae

Arrange your next night out with group booking, select your venue and table on the InVIP.ae website and then invite your friends via email or Facebook. Everyone pays their share towards the table via Debit/Credit Card or Paypal and the table is booked and paid for in advance avoiding any hassle at the club. www.invip.ae

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Looking FORWARD Where we filter out the best things that are coming your way...

> Local News > Cover Story > The Infusion Cool Test 2ManyDJs > Anja Schneider > Local Legends

Looking Forward

Local News Pharrell returns for huge NYE party!

It seems we just can't get enough of the 'Happy' star, as he returns to play #DXBNYE at Meydan on December 31 as part of a starstudded bill.

Live support comes from hip hopper Busta Rhymes and Charli XCX and Sky Blu. And there's a huge DJ line up to boot, with big EDM stars Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike joined by house/trance legend Paul Oakenfold and veteran UK DJ Seb Fontaine. www.dxbnye.ae

Lo Fi District sets its sights

New Casa Latina night LoFi District returns for its 2nd outing on Thursday December 11 with Vienna DJ B.Visible on headline duties. Also joining the dots between lo-fi electronica, bass, future beat and hip hop are live act Muhaisnah Four and Thornwood as well as residents Nasrawi and Mo City.

Free entry before 11pm, Dhs60 after.

Pacha sign up Bob Sinclar Pacha have had a strong start using local talent from here and Ibiza, but they’re pulling out one of their biggest bookings on Boxing Day as French house star Bob Sinclar headlines. Earlier in the month, Pacha Ibiza Funky room resident DJ Pippi headlines in the Red Room on December 18, while Greg Stainer, Smokingroove, Subandrio, Mr Mr and KC are among the local stars in December.

Looking Forward Zero Gravity’s strong line up continues

Not content with bringing over DJ Fresh and Eats Everything in the last few weeks, the beach club has gone big to close out their first proper year with 2ManyDJs (Dec 11), Goldfish (Dec 12), Nightmares on Wax (Dec 19, pictured) and Rob Da Bank on Boxing Day. Plus as we announced in the last issue, they’ve got Groove Armada and Hot Since 82 on NYE duties. Heavyweight!

Gorgon City confirmed for Red Fest

The names keep on coming for next February’s Red Fest, as dance chart toppers Gorgon City have been added to the bill on Friday February 13. The duo are behind big tracks like ‘Here For You’ and ‘Unmissable,’ while their excellent debut alum Sirens is reviewed in this issue. They join Iggy Azalea, The Script, Kiesza, Ella Eyre Cris Cab, Jeremih, Rixton, Tinashe, Bastille and Kid Ink on the line up. Tickets are now on sale, starting at AED350 from www.redfestdxb.com

XXXY at DUST

DUST are back in party action at their new home, The Basement, and they’ve got house/garage/bass champion XXXY playing on Friday December 19. Rupert Taylor, AKA xxxy, first blew up in 2011 when his track ‘You Always Start It’ got online recognition, before in 2013 he signed for major underground label Rinse. He’s joined by residents Megadon Betamax, James Locksmith and Essarai, with tickets Dhs100.

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

Looking Forward Rumours

Bashmore has been confirmed to play • Julio Warehouse Dubai at the end of February

next year.

and 00s dance music star ATB will be • 90s bringing in 2015 at Barasti this year.

Loup and Seuil are pencilled in to play • Le Eden early next year.

Cleis and H.O.S.H are rumoured to • Micheal be playing Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE early next year.

Blagging our way into the Esquire Awards and their free bar recently. A good suit will get you everywhere.

New beach club Eden looks excellent, if the opening weekend is an indicator.

Dubai Film Festival kicks off, head to dubaifilmfest.com for the full line up and schedule, we’ve got tickets for Birdman and Foxcatcher.

We've got not 1, not 2, but 3 parties this New Year's. We're co-hosting the Dek on 8's bash, we're throwing a soulful session with Schooly at Dusk Terrace and we're throwing our legendary New Year's Day party at the Dek on 8 with the best local DJs involved.

We’re all for charity, honestly. But getting David Guetta to remix Band Aid 30’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ will have us spending more money to stop us ever, ever hearing it.

Ryder Romero, the random Facebook pest who’s more persistent than Ebola. You’re not a DJ at Pacha, or Blue Marlin, please stop random FB messaging the whole of Dubai’s nightlife industry.

Richie Hawtin, for pushing a DJ booth monitor onto a fan trying to take pictures. That and the unforgiveable DJ Jesus poses you pull every gig now. Not cool.

Ryder Romero, the random

WHITE Dubai’s st year anniversary with

1

Tinie Tempa

WHITE Dubai celebrate a year of dancing under the stars on Friday December 19 as they invite down urban UK star Tinie Tempah to celebrate their 1st birthday. We chat to their resident DJ maDJam, who not only heads up the Dubai club but is also the resident at the Beirut original‌

Congratulations on a year of WHITE Dubai, how does it compare to the Beirut club, differences/similarities?

I joined WHITE Beirut back in May to launch the summer season and we started discussing WHITE Dubai soon after. Beirut doesn’t have a curfew so potentially the night can go on til 5 or 6 in the morning - Dubai’s 3am curfew is actually a lot of fun because the last 10-15 minutes we lighten the atmosphere up with a few classics and even a surprise last track. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face every night, whereas Beirut people leave gradually and it’s still lots of fun but there’s no “punch-line” to the night with that last quirky track of the night. I love both and am excited to get to jump between Beirut and Dubai when the season overlaps in the summer.

You're the resident of both clubs, who knows how to party the best?

Beirut is always in the news for the wrong reasons, and what we do at WHITE is give people an escape from the daily stress of the life they live - it’s like a giant group therapy session. In Dubai everyone is already happy so it’s a challenge to give them something that’s so good they want to come back for more.

As resident, what makes WHITE Dubai so appealing for you to sign up to both?

In Dubai everyone is in tune with what the big hits are either through local radio or on TV, so it’s a balance of playing what they know with what I personally think would make them happy. Beirut they are less in tune with what’s on the radio. Having my 4 CDJs makes my track choice more flexible and can change where the set is headed in a few seconds if need be, plus having the DJ booth at such a central focal point helps judge if they’re digging the tracks and the sound we’re playing.

You've seen Tinie Tempah live before, what should people expect?

I’ve supported Tinie Tempah at Creamfields in Abu Dhabi few years back and in Beirut a couple of times as well - when we sat down to decide on who to bring for the anniversary my first and only suggestion was taken seriously. Main reason is he rocks the crowd every time, is never a disappointment and has a wide range of tracks that are all huge hits from pure hip hop, to almost pop then house and even a little trap/dubstep with some drum and bass as well. That variety of BPMs and him jumping around is a sure shot in giving the crowd an awesome night.

Funniest/oddest thing you've seen at the club?

Most I can’t tell you about publically, but there’s always at least 10-20 women that fall on our stairs every night in their heels.

Even though the steps are properly illuminated, when ladies have been dancing for hours and all of a sudden have to face the challenge of going down those steps in heels… faceplant!

It’s happened so many times and I feel sorry for them, but it’s the ones that get right up and walk as if nothing happened who win my award. For those that know WHITE Dubai well, it’s the stairs next to the Sushi counter I’m talking about - stand there for 5 minutes anytime after 2:30am and you’ll see what I’m talking about - pure comedy!

