Infusion #283: 20 Nov - 4 Dec '16

TECHN O TRONI C!

DYSFUNKTION TURN 1 WITH CHRISTIAN SMITH!

Full Formula 1 Round Up • Jamie Jones • Rugby 7s Pure Sky Lounge • Dirty Vegas • The Scene Burger & Lobster • Angry Monkey and more!

MUSIC

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PEOPLE

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LIFE

TALAL BUDEBS Publisher CHARL CHAKA Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae FRAK FU Sales/marketing sales@infusion.ae ANDY BUCHAN Editor andy@infusion.ae PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae SONIA IGNACIO Operations operations@infusion.ae CONTRIBUTORS: Neil Henderson, Dan Fahy, Holly Hart, Ginger S INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098 infusionmag infusionmagazine

Stereo Arcade have announced they’re going to deliver over 775 hours of live music in the coming year, with over 71 bands having already played the outstandingly cool JBR venue. Ace work, guys.

Infusion TV is back with a bang!

Keep an eye on infusion.ae and our Facebook page to see us in action!

It’s been a bit divisive in the underground dance music community, but we’re loving VIP Room’s new series of bookings including Luciano, Marco Carola and more.

Happy Birthday Cirque Le Soir who turned 5 recently!

GUEST LIST BLACK LIST

infusionmagazine

OUR PARTNERS

America, what have you done!

We know the choice was tainted to say the least, but willingly voting in a sexist, racist, xenophobic president ?

The Mannequin Challenge.

Hopefully it’s as short-lived and pointless as the Harlem Shake.

Free bar hangovers - they’re the best/worst, thanks Tullamore!

Say What?

OLD JOKES HOME

What do you call a goat on a boat?

Billy Ocean.

RUMOURS

A new Monday night deep house party called Purge is set to launch soon.

There’s set to be a new beach club inspired by Ushuaia and Puro beach in the same vicinity as La Cala and Blue Marlin…

Sven Väth has been confirmed to play Provocateur on December 16.

Roger Sanchez has been confirmed to play Q43 on New Year’s Eve. MEME CORNER – US SPECIAL

WE LOVE Pure Sky Lounge

With vertiginous views over JBR, The Palm and the Marina, Pure Sky Lounge not only offers stunning sights but also has a well conceived and executed food and drink menu. And for their 3rd birthday on November 24, they’ll be upping the ante for an all night party on the 35th floor to celebrate, with renowned Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE DJ Frederick Stone headlining.

Not only that, but you’ll be greeted by a free welcome cocktail and complimentary Pan Asian and Western inspired canapés. A refined birthday soirée then, but with one of our favourite UAE DJs in charge of the tunes – expect the floor to be bustling come 11pm and his arrival on the decks.

Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton, JBR, 35th floor, pureskylounge@ hilton.com

What we did

WHITE NOISE FEAT. NERVO @ WHITE DUBAI

I was very excited to finally visit White Dubai, and I was pretty impressed. We arrived a bit after 11pm as the crowd started to fill up the open-air space. The resident DJs were playing the right tunes before a Tomorrowland headliner set - commercial, vocal, deep and tech house. The volume was perfect, and we drank in the view (and the cocktails) as we chatted to friends while looking over the impressive Dubai skyline in the background.

When the Nervo twins arrived to the lower DJ booth in the middle of the venue, the show really began. The volume went up, light sticks were thrust in the air, the visuals started and Co2 was blasted in our face: the end result was lots of smiling people. It was a flawless EDM set with the touch of a bit of Dubai spice - some urban breaks here and there, and then back to 128BPM. The girls have performed on the biggest festivals around the world, so there were no mistakes in track selection, it was a real show.

If you are tired of Dubai’s slower electronic music tempo, and you’d like to experience the feeling of a European festival, White Noise nights will definitely take you there. Words by Tom Noize

LOUIE VEGA @ ZERO GRAVITY

Dubai recently had a real treat by having legendary Louie Vega spin a 3 hour DJ sunset set at Zero Gravity. With over 30 years in the music industry and real house heads came out to support this legendary DJ. Playing a mixed bag, there were house versions of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Got To Give it Up’ and The Doors’ ‘Light My Fire,’ while there were some classic disco numbers in there, amongst some classic 90s house hits. With a neat light, fog and fire show, the only gripe was the crowd was a little light for such a big name. Words by Ginger S ONE BIG FRIDAY FEAT. ERICK MORILLO @ ZERO GRAVITY

Kicking off with the triumphant return of the breakbeat mavens following their 0G residency last season, Krafty Kuts and A-Skillz delivered happy feel-good vibes spanning hip hop, funk, disco and dance. The Mambo Brothers’ uplifting take on Ibiza house then upped the ante before Erick Morillo returned to the stage after a long break from DJing. With big rolling house, he steered everyone onto the floor with his full on four-to-the-floor workout of frenetic beats, builds and drops. Stand out tracks included his recent remix of Latin house classic ‘Pasilda’ by Afro Medusa, as he cemented his reputation as one house music’s classics. Words by Neil Henderson

PLUS MINUS FEAT. RODRIGUEZ @ ON42

Hailing from rural Southern France and bestowed with a classical piano education, Oliver Mateu AKA Rodriguez Jnr has been dubbed Mobilee’s master of eclecticism and debuted his spectacular Visualised multimedia show for Plus Minus. Anja Schneider’s go-to guy combined his robust and strident take on melodic, throbbing techno with a light and LED show alongside the psychedelic, militaristic décor in the womb-like bass cave.

