MUSIC • PEOPLE • LIFE
Firestarter! BLUE MARLIN IBIZA UAE GETS BLENDED WITH DAVIDE SQUILLACE, EATS EVERYTHING AND MORE! Dance Music Conference, Rudimental, Mad Professor, Joris Voorn, World Top DJs, Plus Minus Arena and more! infusionmag
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GUEST LIST TALAL BUDEBS Publisher
CHARL CHAKA
Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae
ANDY BUCHAN
Editor andy@infusion.ae
VIP PATEL
Magazine / Sales Director vip@infusion.ae +971 050 169 8712
CHRIS RAYNER
Online Guru chris@infusion.ae
PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae
CONTRIBUTORS:
Vip Patel, Chris Rayner, Stephen Day
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We don’t normally like to big up our own talents (who are we kidding…), but a huge well done to our main man Charl Chaka after he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s Hype Awards. See, Angry Monkey, they do get some awards right. Two thumbs up to the Plus Minus crew who have gone all out for their Arena party including live sets from Kink, Henry Saiz and several homegrown acts. Oh, and it’s held in a car park, for that real industrial, underground feel. April 29 might be the greatest day in DXB dance music history, so much good stuff! A little advance scheduling might help in future, however, promoters... Playing a Phil Collins track midhouse set is neither big nor clever, especially when you think you’re the messiah when you drop it. We love techno – but Rebekah’s set at Groove on the Grass had us reaching for industrial levels of Red Bull to even try and keep up! Sad news for Paul Van Dyk fans as he had to postpone his Zero Gravity gig on April 28 due to his injuries from his fall a month ago, get better soon PVD!
BLACK LIST
SAY WHAT? RUMOURS U2 are said to be keen on a gig in Abu Dhabi in the near future. Dusky, Duke Dumont (pictured) and EZ are confirmed to play in the UAE after summer.
OLD JOKES HOME: What do you get if you cross onions with donkeys? Mostly you get a lot of onions with big ears. Occasionally you get a piece of ass that brings tears to your eyes.
DANCEFLOOR DICTIONARY Genius bar - 1. The help desk in Apple stores. 2. An ironic name for a bar full of idiots, ie 53% of bars in town
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WE LOVE Bassworx
There were, at one heady point in time, four regular Drum and Bass nights in the city – but through a process of natural selection (and dedication), right now the city is blessed solely with Bassworx. Principally a Drum and Bass night, they have broached other genres like IDM, dubstep, breaks and garage through their long Casa Latina history. And in doing so, have invited down a roll call of hugely talented local acts, giving them a platform they wouldn’t be afforded elsewhere in the city. And that devotion and loyalty is represented in the crowd, who turn up to support their friends and up-coming DJs by seriously getting down on the floor. Plus, having invested in their own sound system, Bassworx have upped their audio game, meaning those low-end bassbin bothering frequencies will sing even sweeter. Bassworx, Thursday April 21, Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel Al Barsha, 9pm-2.45am, free entry
LOOKING
BACK
Retrospective on what’s been happening in our world.
• WHAT WE DID • PHOTO GALLERY
Looking Back
What we did
FRED PERRY SUBSONIC FEAT. ALL TVVINS @ LOCK STOCK & BARREL Fred Perry’s cult alternative night SubSonic returned with live music in the shape of up-and-coming Irish band All Tvvins (pronounced Twins) who made their UAE debut. With new city hot spot Lock Stock & Barrel rammed from early evening, it was standing room only as the three-piece took to the stage at midnight and rocked and rolled their way through their indie-electro back catalogue. With hard core fans packing the front of the stage, the hour long set included debut track and Radio 1 favourite ‘Thank You’ as well as most recent single ‘Darkest Ocean.’ There’s another free party lined up in May, so keep tuned to Infusion to get the latest on the who, what, when and where!
Looking Back
GROOVE ON THE GRASS FEAT. HOT CHIP (DJ) @ EMIRATES GOLF COURSE The GOTG team are never ones to shy away from change, they embrace it in fact. Yes it’s a boutique festival built on techno but it really has quality electronica at its heart, this has never been more evident that April’s line up. James Locksmith and Megadon Betamax were the perfect warm up for Hot Chip, who dropped a set of deep, disco-fried sounds that peaked with Todd Terje’s ‘Strandbar’, and dipped – big time – with their hip hop/RnB ending (although Kendrick Lamar fans were happy). George Fitzgerald quickly strode to the stage and showed why he’s so highly thought of with a bouncing, bassline-friendly take on tech-house that was 100% hip hop free. The 2nd stage was dedicated to techno and Rebekah and Dave Clarke didn’t disappoint. With tempos nudging 130BPM by 11pm, only true techno fanatics stayed for the duration with Dave Clarke impressive as ever with his spin-backs and hip hop style mixing. Groove on the Grass’s most eclectic line up yet didn’t disappoint. Up next: Adam Beyer & DJ Tennis, May 6
Stephen Day
Looking Back
AUDIO TONIC VS MA’ANA ALBUM LAUNCH @ 360 Every Friday this year, it seems, the weather Gods have conspired and brought a deluge or gale-force winds – global warming or cloud seeding? Either way, it’s been a tough year for outdoor promoters with weekend after weekend washed out. And it nearly took down the Ma’ana crew as they took over audio tonic’s 5th last 360 party. Fortunately, downstairs was open and busy from sunset, with Russ Cooper and then Stu Todd delivering classic house cuts. Tentatively, the weather started to improve, and by 10pm, the party had moved upstairs where a late crowd gathered to pack out the dancefloor as Tobie Allen and Mr Mr delivered 5 hours of rock-solid underground house cuts, including several well received tracks from the new Ma’ana compilation.
