Infusion # 278 Sep 11-25 2016

MUSIC • PEOPLE • LIFE

SEASON 5 OPENING

JOSH WINK - MAX COOPER - RADIO SLAVE SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - C/WA LIVE + MANY MORE ON SEPT 23RD! Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE return, Provocateur's big winter line up, Rodge, Pioneer's new turntable, Reform Social and Grill, Sensation line up revealed and more! infusionmag

infusionmagazine

infusionmagazine

CASSY HECTOR SEPTEMBER

16 2016

SEASON OPENING

GUEST LIST TALAL BUDEBS Publisher

CHARL CHAKA

Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae

SALES/MARKETING sales@infusion.ae

ANDY BUCHAN

Editor andy@infusion.ae

PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae

CONTRIBUTORS: Frak Fu

INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY

Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098

OUR PARTNERS

Ah, welcome back Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, we’ve missed you!

Fridays just aren’t the same without you.

Big ups to Bull Funk Zoo and The Boxtones who have both released ace new original music recently, yet more signs the city’s music scene is moving in the right direction.

We love His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for his on-location office inspections which caught employees skiving. Just don’t come into our office at 9am on a Sunday, OK. London – and global – clubbing institution Fabric is facing the very real threat of closure, head to change.org to sign the petition however at the time of going to press, it was already too late :( We’ve just found out that the much-loved Yacht Club is to close in January to make way for ANOTHER hotel – because, that’s exactly what the city needs, another hotel.

RIP Gene Wilder, a true comic genius

BLACK LIST

SAY WHAT? SAD BUT TRUE According to a new biography by Washington Post journalists, Donald Trump has started more than 1,900 lawsuits in the last 30 years.

RUMOURS London Grammar could be coming out for a live UAE show soon.

MEME CORNER

instagram.com/infusionmagazine

Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has been confirmed for a show in the UAE later this year, playing the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on November 3.

WE LOVE Freshly Ground Sounds

There’s been a revolution in the city’s live music scene over the past few years, thanks – largely – to homegrown institutions like Go Play The World and Freshly Ground Sounds.

A non-profit organization, FGS selflessly push, promote and very politely shout about local talent, giving them a stage to perform on and – usually – lots of nice things to eat and drink while enjoying the home made talent.

Now into their fourth season of digging out the best indie/folk/ acoustic bands in the region, they’ve teamed up with Tom and Serg sister bar Brunswick Sports Club (Sheraton, MOE) for a monthly takeover. Every Monday from 6.30pm, they’ll be supplying the ‘coolest and raddest home-grown music movement’ while you – yes you – get to sup on super cool imported beer and attempt to finish the Mac’n’cheese brisket burger (it’s droolsome).

HOPFEST@ IRISH VILLAGE

XL BEACH

DECIBEL @ON42

THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 15 TIMATI PLAYS HIP HOP ON AIR

Russian artist, singer songwriter and producer Timati is back on stage at VIP Room’s Hip Hop On Air night on September 15. The Russian star not only collects award-winning collaborations including Snoop, Timbaland and P.Diddy during his career, he’s also a supercar collector (we’ll have a spin in your Lamborghini please).

FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 16 SWEET PILLOW TALK

Perennial favourites Pillow Talk are back for Night Vibes on September 16 for another round of live house music. A loose limbed mix of soul, boogie and R&B shot through with house rhythms. The US trio – now a duo as a live unit - have always rocked the floor for Night Vibes.

FRIDAY- SEPTEMBER 16 IRISH STAR GAVIN JAMES PLAYS MCGETTIGANS

Friend to Ed Sheeran, and recently signed to a major label, it’s fair to say that life is pretty good for Irish star Gavin James at the moment.

And it’s about to get a bit better as he’s making his UAE debut at McGettigans The Baggot on September 16. He’s toured with Sam Smith in America, and opened for Taylor Swift recently – not to mention supporting Ed Sheeran on his Irish gigs – making him a name to watch. Doors open at 7pm, with Gavin live from 9pm.

FRIDAY- SEPTEMBER 16

A quick word with… Cassy British DJ Cassy returns to Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE for their opening weekend – we caught up with the Desolat and Perlon DJ and producer to find out more about her debut album and why she wants to live in 1930s Paris…

Cassy plays Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on Friday September 16

Congratulations on the debut album, how did it feel to put it out there ?