He arrived on stage bathed in a cloak of luminescence accentuating the deep and demanding bassline dropped over a flutter of hardgrimed techno beats - this is not a DJ set, this is a show and we’re all in it for the ride. His music is very good indeed - tight, controlled, wholly responsive to the growingly entranced throng sucked in from the black-light entrance. We’re very intrigued to see what the Plus Minus boys have in store for the rest of the season.

Words by Neil Henderson

ANALOG ROOM FEAT. AKUFEN @ STORY ROOFTOP

Akufen’s Dubai debut at the iconoclastic Analog Room brought with him a welcome dose of anticipation and growing fervour to see just what the enigmatic Canadian had stored on his memory sticks. He exceeded expectations in every sense. Marc Leclair has manifested his music through his unique take on microsampling since his seminal debut long-player My Way in 2002. Since then his endearing and warm take on house music has diversified to incorporate funky, techno and even bass-heavy elements creating swooning journeys.

He dropped Phil Week’s “Live at the Palladium” early, setting the tone.

Infusion TV’s interview spoke with Analog’s Mehdi and Marc before the show, discussing the growth of Dubai’s scene into satellite sessions, deploying big room sounds in cosy settings and the fact that genre-definitions have almost lost their relevance and usefulness. The warm & hypnotic vibe that Mehdi and his team have built will no doubt continue at their new open-air home at DIMC. Words by Neil Henderson

HIP HOP CHIC @ CIRQUE

SENSATION @ BAB AL SHAMS

THE STRANGLERS PLAY THE IRISH VILLAGE

There’s more nostalgic rock coming our way thanks to our good friends at the Irish Village as 70s/80s punk rock group The Stranglers play Dubai on Thursday November 24. With 17 Top 40 albums and over 23 Top 40 singles including ‘Golden Brown,’ the 4 piece have been touring extensively over several decades, notching up shows at Glastonbury and several sold-out European tours.

NICE AND EZ

Not only one of the most technically proficient DJs in the universe, but also a thoroughly ace chap as his sponsored 24 hour DJ set for charity proved, UK Garage hero EZ returns to Zero Gravity on November 24 for another night of big basslined fun.

VIP GO UNDERGROUND AGAIN WITH MARCO CAROLA

VIP Room turned a lot of heads when they booked the Cadenza boss Luciano to play their recent party, and they’re set to do it again as they’ve booked Ibiza techno don Marco Carola to play on Thursday November 24. The man behind mega popular night Music:On, he’s a regular in Dubai thanks to his cosmopolitan, high energy mix of house and techno.

BARASTI GO BIG

9 international acts and bands – and zero cover charge. Yup, we’re loving the sound of Barasti’s sunset festival running from Thursday 24 until Saturday 26. Faithless DJ Sister Bliss headlines the Thursday night with support from Kellie Acreman, while Friday welcomes Sandy Rivera of Kings of Tomorrow fame alongside Little Boots and the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl De Ap, while Saturday features 90s indie band Toploader alongside Dirty Vegas and Junior Jack.

HIP HOP KARAOKE

That’s right, singing in the shower fans, there’s an official Hip Hop Karaoke night coming to town on Monday December 5 at Story Rooftop. Already a success in London, New York and Tokyo, the night will debut with DJ 3G Kid packing over 600 instrumentals for you to get lyrical on the top of.

CELEBRATE THE MAGICAL HOUR OF THE SUNSET

1, 2, 3 DECEMBER 2016 | FREE ENTRANCE EDDIE FERRER | JACK WOODCOCK | MISS EDEN | ROBERT WALKER AND LUCIO ON SAX | BIA

WWW.BLISSLOUNGEDUBAI.COM

KEEPING UP WITH THE JAMIE JONES

A huge global house music star, we’re always pleased to see Wales’ favourite son Jamie Jones return to the UAE – and he’s once again playing at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on Friday November 25. And, as usual, he’s part of a monstrous Circo Loco line up as US house hero Kerri Chandler is joined by Canadian DJ Art Department. Big.