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ANALOG ROOM CLOSING PARTY @ Q UNDERGROUND
TYGA & FLO RIDA AFTERPARTY @ PACHA
BUENA VISTA SATURDAY BRUNCH @ CIELO
RAVELATIONS FEAT. JUNO REACTOR @ LEVEL 41
SHAPESHIFTERS @ XL
TRANSYLVANIA LEGENDS @ DEK ON 8
LOOKING
FORWARD
Where we filter out the best things that are coming your way...
• LOCAL NEWS • COVER FEATURE • DISCLOSURE • SOMETHING BIG •DMC •GABRIELE POSO •HAPPY BIRTHDAY URBN
Looking Forward
Local News PARTY FOR FREE WITH ARMAND VAN HELDEN
Q43, one of our favourite hangouts, are hosting the 4th of their Than-Q parties and have NYC house DJ Armand Van Helden on deck duty on Thursday May 27. Also known as one half of Duck Sauce alongside A-Trak, Helden is a major player in the house scene, having been creating dancefloor and chart smashers since the 90s and with this being the last weekend of clubbing before Ramadan, we expect this free entry party to be packed.
HANNAH WANTS ZERO GRAVITY
After a rapid rise to fame, Hannah Wants is one of the leading female DJs in the industry thanks to her tough, bass-friendly take on house music. Working alongside producer Chris Lorenzo, she’s also put out a series of chart-topping tracks including 2014’s still hot ‘Rhymes.’ And you can catch her in action at Zero Gravity on Friday April 29.
Looking Forward
ET W!LD BATTLE ATOF EDEN THE BASS
There’s no stopping Karak Beats at the moment as they’ve got another zinger of a line up on Thursday April 28 at their Velocity home. Garage/bass Zed Bias returns after his storming show late last year, and he’s paired up with Drum and Bass don dBridge (pictured) whose gig in Dubai a few years ago still ranks as one of the scene’s high points. The two DJs don’t immediately seem to have a natural cross-over, meaning each will have to dig deep behind the decks. We can’t wait!
BILLY KENNY RETURNS FOR SUPERHEROES
Superheroes are back in big bassbin bothering action as they have Dirtybird star Billy Kenny back for another show on Thursday April 28. Their last party featuring Roska went off despite the pelting rain and gale-force winds, so expect the ‘Heroes fans to be out in force with good weather – and even better music – guaranteed. As ever it’s free entry all night to the Dek on 8, with support from Superheroes residents Rutherford, Ben Echo, Somalie and Kasparov.
Looking Forward
ET W!LD SASHA ATAND EDEN JORIS VOORN PLAY EDEN
Attention all house heads and fan boys – the new school and old school will be united at Eden on Friday April 29 as Sasha and Joris Voorn are playing together at the Palm Jumeirah beach club. One of the first wave of superstar global DJs, Sasha was a huge influence on Joris Voorn, himself considered one of the bigger names on the house market. The two have previously gone back to back several times including the Parklife festival in Manchester last year: we’re keeping our fingers crossed the same happens this time around.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN AT AUDIO TONIC
We’re down to the last 3 parties at audio tonic at 360, the longest running weekly night in the region – and we’ll admit we’re getting a little emotional. On April 29, they’re celebrating 10 years of audio tonic and have teamed up with the Red Bull Music Academy to host nu-disco champions Tiger & Woods (pictured) and jacking house master Gramophonedzie, who was behind 2009 smash ‘Why Don’t You.’ Plus, Arcade 82 are on live post sunset duties at 8pm, making this a free party you don’t want to forget.
Looking Forward
ET W!LD WAREHOUSE AT EDENRETURN WITH S.K.T
It’s been a little quiet on the Warehouse front over the last few months, but they’re back in the international DJ game as they have up-and-coming DJ S.K.T playing at 360 on Thursday April 21. A rising name on the UK’s underground circuit, he’s a deep house DJ who deals in big basslines and garage-tinged percussion. Support on the night comes from Somalie and Danny Leese, with free entry all night from 6pm.
BACK2BASICS GET ON THE CHOO CHOO TRAIN
Back2Basics are going back in time once again with their line up as they have Subliminal Sessions star Harry ‘Choo Choo’ Romero gracing their decks on Thursday April 28. Held at Pacha Ibiza Dubai, expect classic slices of house history alongside some bumping big room tunes. Early bird tickets are AED80 and doors open at 10pm.
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Looking Forward
ET W!LD WAREHOUSE PLUS MINUS AT EDEN GO RETURN LIVE!WITH S.K.T
We’ve always been big fans of house/techno night Plus Minus, so we’re happier than Calvin Harris’ accountant that they’ve made the move to the next level with their Arena party on Friday April 29.
