Infusion #285: 18 Dec - 8 Jan '17

SAY HELLO TO 2017 WITH Christmas List • Armin Van Buuren Joris Voorn • Coldplay • Roger Sanchez David Guetta • David August and more!

MUSIC

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PEOPLE

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LIFE

DENNIS FERRER STACEY PULLEN DE LA SWING OBJEKTIVITY

FREDERICK STONE / JEAN B / JIXO & DANZ

DECEMBER

31

2016

AED 650 LADIES / AED 850 GENTS DINNER AED 1,350 PER PERSON

FROM 7PM TILL LATE / OPEN BAR VIP TERRACE TABLE PACKAGES: AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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, Ginger S, Frak Fu INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098 infusionmag

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Big ups to Universal who have compiled the NOW The Best of Indie Arabia, pulling together a host of alternative Arab stars from the region.

Ah, it’s good to have House of Afrika back in action, we’ve missed our little Afro baby!

NYE promoters – fair play, guys, you lot have pulled out some terrific bookings this year, meaning there’s something for everyone.

GUEST LIST BLACK LIST People complaining about DJ polls.

It’s a popularity contest, guys – not a state of the nation address.

Accept it, ignore it, whatever – just move on.

OUR PARTNERS 2016. Truly a terrible, terrible year – the world lost so many good people, and voted in favour of fear in the UK and America. Can we just call it 2017 now?

We’re sad to hear that The Act has closed down to be replaced by an Arabic club, a truly ace space with some incredible food and shows.

Say What?

RUMOURS

Justin Beiber has confirmed a show at the Autism Rocks Arena on May 6.

Elton John has sadly had to postpone his much-anticipated UAE show until January 20 due to extreme fatigue.

Hyperdub bass don Kode 9 has been tipped to play in Dubai next April.

DID YOU KNOW…

60% of apps in the Google Play app store have never been downloaded. But not our brand new Infusion Magazine App which is quickly going public, making our pocket rocket available on iOS and Android devices for free now!

OLD JOKES HOME

I went on a trip to a postcard factory last week. It was OK. Nothing to write home about.

MEME CORNER

WE LOVE McGettigans Lads Night

Free valet parking, all manner of quality bar food, every drink you can think of on tap and and darts, pool and live sport on the big screens... Yeah, it’s fair to say we enjoyed our Lads Night out.

Taking place in the aptly named Den every Tuesday, there’s an array of pool tables and darts boards (pub Olympics, anyone?), and awesome beer and Mantail menu (cocktails for men, obvs).

The food is excellent, with the shredded BBQ Chicken the stand out. The always attentive and amiable staff run both the bar and the pool competition with aplomb and a smile, making this night out a real craicker.

McGettigans Lads Night, every Tuesday, Dubai World Trade Centre, 7-11pm, 3 free drinks

What we did

HIP HOP KARAOKE @ STORY ROOFTOP

International institution Hip Hop Karaoke recently launched in Dubai, with urban fans able to choose from over 600 songs including heaters from J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Coolio and Vanilla Ice. The Run DXB crew were out in force as they battled off against each other, using a tablet instead of the usual lyrics on a screen, with each contestant given a free Hip Hop Karaoke T-shirt. The energy didn’t dip during the night even when the contestants hung back to perfect their rhymes, thanks to the tireless skills of DJ 3GK. Words by Ginger S Up next: Hip Hop Karaoke, December 19

SENNHEISER HE 1 LAUNCH

When Sennheiser announced they were launching the HE1 headphones (with a crisp $50,000 price tag – yes, that is the correct number of zeroes), we knew we had to get an invite. After meeting Mr Sennheiser (yeah, we’re bragging now), we had 10 minutes on our own to test out the new cans.

For the first track, we chose Miles Davis ‘So What’. Not only do you have one of the biggest jazz musicians of all time on the recording, but also the second biggest, John Coltrane. The result, and I am not using my words lightly, was a roller coaster ride of emotions. The clarity of the trumpet and the warmth of the sax was absolutely beautiful. It brought back amazing memories with my Dad and really took me by surprise.