Thank you. The recording was a very pleasurable step-by-step process that happened really organically. I had no label at the time so no direction I should or shouldn’t be going in, I was working with the people I chose to be working with, and the album could just naturally become what it is. The rest was definitely a difficult and complicated process, but a year later I had found a great home for it.

There's a glut of DJs and would-be producers compared to when you started – would you prefer to have made your career now or when you did? What advice would you pass onto people looking to emulate your career?

Definitely not now, maybe even before I established my career.

In the 80s & 90s the music and club scene was so original, interesting and diverse, that would have been a really exciting time. My advice would be to have balls, play music you are really passionate about and not what you think you’re supposed to be playing. Develop your own thing in your own time, and be true to your own vision and your own direction. Try and find a residency in a good club or bar, and don’t dress like a DJ!

FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 16 How hard or easy is it to stay relevant in today's scene with so much competition, so many clubs and festivals?

It depends on whom you are trying to stay relevant to. What might be relevant to a public opinion might not be relevant to certain types of promoters, or to a clubber. It is important to stay on the ball and stay focused to what is relevant to you.

You moved to Berlin in 2003, how different is the city now with the influx of Djs and producers?

Berlin always has been and always will be a hot spot for DJs living there, but it was nothing like living in Paris in the 30s being invited to Gertrude Stein’s salon and downing a whisky with Hemingway and Dali.

And how selective are you when it comes to gigs – how many do you turn down, and what's the right balance for you as touring can be hard on the mind, body and soul!

As a DJ you have to do gigs just for the love, gigs that are prestigious and gigs for your children’s college fund. The right balance is to take care of yourself, and your health. Having a solid support system around you, in your work life and your family / social life is key. When you have those rare weekends off, spend them wisely and relax.

THURSDAY- SEPTEMBER 22 RAVELATIONS AT MUSIC ROOM

Popular psy-trance night Ravelations are back in action and have a new home for their new season, as they take over The Music Room on September 22. Long-standing German DJ and producer Electric Universe is on headline duties with a trademark mix of high tempo psy-trance – he’s sold over 150,000 records during his long career, so he clearly knows his way around a good tune.

THURSDAY- SEPTEMBER 22 SWEET SOULECTION

The 264 Cru are back for a new season, with more sweet Soulection sounds courtesy of Joe Kay (pictured) and The Whooligan. Taking place at their new Story Rooftop home, the LA-based Soulection DJs will be curating a night of music and good vibes including hip hop, funk, future boogie, bass music and more.

Support on the night comes from DJ MoCity and AELI, with free entry before 11pm and AED100 after.

COVER FEATURE

IN THE

GROOVE

Back for their 5th season, themed “Expanding Horizons” promising surprise bookings and International DJs, house and techno festival Groove on the Grass have pulled together undoubtedly their biggest line up yet across 2 stages. Simian Mobile Disco are joined by house legends Josh Wink and Radio Slave, while the much hyped Max Cooper and Clockwork/Avatism make their UAE debuts alongside The Element.

We caught up with Jas of leftfield techno giants SMD to find out what’s in store…

A very warm welcome back to the city, what have been the highlights of the past 4 years since you’ve been here?

Four years is a long time! I suppose apart from continuing to DJ all over the world, being able to record our last album, Whorl, in the desert in Southern California a few years ago was a definite highlight.

Techno has enjoyed a real resurgence in that time, something that you’ve played a part in – why has that sound come back in vogue do you think?

I guess techno has never really gone away, it’s always been there, in a variety of forms, coming in and out of fashion depending on the time. Probably the current resurgence is a bit of a reaction to the maximal sounds of EDM, with producers wanting to step away from that, towards a more minimal aesthetic. And of course techno is perceived as more underground, and therefore more credible.

You’ve released several singles this year and Whorl in 2014, how does your most recent music compare to your earlier works, how has your sound progressed?

Our recent music is much more club orientated, and in that sense it some ways it’s similar to our 2011 album, Delicacies, but the sound has evolved as we’ve included the equipment set up and ways of working that defined Whorl, but as part of a whole studio setup, rather than just on their own (as we did with Whorl).

MAX COOPER

JOSH WINK

CLOCKWORK & AVATISM

RADIO SLAVE

COVER FEATURE And do you still DJ with earlier hits like ‘Hot Dog’ and ‘Hustler?’

Hah no absolutely not! We haven’t played those tracks out whilst DJing for years and years now. Our DJ sets are pretty much straight techno, we tend to play a few of our new productions in there.