Focussing on live music as much as possible, they’ve got Resident Advisor’s No.1 live act Kink making his UAE debut, while Get Physical signing Henry Saiz is bringing over his full band for a live show. Alongside that, they have several UAE acts dropping live house and techno sets including Paul Josef, Hoolz and Tacit. Oh, and maybe the best part of the event? They’re taking over the Media One Car Park on Level 7 for proper industrial rave vibes. Within that, there’ll be live art and graffiti, food stands and alongside an exclusive 4 hour set from Plus Minus favourites Audiofly. The party runs 5pm-3am, with tickets AED125 in advance.
Looking Forward
ROGER SANCHEZ GIVES WITH CAVALLI ‘ANOTHER CHANCE’ ET W!LD WAREHOUSE AT EDENRETURN S.K.T
It’s big booking time again at Cavalli as Roger Sanchez returns to play on Thursday April 28. A veteran DJ and producer, he won a Grammy in 2003 for his No Doubt remix, and has remixed for Daft Punk, Madonna and Diana Ross during his long career. He also hit the big time in 2001 with his funky house classic ‘Another Chance.’ He’s still a relevant big name in Ibiza thanks to long-standing Space Ibiza residency, playing driving, big room house anthems.
WEEKLY DJ SHOW LIVE FROM THURSDAYS 4 - 6 PM
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Cover Feature
Art of the Matter Art meets dance music in stunning fashion as art-collecting DJ Davide Squillace brings his Blended concept to Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on Friday April 29
Dancing is an artform (although maybe not our particular brand of 3am moshing), and music is definitely an artform. Squillace’s Blender series is taking clubbing to a level higher by literally drawing the relationship between sound and image, creating a 3D sculptural artwork built on data recorded throughout the night. First developed in collaboration with a Milan based creative agency, Blender came to life in April 2015 at club Verboten in New York in collaboration with Belgian artist Frederik De Wilde. The result was so impressive it was exhibited at Art Basel 2015, with the second Blender taking place soon after at club Nordstern in Switzerland. Custom made software collects a dizzying amount of data throughout the night, recording sounds, body temperature, noise,
Cover Feature movements – and obviously – the music that’s played on the night. This is then merged together as a unique algorithm before the artwork is immersed in a series of layers of transparent tulle screens – a projector will then multiply the image across the layers creating a 3D image that will be beamed across Blue Marlin. Far out. And we remember when clubbing used to be just about the music – this event is that and so much more! But let’s not forget the music, which is the backbone of Blue Marlin’s consistent success (and the forthcoming sculpture). Italian DJ Davide Squillace is a CircoLoco resident and an expert DJ who’s in-tune with the audience and what they want, especially if it’s driving, peak time house and techno. He’s joined by one of our favourite DJs, Bristol’s Eats Everything. An official Pioneer, he’s as handy behind the decks as he is in the production studio, with big hitters like ‘Entrance Song’ and his remix of Tiga’s ‘Bugatti’ ever present in any self respecting DJ’s box. Lastly, Emanual Satie completes the hat-trick, a DJ, producer and live act who bridges the house and techno divide and has been signed to Get Physical, Suara and Saved Records.
Blender feat. Davide Squillace, Eats Everything and Emanuel Satie, Friday April 29, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, 056 113 3400, bluemarlinibiza-uae. com
3 reasons why this is the biggest gig before summer UK dance music champions Rudimental and Disclosure line up on the same bill for the first time on Friday April 29 at the Media City Amphitheatre
1-
Rudimental (above) will be bringing their full live show. And as we saw first hand last summer on our travels, that live show is one of the best in the dance music scene. With live horns, drums, MCs with more energy than the sun’s core and funk-fried hits like ‘Feel The Love’ and ‘Right Here,’ they’re rightly festival headline material, ably taking up the mantle of this generation’s answer to Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada
We have a pair of tickets to give away to the gig, head to infusion.ae to enter
2-
Disclosure will be playing in Dubai for the first time. Their show at Creamfields in 2013 was one of the capital’s clubbing highlights, and it’s now our chance to get a taste of the brother-brother duo who have helped breathe new life into the commercial dance music scene. Blending house with a UK garage swing, they’re opened up the charts to other class acts like Route 94, Gorgon City and Clean Bandit.
3-
Disclosure won’t be playing a full live set, sadly, but the absurdly young and successful duo (they’re 22 and 25) have toured the world, conquered America and played Glastonbury, Coachella and Lollapalooza as DJs. Both albums have been nominated for Grammys, and they’ve collaborated with big names like Sam Smith, Lorde and Gregory Porter.
Rudimental & Disclosure, Friday April 29, Media City Amphitheatre, 4pm-1am, AED399, www.lovemusicyourway.com
Something
REALLY
big Bass night Something Big are living up their name with their Outlook Festival launch party, with not one, not two but 6 – SIX – international headline DJs spread across Grime, Drum and Bass, Garage, Reggae and more
Something Big Outlook Launch Party, Friday April 22, Story Rooftop Holiday Inn Express, Internet City, 5pm-3am, AED100.
Mad Professor – 6.308.30pm
A leading light in the dub reggae scene, and schooled by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the Mad Professor has remixed for the KLF, Beastie Boys and Depeche Mode, but is best known for his brilliantly bonkers reimagined version of Massive Attack’s second album, called No Protection. Playing a live dub set, get ready to skank to some seriously low end bass.