We needed something heavy for the second track, so we went with Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’. It starts with Jimmy Page’s guitar riff, followed by JPJ’s bass and later Robert Plant’s vocals with Bonzo bringing everything together with the drums. Each of them came from a different direction and was layered to perfection. For a lack of a better word, it was pure musical bliss.

I wouldn’t consider myself an audiophile, but this experience was truly next level. It made me want to re-listen to every single track I have ever heard and finally know what it felt like to be in the studio with the artists. Let’s hope Santa’s been reading this and knows I’ve been a good boy this year! Words by Frak Fu

HOUSE OF AFRIKA @ VELOCITY

INDIE DIFC

GUETTA’S BACK IN TOWN

It’s a good job that David Guetta owns property here (no, we’re not telling you where) as he’s back for another gig, this time playing at Atlantis The Palm on Thursday December 29. He’s a festive Dubai kind of guy, having played here last NYE and another December date in 2014. Still a huge name in the commercial house scene, expect plenty of thumping EDM beats and pieces from the French DJ and producer behind ‘When Love Takes Over’ and 2014’s hit ‘Dangerous.’

ARMIN VAN BUUREN PLAYS WHITE

The superstar DJ battles usually take place on NYE, but Dubai’s promoters are betting on an early start to the party season this year, as White Dubai match David Guetta’s gig by booking Armin Van Buuren to play their stunning rooftop venue on Thursday December 29. The trance and EDM icon will be supported by DJAD & DJ Anthony Bassoulou, with doors open from 11pm.

JORIS VOORN RETURNS TO BLUE MARLIN

Never one to miss a Friday party, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE aren’t letting the fact it’s 1 day away from NYE detract from their pulling power as they’ve booked Dutch tech-house and techno DJ Joris Voorn to headline their December 30 date. Support comes from Nathan Barato and Leon playing back-2-back, alongside resident DJs Frederick Stone, Jean B and Jixo & Danz.

WHITE NOISE WITH DANNIC

EDM DJ Dannic is back once again at his spiritual Dubai home as he plays White Dubai on Thursday December 22. Playing the club’s new White Noise party, he’ll be bringing plenty of dancefloor ammunition from his newly created Fonk label.

PLUS MINUS KEEP AUGUST COMPANY

Deciding to eschew the hectic NYE party plans, Plus Minus are throwing their last event of the year with one of their favourite acts, Diynamic’s exhilarating David August on Friday December 30.

They’re once again taking over the Media One’s Car Park for another concrete rave, with Haidz, Hoolz and Ghadz (the zhree amigos?) on support duties. Advance tickets are AED150 from Platinumlist.net.

Hello 2017, Goodbye 2016

A truly awful year for so so many reasons, we’re more excited than normal about NYE this year as we say goodbye to 2016 and a big fat hello (with a sloppy midnight kiss) to 2017. And the good party promoters in Dubai have given us dozens of options for us to party into next year, with our picks of the action below…

ROGER SANCHEZ @ Q43

Views of the midnight firework display from the 43rd floor? Check.

Open bar for just AED399? Check. House music legend Roger Sanchez delivering the dancefloor dynamite? Check, mate. Whether it’s enjoying a 6 course menu in the restaurant or just getting down to one of our favourite DJs, Q43 has all bases covered.

5 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT ROGER SANCHEZ

1

He’ll be 50 in 2017. If we’re a) rocking parties at 50 across the world and b) looking half as good as him when we’re 50, we’ll be very, very happy.

2

He won a Grammy in 2003 for his remix of ‘Hella Good’ by No Doubt, not something many DJs can boast about.

3

He ditched a budding career in architecture to DJ for a living, inspired by advice from his Dad. New York’s building trade’s loss was dance music’s gain.

4

He’s remixed for so many amazing names we could list them over every one of our 68 pages, but a few selected highlights include Daft Punk, Madonna, Diana Ross, The Police and Maroon 5.

5

His first single was released in 1990, meaning he’s been a main player in dance music for nearly 3 decades.