ZERO GRAVITY GOES SUB FOCUS

5 years ago, it would have been unthinkable to have a Drum and Bass act at a mainstream club in the UAE, but thankfully the musical times they have a’changed and bass-heavy names like Sub Focus are deemed worthy headliners. With several top 40 hits to his name, including 2009’s ‘Rock It,’ he’s gone on to release on RAM records, remix Deadmau5 and The Prodigy and put out several well received albums. You can catch him in action at Zero Gravity on Thursday December 1, with free entry as usual for men until 10pm and until midnight for ladies.

7 IS THE LUCKY NUMBER

The Rugby 7s: 72 hours of Herculean efforts, dazzling displays of stamina and staying power – and that’s just the drinkers. The UAE’s favourite 3 day event returns from December 1 for more action on and off the pitch.

ORIGINAL SOUND FEAT. BARAC

264 CRU PRESENTS MADAM X

The team behind Karak Beats are back in action once more at Story Rooftop on Thursday November 24 with Manchester underground DJ/record label owner Madam X making her UAE debut. Support comes from 264 Cru hot-steppers Finlay Lefox and Essarai, with free entry until 11pm, and AED100 after.

TOP TOP TOPPING

Hot Creations’ latest star Patrick Topping returns to Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE on Friday December 2 for another session of blistering house beats and seismic basslines. Expect his new track ‘Tease Magnet’, named Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune recently, to feature prominently!

Techno night Original Sound return to Media One Hotel’s ON42 for another romper stomper of a night on November 24, with NoiDoi DJ Barac joined by an extensive back-to-back-to-back opener featuring Dante, Maks and Maat.

Tickets are AED85 in advance.

DJ SNAKE & TIESTO

The new school and the old school come together for this big weekend of electronic music, as DJ Snake takes over the World Trade Centre on Thursday December 1 before handing over to Tiesto for the Friday night session. DJ Snake, best known for his mammoth ‘Turn Down For What’ collaboration with Lil John, while he was also part of the Grammy-nominated team behind Lady Gaga’s seminal Born This Way, and is now signed to Diplo’s huge Mad Decent label. Tiesto needs little introduction – an ever present on the dance music scene for over a decade, he’s a trance icon turned EDM DJ, headlining festivals like Ultra and Tomorrowland.

Support on Thursday comes from Keza, Stephen Grandi, Rafael Becker with Hollaphonic supporting Tiesto on Friday December 2.

Tickets start from AED275 from Platinumlist.net

THE BIGGEST WEEKEND ON EARTH!

From cutting edge hip hop, to true music icons via underground house nights under the stars, there’s something for everyone at this year’s F1. We’ve rounded up the best parties over the 4 days so you don’t have to miss out…

THURSDAY 24 Pitbull @ du Arena If you can’t wait for the F1 weekend to get started properly, then help is at hand as ‘Mr Worldwide’ Pitbull is opening proceedings at the du Arena on Thursday night. Responsible for the official 2014 World Cup track and a Grammy Award-winning artist, he’s released 9 studio albums and collaborated with Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

Mobilee Records Rooftop World Tour @ Skylite While there are plenty of huge commercial names at the various F1 after parties this year, it’s great to see ultra cool labels like Mobilee get involved with an ultra cool line up including Agoria (pictured), Anja Scheider and Ralf Kollmann take over the stunning Skylite venue at the Yas Viceroy. Tickets from AED499 including free canapés until 9.30pm and open bar 8-9pm.

Steve Lawler @ Iris Yas Island A house music veteran who’s still as relevant today as he was 20 years ago, Steve Lawler continues to impress with his busy gig schedule and releases on his own Viva Warriors imprint. Expect strong house and tech-house sounds from one of our favourite DJs and producers.

Tickets AED300 including 1 drink, Steve Lawler plays from 1.30am till late. Reservations@ irisabudhabi.com

T-Pain @ MAD The first of 4 big urban bookings for MAD, they welcome down auto-tune pioneer T-Pain for a headline set in the graffiticovered venue.

Madonyasisland.com, Open 11pm-6am

FRIDAY 25 VIP Room feat. Luciano & Paris Hilton VIP Room, based one floor above Cipriani in the Yas Marina building, have channeled Ibiza vibes for their Friday night party as Cadenza boss Luciano returns after his recent Dubai show, alongside a guest slot from hotel heiress turned DJ Paris Hilton. Expect Luciano to bring the dancefloor heat and Paris Hilton to bring out the snapparrazi for the night. Table reservations only, 11pm-5am, bookings@viproom-dubai.com

Chemical Brothers @ du Arena We’ll be honest – we’re beyond excited about this gig. Like U2, this gig has been rumoured in the UAE for over a decade, so the tantric delight we’re feeling is palpable. Legends of the electronic scene – and we don’t use the words legends lightly – the duo have one of the most visceral live shows and so many hits we could literally list them over the entire magazine and still run out of space. And big ups to local duo Arcade 82 who have bagged the warm up set, gigs don’t get much bigger than this!