You have an impressive live show as well as DJ – what’s your DJ set, do you have a festival set that you’ve perfected or worked on, or is it a free-form thing when you DJ? Our DJ sets are pretty free form, we have a huge amount of techno from decades of productions to draw from. Our DJ set does vary depending on the event and who we’re

playing with, whether we’re on early and warming up or on last and playing as hard as possible...

You’re playing a golf course in Dubai under moonlight – one of the more unique locations you’ve DJ’d? Where else have you played that stands out?

It sounds like this should be a pretty unique venue then!

Again, playing in the desert in Pioneertown around the recording of Whorl was probably one of our favourite places to play...

And what should people expect from your show in September?

The best techno we can lay our hands on...

Did you know…

• Simian Mobile Disco are a much in-demand production unit and have worked on albums from Foals, Florence and the Machine and Mumford and Sons.

• They first burst on the scene as part of the band Simian, who’s hit Justice vs Simian ‘We Are Your Friends’ propelled them into the indie-electro spotlight.

• Their 2014 album Whorl was recorded near the Joshua Tree National Park, with SMD stripping back the hardware to record on just one synth and one sequencer each.

Groove on the Grass, Friday September 23, Emirates Golf Course, 5pm-2am, tickets from AED180 from Platinumlist.net

NEWS SENSATION 2016 LINE UP REVEALED!

It’s one of the city’s biggest talking points – and we can now reveal that Afrojack will be headlining the 3rd Sensation festival on November 11. The Grammy Award-winning Dutch DJ will be joined by high profile Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila, Ummet Ozcan, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Yax.x, Sem Thomasson and resident DJ Mr White. Taking place at Bab Al Shams in the middle of the desert, this year’s Sensation has a Desert Dome theme, with a full on light and sound show, aerials, dancers and pyrotechnics. If you like EDM and one of the best production set ups in the Middle East, then pick up your ticket now from sensation.com as this will sell out.

NEWS AUDIO TONIC BACK WITH A BANG

Audio tonic are back with not one, two but three brand new parties spanning 2 continents and 3 cities. They re-launch as a weekly DXB party Nightswim at The Wet Deck Al Habtoor City at the W Hotel from October 7, with up-and-coming names like Solardo and Leon Vynehall joined by established house music stars like Matt.Joe and M.A.N.D.Y. (pictured). They’re also back in the Capital Abu Dhabi for weekly Thursday night parties, while for any UK clubbers reading this, they’re launching their bi-weekly party audio tonic Elements in Manchester’s Northern Quarter bar Texture from the start of October.

NEWS PROVOCATEUR GO BIG!

Hold onto your seats, as the Provocateur line up over the next 3 months is something special. October starts at a nice leisurely pace with Ants on October 14 and Adriatique on October 28, before November and December really take off with Black Coffee on November 4, Âme on December 9 and the biggy, Sven Väth (pictured) on Boxing Day. It all takes place at the Funktion 1 powered 4 Seasons Club, and you’ll find us down the front dancing off our Christmas dinner to Papa Sven.

NEWS ZERO GRAVITY REVEAL HUGE WINTER LINE UP

We’re used to Zero Gravity’s line ups being big, but their new season line up has got us so excited we’re already camping outside the venue to make sure we get in first.

They have dozens of quality names coming over the next 3 months, including Beardyman (October 6), Paul Van Dyk (October 7), Jonas Blue (October 14), Louie Vega (October 28), Erick Morillo (November 4), EZ (November 24) and Sub Focus on December 1.

But it’s the launch of their new Supernatural night on Saturdays which has us a bit giddy, as Paul Woolford, Jonas Rathsman, Miguel Campbell, Darius Syrossian and more will be here closing out the Dubai weekend in style.

Tom Stade Tom Stade Tom TomStade Stade

Ian Coppinger Ian Coppinger Ian Coppinger Ian Coppinger

Justin Moorhouse Justin Moorhouse Justin Moorhouse Justin Moorhouse

8pm Wed 14 Sept Thu 15 Sept 8pm Wed 14 Sept Sept Fri 16 Thu Sat 15 17 Sept 8pm Wed 14 Sept The Gramercy DIFC 9pm Fri Sept Mon 19 8pm Wed 14 16 Sept Thu 15 Sept Sat 17 Sept Tue 20 Sept The Gramercy DIFC 9pm Thu 15 16 Sept Fri Mon 21 19 Sept Wed Fri 16 20 Sept Sat 17 Sept Sept The Gramercy DIFC 9pm Tue Thu 22 Sept Mon Sept Sat 17 19 Sept The Gramercy DIFC 9pm Wed 21 Sept MonTue 19 20 Sept Sept Thu 22 Sept Tue 20 21 Sept Wed Sept Wed 21 Sept Thu 22 Sept Thu 22 Sept