His biggest hit to date was his 2001 smash ‘Another Chance’ which hit the top spot in the UK, and charted in the Top 10 across Europe.

Q43 with a View feat. Roger Sanchez, open bar 9pm-3am, tickets from AED399.

STEREO ARCADE

Hands down one of our favourite clubs in the city, Stereo Arcade have gone into full party mode for their December 31 throwdown.

Not only are the pub and club operating at full capacity, the open bar tickets are just AED350. We’ll let that settle in for a second.

AED350 for your entire night out from 8pm-3am. I know, right.

Dean Curtis will be on hand in the club throwing down his usual ace mix of 80s, 90s and noughties music.

Stereo Arcade, Double Tree Hilton JBR, 8pm-3am, AED350.

Celebrate sky!

Celebrate in the sky!

Dubai’s best fireworks fireworks views Dubai’s views

ChristmasBrunch Brunch Christmas th th December 2525 December 5:30pm-9pm 5:30pm-9pm From 375 AED per person From 375 AED per person

NYE Evening Evening Brunch NYE Brunch 31stst December 31 December 9pm-midnight 9pm-midnight From 745 AED per person From 745 AED per person

NYE NYEParty Party on onthe thePalm PalmTerrace Terrace 31st stDecember 31 December 9pm-midnight 9pm-midnight From 495 AED per person From 495 AED per person

VIP Tables available upon reservations.

VIP Tables available reservations.

Please contact us for packageupon details or group inquiries.

Please contact us for package details or group inquiries.

Hilton Dubai The Walk | Bahar | JBR Dubai The Walk | Bahar 04 374 7888 |Hilton pureskylounge@hilton.com | | JBR pureskylounge 04 374 7888 | pureskylounge@hilton.com | pureskylounge

CHASE & STATUS AND 2MANYDJS @ ZERO GRAVITY

We weren’t sure how Zero Gravity were going to improve on last year’s party season, and then they upped the ante and dropped a sprawling new pool extension which breathed fresh life into an already incredible space. Likewise, we weren’t sure how they were going to top 2015’s NYE spectacular, so they decided to double down and book not 1 but 2 A-list, headline DJs. Chase & Status will bring their bass-loaded ammunition, with more than able support from Belgium brothers 2ManyDJs, the definitive party starters. With incredible views of the fireworks, and enough sonic fireworks to satiate thousands, this should be as big as NYE parties come.

Chase & Status (DJ set) & 2ManyDJs, 1pm-4am, Early bird tickets AED200, AED375 on the door.

LAIDBACK LUKE @ BARASTI

One of the most talented DJs in the world, and we hear good reports he’s one of the nicest, it’s a pleasure to see Dutch house/electro DJ Laidback Luke back in the UAE, this time taking Barasti into 2017 Memories of Dubai? I recently compared Dubai to St. Tropez. I feel it’s a place where people want to go and to be seen.

What have been some of your best NYE memories?

And what makes a good NYE DJ in your opinion? Oh there are so many! From trying to do as many shows as possible in the Netherlands and in America, to sharing that moment with my wife on stage to even staying at home with my kids to celebrate it with family. A good NYE DJ will give you that feeling and is there to celebrate it with you.

Midnight tunes? I usually try and start with a classic of mine, like my official remix for Benny Benassi's 'Cinema' but other than that I never plan the first track of the new year.

Describe your 2016 in 5 words? What a chaotic rollercoaster ride.

And thoughts on what will happen in 2017? I don't want to ruin the party vibe but I think in general 2016 was such a weird and sad year because we lost a lot of legends like Prince and David Bowie, to name just a few. A lot of strange things happened in 2016 and frankly, I'm happy we're transitioning to a new year. Surely 2017 will a lot better and we'll go into it again with new hope.

Laidback Luke @ Barasti, 7pm-3am, early bird tickets AED200, AED310 on the door.