Anything else you want to add?

I’m very thankful to the AddMind/WHITE Dubai team for bringing me back to Dubai at their club, every night has been full of fantastic memories either from the DJ booth, the strange bathroom conversations or joining my old school friends on their tables. The production team from entertainment (Zoe, Diane & The WHITE Warriors) to the lighting and visuals (Tony & Jim), my fellow DJs (DJad & Devon) and all the floor staff from over 20 different nationalities have made WHITE Dubai a truly amazing global club in the world’s most globalized city. Big thanks to them for working so hard to give all Dubai residents and visitors a spectacular night, every weekend! See you there every Thursday and Friday all the way through June!

WHITE Dubai’s 1st birthday feat.

Tinie Tempah, Friday Dec. 19 0504430933

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So, 2ManyDjs were too cool to take the Cool Test like most people, and answered as a duo. The answers, are insanely bonkers and brilliant, a bit like their sets

Who's the coolest person in your phone book?

We don’t actually keep people in our phone book, that would be cruel. They certainly wouldn’t be cool by the time they came out.

What's the longest you've gone without sleep?

17 days, four hours and fifteen minutes…give or take 15 or 16 days.

Coolest DJ in the world (apart from yourself, obviously)?

If we’re the top of the list what does that say about the rest of them? Are they even worth mentioning?

The Infusion Cool Test

2ManyDJs

Who's got the coolest record collection?

That’s easy. We do. Or do you mean between us both? We share the same collection although in the event of a divorce we are going to thumb wrestle for each record…

Coolest track ever made?

'Shaddupa Ya Face' by Joe Dolce. Hands down.

Coolest item of clothing you own?

Embroidered jackets with Joe Dolce’s face on it.

Priceless.

Your best dance move is…

The back flip. We don’t like to show off so we tend not to do it in public but we’re pretty amazing.

What's your best claim to fame?

We invented soup. Little known fact.

It's not big and clever but… …a bird’s brain has mercury floating around in it that allows it to circumnavigate the globe.

What's your answer to everything?

Out of our hands.

What's the best insult you could give each other?

We don’t like to insult each other. We prefer violence.

Velocity feat. 2ManyDJs, Thursday December 11, Zero Gravity, free before 10pm, men Dhs100 after 10pm, ladies free until midnight, Dhs100 after.

Plus Minus sign off their big year with another big booking at their Level 41 home, with mobilee Records main lady Anja Schneider. We caught up with her to talk piracy, Pete Tong and pregnancy‌

Always remember not to take this techno thing too seriously

Annie Mac recently had a very well put rant about female Djs and being asked silly questions because they're female (like Djing in heels, having babies etc) – have you noticed that during your career?

To be honest, I'm really quite bored of this discussion. It's 2015, I'm doing a job that has nothing to do with whether I am a boy or a girl. I am still waiting to see the question asked of a male DJ 'How is it to be a man DJing in 2015' – sorry, but it's ridiculous.

Someone in the office said that you're like the female Pete Tong with your influence, radio show – is that a comparison you've had before, are you happy with it?

Oh I wish! I'm really touched someone thought this - ha if only my name was as big as Mr. Tong’s. But I have been doing my radio show for 15 years now and for sure it has had an influence on the scene and music. Radio in the beginning was the only outlet for music aside from clubs, it doesn't have such a strong influence nowadays.

And how do you approach piracy and sharing of tracks as a DJ and record label CEO? I have been fully aware of this from the beginning of the digital age.

You have to move with the times. If they come to one of our parties and have a good time, then that is the best we can hope for.

How much do you enjoy the marketing aspect of running a label?

Unfortunately the marketing aspect of our business is the biggest thing right now and that's whether I like it or not! For me it should always be about the music but times have changed and as I said before, we have to move with them. Of course all the marketing in the world won't work if the music and content is bad. I come from an underground scene and still strongly believe in this. Everything is always changing.

How far do you like to push the boundaries with your sets at the moment, what are the limits?

I'm trying different things every time I play, this is the best part and what makes a great DJ - of course, there's nothing wrong in playing a few old favourites too. Always remember not to take this techno thing too seriously.

Anja Schneider’s ‘Jimmy’ EP is out 12 December on mobilee.

Plus Minus feat. Anja Scheider, Thursday December 11, Level 41, 10pm-3am, Dhs100.

Local Legends Alongside big EDM names like Hardwell and Afrojack and cool techno bookings like Adam Beyer and Marco Carola at this year’s Creamfields, there are a host of excellent Middle East DJs on support across the 2 stages. We caught up with three of them to find out what to expect and why they can hold their own against the big names

Omar Basaad

Congratulations on the gig, what are your best memories from previous Creamfields?

Too many moments and great memories from Creamfields last year - every second of it!

If you've been to other Creamfields in the world, how does the atmosphere compare?

Everyone is there for the same cause and its music! I think the atmosphere is the same in the sense people coming together.

Sum up your sound in 5 words Seriously good galactic atmospheric house.

Dancefloor weapon for the set?

My upcoming single "Mongo."

Regional Djs can hold their own against internationals because‌ those International guys are only human!

Techno or EDM? Both.

maDJam

Congratulations on the gig, what are your best memories from previous Creamfields?

This is my 6th year with Creamfields in Abu Dhabi and all the memories have been amazing! One that stands out was back in 2010 when I had to play a filler set after Dizzie Rascal and before Afrojack and my nerves were out of control. Those are the moments you live for though and once I got out there the set was loads of fun!

If you've been to other Creamfields in the world, how does the atmosphere compare?

Abu Dhabi's venue is unreal vs the other outdoor Creamfields venues that are usually based on a large open grass area - literally a field.

Abu Dhabi is cool cause there's no single dominant nationality and it’s an interesting atmosphere of people from all across the world.

It's a challenge as a DJ but then again challenges are fun!

Sum up your sound in 5 words… Groovy energetic fun melodic exciting.

Dancefloor weapon for the set?

Duke Dumont, ‘Wont Look Back’ it's got a wicked vocal, piano, bassline and probably my biggest tune of the year since I got the promo back in April (thanks to EMI).

Regional DjJ can hold their own against internationals because…

They can understand the crowd more since they have more local experience and at the same time it's more challenging to play the right set according to set times. All the big international guys have the crowds waiting for those big tunes whereas we have to create the vibes for the audience - they got it much easier than we do.

Techno or EDM? Techno for sure! Techno all day every day!

Arcade 82

Congratulations on the gig, what are your best memories from previous Creamfields?

Talking about electric drums with Guy from Disclosure at last year’s festival.

If you've been to other Creamfields in the world, how does the atmosphere compare?

Creamfields Abu Dhabi has an amazing atmosphere that is on par with their other events around the world, on top of that this year once again you have some of the biggest DJs on the planet playing, if you want an atmosphere come get it at the Du Arena on the 12th Dec. Sum up your sound in 5 words… Deep, Energetic ‘Bad Ass’ Grooves.

Dancefloor weapon for the set? Bit of self-promotion but our own track Arcade 82 – “Outrun” is gonna be our big tune on the day.