Kahn – 8.30-10pm
Drawing from dub reggae, early grime, 140bpm and dancehall, Kahn is one of the more versatile producers and DJs in the bass scene, and is also part of Mala’s Deep Medi Label. A big crowd favourite at Outlook, expect the unexpected from this Bristol based DJ.
Sir Spyro – 10-11pm
A Rinse FM institution, the man behind Grime classic ‘Shadow Boxing’ and Tinchy Stryder’s official tour DJ, Sir Spyro is the go-to Grime man, and will make a formidable double header with P Money afterwards.
P Money – 11-12
One of our favourite Grime MCs, P Money has worked with names like Magnetic Man and JME, while Wiley – the scene’s kingpin – declared his professional love for him by releasing a track called ‘P Money.’ He’s also hit the big time on Youtube, thanks to his track with KSI which has racked up nearly 50 million views.
Matt Jam Lamont – 121.30am
A regular to the UAE, this garage DJ is a true multi-hyphenate – a producer, remixer, label owner, A&R Manager and radio presenter, he’s maybe best known for his mix CDs for TwiceasNice and Pure Garage which sold hundreds of thousands of copies. He’s a firm Ibiza favourite, having held down a residency there for more than 15 years, and plays an upfront mix of house and garage with bass at the forefront.
Spectrasoul – 1.30-3am
Closing out the night are wellestablished Drum and Bass duo Spectrasoul, who celebrate a decade in dance music this year. Now a vital part of Friction’s Shogun Audio label, their 2012 debut album Delay No More propelled them into the mainstream, with singles ‘Light In The Dark’ getting extensive airplay from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music. Expect deep, soulful Drum and Bass vibes from the London duo.
HEALTHY LIVING
THE
KIWI WAY! Kiwi is an exotic fruit that originated in China, with a fuzzy outer skin and juicy flesh. Rich in trace elements, minerals and vitamins, the kiwi quickly conquered the global market with its unique, exceptional sweet and sour taste!
Why introduce kiwi into our daily diet?
How to enjoy kiwis
It is rich in vitamin C. Consumption of a single There are several different ways to incorpokiwifruit can cover the human organism’s rate kiwis into your daily diet: daily requirement in this vitamin. It is also an • Serve your friends a refreshing fruit drink made with kiwi and melon. excellent source of vitamins A, E and B complex, and it contains potassium, phosphorus, • Make delicious and healthy kiwi-based smoothies. and magnesium. • Enrich your breakfast by adding freshly cut slices of kiwi to yoghurt or to your cereal. European kiwis conquer the global • Enjoy chocolate kiwis! Cut the kiwis in market! slices and dip them in melted European kiwi stands out for its quality, both chocolate. The taste is a revin taste and in nutritional value, because it is elation! harvested by hand. Kiwis are placed in suitable refrigerated storage areas within 24 • Simply add kiwi to your favourite green salad. hours from harvesting, thus guaranteeing that all of the fruit’s nutrients are preserved.
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PROJECT CO-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION AND GREECE
THE LAST TIME WITH GABRIELLE POSO Yoruba Records’ Gabriele Poso tells us the last time he lied to his Mum, the last time he cried and why he’s been playing jazz in Italian castles…
The last time I laughed out loud was… At a dinner with my school friends smoking, eating perfect BBQ chicken and drinking beer, what else do you need! The last time I read a book was.. The House Of Spirit by Isabel Allende. The last time I played jazz was… With my band in an amazing old Castle from the 5th century in the south of Italy, a perfect location. The last time I saw Osunlade was… At ADE in Amsterdam, I was eating his home made black bean soup - the best ever! The last track I made was… Today actually, a cover version of Roy Ayer’s classic “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” included on my upcoming album. Right now I’m working really hard on two new projects coming up really soon. The last time I wished I did a different job was… Every day! The last time I cried was… 02 April 2015 at 01.45am, as I witnessed the birth of my first child Viktor. The last time I lied was… Yesterday to my ma… she is too anxious. The last time I Googled myself was… Regularly, once a week. The last time I bought something expensive was… The engagement ring for my wife. The last time I had to explain what I do for a living was… One week ago to my trusted butcher, And at the end he told me “Ok that’s nice, but what is your real job?” Gabriele Poso plays House of Afrika on Friday April 22, Dek on 8, Media One Hotel, 6pm-3am, free entry.
House Nation A long time in the making, Dubai’s first Dance Music Conference is upon us! Held at Pacha Ibiza Dubai, the 2 day party brings together some of the city’s best talents, club nights and international stars to discuss, talk and most importantly, dance. Thursday April 21 The big draw on the opening night is Toolroom main man Mark Knight, a firm favourite in the city (so much so that he owns property here). He’s joined on the big room tech-house vibe by Prok & Fitch and Pacha resident Ejaz on warm up duties. Elsewhere, the Red Room hosts much-loved UAE brands audio tonic and Shibuya alongside Kitball signing Juliet Sikora, while the Roof Top hosts Night Vibes as well as two internationals in the shape of Paco and Dany Neville and a live set from Paji.