Solomun @ Du Forum Not to be outdone, Diynamic main man and truly global star Solomun will be taking over the du Forum on the Friday night for a session of deep, melodic, hands-in-the-air house music. Tickets from AED180 from ticketmaster.ae, 10pm-6am.

Rita Ora and Sean Paul @ MAD A big double header, the UK’s answer to Rihanna is joined by dutty man Sean Paul for another big urban night at MAD. With a 6am license and in probably the coolest venue on Yas Island, this should be a night to remember (well, depending on how big your bar tab works out…)

Madonyasisland.com, Open 11pm-6am

Sin Events @ Rush Club Celebrating some of Ibiza’s classic names, this all day event features DJs Brandon Block, Alex P and K-Klass across 3 separate parties including a brunch from 12-4pm, a post brunch session from 4-7pm and a secret after-party from 10pm-3am. Tickets from AED1000 including trackside passes and entry to the Chemical Brothers, 056 895 7532.

SATURDAY 26 Lionel Richie @ du Arena

Hello, is it me you’ve been looking for all night long? As much as we’d love to continue this preview in song titles alone, we’ll let Richie do the talking – and we’ll do the singing along with 15,000 other like minded souls as he plays the penultimate night of the F1carnival.

Travis Scott @ MAD Another on-point booking, MAD welcome down US rapper Travis Scott who’s won a MOBO and MTV award during his short career.

With his second album newly released – and debuting at Number 1 on the Billboard chart – he’s about as hot and fresh as they come.

Madonyasisland.com, Open 11pm-6am

VIP Room feat Drake & Gallest We’re not sure how much it costs to book Drake these days (gazillions?), but we’re grateful that VIP Room have done so for their F1 weekender. One of the biggest pop and hip hop stars in the world, he’s owned 2016 thanks to tracks like ‘Pop Style’ and ‘One Dance’ which have dominated charts across the world. He’s joined

by Gallest, who just happens to be Rihanna’s little brother, in what promises to be the biggest urban party the UAE has ever seen. Get your tickets quick, as this will be the hot urban party this weekend!

Table reservations only, 11pm-5am, bookings@viproom-dubai.com

SUNDAY 27 Nic Fanciulli @ Iris If it’s top-quality house music you’re after following the climax of the F1 season (fingers crossed for Hamilton!), then head down to Iris to check out Saved Records main man Nic Fanciulli in action. A fan of melodic, escalating house and techno, he’s built up a big fan base in the UAE after more than a decade of shows in the country. Tickets AED300 including 1 drink, Nic plays from 1.30am till late.

Reservations@irisabudhabi.com

Future @ MAD

And closing out MAD’s F1 weekend will be none other than FUTURE, the much-hyped rapper and hip hop/Trap artist from Atlanta America. Blessed with a serious work ethic, he’s put out four solo albums as well as a trio of hugely well received mixtapes, including 2015’s collaboration with Drake, What A Time To Be Alive. Like Thursday night headliner, he’s a big fan of the Auto Tune device, but instead FUTURE uses it more as a melodic tool, stretching vocals and sounds out in an unique way. With 10 million Soundcloud followers and nearly 7 million Facebook fans, it’s clear the urban world has fallen for him in a very big way.

Madonyasisland.com, Open 11pm-6am

Rihanna @ du Arena One of the biggest female pop stars on the planet – if not the biggest – Rihanna has more hits to her name than we have Facebook friends. Bursting onto the global scene in 2003, she’s sold over 200 million records, won 8 Grammy Awards and been awarded artist of the decade by Billboard. A stunning live performer to boot, this will be up there as one of the biggest gigs of the last few years in the emirate.

VIP Room Celebrity bash Drake is back in charge of the action once again, this time inviting down a posse of celebrity fans for the night including once more Rihanna’s brother Gallest on MC duties. It would be rude for his sister not to head down after her show, right? Table reservations only, 11pm-3am, bookings@viproom-dubai.com

DECEMBER

02 2016

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this e BIG n Smith o g ristian te have h n C o i o t nk bra nch Dysfu ic head ho s they cele who y t r a d p a n legen ON42 ed Tro echno Cult t and book 1 party at the techno el in the r o n, ab . seaso r Decembe e spoke t g techno l sy techno e W n ei i e . l h y l h t a e c r s d d o t f n s rth bigge ubai a 1st Bi their e 2nd winters, D h t p u g heads to talk lon , d l r o w

Welcome back to Dubai – how have you found the city before, do cities like Dubai and their dance music scene surprise you? I have been touring the world for over 15 years now. What surprises is me is how scenes develop. Last time I played in Dubai there were only two venues booking underground acts. Now there are many and you even have commercial venues booking some underground acts. I think that’s fantastic for the scene and the development musically.

Where do you see techno evolving to sound wise over the next few years – is there a pattern that you can see emerging? Right now techno has become the ‘hyped’ and ‘trendy’ sound. This means that many more bandwagon and commercial producers will be drawn to it and try to make it.