Which other local DJ should people check out? You should check them all out as the locals are the back bone of the UAE club scene especially my boys Mr Mr, Smokingroove, Mad Jam and Ronin & Nesta.

Regional Djs can hold their own against internationals because… To be booked for a gig like this you have to be able to deliver the goods, plain and simple. Just because the locals don’t have the international brand name doesn’t mean they can't work a dance floor, so huge respect to all the other regional DJs playing at Creamfields Abu Dhabi and congrats.

Techno or EDM? House!

We have a pair of tickets to give away, head to infusion.ae

Creamfields, Friday December 12, Yas Island, 6pm-3am, www.ticketmaster.ae

299 aed

unlimited f&b

pre party brunch EVERY thursday 6-9pm

YOURSTORY@STORYDUBAI.COM +971557730010

ONTHE THE RADAR ON RADAR

December 31 Soulful Sessions, Dusk Terrace

December 26 Bob Sinclar, Pacha

December 31 Alex Kenji, XL Beach Club

December 26 Rob Da Bank, Zero Gravity December 31 ATB, Barasti

December 26 Miguel Campbell, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

December 31 Groove Armada & Hot Since 82, Zero Gravity

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 31 Pharrell Williams, Busta Rhymes, Meydan

February 12 Redfest feat. The Script, Media City

December 31 Masterjam feat. The Jacksons, Chic, Media City

February 26 Jazz Fest feat. Sting

DECEmber 31 Jamie Jones, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

March 5 Ed Sheeran, Media City

January 1 Infusion Magazine’s New Year’s Day Party, Dek on 8

April 26 Robbie Williams, Yas Island

Sunday 7 Occupy Sundays, Cavalli

House and EDM at the popular Occupy Sundays night. 9.30pm-3am.

Monday 8 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.

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.

Madmen, Z:One

A dedicated men’s night, with 2 free drinks for the dudes and a 60s playlist. 6-9pm.

Manic Mondays, Zinc

Wasted Mondays, Story Rooftop

Dhs150 for 3 hours of drinking, with rotating DJs supplying the cool deep house tunes. 8-11pm.

Tuesday 9 Abri and the Funk Radius, Atelier M Super talented singer Hamdan Abri and his band start their new midweek residency. 8pm

INFUSION PICK!

Addicted feat. Mr V, The Basement Deep, soulful house vibes from international star Mr V, with Charl Chaka and Smokingroove on support. 9pm-3am, Dhs100.

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

Greg Stainer and Andy Swift drop 80s and 90s classics, with free entrance for ladies and FACE card all night.

10pm-3am. Weekly.

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.

Money, Murder, Mayhem, The Act

Dirty Laundry, GQ Bar

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.

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

3 free drinks for ladies at the panoramic, gorgeous-looking Media City venue. 6pm-1am.

Hunters Gentlemen’s night, Hunters (Westin)

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 8-11pm for Dhs100 at this lady-friendly night, with men welcome from 10pm for Dhs200 including free flowing drinks.

8pm. Weekly.

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 10 Bootik, Vanity (Al Murooj Rotana) Deep house and tech-house from Frederick Stone and friends at this popular mid-week joint. 11pm-3am.

Weekly.

Catch, The Basement

New underground house and techhouse night, with a strong line up of local talent. 10pm-3am.

Diamond Wednesdays, Blends

Shero and Brooklyn drop the urban tunes at this popular weekly night now at their new home. 9pm-3am.

Weekly.

Gossip, Z:ONE

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

Rone Jaxx heads up the classic urban anthems at this new Bur Dubai hot spot. 10pm-3am.

Ladies Night, GQ Bar

2 complimentary welcome drinks, as well as some special drink deals on Champagne. 7pm-2am.

Laughter Factory, Movenpick JBR

Kai Humphries, Gina Yashere and Phil Nichols are this month’s international comedians. 9pm, Dhs140.

INFUSION PICK! Lele Sachi, Calabar

The first of Lele’s 3 night run at Calabar, playing open air deep house and electronica. 8pm-late. Repeated Thursday and Friday.

Mahiki Retro Wednesdays

All the classics from the last 4 decades. 7pm-late. Weekly.

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.

Weekly.

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 11 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.

Analog Room, Q Underground

House and techno from the muchloved underground party 10pm, Dhs100. Weekly.

Battle Series, Movida

Hip hop goes up against house and garage in this cross-genre night, with Masterstepz. 10.30pm-3am.

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 Mario Aureo headlining, and support from Sam Farsio and Josephine De Retour.

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. 10.30pm3am, free.

INFUSION PICK!

Maya Jane Coles, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE A rare Thursday outing for the club, as UK underground star Maya Jane Coles makes her much anticipated Middle East debut. 8pm-late.

Laughter Factory, Grand Millenium Tecom

Kai Humphries, Gina Yashere and Phil Nichols are this month’s international comedians. 9pm, Dhs140.

LoFi District, Casa Latina

B Visible headlines this alternative electronic night, with support from Nasrawi, Thornwood, DJ MoCity and Muhaisnah Four. 9pm-3am.

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.

INFUSION PICK!

Plus Minus feat. Anja Scheider, Level 43

One of the leading house and techno lights returns to the city to close out the strong Plus Minus season. 9pm3am, Dhs120.

INFUSION PICK! Shibuya, The Basement

Deep house and tech house from German guest DJ T. 10pm-3am, ladies free before midnight, weekly.

Societe Jumeirah, Capitol Hotel

Retro and throwback classics all night at the Jumeirah sister venue.

10pm-3am.

Splendid, Blends

Mad Hands is on the decks, while there are free drinks for ladies from 8-11pm. Weekly.

Superheroes feat.

Slipmatt, Dek on 8

Old skool rave and classics from the veteran DJ and local support. 6pmlate, free.

Vintage, Societe Dubai

80s, 90s and 00s at this alternative venue in the Marina, with tables for 4 starting from Dhs1100. 10pm-3am.

INFUSION PICK!

Velocity feat.

2ManyDJs Gravity

Party-starting mashup of house, electro and classics from the dynamic duo. 7pm-3am, free before 10pm, men Dhs150 after, ladies free until midnight.

We Are One, F-Lounge

Skinny Loop and Don Corneille drop urban tunes. 10pm-3am.

XL Thursdays Feat.

Cassidy

Hip hop and RnB from the newly renovated pool club, with Cassidy headlining. 10pm-late.

Friday 12 80s Night, Bapas

DJ Gilbert spins the best of the 80s at this freshly launched night.

9pm-late, selected drink 50% off.

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.

INFUSION PICK! Creamfields, Yas Island

Hardwell and Afrojack drop EDM, while Adam Beyer and Marco Carola are on techno duty in the 2nd arena. 7pm-3am, Dhs295.

Absolace (Re)Launched, Music Room After a lengthy hiatus, Dubaibased progressive metal outfit Absolace are back in action.

8.30pm-3am, Dhs60.

Audio tonic, 360

The residents take over, while there’s a special guest slot for the Pioneer DJ Championship winner, DJ Shenon. 4pm-3am, free.

Weekly.

INFUSION PICK! Aurora feat.

Goldfish, 0 Gravity

Much loved South African dance duo Goldfish play live, with Bondax on support. 7pm-3am, free before 10pm, men Dhs100 after, ladies free until midnight.