Friday April 22 The main room again hosts the big names, with Faithless’ DJ Sister Bliss headlining alongside shows from EDX and Hollaphonic, with techno taking over in the Red Room thanks to a collaboration between Coma, the Artist Network (behind Groove on the Grass) and Secret Circle, with Olivier Giacomotto headlining. The Roof Top meanwhile is reserved for the Analog Room team, who will be joined by a live show from Sailor & I and Pacha resident Shef Codes. It’s not all just partying though, as there will be a series of workshops and discussions during the weekend. The Toolroom Academy will feature Mark Knight and Prok & Fitch, sharing their invaluable insight into the dance music world, production tips and how to get signed – and they’re looking for submissions, and have promised to sign the best demo tracks to their label! Alongside that, panelists like Marko Smokingroove, Greg Stainer (Hollaphonic), Siamak Amidi (Analog Room) and Tobie Allen (Ma’ana) will be on hand to discuss everything from promoter problems in the city to how to make the UAE even more of a stronghold for dance music. Dancemusicconference.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
URBN!
White Dubai’s insanely popular Saturday night party URBN turns 1 on Saturday April 23 with a special weekend long party. We spoke to crack resident Devon Kosoko ahead of the double header at MAD Yas Island with OT Genasis on Friday April 22 and the birthday party the following night
What tunes have been working for you this year? Any music with Ty$ sign, and a lot of down tempo trap tunes. For me personally the whole Soulection movement is ringing my bell. How much has UAE club culture grown since you’ve been here? I’ve only been here a year but I’d like to think URBN has added to an already thriving club culture. There are literally good nights out every night of the week now – is that a sign of a healthy clubbing scene? In my opinion people in the UAE love to go out and spend money. Clubbing is an easy way to blow a check, so if the sparklers and bottles are anything to go by, I would say the clubbing scene is healthy. What does URBN mean to you? URBN is abbreviated from the radio format ‘urban contemporary.’ Urban music could include hip hop, R&B, grime, electronic music such as dubstep, UK garage and drum and bass (often with hip hop vocalists or rappers), and Caribbean music such as reggae, dancehall, reggae-ton, soca etc. It’s award-season at the moment – what do they mean to you? And what award would you give yourself and the night? Awards are a good indication of hard work. I would give URBN best ‘urban contemporary’ night and myself ‘Dj with prettiest looking jump-shot (Basketball) in dubai award. Any challengers? What differences and similarities are there between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai URBN crowds? They are both great crowds. The main difference is that the Abu Dhabi/Yas island crowd are rambunctious, turbulent, loud, raucous club-goers and the Dubai crowd are more reserved when they rage. You’re playing with OT Genasis on April 22 – are you a fan, what are you expecting from the show? I’m a fan waiting to hear “Cut it, cut it, cut it, cut it. Your price is way too high, you need to cut it.” I’m expecting a road block event with a great atmosphere and entertainment. URBN MAD Yas Island, Friday April 22, 0558346262 URBN 1st Birthday, White, Saturday April 23, 050 443 0933
ON THE RADAR
MAY 5
MAY 6
GOODGREEF FEAT. JORDAN SUCKLEY
LOCKDOWN FEAT. PIED PIPER & MC KIE
MAY 6 GROOVE ON THE GRASS FEAT. ADAM BEYER & DJ TENNIS
Emirates Golf Course
MAY 13 PLUS MINUS FEAT. SOUL CLAP Level 41
MAY 6 CARL COX Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
MAY 13 MAYA JANE COLES Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Chameleon
Story Rooftop
For a full list of what’s on, please head to infusion.ae
MAY 13 DYSFUNKTION 3D PARTY Story Rooftop
MAY 19
DECIBEL FEAT. MARC MAYA
Level 41
MAY 20
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
Meydan Racecourse
MAY 20 JOURNEY THRU HOUSE FEAT. FARLEY JACKMASTER FUNK
Zero Gravity
MAY 26
ARMAND VAN HELDEN
Q43
JULY 29
EINMUSIK
Level 41
We’ve re-worked our listings – one-off events will appear in the magazine, for everything else please check infusion.ae for our day-to-day listings. For inclusion, email andy@infusion.ae Pick up a copy from our Infusion Magazine stands at these locations and more across the city Every A+E outlet, Every MMI outlet, Double Decker, Media One, Zero Gravity, 360 club, Casa Latina, Barasti, Pure Sky Lounge, Beatz and Cuts, McGettigans JLT/DWC, Music Room, Nasimi, Story Rooftop, Y Not Lounge, Bliss Lounge, Zinc, Cinnamon - Raddison, La Terrasse, Fashion Lounge, OcactI, The Scene
THURSDAY 21 2Chainz, Cirque Le Soir Deep South American rapper 2Chainz drops a live MC set at the award-winning club. 10pm3am. INFUSION PICK! Analog Room feat. Virginia, Story Rooftop Ostgut Ton DJ Virginia returns for the Analog Room team with more driving house and techno, and hopefully some live vocals! 10pm-3am, AED100. INFUSION PICK! Brazilian Spirit, Dek on 8 Brazilian classics mixed with DnB from the popular monthly night. 6pm-3am, free.
Bassworx ft. Sya One and Rise 1969, Bassworx Drum and Bass from the popular monthly night with some of the best drink deals in the city. 8.45pm-2.45am.