www.thelaughterfactory.com call : +971 50 8786 728 www.thelaughterfactory.com AED 140. Over 21’s Only callTicket : +971 50 8786 728 www.thelaughterfactory.com www.thelaughterfactory.com AED 140. Over Only callTicket : +971 5021’s 8786 728 call : Ticket +971 50Over 8786 AED 140.

21’s Only728 Ticket AED 140. Over 21’s Only

NEWS ARE YOU 360’S NEW DJ?

Fancy Djing at 360? Silly question, of course you do. They’re currently searching for a new resident DJ who’ll be crowned with a 12 month contract at the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel venue.

They’re looking for the freshest hip hop and R&B talent, with competitors pitched against each other in a live battle on October 6 judged by British DJ Shortee Blitz. To enter, send your 15 minute mixes to 360entertainment@jumeirah.com before 28 September, with the finalists announced on 2 October.

BLAST FROM THE PAST!

One of Dubai’s clubbing legends, Kennedy has been shaping the city’s soundscape for nearly 2 decades. Now the Tuesday and Thursday resident DJ for Vii Club, we caught up with him to talk musical cheese, how the city has grown and why DJs aren’t as good as they used to be…

We ran a series of features called Dubai Legends, and most name-checked you as a pivotal person in the Dubai nightlife scene for your gigs at the start of the Millenium, your residency at 360 and at the Aviation Club – how does that make you feel? Do you feel like a man who’s made his mark?

It makes me feel like I have been a part of the evolution of Dubai’s music scene and it’s cool that people still remember the old days in Dubai. From 2000 when I arrived, till around 2005 it was a very special time - only a hand full of parties used to take place and the crowd was small, yet incredibly diverse. Now you can party any day of the week. It’s incredible to see how Dubai has changed over the years and can now rival any party destination in the world.

fresh and memorable to a whole new generation.

You’ve always been involved in music and DJing in the UAE, from writing about it to making edits and Djing – have you tried production?

I’ve always been interested in production and spent hours teaching myself music production and specifically how to use Ableton, Reason and Logic. Ableton in particular helps me harness my creativity to create my own edits and mashups. For HITS nights at the Vii Club in particular, I like to tweak retro tracks so that they fit nicely into my set, while adding a unique twist and making them

How has the city’s nightlife scene grown for the better and worse?

Dubai is slowly coming into its own, where there is something for everyone. You can go out on any given night and find plenty of people enjoying the nighlife.

I would even go as far as saying that we are spoilt for choice in Dubai. With an open market comes great opportunity and at times it seems like the market is a little too saturated, however this will eventually sort itself out as people gravitate towards the best in class.

Which Djs and producers stand out for you at the moment in the Middle East?

There is such a wealth of talent to choose from but I’ll just name a few that stand out in particular: Paul Hamilton is consistently releasing good tech house and staying true to his passion. Andy Buchan has impressed me with his production output, releasing quality stuff, as well as fun interesting mashups. The Recipe on the urban side, while I’ve heard a few classy productions from Hollaphonic as well. Raxon is putting out solid stuff which is being played by big underground Djs, and last but not least, Sam Farsio. There are many who have kept at it and are doing well for themselves.

And what’s been the best club you’ve played at in your time here?

My favorite club to play was more of a recurring ‘party’ I did with leading events guru Bong Guerrero back in 2002-2003 at The Cellar in Aviation Club. It was a Friday night party that ran for 1 year and saw up to 1000 people every week! The music was predominantly House and we flew in all types of artists and DJs. That was a different era and being part of 1000 people who are all in sync enjoying the same music, has a special kind of magic to it.

Tell us more about the 80s and 90s nights – how much, if any, cheese is on the musical menu?

HITS night is mostly 90s and 2000s with a touch of the nostalgic 80s. No cheese when I’m DJing but you’ll definitely take a trip down memory lane.

The music is fun, energetic and edgy, with a lot of short edits and mashups to keep the crowd moving.

What is playing at Vii like, how did you get involved with the club?