Bassworx Christmas Party, Casa Latina

A big local line up busting out the best bass and beats, alongside Casa’s impressive drink deals.

9pm-3am.

Disco Bandits, Cavalli

A 4 piece live act featuring Akram, Micah the violinist, Ruben Moran and DJ Dove. 9.30pm-3am.

District Lounge, 47th floor, Warwick Hotel

The ex-Capital Club party starts up at their new weekly home, with Dany Neville hosting the city’s highest urban party. 9pm-late. Weekly.

Electric Days, Tamanya Terrace

House and tech house from the super popular weekly night.

6pm-3am, Dhs100, doorlist@electricdays.net

Fab Fridays, XL Beach Club House and commercial hits at the newly renovated pool club. 1-9pm.

Freaks and Beats, Cirque Le Soir Nick Tohme heads up this weekly night, where entertainment is at the fore. 10pm-3am. Weekly.

House of Afrika, Dek on 8 The residents drop deep, tech and afro house. 4pm-3am, free.

Ladies Evening, Atelier M

Mike Steva from Australia does the afro/deep house honours. 6pm-3am, Weekly.

Music By The Beach, Nasimi

Deep tech house from headliners Booka Shade, with local support from Haidz, Farhad B and more. 2pm2am, Dhs145.

INFUSION PICK!

No.1 Fridays 6th birthday feat.

DonaeO, Boudoir

The ‘Party Hard’ star headlines, with support from No.1 Fridays regulars Shero and Brooklyn. 10pm-3am.

Robert Dietz & Yaya Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

Blue Marlin favourite Dietz returns for another terrace techno session, with Space Ibiza favourite Yaya on support. 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.

Tonight I’m A Single Lady, Movida

Free drinks for ladies from 11pm1am, and resident DJ Mitchell on the decks. 11pm-3am. Weekly.

Saturday 13 411 Birthday Party, People By Crystal Pacha Ibiza Dubai

Zepherin Saint returns for his monthly Rooftop party, dropping global beats, house, soul, disco and more, with James Locksmith on support, with Christian Varela on main room duties.

10pm-3am.

Hip hop and urban tunes from DJ Bliss and friends. 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.

Go Baby Go, Sho Cho

Day into nighttime brunch party with Electric Days DJs and some of the best food and drink deals in town.

2-8pm. Weekly.

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.

Thursday 18

INFUSION PICK!

DJ Pippi, Pacha Ibiza Dubai

The original Pacha Funky Room resident makes his debut debut, promising Balearic beats, disco, funk and more. 10pm-3am.

David Guetta, Atlantis

Global pop/dance star Guetta headlines with his hands in the air house/EDM hits. 8pm-late, Dhs275 early bird tickets.

Hustle, Bliss Lounge

Deep house sunset beats at this weekly regular party. 4pm-late.

Prestige, Movida

The world famous urban party returns for its weekly residency.

11pm-3am.

Sessions live @ Bapas

3 live acts battle it out with 30 minute sets, with the crowd-chosen winner staying on for the following Sessions, and also walking away with 10% of the restaurant’s takings. 7-11pm.

URBN,White Dubai

DVN supplies the urban tunes at this high end rooftop club. 10pm-3am.

Sunday 14 Occupy Sundays feat.

Laidback Luke, Cavalli

A huge booking as one of our favourite international DJs Laidback Luke drops by for the Occupy Sundays crew 9.30pm-3am.

Deep Like, JW Marriott Marquis

Very cool new deep house party on the 5th floor terrace, with Matthias Meyer headlining. 10pm-3am.

Soul of Dubai, Ambassador Hotel Bur Dubai

The last Northern Soul party of the year, expect conga lines, Al Wilson classics and more. 8pm-late.

Pacha Presents Marvin Aloys

House in the main room with Marvin Aloys, with Mr Mr (audio tonic) guesting with deep house on the Rooftop. 10pm-3am.

INFUSION PICK!

Fab Fridays feat.

German Brigante, XL Beach Club

An excellent booking, as much hyped producer and DJ Brigante makes his debut. 1-9pm.

Friday 19 Audio tonic feat. Special Case, 360

Get Physical’s Special Case headlines with house upstairs, with classic house vibes below from CJ Marland. 4pm-3am, free.

Snowy Vibe Up feat.

Danny T and Parlyb, Dust Terrace Reggae, dub and steppers from the Subdub Leeds resident Djs. 3pm-2am, Dhs85 after 5.30pm including a free drink.

INFUSION PICK!

Aurora feat.

Nightmares on Wax, 0 Gravity Funk, disco and hip hop vibes from the Ibiza/Leeds trip hop pioneers. 7pm-3am, free before 10pm, men Dhs100 after, ladies free until midnight.

Cobweb, The Music Room

One of Nepal’s leading bands make the short hop over to Dubai for a live show with local support from Daisygrim. 8pm, Dhs70.

INFUSION PICK! DUST feat. Xxxy, The Basement

House, garage and bass vibes from the up-coming UK DJ and producer.

9pm-3am, Dhs100.

INFUSION PICK!

White Dubai 1st Birthday feat. Tinie Tempah

The ‘Earthquake’ star and urban-pop crossover hit plays live at White Dubai’s first birthday. 11pm-3am.

WEEKLY DJ SHOW LIVE FROM THURSDAYS 4 - 6 PM

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LISTEN Music be the food of love, so read on... > Music News > Albums > On the Record > Keep The Faith > Tech Talk > Soundstage > DJ Booth > DJ Top 10

Look and Listen

Music News...

Like a lonely Rolling Stone

Never one to do things normally, music legend Bob Dylan played a full concert for just one person, confessed superfan Fredrik Wikingsson at Philadelphia’s Academy Of Music.

Dylan performed with his band, playing covers of Buddy Holly’s ‘Heartbeat’ as well as Fats Domino’s ‘Blueberry Hill’ and Chuck Wills’ ‘It’s Too Late (She’s Gone)’. Wikingsson said of the show: “I was smiling so much. My jaw hurt for hours afterwards because I couldn’t stop smiling.” Bet the bar queues were pretty good as well…

MUSIC BITES ‘Nobody is paying their dues in the clubs. It’s f***ing retarded’ Ex Swedish House Mafia star Steve Angello wants to bring things back to basics.

Bit ironic, as much as you’re our favourite SHM’er, your stadium tours were the nadir of fast food dance music.

Sting headlines Jazz Fest

Grammy award-winning singer/ songwriter has been confirmed as the main headliner for next year’s Jazz Festival on February 26 2015. The ex Police star has sold more than 100 million albums, and has a huge catalogue of sing-a-long numbers in his back catalogue, including ‘Message In A Bottle’ and ‘Englishman in New York.’ He’s joined by John Legend, James Blunt, Christina Perri and Esperanza Spalding. www.dubaijazzfest.com

Look and Listen

Album Reviews...

Knife Party – Abandon Ship EDM / knifeparty.com



Being in one genre-defining act is impressive, but when Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen left Pendulum to pursue their electro side show Knife Party, they created another stadium act. And like before, they surfed the zeitgeist wave – this time EDM instead of Drum and Bass – to become global big-hitters.