Dance Music Conference, Pacha Ibiza Dubai Mark Knight and Prok and Fitch headline in the main room, with audio tonic, Shibuya, Night Vibes hosting the Red Room and Roof Top. 9pm-3am, tickets AED225 or AED375 for 2 nights.
Deep Crates Cartel 5th Birthday, Velocity The residents and special guest Dan Greenpeace roll out for their 5th birthday bash. 9pm-3am, 100AED.
Deep Like feat. Sasse, GQ Bar
Warehouse Dubai feat. DJ S.K.T, 360
Deep, tech-house vibes from the crew with regular international guest Sasses headlining. 10pm3am, AED100.
More open air warehouse vibes with rising UK DJ S.K.T bringing the heat. 6pm-3am, free.
FRIDAY 22 Catz’n’Dogz & Krankbrother, Eden More twin headline action at the Palm beach club, with Catz’n’Dogs dropping slinky tech-house alongside Kranbrother. Midday-late.
Dubai With Attitude feat. Lil Jon, The Act Crunk star Lil Jon DJs at this new hip hop and urban night. 10pm-3am.
INFUSION PICK! Dance Music Conference, Pacha Ibiza Dubai Faithless DJ Sister Bliss is the main draw in the main room, with techno in the Red Room courtesy of Olivier Giacomotto, Secret Circle and Coma, and Analog Room and Sailor & I on the Roof top. 9pm-3am, tickets AED225 or AED375 for 2 nights.
INFUSION PICK! Journey Thru House feat. Seamus Haji & Dave Pearce, Zero Gravity Popular classics night Journey Thru House returns with Seamus Haji, FPI Project and Dave Pearce behind the decks.’ 6pm-3am, free before 10pm, ladies free until midnight, AED100 after.
House of Afrika feat. Gabriele Poso, Dek on 8 Yoruba Soul signing and jazz/ funk/afro house DJ Poso makes his UAE debut. 6pm-3am, free.
INFUSION PICK! Outlook Launch Party feat. Mad Professor, Story Rooftop Something Big host this sprawling 6 DJ line up including dub star Mad Professor, Matt Jam Lamont, Spectrasoul, P Money and more. 5pm-3am, AED100.
OT Genasis, MAD Yas Island ‘I’m in love with the Coco’ star OT Genasis plays live at MAD Yas Island, with support from Dany Neville and Devon Kosoko.
Recondite & Stephan Bodzin, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE A cutting edge line up, with melodic techno from German DJs and producers Recodinte and Stephan Bodzin. 11am-late.
INFUSION PICK! Springfest, Reform Social & Grill Live music, over 50 beers and ciders and an all-day BBQ at this weekend long party. Midday-late, free. Repeated Saturday.
SATURDAY 23 INFUSION PICK! URBN 1st Birthday, White Dubai White’s classy hip hop and RnB night turns 1, with Dany Neville and Devon Kosoko on DJ duties. 11pm-3am.
THURSDAY 28 Analog Room feat. Deadbeat, Story Rooftop Dub laden electronica from the Canadian DJ with Shemroon on support. 10pm-3am, AED100.
Back2Basics feat. Harry Choo Choo Romero, Pacha Ibiza Dubai Subliminal Records star and a big star of the 2000s club scene, Harry Choo Choo Romero drops house and big-room tech house. 10pm-3am. INFUSION PICK! Karak Beats feat. Zed Bias & dBridge, Velocity Award-winning bass/alternative night Karak Beats host a heavyweight rumble, with garage don Zed Bias going back to back with DnB DJ dBridge. 9pm-3am, AED100. INFUSION PICK! Roger Sanchez, Cavalli The S Man, and the man behind early 2000s charttopper ‘One More Chance’ DJs at Cavalli’s night Sprinkle. 9pm-3am.
INFUSION PICK! Superheroes feat. Billy Kenny Dirtybird signing Billy Kenny brings his own brand of bass-heavy house back to Superheroes alongside residents Rutherford and Somalie. 6pm-3am, free.
The Proclaimers, Irish Village
FRIDAY APRIL 29 INFUSION PICK! Rudimental & Disclosure, Media City Amphitheatre One of the biggest gigs of the year, with DnB outfit Rudimental playing live and Disclosure making their DXB debut. 4pm-1am, AED399.
Scottish brothers behind ‘500 Miles’ play live to a no doubt packed out IV crowd. 7pm, AED125.
INFUSION PICK! Blender feat. Davide Squillace & Eats Everything, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE Art meets dance music as a live sculpture is created throughout the day’s music, with house and lively tech-house from CircoLoco resident Squillace. Midday-late. INFUSION PICK! Twice as Nice, feat. Chipmunk, Industrial Avenue Garage night Twice as Nice host UK urban star Chipmunk for a night of old skool vibes and tunes. 10pm-3am.
Night Vibes, Tamanya Terrace The Night Vibes resident crew take over for a night of deep, techy house. 6pm-2am.
House of Afrika feat. DJ Shimza, Dek on 8 Rising global star and one of SA’s biggest DJs drops a party starting deep Afro set. 6pm-3am, free.
INFUSION PICK! Red Bull Music Academy & Audio 10th birthday feat. Gramophonedzie, 360 A monster line up to celebrate audio tonic’s 10th birthday, with Tiger & Woods, Arcade 82, Megadon Betamax joining jackin’ house headliner Gramophonedzie. 4pm-3am, free.