I was invited to DJ by the management of Vii and I’m loving it. The DJ booths are ace, all the latest Pioneer DJ

equipment, Function 1 sound and great acoustics. Tuesdays I DJ for the EnVii ladies night from 8pm playing a lot of old Soul, Funk and Rnb to an average of 300 ladies and you won’t hear any complaints from me!

Wednesday’s is Disconekt at Vii so I go down to listen to Fredrick Stone and his crew playing techno and house. That night is absolute mayhem. Thursday night’s DJ Benjamin and I drop all the HITS in the club. When I’m not in the DJ booth you can usually find me out on the Vii Terrace sipping a cold one and tucking into their delicious maki menu.

If people are coming down to see you DJ, what should they be expecting?

I pride myself on being able to feel the energy in a room and create the right vibe from start to finish - at the right volume.

If people are smiling, bobbing their heads and voicing their approval on every transition you know that you have the room simmering nicely, from there you can take them where ever you want them to go. I think DJs today should be more concerned with these fundamentals than getting bogged down in social media traction, followers etc.

Kennedy is the resident DJ for Vii Club’s HITS nights (Thursday) and Ladies night (Tuesday). Vii Club is located at the 7th floor of the Conrad hotel, Sheikh Zayed road.

ON THE RADAR

SEPTEMBER 29 DIRTY SOUTH XL

SEPTEMBER 30

DEEP CRATES CARTEL FEAT. VADIM

Las Vegas Nightclub

SEPTEMBER 30

TOOLROOM RECORDS FEAT. MARK KNIGHT & CRAZY P

Zero Gravity

OCTOBER 6

MADNESS Dubai Tennis Stadium

OCTOBER 6 BEARDYMAN Zero Gravity

OCTOBER 7

ZAYN Autism Rocks Arena

OCTOBER 7

ONE BIG FRIDAY FEAT. PAUL VAN DYK Zero Gravity

OCTOBER 13

DECIBEL FEAT. D-UNITY ON42

ON THE RADAR

OCTOBER 14

SA BRAAI DAY FEAT. AKING, Emirates Golf Course

OCTOBER 28

OCTOBER 28

AUDIO TONIC NIGHTSWIM FEAT. MAT.JOE W Hotel

NOVEMBER 4

MAJOR LAZER Autism Rocks

GROOVE ON THE GRASS FEAT. SCUBA, Emirates Golf Course

OCTOBER 28

NOVEMBER 4

ADRIATIQUE, Provocateur

OCTOBER 28 LOUIE VEGA, Zero Gravity

ERICK MORILLO Zero Gravity

NOVEMBER 4

AUDIO TONIC NIGHTSWIM FEAT. LEON VYNEHALL

W Hotel

every thursday

Soundstage THE DISTILLERS Hard Rock Café’s resident weekend band The Distillers are next up, telling us why they like everything from Mozart to Taylor Swift. Ben Harris answers our pressing questions…

My first musical influence was… Mozart.

The last pop star I liked was… Can’t go wrong with a bit of Tay Tay (Taylor Swift).

My sound is best described as… Your favorite rock songs played by world-class musicians who love what they do.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Make sure you are wearing trousers before leaving the house.

What’s your musical guilty pleasure? Blink 182.

The best band in Dubai is… Evolver – awesome musicians, great people.

Best claim to fame? Being a part of Dubai’s original music scene, with Davinci Park (Record Pro Records) Go Play The World Vol. 1 and Absolace. So much amazing talent in this region!

When I make it, the one thing I want on my rider is…

Towels. Lots and lots of towels.

My musical motto is… You are only as good as your last song.

Best gig you’ve played? Our weekends at Hard Rock Café Dubai – the crowds have been amazing. To have 500 plus people sing back at you in unison is spine tingling. Brilliant stuff.

And the worst? I had a weekly club residency a long time back in Bur Dubai – you had to literally walk through the basement car park to reach the club. As soon as we had finished our show, the club morphed into an Arabic nightclub. Such a bizarre mix of styles.

Best lyrics of all time? I admit I’m a fool for you, because you’re mine, I walk the line. - Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line Facebook and Instagram: TheDistillersDXB

TECH TALK PLX-500

Pioneer have unveiled their new turntable, a home listener and budget DJ alternative to their popular PLX-1000 unit.

At half the price of its big brother ($349), the PLX-500 still offers a line out – meaning you don’t need an external amplifier for home use – and comes with a cartridge, stylus, slipmat and USB output meaning you can rip vinyl straight to digital formats using Rekordbox.