This will obviously result in a lot more cheesy techno. One thing I do love about techno is that it always evolves. The more commercial stuff produced, the more underground you will get as well.

And as a label owner, how much attention do you pay towards trends? I don’t. I think this is one of the secrets of Tronic’s long standing success. I only sign tracks to the label that I would play in my sets. I’m not a purist so anything between house and techno works for me.

How has 2016 been for you – what have been the highlights and lowlights? The first half of 2016 was full with long haul travel. I did tours in South America, Asia and North America. The second half was devoted mostly to my album release and the world tour which I am in the middle of now, with over 50 gigs in 20+ countries!

Sometimes it gets a little heavy being away from home so much, but at the same time I feel very privileged to do this for a living. As for highlights I really enjoyed the Tronic Beach Festival I had during Sonar in Barcelona. We had around 5,000 people dancing on the beach and the vibe was incredible.

Some lowlights are obviously the death of heroes Prince and David Bowie. Then we had Brexit, and now Trump...!

How do you make music – do you have to find a zone, or is it something that comes to you wherever and whenever you are? I try to work intensively and take long breaks in between.

This keeps me inspired and motivated. I tend to only work when I’m in the studio. When I travel I tend to use my free time to download promos and arrange playlists. It’s all about creating a healthy balance.

How long have you been involved in dance music for? I was passionate about electronic music since I was 8 years old. I got my first pair of decks when

I was 14 and was always a passionate hobby DJ. I sometimes had paid gigs at warehouse raves while I was studying at University in Washington DC, but it wasn’t until the late 90s that I produced a few records that got me global attention and my career as an international DJ started.

As a record label head, how many copies do you have to sell for the track to be a hit? And how has the vinyl resurgence affected what you do? I do not look at it like this. A hit for me is a track that I play, love, and the people go crazy on the floor. Sales numbers only show if something is commercially viable. Sure Tronic is very successful right now and the world’s second highest selling techno label, but for me my label is a labour of love and not to make money. As for vinyl I do 10-12 vinyl releases a year on Tronic and around 30 digitally. I am very thankful to have a good team behind me that helps me run the label and stay organized. I get over 100 demos a week so it’s really hard to keep on the work.

And what can we expect from your show in Dubai? I’ve heard very good things about the venue so my hopes are high. I’m also happy to spend a few days there and get to know Dubai better and see some friends.

Dysfunktion feat. Christian Smith, Thursday December 1, ON42, Media One Hotel, 10pm-3am, AED100.

DJ SHIMZA SUPPORT DJS

CHARL CHAKA THU 8TH DEC. VELOCITY

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS FREE ENTRY BY GUESTLIST 100 AED AT DOOR RSVP@INFUSION.AE

HOUSEofAFRIKA

HOUSE_of_AFRIKA

ON THE RADAR DECIBEL FT. FATIMA HAJJI DECEMBER 8 - ON42

DUKE DUMONT

DANNIC

DECEMBER 15 - WHITE DUBAI

SVEN VATH

DECEMBER 8 - NASIMI

DECEMBER 16 - PROVOCATEUR

DJ TENNIS

ARMIN VAN BUUREN

DECEMBER 9 - BEACH HOUSE

ELTON JOHN

DECEMBER 15 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA

DECEMBER 29 - WHITE DUBAI

JORIS VOORN

DECEMBER 30 - PROVOCATEUR

ON THE RADAR PLUS MINUS FT. DAVID AUGUST

DJ THREE

DECEMBER 30 - MEDIA ONE CARPARK

JANUARY 6 - EL CHIRINGUITO

STACEY PULLEN

ROBERT BABICZ

LAIDBACK LUKE

REDFEST FT. CHRIS BROWN

DECEMBER 31 - BLUE MARLIN IBIZA UAE

DECEMBER 31 -BARASTI

AXWELL & INGROSSO

DECEMBER 31 - MEYDAN RACECOURSE

JANUARY 20 - ON42

FEBRUARY 2-3 - MEDIA CITY

GUNS’N’ROSES

MARCH 3 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA

ELEMENTS / ABU DHABI

POOL PARTY @

Open Bar 275AED 2pm - 8pm

A SUN-SOAKED UPLIFTING SOUNDTRACK w/ the audio tonic ‘By Day’ Resident DJs! WET DECK // W HOTEL // AL HABTOOR CITY. Every Friday from 2pm - 8pm DRESS CODE: Swim // dance // do both.

RESERVATIONS: +971 (0)52 137 0817 GUESTLIST: guestlist@audiotonic.net

ELEMENTS / DUBAI

25 TH November 2016

NIGHTSWIM @

Presents:

ABU DHABI F1 Special!

RALF KOLLMANN (Mobilee) Russ Cooper // Wisqo

WET DECK // W HOTEL // AL HABTOOR CITY. Every Friday from 8pm till late.