INFUSION PICK! Plus Minus Arena feat. Kink, Media One Hotel Car Park Kink drops a live set alongside a 4 hour set from Audiofly, and Henry Saiz plays live with his full band at this all day/night affair. 5pm-3am. INFUSION PICK! Sasha & Joris Voorn, Eden A ridiculously good line up for the house heads, with 90s star Sasha joined by Space Ibiza favourite Joris Voorn for a full on session. 11am-midnight.
Hannah Wants, Zero Gravity Festival favourite Hannah Wants returns for another set of openair . 3pm-3am, free before 6pm, AED150 after.
LOOK AND
LISTEN
Music be the food of love, so read on...
•TECK TALK •DJ BOOTH • MUSIC THAT MATTERS
TECH TALK Pioneer Toraiz SP 16 Heads up DJ geeks – Pioneer have entered the live performance hardware market with their Toraiz SP-16 sampler and sequencer
It’s not cheap at $1,499, but the Toraiz will effectively replace previous samplers without the need to hook it up to a laptop, and will also seamlessly integrate with existing Pioneer hardware and decks. With a 7 inch touch screen, low and high end analog filters and velocity sensitive performance pads. Alongside that, by using the Pro DJ Link, you can set up with your CDJ or XDJ and layer over sounds over your tracks, all perfectly in-sync. It also has a MIDI clock, so you
can use the 8GB or in-built memory or a USB to add extra sounds to the mix. Essentially, this unit is a direct competitor to the much-loved Roland AIRA TR-8, but without using Ableton Live or any extra outboard gear, or even a laptop. The price might be high, but you can rest assured it will come with Pioneer’s long-lasting build, and compared to other units on the market, a hardware sampler with analog filters and touchscreen capability for $1,499 is reasonably priced. Early reports indicate that the Toraiz SP 16 will be available from August 2016, so best get saving now!
DJ BOOTH: MARSHALL
Provocateur’s resident DJ Marc Marshall talks us through his love of Sundays, Chaka Khan and giving Donald Trump a run for his money One thing you might not know about me is… I have a deep love for food, you name it I’ll eat it! My worst ever job was… Working in a warehouse, loading trucks. My favourite ever record is... ‘Billy Jean’ by the one and only king of pop Michael Jackson!
DJing is much like… Preaching a sermon to a room full of raving believers. Dubai’s clubbing scene is... Awesome. There is always something new going on and it’s continuously evolving. I’m really proud of... My accomplishments as a Producer and DJ, and the fact that I am in a position where I can do what I love and get to make a living out of it. What track could you drop in every set? Very hard to drop the same track, but at the end of the night I love the reaction to ‘Ain’t Nobody’ by Chaka Khan! I can’t live without… Music production tools, my headphones and food. My biggest DJ achievement to date is… Curating music for my Sunday residency at Provocateur Dubai. What is your guiltiest pleasure? Pastries, I just can’t stay away from them! If you could DJ in any decade which would it be… The 80s. There were no boundaries and there was such a huge explosion of creativity in the music industry. If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be. Without a doubt it would be Seth Troxler, that man is a legend. I’m not a politician but… I would happily run for President of the USA, just to give Donald Trump a run for his money! soundcloud.com/djmarshall
MUSIC THAT MATTERS SMOKINGROOVE – TECHNO LIVE SETS
Hour long live mix recorded from Shibuya, with floor-shaking cuts from Sidney Charles, Dosem and System 2. mixcloud.com/TechnoLiveSets/ smokingroove-recorded-live-shibuya-2901-2016-smokingroove Ace new single from the Hollaphonic duo with The Act’s Stephon LaMar on guest vocals, with a slew of local remixes to come. soundcloud.com/hollaphonic/sets/turn-thelights-down-ft PYM – MIXSHOW VOL 2
Nu-disco and sultry house from the Prison Entertainment signing and Abu Dhabi resident, which closes on Arcade 82’s lovely new one, ‘Watching The Sunrise.’ soundcloud.com/djsneakypetesmusic/ pyms-mixshow-vol-2-mar-2016 ED WISE – MIDNIGHT MOVEMENT
Sprawling 4 hour mix from the Asia Asia resident DJ. soundcloud.com/ed_wise/midnightmovement
Send tracks/edits/remixes to: andy@infusion.ae
HOLLAPHONIC – TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN
MOE TURK – SPIRIT SOUL MIX
Deep, melodic deep house mix that moves sweetly through the gears and has clocked up over 25,000 plays. soundcloud.com/spiritsoulmixes/moe-turkspirit-soul-records-1
LIVA K & CONSOUL TRAININ FEAT. PETROS P – I NEED A DOLLAR
Cielo’s Consoul teams up with nu-disco don Liva K for a re-working of Aloe Blacc’s classic that’s tearing up the Beatport charts. soundcloud.com/lovestylerecords/liva-kconsoul-trainin-feat-petros-p-i-need-dollarradio-edit
BASSWORX LAZER FM SHOW FEAT. MACH 4
Globalfunk’s Mach 4 guests on this bassheavy Drum and Bass radio show, with Tigger and Woodle on deck duty as well. mixcloud.com/BASSWORX_DXB/bassworxdxb-lazer-fm-show-ft-woodle-tiggermach4-050416/
AMIR SHARARA – LIVE DEEP ANCHOR BOAT PARTY
Fist-pumping mix recorded live from a DXB boat party, with Amir on DJ – and mic – duties. soundcloud.com/amirsharara/amirsharara-live-deep-anchor-boat-party-25thmarch-2016
LOOKING
CLOSER Opinions, thoughts and gibberish...