Noted perfectionists, Abandon Ship is their debut album release after several very well received EPS, including the still rinsed ‘Internet Friends.’

And like Pendulum, there’s little in the way of subtlety, but plenty in the way of dancefloor destroyers. ‘Boss Mode’ is a fine Trap song, opener ‘Resistance’ is – if it’s possible – Jack Beats in even more amped up mode, while they revisit Drum and Bass on the jump up ‘Give It Up.’ They’ve even turned their hand to deep house (the tongue in cheek ‘EDM Trend Machine’), while on – japes alert ‘Micropenis,’ they unsuccessfully try their hand at driving EDM tech.

It’s one of the few bum notes in an album primed for the dancefloor.

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Look and Listen

Gorgon City – Sirens House

I

gorgoncity.com



British dance music has rarely been in such good health, and one of the main players in the charge of the dance brigade is Gorgon City.

The North London duo quickly rose to fame in 2013, collaborating with fellow fast risers Clean Bandit and MNEK, helping to soundtrack the summer of house/garage love.

Merging clean house hits with a pop sensibility, they’ve had several Top 10 hits including the garage swing of ‘Ready For Your Love’ and ‘Here For You,’ both of which stand out on their debut album full of ‘proper weapons’. Their rolecall of vocalists doesn’t hurt either, with Katy B, Jennifer Hudson and Maverick Sabre lending their cool, credible and commercial edge. It’s not innovative, but as far as radio friendly house music goes, this is the best of a very good British vintage.

GQ BAR HOSTS THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL PREMIER TENNIS LEAGUE

AFTER-PARTY LAUNCH PARTY 10TH DECEMBER, 9:00PM - 3:00AM GRANDE FINALE AFTER-PARTY 13TH DECEMBER, 9:00PM - 3:00AM

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Look and Listen

MUSIC THAT MATTERS Send tracks/edits/remixes to andy@infusion.ae

Melohman – Marvin Gaye Inner City Edit Shuffling house re-work of Marvin Gaye’s soul classic. soundcloud.com/melohman/ marvin-gaye-inner-city-melohmanedit Lobito – Motown Reflections Impeccable selection and mixing from the Deep Crates Cartel main man as he nails this Motown mix. mixcloud.com/Lobito/motownreflection/ SuSu Bobien & Andrew Hartley – Survivor Outrageously funky soulful house work out, with Dubai man Andrew Hartley on production duties. soundcloud.com/andrew-hartley/ susu-bobien-andrew-hartleysurvivor-andrew-hartley-andrzejlegierski-main-mix Josephine De Retour – Deep Like Warm Up Deep Like’s new resident Josephine De Retour drops a lovely 2 hour early hours warm up for the new Thursday night hot spot.

soundcloud.com/ josephinederetour/warmupfor-sam-farsio-nicone-saschabraemer-deep-like-thursdayz-2011-14mp3 James Locksmith – Tribe Records MixMonday Disco, house and global vibes from one of Pacha Ibiza Dubai’s main residents. soundcloud.com/triberecords/triberecords-mixmonday-v540-jameslocksmith-edition-free-download Fuente – Deep Cribs Episode 9 Excellent live set from Dubai DJ Fuente with plenty of hard hitting deep house cuts. soundcloud.com/fuentebeats/ deep-cribs-episode-9 maDJam – Live White Dubai 150 minute set recorded live at maDJam’s White Dubai residency, which progresses smoothly from deep house to more commercial vibes. soundcloud.com/madjam/ livewhite-dubai-thursdaynovember-20-2014

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On The Record

Running not one, but two record labels, we sat down with one half of the dynamic Smokingroove team, brother Safe to find out what’s coming up‌

Gold Drama Recordings (GDR) Running since: 2012 Number of releases: 4 Genres covered: House, Techno, Minimal, Nu-Disco Main artists: DJ Sneak, Smokingroove, Monsafe (forthcoming), Salah Sadeq, Moodymanc, Jef-K, Conan Liquid, Andy Buchan website: www.gold-drama.co.uk

Illuminati Recordings

Running since: 2007 Number of releases: 45 Genres covered: House, Techno Main artists: Smokingroove website: www.facebook.com/Illuminatirecordings This label started off as a normal label with other artists but we turned it into our own exclusive release label.

The best thing about running your own label is… Selling records in over 35 countries.

The worst thing is… Having to import Metadata for every track and doing the behind the scenes work to make everything possible.

Our biggest seller is… DJ Sneak ‘The Party Of All’ (GDR) and Smokingroove ‘That Beautiful Dark Place’ EP (Illuminati Recordings).

We’ve had support from… A lot of our peers over the years and more every week.

What does your label sound like?

Hopefully nothing else. We don’t release every week or month as we want them to be special.

The best online portal for us is… Stompy for the underground jacking stuff and Beatport for the deeper/techy stuff.

How do you make yourself stand out?

Our whole concept is that what you’re getting comes from a completely independent source. If it’s out there, it’s because we believed in it.

You should keep an eye out for… The next single from Monsafe, it’ll be my first as a solo artist and it goes in a whole other direction with some special remixes.

How does a smash hit happen?

When you fuse something with commercial appeal with something with roots in an underground scene.

How involved are you with UAE producers, how can people get in touch with you?

Our last release on GDR was from Salah Sadeq, a UAE-based artist. Hit us on our website or FB page.

How hard is it to make money as a record label?

Money? What’s that?

And what’s next for your label?

Rebranding is currently happening with a complete overhaul of distributor, websites and artwork. The concepts always have to be fresh and you gotta keep relevant.

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

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Matthew Charles “Trippin' EP” Tech-House

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Andy Buchan “Nine Oh Nine” Nu-Disco

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Matthew Charles “Out The Door” Tech-House

Artists

Andy Buchan - Conan Liquid - Matthew Charles Moe Shafiq - Smokingroove Submissions: conan@infusion.ae www.soundcloud.com/infusion-magazine/ www.beatport.com/label/infusion-records/3005

KEEPTHEFAITH Northern Soul is alive and kicking, and never more so in Dubai thanks to last-Thursday-of-the-month throwdown Soul of Dubai. We caught up with DJ and founder Steve Bannister to get his Top 10 tunes ahead of the December 18 season finale

1Com'un Lou Pride – “I'm Home In The

Morn'un" My personal favourite all-time Northern Soul record. An absolute monster tune and one of the biggest high-tempo stompers from the scene. The crash of symbols and rumbling bass at the intro sets the stage for a wailing, stirring brass section and Lou’s fantastic vocals as he sings about making his way home to meet his girl.

I was lucky enough to see Lou Pride at the 100 Club in London in 2004. Unfortunately, as with many of the great soul voices from the sixties and seventies, he is no longer with us.

2

Curtis Mayfield – “Move On Up” An anthemic and supremely uplifting number that perfectly showcases Curtis Mayfield’s falsetto voice and profound lyrics. I was lucky enough to have met Curtis in person. To our huge disappointment, the tickets-on-the-door gig was sold out, despite us arriving two hours early. Not wanting to leave after travelling for hours, we hung around outside trying to persuade the increasingly truculent door staff to let us in.

Eventually a Winnebago pulled up and out steps… Curtis Mayfield.