DRESS CODE: Swim // dance // do both.

RESERVATIONS: +971 (0)52 137 0817 GUESTLIST: guestlist@audiotonic.net

Soundstage SVENGALI

Heavy rock band Svengali talk us through their love of Metallica, Tupac and being in a band with great beards…

My first musical influence was… Metallica were definitely

one of the first and biggest influences on us. They’re the band that makes you want to start a band!

The last pop star I liked was… We all collectively agree,

Michael Jackson, is the king of pop… and we all still love his music.

My sound is best described as… We’ve always had a hard time describing our sound, but heavy with a melodic twist?

Best piece of advice you’ve received? JM: Be patient, don’t give up – this statement has rung true many times in my life Ali: Just because I think it’s right, doesn’t make it right.

Adnan: When you’re on stage, scream your heart out What’s your musical guilty pleasure? Ali: I enjoy some Electronic Dance music from time to time.

Adnan: I know every word to every Tupac song ever released.

JM: All the 90s and 2Ks pop hits!

Lamest claim to fame? Being a band whose members happen to have long beards.

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

We absolutely need our Sennheiser D1 Wireless units. Our entire show is based on moving around and the energy we can take and give back to the crowd. Our D1’s work perfectly for us to go completely insane. Not a cable in site to trip on!

My musical motto is…

JM: Play from the heart, no matter what the circumstances are.

Ali: Serve the song.

Best gig you’ve played? Ali: Mine is Concrete Metal Festival 2016 - Beirut, Lebanon… It was our first time there and it just blew us away. We played our hearts out.

Adnan: I think mine would be Headbanger’s Weekend 2015 – Istanbul, Turkey. Getting to share a stage with people I grew up listening to just kicked things into overdrive for me.

JM: That’s another tough one for me, every gig we play feels like it’s our best, each gig has its own flavor… they’re all the best.

Best lyrics of all time?

JM: ‘Sober’ by Tool, it has a special place in my heart.

Ali: ‘Change’ by The Deftones.

Adnan: An odd one but the lyrics from ‘And Then There Was Silence’ by Blind Guardian always stayed with me. facebook.com/svengalimusic

TO THE RADIO! After years of hushed whispers and rumours, Dance FM 97.8 – a homegrown dance music only radio station – is finally here. Ace news, right? We caught up with Managing Partner Theo Makris to talk local DJ stars, Dance FM parties and why FM still matters

Congratulations on the launch, Dance FM has been a much talked about enterprise – how did it come about?

We began working on the concept a couple of years ago, lots of music and creative ideas later we made it!

How hard was it getting an FM license, how much red tape did you have to wade through? And in today's musical climate, was it essential that you had an FM license?

Good question, it’s not an easy process to get an FM license here, but we viewed it as vitally important because it is still the main radio broadcast medium. Digital is growing fast of course and Dance FM will be offering great entertainment for mobile devices.

And what's the station's musical remit?

Dance dance dance dance!

How is the content made up of international and local Djs? We love local music, so it’s really important for us to provide a platform for DJs who live and work here, that’s why every night you can hear their mixes. We are very proud that every night you can hear a big name DJ on Dance FM… we never stop!

Obviously, there's a wide range of nationalities in the UAE – how will that be represented on the station, and in the music?

We are a radio station for everyone, who doesn’t like to dance?

How specialist are your shows – can we expect any Giles Peterson leftfield goodness, or any bass-orientated shows?

We have an amazing lineup of International DJs, the weekend lineup of stars and DJs from the UAE will blow you away with feel good music. We are over the moon about the new breakfast and drive shows, which mean being stuck in a jam is worth it!

Who do you think your listeners will be?

Our listeners are anyone who loves feel-good music, it doesn’t matter where they are from, young or old, this is music that moves you.

How has the business model changed for radio?

There is definitely more focus on digital; we have invested a lot to make sure we’re up to date with technology. Social Media is also a key focus for Dance FM, our FB, Instagram and Snap are great ways of finding out about Dance FM and our shows.

And how do you see the business growing – will there be Dance FM shows and events?

Guaranteed!

Dance FM, 97.8, facebook.com/dancefmuae

DJ BOOTH: CHRIS METCALFE

Zero Gravity’s new resident DJ talks us through oil rigs, glass collecting and being signed to Armin Van Buuren’s record label (big ups!)

One thing you might not know about me is… Before I was a full time DJ I used to be an Inspector/Rope Access Technician working on oil rigs.

My worst ever job was… As a glass collector, although I still enjoyed it because the club I worked at had great DJs on every week. That job played a big role on where I am today. I ended up being resident DJ, and everything progressed from there.

DJing is much like… The dream job for me, making a living out of something I love.

Dubai’s clubbing scene is… Getting bigger and better, year after year. There is something for everyone, whether it’s pool and beach parties, clubs or bars, you will find the world’s best DJs every weekend here.