Available in white or black, the high torque deck produces a high quality, warm analogue sound and has an excellent vibration damping system. The only question we’ve got is… can we wait until Christmas before treating ourselves?

Available now from DJcorner.ae, AED1699.

www.djcorner.ae/pioneer-plx-500-w

Acceptable

in the 80s A Beirut and Dubai DJing icon – and the man behind Lebanese radio institution Mix FM – 80s DJ Rodge has now branched out into making music, and with stellar success: his debut track Done Looking For Love has been streamed and downloaded over a million times. The Stereo Arcade resident tells us how it happened and what’s next…

Congratulations on your first single – you’re a DJ by trade, how difficult was it to step up and create your own music, and how long have you been working on this for?

I’ve been a DJ since the early 90s, and had to stop for a few years to focus fully on Mix FM, the radio station I built and launched in Lebanon in 1996. It only took a few years to gather a strong team. Together we took the Radio Station to the leading position in the market, branched out to events production and created some of the biggest events and concerts. Since DJing is my ultimate passion, I came back to it as soon as I found time, and that’s about a decade ago!

A few years back, the dream of producing my own tracks became my new obsession!

That’s how I started working on ‘Done looking for Love’. It took me 16 months of endless ideas, different melodies, waking up with a new perspective and changing a certain part in the track, and I even worked on other production in parallel to clear my mind. Today, I am very happy with the outcome of this hard work. July was the right month to release it.

You’re famous for your retro sound and 80s sets – how did that affect the track?

I’m a diehard 80s fan. It’s the ultimate decade in terms of creativity and quality in both releases and artists. It just seems

to me that the passion for music was so genuine and pure back then. This is bound to reflect in my productions, all my tracks will have that 80s feel. It’s important to me that people perceive a song as a musical journey, with lyrics they can connect with.

What was the reaction like when you first played it at Stereo Arcade?

It was overwhelming. I played it two weeks after its release, and the reaction was AMAZING! Half the crowd knew the song and the other was discovering it right there, and connecting with it!.

How have you found playing every Friday at Stereo Arcade, who are the crowd that come and how do you keep each set fresh from the week before?

It’s unbelievably fun. With my

many residencies, Dubai quickly became one of my favourites.

It’s a get together with my local Lebanese friends and followers from the whole region. I also spot so many new faces that come from all over the world.

This exposure and their reaction, their loyalty, are making me smile. What I love the most is that these beautiful people are there to dance. They’re not on their phones, they’re not chatting or observing other people. They’re truly and solely connected to the music.

Selection and mixing techniques are what keep sets fresh! My 80s night residency at B018, has been a 10 year long application of that. I usually spice things up and keep an element of surprise with strong build-ups and dropping accapellas or unreleased remixes I’ve worked on.

If you could get the parts to officially remix any 80s classic, what would it be and why?

I’m already on it. I hope I’ll get the official rights for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. My 2016 remix is killing it everywhere I play it! I’ve been on lockdown in the studio every chance I get, and it’s been fruitful! I now have over 10 remixes of 80s and 90s songs, including Prince’s ‘Kiss’ and Journey’s ‘Faithfully.’

What’s next in the pipeline for you?

I’m opening for Sia at her upcoming concert in Lebanon, where I’ll be premiering my next single (which will be released in September 2016). My 3rd single will follow at the end of

November. 2017 will see the release of my very first album, along with a remixes album.

I’ll be introducing a new world tour concept by next year as well, with different acts, in an amazing light and LED setup.

Any plans to collaborate with Middle East singers and producers?

Sure, I’m already in touch with a few artists and I’m checking who fits the sound and melody best. It’s on the top of my list.

I’m also creating a remix for a huge Lebanese singer. Lots of exciting stuff coming up!

‘Done Looking For Love’ is out now via Universal Music MENA worldwide and available on all platforms.

Rodge DJs every Friday night at Stereo Arcade

DJ BOOTH: MR SHEF CODES

The Cirque Le Soir, Provocateur and 411 resident has been doing something very, very right in the urban scene for a while now, so it’s a long overdue welcome to Mr Shef Codes…

One thing you might not know about me is...

Before DJing I really wanted to be a chef.

My worst ever job was…Being a receptionist.

My favorite ever record is...UB40 - Red Red Wine.