Tentatively approaching him, we explained that we had travelled 150 miles to see him play. He turned to the bouncers and said: “Take these boys in. They’re my special guests.” Hands down one of the greatest moments of my life.

3 Gil Scott-Heron – “The Bottle”

More of a funk track than a soul tune, The Bottle nevertheless enjoys continued success on the Northern Soul scene. First released in 1974, the song speaks of the perils of alcohol and the lifestyles of those caught up with drink addiction.

Its strong social commentary is set to a Caribbean beat and a haunting flute from long-time Gil Scott-Heron collaborator, Brian Jackson.

4Running Mel Britt – “She’ll Come Back”

This Northern Soul classic brings me out in goose pimples every time I hear its opening strains. The story is that the track was discovered on one of Ian Levine’ s famous record hunting trips to the United States. The song might have never seen the light of day in the U.K. though, as Ian brought his haul of records with him on a chartered small aircraft trip from Florida to the Caribbean. The underpowered plane was struggling to gain height, causing Ian’s father to threaten to throw all his records into the sea. Luckily for the Northern Soul scene, he didn’t carry out the threat. Ian, for those who don’t know, went on to a career in music production, bringing out the first three singles for a little known boy band called Take That.

5 O’Jays – “Love Train” A great Philadelphia soul classic, “Love Train” by the O’Jays usually gets dropped into the set at some point. The “Philly Sound,” as exemplified by this track, is considered to be the

bridge from sixties soul to disco, featuring lush instrumental arrangements and harmonised vocals. I particularly like the message this record gives out – that everyone around the world needs to get on board the Love Train. To me that’s what soul music is all be about - unity.

If I get the timing right when I play this, we end up with a Love Train conga that snakes itself around the dance floor and quite often out the door!

6

The Carstairs – “It Really Hurts Me Girl” The biggest tune ever at Blackpool Mecca, a breakaway venue from Wigan Casino, “It Really Hurts Me Girl” epitomises the Northern Soul scene’s hallmark of breaking records in the U.K that were flops in the U.S. After being unable to make it in America, the Carstairs thought that their musical careers were over and disbanded, going back to their mundane day jobs. In 1998, Ian Levine tracked them down and asked them to play at the Mecca reunion. Twenty-five years after they thought their single had never even been released, The Carstairs were on stage at Blackpool Mecca, singing “It Really Hurts Me Girl” to over a thousand people packed into a venue only supposed to hold seven hundred. Having had no idea their record had been so popular in the U.K., they were moved to tears by the experience of witnessing the entire club singing along to every single word.

7 Edwin Starr – “Time” Edwin Starr’s early output could definitely be categorised as

Northern Soul. He continued to enjoy success on the scene even when he moved to the mainstream Motown label and became more commercial – a period that saw tracks such as the anti-

Vietnam conflict anthem “War” become massive hits. “Time” is my favourite of all his numbers a storming, locomotive of a tune driven along by a cracking break beat. Absolutely sublime.

8

Frank Wilson – “Do I Love You” No Northern Soul list would be complete without this track, widely regarded as the most iconic from the scene. Frank Wilson first started out on his musical career as a producer for Motown, writing tracks for many of the labels’ artists, including Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Miracles, the Four Tops and The Temptations. He decided to have a go at singing himself and released the soaring “Do I Love You” in 1965. Around 250 demo 45s of the song were pressed and scheduled for release, but Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, wasn’t too keen on his producers having a successful recording career, so ordered that they be destroyed.

Between two and seven copies survived, this rarity making it one of the most sought after records ever.

One copy has gone down in history as being the most expensive record ever sold at auction, fetching £25,742 in 2009.

9

Al Wilson – “The Snake” Coming in at number four in the pantheon of 500 all-time greatest Northern Soul tracks is Al Wilson’s “The Snake.” Initially released in the States in 1968, its popularity at Wigan Casino caused it to be re-released in the U.K. in 1975, where it reached number 41 in the charts. It has to be said that this record divides opinion, with many of those who had moved away from the Casino to the Blackpool Mecca, which was playing funkier sounds, deriding it as too trite. The track’s lyrics tell the story of a kind-hearted

woman who finds a half-frozen snake and takes it home to revive it. Once nursed back to health, the woman shows her affection for the reptile by hugging it, at which point the snake bites her. When she cries that she will die from the poison, the snake says: “Oh shut up, silly woman. You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”

10 Bobby Hutton – “Lend a Hand”

Another Ian Levine discovery that turned into a huge hit, Bobby Hutton’s “Lend a Hand” was a Blackpool Mecca floor-filler, typifying the change of Northern Soul from a pure Sixties arrangement into one characterised by a smoother, funkier sound. The record is often cited as a favourite by those who made the transition away from Wigan Casino. Bobby began singing at the age of five, winning a talent show at 20. This took him to Motown where he learnt his craft alongside the label’s legendary performers, including Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes and The Temptations. To this day, Bobby performs locally in Chicago and was named the city's best male singer as recently as 2007. He still has what it takes to stir the emotions of soul fans everywhere.

Soul of Dubai, usually every last Thursday of the month but on December 18, George & Dragon, Ambassador Hotel Bur Dubai, 8pm-late. https://www.facebook.com/soulofdubai

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.

Pioneer

PLX-1000

Two DJs, one a vinyl expert and one a novice, put the first ever range of Pioneer vinyl decks through their paces in the Infusion office…

Chris Rayner: At the turn of the Millenium, Chris was a regular vinyl DJ at Ministry, Turnmills, The End, playing largely vinyl only sets.

Andy Buchan: Apart from mangled after parties trying out his friend’s decks, he’s never played vinyl in a club.

‘They’re in, they’re in. Oh wait… no they’re not.’ And there speaks the vinyl novice as he tried to mix his first two records. Chris has much more success, blending the first two funky house records from Charl Chaka’s collection with a few wobbles. He then nails a succession of mixes, deftly propelling the disc round in time and dragging his finger on the platter to slow it down.

The PLX-1000s have a rock solid feel, they’re sturdy, well built and hefty – like the Technics 1210s that were the industry standard for so long. There are a lot of similarities between the two machines: the lay out is the same, the resistance of the platter feels the same and they have the same build quality (they’re 1kg heavier than the Technics) and sound. There’s the same stop-and-roll movement and the same choice of speeds – 33 and a third and 45 RPM. Pioneer have added a +6, +10 and +50 option pitch option (well out of the way scratchers will be glad to hear), and also a Reset Tempo button. It looks sleek and smart, with a clean finish.

Other features include a heavy zinc die-cast chassis, reinforced 8-mm thick resin bottom section, 9-mm thick vibration-damping material at the base, rubber insulated tone arm, and gold-plated RCA jacks.

That said, we’d have liked some other options. A USB port would have been a nice addition, there are no extra inputs or outputs while Reloop’s Midi pads make that deck an attractive proposition. But we imagine those features will be rolled out on subsequent models. Listening to Chris mix, it makes you fall in love with vinyl a little bit more. Each mix has to be checked and caressed – when a mix takes 2-3 minutes to perfect, it means less time for effects and more time to let the music breathe, just the way it was intended.

The Technics 1210s were a game changer, and the PLX1000s are an homage to them – there’s no need to re-invent the wheel, they’re just making sure wheel is back in use again after Technics discontinued their range.