I’m really proud of… Getting signed to Armin van Buuren’s record label and also most recently landing a residency at my favourite club in the UAE, Zero Gravity.

What track could you drop in every set? I play that many different set times, from warm up to peak, there’s not something I could ever play in every set.

My biggest DJ achievement to date is… Being able to do my hobby as a job, and travel the world while doing it.

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

Late 1990s/early 2000s.

If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be… I’ve had the pleasure of playing B2B with Aly & Fila and Orjan Nilsen. Armin van Buuren would be fun, he knows how to rock a crowd.

I’m not a politician but… I’m sure the world would be a better place if I was, ha ha! soundcloud.com/chrismetcalfe

What we Ate BAZXAR PROHIBITION BRUNCH

Bazxar - the brainchild of El Sur and Pret-to-Go founders, Create Hospitality - have launched a new Prohibition-themed brunch offering in its quirky, “4-restaurants-in-one” home in DIFC. With 4 kitchens in the restaurant, diners are offered a selection of US, Latin-American, Mediterranean and Asian dishes, coupled with DJs spinning old-school 90s pop and hip-hop beats throughout the afternoon, seguing into the after-party from 5pm til 8pm, where drinks are 2-for-1 and the party gets livelier.

If you’ve had a heavy Thursday night, it can be torture to get up for a midday brunch, so with this starting at 2pm, it’s a great choice for wannabe brunchees who are looking for an extra hour in bed to recover.

There are 3 packages to choose from, ranging from 295AED to 495AED with alcohol free and sparkling wine options available.

Words by Dan Fahy

WITHOUT A LI

QUOR

COULD BE, LICENCE YOU

DON’T TAKE TH

E RISK!

APPLY NOW, just follow these three simple steps.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Complete the Application Form and get it stamped by your employer.

Attach copies of the required documents.

Visit any MMI shop to submit your Application Form and documents.

For more information please contact our Liquor Licence team on 04 304 0331/0332 or e-mail lipsadmin@mmi.ae mmidubai.com

/mmidubai

@mmi_dubai

MMIDubai

WEST 14 BRUNCH

West 14th, The Palm’s picturesque steakhouse has announced a new winter BBQ surf-and-turf brunch, perfect for enjoying the cooler weather outdoors on their large terrace.

With salad stations and freshly cooked burgers, hot-dogs and the usual accompaniments like jacket potatoes and corn-on-the-cob, it will feel like “home-from-home” for the British and Australian expats, where the BBQ is high on the warm weather tradition list.

Topped off with a tasty spread of desserts such as cheesecakes and crème brûlée, there’s a good mix of food for everyone to enjoy.

With good value packages for under 12s, it’s a great place to enjoy the sunshine with the family and take in the views of the Palm.

Words by Dan Fahy

Wanderlust FUN • FOOD • FREEDOM

Brunch

Embrace your inner wanderlust and explore this celebratory adventure.

AED 395

PER PERSON INCLUDING FOOD & BEVERAGES

Every Friday From 1pm to 4pm

Enjoy a 20% discount on beverages from 4pm to 7pm at the Lust after-party in Square with DJ SoulNinja!

Age policy: 21 and above Garden restaurant, 5th Floor JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay T +971 4 414 3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

The

RECOVERY

The Scene

Pier 7, Dubai Marina Sometimes, the morning after the night before, fresh air is needed to blow away the cobwebs. What better place than at The Scene on the 4th floor of Pier 7 overlooking Dubai Marina. Words by Holly Hart

Approx cost for 2: 150 for 2 breakfasts with coffees Licensed? Yes – from 9am! Much earlier than others, essential information when hair of the dog is needed Highlight of the meal? Bloody Mary menu and the view We were welcomed by smiley friendly staff offering a great choice of tables – cosy booths to slump and hide in, fresh open air tables on the vast balcony, or sitting just inside the restaurant to enjoy the AC but also right next to the fully opened glass which is where we chose. The restaurant itself feels totally relaxed and easy which was just what was needed.

The breakfast menu has good variety, and yet not overwhelming – a perfect mix of simple traditional classics like a Bacon & Egg Butty and more daring options including the chorizo inspired Huevos Racheros. The food menu is really well priced with the full English at only 75 AED including all the essentials - even veggie black pudding.

We opted for the classic Dippy Eggs & Soldiers and the hangover-banishing Neptune’s Bounty (eggs benedict with smoked salmon).

The Dippy Eggs were cooked to perfection – sweet and nutty and the stacked soldiers were just the right size to dunk and immerse into the molton yolk (we could have done with a teaspoon too to finish them

off!). Neptune’s Bounty was stacked high with smoked salmon smothered in a creamy, thick, rich Hollandaise sauce, not vinegary – just right. The English muffin however was very thick, more like an American biscuit, which made it a bit dry.

The undoubted highlight was the inspired Bloody Mary Menu – Make A Bloody Scene.