DJing is much like...Painting a picture, anyone can buy the tools and equipment but it requires real skill to make a masterpiece.

Dubai’s clubbing scene is...Finally becoming mature, everyone is spoilt with choice and style.

I’m really proud of...Where the Dubai clubbing and urban “scene” is heading.

What track could you drop in every set?

Blackstreet - No Diggity. That’s my jam.

I can’t live without...My laptop, phone and at least 7 pairs of sneakers.

My biggest DJ achievement to date is...Being nominated with UAE legends without the need to talk much.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?I binge watch YouTube videos about cameras. Yes I’m a camera geek.

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

The 90s for sure!

If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be...In my eyes the first rock star DJ, DJ AM. I’m not a politician but…

I can still make people move! soundcloud.com/mrshefcodes

THE SPIN

PAGE 217

SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE 46 BURNING MAN BRACED FOR HURRICANE CHARL CHAKA…

Burning Man: The counterculture hippy/rave festival held in the North Nevada desert has closed its gates amidst rumours that Dubai based DJ Charl Chaka was en route to join the festival.

Organisers said “We’re aware of Charl’s hedonistic party antics and feel it’s not something our 350 Security, Police and Operations staff would be able to handle’. They added: “The festival is home to some pretty wild events including A 50 foot burning wooden effigy, Libido Lounge, Canadian Beaver Licking Contest. However we’ve heard eye witness accounts of what takes place at a Charl Chaka after party and feel it’s too much even for our organisation.”

As soon as the festival organisers found out party-hound Chaka had made the trans-Atlantic journey and hired a party RV for the week-long event, they put the entire crew on Red Alert. Fearing Katrina-like fall out from party hurricane Chaka, the Burning Man team did something hugely unorthodox, but successful to counter the DXB DJ. ‘We sent a covert team to the nearest Indian Casino in Reno and paid them $50,000 to commission The Chief and Elders to perform a ceremonial Rain Dance in the slim hope that torrential rain would poor down and we’d have valid reason to shut the gates. Needless to say, we’re delighted that our plan has worked and even though the whole festival is completely flooded and the gates closed to all revellers we feel like we’ve got off lightly.” *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.

WITHOUT A LI

QUOR

COULD BE, LICENCE YOU

DON’T TAKE TH

E RISK!

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JUST FOR

NIKE CHAPUKA

Nike have gone back into their archives for their latest trainer, resurrecting the Chapuka silhouette from 2001.

The running sneaker maintains its futuristic aesthetic but has been streamlined in its new incarnation. Featuring premium suede details, a cut out upper, a crisp all white sole and a range of neutral colourways (navy, burnt sienna, sand and black), it’s the perfect summer shoe, making it the perfect Dubai trainer. Recently unveiled at the New York Fashion Week, it’s expected to hit the shelves soon.

The

RECOVERY

Reform Social and Grill A brand new section that celebrates the best places to recover from the night before, the cafes, restaurants and bars that let you piece together your night out while enjoying a bacon sandwich/avo’n’toast/nuclear strength coffee that brings you back to life. First up is Lakes institution Reform. Words Dan Fahy

Approx cost for 2: 200 AED for 2 breakfasts with coffees Licensed? Yes Highlight of the meal? Big, fat, juicy sausages As a British expat, a “Full English” is the go-to post-night out recovery food. After a heavy night out, the missus and I dragged ourselves from bed to see what our favourite gastro-pub could muster up, when it comes to our national delicacy of greasy goodness.

We slumped into the restaurant, bleary-eyed and were led to our table. Spotting our obvious dire need for fuel, we were served our coffees in a flash by the friendly waitress. She took our orders of two English breakfasts (resisting the temptation for the doubled-up “Belly Buster”), then we sat and patiently waited for the goods.

Reform didn’t provide a serene environment to soothe a sore head.

We went on a Saturday and it was packed with young families and children running riot. However, when the food arrived 15 minutes later, we completely forgot about the noise and looked in awe at the spectacular plate placed before us.

The breakfast consisted of a huge platter of sausage, real bacon, egg (cooked how you like), tomato, beans, mushroom, black and white pudding and toast; other than the toast needing an extra minute in the toaster, the elements were delicious. A lot of work must have been done in sourcing the best quality produce and we thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful, especially the juicy sausage.

After sorting the bill, we strode out of the restaurant, feeling reborn. We’ve sampled the Full English at the Yacht Club, Fibber McGees and Irish Village before, but Reform’s ranked at the very top. And come the winter, you can enjoy it on the spacious terrace, with the sun-dappled lake twinkling in the background.