•WEIRD NEWS • THE SPIN •EAT SLEEP RAVE REPEAT • ANGRY MONKEY
Looking Closer
Weird News PHOTO OF THE ISSUE
When Grandparents get their passport photos very, very wrong indeed…
HEADLINE OF THE ISSUE Microsoft Teen Girl AI turns into a Hitler loving sex robot within 24 hours Yes, that is a real story. Microsoft unleashed their newly developed artificial intelligence on Twitter, and within 24 hours it was spewing, racist, sexist, Hitler-loving nonsense. And no, it wasn’t called Donald Trump...
FLY GUY Budget airlines are cheap, but it’s the hidden extras that mount up – but not for the oh-so-cunning Matt Botten who decided to dodge easyJet’s AED250 charge for an extra bag and wear all his clothes on his flight to Reykjavik in Iceland.
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THE SPIN APRIL 2016
PAGE 217
ISSUE 40
KING MIDAS SNUBBED FOR GOLD BAR OPENING
King Midas, the man with the Golden Touch, was said to be outraged recently after he wasn’t invited to the opening of the Burj Al Arab’s lavish new bar, Gold on 27. The all gold bar launched in traditionally OTT circumstances, with everything from the barstools to the tables and decoration made from gold or gold leaf. ‘They’ve probably imported this gold from some far-flung exotic corner of the world,’ said the fictional King, ‘but all they needed was me and my magic touch. I’d have done it for a round of drinks and some Quavers.’ Goldie meanwhile couldn’t be reached for comment. *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.
LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION. With 15 great locations we’ve got Dubai covered. GREEN COMMUNITY
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Eat Sleep Rave Repeat Indie club Stephen Day goes up top at Gaucho to try new eclectic kitchen and lounge Indie
DIFC has really grown over the last few years, turning it from eateries to support the thriving financial business around it, into a destination to visit for great food. You’ve got Royal China, Petite Maison, Zuma, Rogue Traders and Gaucho Grill. And it’s here that we find ourselves visiting their new upstairs lounge Indie. Indie is an impressive space. Spread over a sprawling area, there are multiple bars, a mixture of seating options and decor that screams hip yet classic. The warm lighting, a touch of leather here, and spots of dark wood there make it feel like a trendy gentleman’s club for people who aren’t too trendy. It’s inviting and not stuffy at all. The first thing that hits you from the menu is the choice of cocktails, but more of that later. The food is made up of, cold, hot, grilled or light sharing plates and all the usual suspects are present. We plumped for some crab biscuits, spicy chicken, Asian beef sliders and a langoustine salad to start. The crab is nicely seasoned and sweet, the chicken packs a real punch but was a little dense for me. The salad whilst light is just standard, but the sliders are really great: soft, juicy and packed with flavour, not surprising considering the Argentinian beef is from the Gaucho kitchen downstairs. Although I did feel the the wasabi coleslaw could do with a bit more heat. We moved on and ignore our waiter’s recommendation for the Tournedos
Rossini - anyone can make steak, foie gras and truffles taste good, and instead chose the veal and the pumpkin ravioli. The meat was tender to the touch, salty and crispy on the edge and smothered in sautéed mushrooms; we devoured it in seconds. The grilled ravioli was OK but the filling was a little lacklustre and didn’t deliver a real pumpkin punch that I was hoping for. We finished with some waffle bites and a pana cotta. The waffles were crunchy and light but the pana cotta could have done with a little less gelatine, which was a shame as it was lovely and creamy, the perfect end to the meal. Where Indie really made its mark was with its drinks. There are 3 bars, each with different offerings, including a sake bar producing some great cocktails. The overall bar experience is one of the best in the city, with each cocktail radically different from the last, each arriving in different glasses to suit the drink, from the jam jars to the chalice. Some are a little on the expensive side but no one’s forcing you to buy them, plus they delivered the best Dark and Stormy I’ve had for a very long time. Indie promotes itself as a eclectic space, and they are not wrong. If you want somewhere fun and welcoming to hang out with good food and great cocktails, then push the top button in the Gaucho lift. Indie Kitchen & Lounge, DIFC,
Podium Level, Gate Village 5, 04 456 9817
It ain’t over until it’s ovary I’m all up for equality. I get angry at everyone, all the time, for pretty much everything. But it does confuse me a little when I see people asking for ‘female only resident DJs’ in town. What exactly are they asking with this? Are they saying that women are better DJs? That men can’t look nice when DJing – because looking nice when you’re listening to music is really, really important? That boobs make you better? I’ve got a sagging pair of moobs, that count? Don’t get me wrong – I’m not having a go at female DJs, everyone’s gotta eat (mine’s a 5 Guys Burger, please), but where’s the fairness in only asking for female DJs, since when does a pair of ovaries come into job satisfaction?
Monkey Out... The Angry Monkeys’ views are his own, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Infusion Magazine.