Essential for the Recovery.

This menu is a list of 6 (yes 6!) different Bloody cocktails to spice up your Mary. We opted for the Bloody Barmy with red onion, chilli infused vodka, tomato juice and bacon.

Beautifully presented, and with a serious kick, the perfect Hair of the Dog. Our expert waiter, Vincent, was the perfect blend of attentive and invisible. A few children on tables around us were kept quiet with his smooth delivery of distractions for them and kind approach making a really relaxed environment for everyone.

The perfect location/ ambiance, solid menu, delicious food, perfect service and happy bill total – oh and did I mention they serve 6 different Bloody Marys from 9am?! See you there…!

Eat Sleep Rave Repeat

Stephen Day gets surfed and turfed at the stunningly simple Burger & Lobster joint in DIFC

Firstly a word of advice to anyone who is either a vegetarian or has a seafood allergy: turn the next two pages, there’s nothing to see here, it’s called Burger & Lobster for a reason.

DIFC is on fire gastronomically at the moment, and the addition of this joint to the list reinforces that. I use the word ‘joint’ as Burger & Lobster is just that. It’s certainly not fine dining, but it’s no quick service meat shack either - it sits perfectly in that happy casual space but with an air of sophistication, excess and most importantly an alcohol license.

You enter through a tunnel of Lobster tanks and pots creating a great spectacle and are shown to a cherry red leather booth and handed menus. It seems odd picking a beer or wine in a place like this, but we’ve just returned from Barcelona where even the dreaded Golden Arches offers beer with its Big Mac, so this is perfect for us.

Whilst the milkshakes sounded tempting and the cocktails enticing, the menu couldn’t be any simpler – it’s literally 10 things, either beef burger based, lobster burger based or whole lobster and a sauce, I defy anyone not to find something they want.

Each burger has a theme, ‘The Frenchman’ with its foie gros or a spicy ‘Hot Mama’ right up to the showcase burger monster that is ‘The Beast’, with its lobster tail topping and claws on the side. We decided to go back to basics to see what this place is all about - fancy names and nice decor mean nothing if the meat is dull. We went for 2 originals with cheese, plus a steamed lobster to share.

The food arrived, bright, juicy and on large platters. I jumped straight in and was rewarded with tender beef, with a lovely mix of fat running through it and just enough salt on the crust to elevate it over the usual fare. I was informed they have recently

changed their meat supply to corn fed, grass finished beef and this showed in spades.

We’ve mentioned before that traceability is key, but it’s also important is how the animals are reared. Yes I want to know what I’m eating, but I like to know what I’m eating has been eating, as it makes a difference to the texture and more importantly flavour. Start asking when you’re out next, see if they know, they really should.

So the burger delivered, what about the lobster? It arrived simply steamed with some drawn butter on the side - if you cook a lobster right it’s a joy, 10 seconds too long and you may as well just bin it. These guys

knew what they are doing. It was soft and delicate, succulent and full of flavour, just on the edge of cooked, which for me is perfection. My only criticism is the sheet on the plate that it sat on, as after a while the juicy flesh started to make it fall apart and you couldn’t tell if you were grabbing crustacean or paper as you hungrily fed it into your mouth.

It’s unusual for us to be beaten, but on this occasion, whilst the deserts sounded great it was time to call it and head off into the night. We had such a good time that we’ve returned twice since and I’m sure we will visit many more.

Burger & Lobster, Burj Daman Building , DIFC, 04 514 8838, facebook.com/BurgerAndLobsterDubai

Gadgets SONY MDR-1000X WIRELESS, NOISE-CANCELLING

Experience industry-leading noise cancellation with Sony’s groundbreaking new headphones, MDR-1000X. FATBOY LAMZAC PORTABLE LOUNGE CHAIR

Make the most of the great weather outside with the Fatboy Lamzac – a portable lounge chair that ensures you have a comfortable seat no matter where you go.

KATE SPADE ‘RAISE A GLASS’ WATER BOTTLE

Hello hydration. Save plastic and stay stylish with the “Raise A Glass” water bottle from Kate Spade.

SONY PLAYSTATION VR

Get immersed in the world of gaming with Sony PlayStation VR – the latest gaming technology which utilizes Virtual Reality technology to bring the gaming experience to life.

Shop online at virginmegastore.ae

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You’re the best!

What is it amongst DJs and producers that makes them think they’re the bees knees or the eggs legs or the knobbiest of the knobs?

There was a DJ the other day throwing down the gauntlet to other producers on social media, boldly claiming he was the best DJ and producer in town. That’s right, he’s allegedly the biggest fish in this rather diminutive pond. Beyond the fact that it’s a foundless claim, why even go there, why make music competitive?

Music – cliché alert! – is life. Music isn’t boundless boasting, and calling out other music makers (who incidentally are wildly more successful than you), that’s just your small minded attitude.

Monkey Out...

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

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