For the health-conscious, their “pots of goodness” (twee jars filled with combinations of yoghurt, granola, nuts, seeds and berries) should also go down a treat, so you don’t need to feel guilty to enjoy one of the best breakfast menus in Dubai. http://www.reformsocialgrill.ae/ The Lakes, Dubai | +971 4 4542638 | reservations@ reformsocialgrill.ae

COOLSTUFF we want

Highlife Dubai

Dubai – a city that takes itself entirely too seriously. Thankfully, there’s Clare Napper – and her hugely popular Highlife Dubai series – too take the city down a notch and provide some truly ace wall art.

Now onto a 2nd series after the first run sold out, and with dedicated Abu Dhabi portraits as well, these tongue-in-cheek, works of vintage-inspired art come in a range of sizes from A1 to A5 and are now available as postcards, notebooks and more. An Infusion themed version would be nice… http://www.highlife-dubai.com/

Cool Test IAN COPPINGER VS JUSTIN MOORHOUSE

It’s a welcome return for our Cool Test this issue, as Ian Coppinger and Justin Moorhouse – two of the up-coming comedians from The Laughter Factory’s September line up – go head to head in a battle of the funnies.

The funniest word is…

IAN: Sausage. It always tickles me.

JUSTIN: Moist - only because it drives people mad.

The best heckle I’ve heard is…

IAN: Being 5 foot 2 I once had the heckle “hi ho” shouted out to me before I even spoke.

JUSTIN: A Dutchman once commented on my trainers in China - that was surreal, I asked where in Holland he was from, he responded, very Dutch like – “what does it matter?” You’ll only come out with your standard Amsterdam material… he was right.

The question I get asked the most is…

IAN: What is your best heckle?

JUSTIN: Because I played a Manchester City wearing fool with his face constantly spread as a tiger in Phoenix Nights it’s either a) Are you a city fan? Or b) How did you get the face paint off?

My biggest claim to fame is…

IAN: Still to happen.

JUSTIN: See above for being the kind of idiot who gets his face painted and wears a shirt of a team he doesn’t support.

Have you ever used your name or fame to get out of trouble?

IAN: I once used the fact that I am the godfather to a famous Australian comedian’s daughter at Australian customs. I wasn’t in trouble but it’s the quickest I’ve ever gotten through customs.

JUSTIN: I don’t think so, I’ve tried to use the old famous face to get a table in a restaurant but unless it’s spray painted (see above) then no chance.

Have you ever injured yourself at work?

IAN: : If a hangover can be considered an injury, then yes, very frequently.

JUSTIN: The paint gave me blotchy skin.

It’s not big and clever but…

IAN: This could be written on my tombstone

JUSTIN: Hearing children swear in context is one of life’s delights.

Your answer to everything is…

IAN: Ask your mother. This is perfect as I’m not married or have any children.

JUSTIN: Google it.

What’s the best insult you could give to each other?

IAN: You couldn’t print that. Don’t forget that I’m Irish, we invent insults.

JUSTIN: Anything that contains the phrase ‘your mum’ eg I once heard a kid say to another on a bus “I saw your mum breakdancing for cigarette money outside Lidl.”

THE VERDICT: A high scoring draw, there’s little to choose between them – although we’ll be shouting ‘Hi Ho’ when Ian takes to the stage Thursday, September 15 – Movenpick JBR (9pm) Friday, September 16 – Movenpick JBR (9pm) Wednesday, September 21 – McGettigan’s JLT (8pm) Thursday, September 22 – Grand Millennium TECOM (9pm) Tickets AED140.

Venn in Dubai Dubai: a city where the rich get richer, the stupider get stupider and the arrogant get more arrogant.

And sadly, if you drew a Venn diagram, right there in the intersection smiling out at you would be the rich, stupid and arrogant population of Dubai’s entertainment scene.

This circle jerk of friendships ensure that the worst ideas in the world come to fruition, that people use and abuse their relationship. Like radio DJs getting their motor-mouthed nonsense released and signed up as a record (seriously), or the same average DJs getting booked for the same gigs every weekend and dropping the same dull doof-doof nonsense.

Thankfully there is some variation coming into the nightlife gene pool, but for the moment all I can see is wall-towall Ahlan! poses as the stupid, rich and arrogant jostle for position.

Monkey Out...

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