Dhs 3,299

Soundstage

Paul Spaccavento

A man with plenty of sax appeal, we caught up with GQ Bar Saxaphone player Paul to find out what makes him tick‌

My first musical influence was… I’d have to say my brother. He’d throw a guitar in my hands, show me a chord or two and then rip out a less then average guitar solo with the utmost passion summonable. He bought me my first ever CD, a Jazz Album, Speakeasy by D.I.G The last pop star I ever liked There’s a lot of pop bashing in the ‘underground’ music scene but I actually feel amongst the bad there’s quite a bit of good. Some to mention would be Prince, Justin Timerberlake and Beyonce.

My sound is best described as... I guess I try to fuse the old and the new but I really prefer to let the music do the talking. So Instead I’ll shamelessly plug some gigs! The best thing to do is come hear me for yourself at Toko, Vida Hotel on Tuesdays, Bice, Hilton Hotel JBR on Wednesdays or at GQ Bar, JW Marriott Marquis on Friday nights.

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

Learn from everything you do.

What’s your musical guilty pleasure?

D’Angelo. Although, he has so much soul I don’t feel so guilty!

Lamest claim to fame... I’m often told I resemble a young Freddie Mercury When I make it, the one thing I want on my rider is… `A beautiful clear water surf beach! Although that may be hard to provide in an underground deep house club.

My musical motto is... Nothing too inspiring here, just ‘Don’t be late’ and ‘Don’t forget anything.’ I have left my saxophones in an innumerable amount of weird and wonderful places. I really try not to do that these days.

Best gig you’ve played... One example of a great gig was the Byron Bay Blues & Roots festival in Australia, some time ago.

A very rustic setting, with the beach close by, a variety of good music and a down to earth crowd. I was able to hangout with The Roots, Jason Miraz and catch John Mayer backstage.

And the worst... I’ve done a lot of shows and you learn from each one. I am really just very grateful to be able to perform music for my work and so I try to keep that in mind at all times. soundcloud.com/paul-spaccavento-dubaisax Paul plays live at GQ Bar Dubai every Friday.

DJ Booth: Simon B

The Radio 1 Dj and House of Afrika resident steps into our DJ Booth this issue‌

One thing you might not know about me is... I’m a routine freak.

My worst ever job was… Well I grew up with 3 step sisters so guess who had to pick up after the dogs.

My favorite ever record is... Ross Couch – Rising Up DJing is much like... Telling people what’s on your mind using your soul.

Dubai’s clubbing scene is... Saturated, very few people trying to keep it real.

I’m really proud of... My mom, she’s vegan and very spiritual.

What track could you drop in every set?

Ross Couch – Rising Up I can’t live without... Magnum bottles and giant sparklers.

My biggest DJ achievement to date is... Closing for Steve Lawler and Satoshi Tomiie, also playing at 360.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The things I get up to on holiday.

If you could DJ in any decade which would it be...

Early 70s.

If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be...

Marshall Jefferson I’m not a politician but… I’d love to have a few eradicated.

www.facebook.com/clubbeats

Woodle Bassworx soundcloud.com/ woodle

Jaguar Skills & Chords - Lust (Break Remix) Delta Heavy - Reborn (June Miller Remix) Marcus Intalex ft. MC DRS - Emergency A.M.C - X [Mainframe Recordings] Utah Jazz - Here Today Gone Tomorrow The Prototypes - Humanoid Dub Phizix & Strategy - Buffalo Aphrodite - Tu-Bass [Aphrodite Recordings] Audio - Break It [RAM Records] Stealth - Homage (Back To You) [Program]

FUENTE soundcloud.com/ fuentebeats

Abby Jane & Billy Kenny - Touch It (Original Mix) Shift K3Y - Not Into It (Original Mix) Hannah Wants, Chris Lorenzo - Rhymes Son Of Kick, Lady Leshurr, Paigey Cakey - Hours (Marshall F Remix) Rob Roar Ft. Stella Attar - Rockerfella (Jay Robinson Mix) Mercury - Old Man’s House Cosmic Cowboys & Echonomist - Need To Know (Karil XVII & Mb Valence Remix) Doorly - Ladies Night (Original Mix) Kiesza - Giant In My Heart (Loe Remix) Brett Gould - What I Need (Club Mix)

D-Formation soundcloud.com/ d-formation

D-Formation – Twenty4hrs (Original Mix) Reelow – Red Panther (Original Mix) Benny Rodrigues – Mster French (Original Mix) Dapayk, Padberg – Layers (Rampa Remix) Redshape – Leaves (Original Mix) Pirupa – Wise – Original Mix LosBikini – Bacon Cheddar (Serious Beat) Dale Middleton – Tord (D-Formation Remix) Guy Mantzur – Survivors Guilt – (Original Mix) Marc Antona – Brush Rus(Original Mix)

To submit your Top 10, send in the above format to andy@infusion.ae

Looking

CLOSER Opinions, thoughts and gibberish...

> Weird News > The Spin > It’s Christmas > Outdoor Cinema > Just For Kicks > Movies > Angry Monkey

Looking Closer

Weird News...

Pooh Poo’d

In a move that smacks of political correctness gone wrong, Polish politicians have labeled Winnie The Pooh as an ‘inappropriate role model to children’ and of ‘dubious sexuality.’ He was meant to be involved as part of a Polish playground, but councilors objected to his minimal clothing, and presumably the cheeky wink he gave them as he flashed them underneath his duffel coat.

WEIRD PIC Spot the difference One is a top of the line Range Rover costing over Dhs250,000. The other is a cheap Chinese copy cat, currently on sale for just Dhs80,000. Unsurprisingly, Jaguar Land Rover are suing LandWind for copyright infringement.

Chop shop

There’s dumb, and then there’s trying to smuggle a chainsaw from a shop down the front of your trousers. The 28 year old man was caught on camera trying to waddle away with the Dhs1900 chainsaw from a store in Florida.

Unsurprisingly, employees spotted the massive tool and gave chase as he tried to escape. The thief jumped on a bike, flinging the saw into a wooded area, and got away.

But he was arrested by police when he later returned to try to recover it.

.. Dance out Walk In..

044202393 0569499428 www.tempodubai.com

The Spin NOVEMBER 2014

PAGE 200

Issue 10

David Guetta reveals his pop pain

Multi-million DJ and producer David Guetta has revealed that he’s actually an ex-bin man trainee from Paris who got groomed into becoming a pin up pop star.

‘I was just 15, I was young and didn’t know any better. They offered me pop stardom, all I had to do was sign my life away and I’d be given millions,’ he recently confessed. ‘But I didn’t know the music would be so bad, you know I actually stabbed my eardrums out with sharpened pencils so I couldn’t hear the music. I mean, have you actually heard ‘When Love Takes Over’? Merde.’

The revelations come as he prepares for his return to Dubai. ‘The show will be exactly the same as the last one,’ he revealed. ‘Nothing changes, I press play at the start, then I sit back, think of the money and gurn to the crowd. That’s my life now, and people think I must be so happy. I’m not, I’m dying on the inside.’

Dubai DJ admits via social media he doesn’t like any of his fellow DJs but is friends with them to further his career These stories are not true, this is not a real newspaper. This is * parody/fiction/satire/joke. a The Spin is not intended, in any way whatsoever, to be taken as factual.

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Get your loved one the gift they deserve this season, or the one you secretly want to get yourself, with our handy Christmas guide.

Plus, we’ve got fun present ideas throughout the magazine, look out for the Christmas sticker…

Something cool

Satire is is cool, cool,even evenmore moresosowhen when it goes it goes right over most of the Middle East population making you feel smug and clever. So when the PanArabia Enquirer teamed up up with with local local design designstar star Clare Napper, Napper, ititwas wasa a match match made made in parody in parody heaven. Grab Grab one oneofofher her 1818 lovingly lovingly created created designs depicting depictingreal realDubai Dubai life life including including Ravis, our ourtakeaway takeaway addiction addiction andand road road rage and chuckle yourself yourself silly silly on on Christmas Christmas Day. They’re They’re currently currently being beingshowcased showcasedatatThe The Scene in Pier 7, or you you can can buy buy direct direct from from highlifehighlifedubai.com.

Something loud

Beats Studio Wireless We reviewed reviewed these theseheadphones headphonesearlier earlierin in the year, and were impressed at the mature sound, and and ease easeofofuse. use.Plus, Plus, if you’re if you’re a a Beats fan, these are are the the Rolls Rolls Royce Royceof ofthe the line, with Bluetooth connectivity to to 30m 30m and and clever noise cancellation tech. Dhs1599.

Something even louder

Nothing says saysMiddle MiddleEast East after after party party like like taking over aa deserted desertedstretch stretchofofbeach beachand and watching the sun sun come come up upwith withsome sometunes. tunes.

Step away awayfrom from youryour iPhone iPhone speaker speaker though, and grab one of these.

The TheSol SolRepublic RepublicPunk Punk speaker speaker is wireless, is wireless,ultra ultra portable portable (it (it fits fitsin in your your hand), is water water and and dust dust resistant, resistant,has has88 hours of of batter batter life lifeand and60ft 60ftconnectivity connectivity via Bluetooth. Or Or pick pickup upthe theSkull SkullCandy Air Raid, Candy AiraRaid, supera solid superbox solid of box noise of that combines noise that combines a rugged awater-resistant rugged water-resistant shell, rich bass shell, lows rich bass and alows sleek and design. a sleek design.

Christmas Jumper

Nothing says sayswacky wackylike likeaaChristmas jumper, butjumper, Christmas dial it but down dial ait down notch, and a notch, do some and do digging someand digging there are somethere and veryare coolsome Christmas very cool jumpers out there (we’re Christmas jumpers still outproud thereof our Die Hard (we’re still jumper proud offrom our Die last Hard year).

Grab this jumper fromPug-life last year). jumper Grab this from H&M forjumper Pug-life just Dhs70, from H&M or go for for this ultra-fly just Dhs70, WuorTang go forClan this ultra-fly sweater fromTang Wu shreddersapparel.com Clan sweater from shreddersapparel.com

Something retro Prepare Something for Dubai’s retroup-coming vinyl

Prepare store, byforinvesting Dubai’s up-coming in the Cruiser vinyl Portable store, by investing Turntable. in the It’llCruiser not only play across Portable Turntable.

3 speeds,It’ll butnot willonly record your across play vinyl digitally, 3 speeds,and but has will record an in built vinyl your stereo. digitally, And at and just has $79 an online, in you’llstereo. built be laughing And at just your$79 wayonline, to your Christmas you’ll be laughing brunchyour having way tosaved your enough money Christmas brunch to having buy a round saved of festive shots. enough money to buy a round of festive shots.

Step 1 Get a projector. There are loads for sale on Dubizzle if you want to go second hand, but make sure they have 2,000 or more Lumens (the brightness) and any other extras you want (HDMI connectivity, Wifi, HD or 3D).

An all round winner is the BenQ W1070, which comes with HD, 3D (and two pairs of 3D specs), a short throw screen of 65” and built in speakers for Dhs3999. Plus it connects easily to your laptop, console (Destiny on the big screen outdoors – WIN!), camera and phone. And with an easy-set nighttime setting, you’ll just need to sit back, relax and press play…

How to make your own outdoor

cinema

Missed the one week window when that good film was showing out here? Never fear, follow our trusty 6 steps, and you’ll create your own jaw-dropping outdoor cinema experience in no time, and on budget

Step 2 Grab a white sheet, hang it in your garden, or on a wall and – hey presto – you have your cinema set up.

Mabrook!

Step 3 To get fully involved in the home cinema experience though, you need to go a step further.

Beanbags are best, and Ace Hardware do a cracking range of slump-happy bags that will suck you in for the duration, even making 3 hour epics like the Wolf of Wall Street a wriggle free zone. Alternatively, head to souq.com, and pick up their Dhs199 (no smoking) sofa air bed which comes with its own electrical pump.

Step 4 You’ll need to stay hydrated, obviously, and this 16L portable mini fridge from Souq.com will chill your cans and bottles to 20 degrees below the ambient temperature.

Step 5 Munchies can attack even the most hardened cinema goer, so be prepared and plug in this Dhs123 popcorn machine from Souq.com.

It makes healthy, heat-popped corn, but add some taste by sprinkling over brown sugar/salt/chili flakes for a twist.

Step 6 Now you need to choose what to watch. We’ll be round next Saturday night for movie night, cool yeah?

Just For

Saucony

Shadow 6000 It’s easy to forget sometimes, but there are other sneakers outside of the big three (adidas, Puma and Nike).

And one of our favourites is Saucony, who have turned back time to 1991 with this new range of runners. Available in three colours – white/mint/ grey, green and, our favourite, red – they’ve added extra stability and flexibility throughout making it not only an excellent running shoe, but also one that will look as good pounding out dance moves in the discotheque as it does on the sandy streets in Dubai.

$100

MOVIE The Hobbit: The Battle Of Five Armies The final installment of the long-drawn out trilogy finds the Company of Thorin at Smaug’s lair; but, can Bilbo and the Dwarves reclaim Erebor and the treasure?

And, if so, can they hold on to it as war threatens Middle Earth.

Classification: 12 Director: Peter Jackson Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellan, Martin Freeman

The Homesman

Tommy Lee Jones gets behind the camera in this unconventional Western as three women are driven cross country.

Classification: 15 Director: Tommy Lee Jones Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer

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.

Revved out The Monkey was lucky enough to be invited down to the Formula 1 recently for the first time and experience the whole show.

Dressed in my finest fur, and with tickets to several VVVVIP Yacht parties secreted upon my person, I made the trip down to Abu Dhabi expecting the party of the year.

And should I have been a near anatomically perfect 25 year old woman with no hearing and an addiction to wildly overpriced drinks, I’d have loved it. I saw 3 seconds of the F1 in total, while my ears were engaged in a constant battle between DJ Habibi 2000s megamix and the Dubai Djs all playing the same underground ‘techno’ at ear-splitting volume on every half-empty yacht. And not sure if this was parody or not, but everyone seemed to think they were ‘that guy’ from the voicemail clip that went viral. Prince Harry who was in attendance can’t have seen this many ‘proppa weapons’ since his time in Afghanistan.

Monkey Out...

The Angry Monkeys’ views are his own, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Infusion Magazine.