DENNIS FERRER & STACEY PULLEN @ BLUE MARLIN IBIZA UAE

If you’re after heads down, hands up house beats on New Year’s Eve, there’s only one option thanks to the tireless good work of the good, good people at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE as they’ve teamed up with longrunning Spanish party ElRow. Recent DXB guest De La Swing joins ‘Hey Hey’ producer Dennis Ferrer on the bill alongside Detroit techno star Stacey Pullen who answered a few of our questions…

STACEY PULLEN INTERVIEW Best NYE moments? There have been many, but my most recent NYE here in Detroit is by far one of the best because I got a chance to play out, but was able to come home and sleep in my own bed.

A good NYE DJ is one who know's how to program the night and make sure that he doesn’t tap out before the night is over.

Midnight tunes? I love playing "Fly Life" by Basement Jaxx. I'm not sure what to expect even for myself for 2016/2017.

Describe your 2016 in 5 words? Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Hotels & Clubs And thoughts on what will happen in 2017? 2017 will be a year for us to reflect and look deep into our souls for validation as to what we have accomplished in life and make life more enjoyable.

ElRow feat. Dennis Ferrer, Stacey Pullen and De La Swing, 7pm-4am, early bird tickets AED500 (ladies) and AED650 (men)

COLDPLAY @ YAS ISLAND

The fastest selling gig in UAE history, there aren’t technically any tickets left for Coldplay’s NYE date at the du Arena, but there are plenty of tickets being re-sold on the official Facebook event page.

The UK 4 piece have a strong history with the UAE having played here several times before, and will be taking their dazzling A Head Full Of Dreams tour to Abu Dhabi to welcome in 2017.

Coldplay at Yas Island, 7pm-2am, tickets sold out

DESERT ONE FESTIVAL @ AL SAHRA DESERT RESORT

Thomas Gold, Sick Individuals, Thomas Newson, Tom & Jame and Manse are all coming to the UAE for the last EDM throwdown of the year. Taking place at the Al Sahra Desert Resort, this pumping party is thrown in association with Hardwell’s Revealed Recordings, and offers shuttle bus services from Ibn Battuta to the venue meaning you don’t need to worry about the usual NYE traffic horrors.

Desert One Festival, 7pm-3am, tickets from AED249

BAD HOUSE PARTY PROM GONE WRONG @ CASA LATINA

Good old Bad House Party, the region’s leading indie/alternative night. Not only are they throwing down an NYE party, they’ve gone all out and gone for a Prom Gone Wrong theme. Which means you can spot the cool kids in town on December 31 by their ill-fitting tuxedos and Flock of Seagulls hair. Playing an unrivalled mix of indie and punk, they’ll be ringing in 2017 with an all female DJ line up including Estee Slaughter, The Anchorlady, Madbutcher. Entry is free and doors open at 8pm, and dressing up is optional, but a Prom King and Queen will be crowned on the night.

Bad House Party Prom Gone Wrong, Casa Latina, Ibis Al Barsha, 8pm-2.30am, free entry.

BACK2BASICS FEAT. JAMES ZABIELA @ SOFITEL DOWNTOWN

A regular feature at the start of the year, Back2Basics have been taking a break from the party scene in preparation of their big NYE event as they've once again booked Jedi house wizard James Zabiela for a 4 hour set at the stunning Downtown Pool Deck. With unrivalled views of the Downtown fireworks and the Pioneer tech specialist in charge of the house, tech house and techno tunes, the atmosphere should blow the roof off (should there be one).

Back2Basics feat. James Zabiela, 8pm-4am, open bar tickets including food AED850 (men) and AED750 (ladies)

SAY HELLO TO 2017 WITH Ex Swedish House Mafia stars Axwell & Ingrosso are flying into Dubai for New Year’s Eve to play a spectacular show at the Meydan Race Course for Envie Events, the party people behind Sensation. We grabbed a few minutes with the progressive house and electro stars, and also take a look at the full line up‌

5 MINUTES WITH AXWELL & INGROSSO A very warm welcome back, you’re both regulars here over the years – do you have good memories of the city? How have you seen it grow?

Every time we come, we see new hotels and new places to eat – we love it here.

What have been some of your best NYE memories?

And what makes a good NYE DJ in your opinion?

NYE is always amazing, the energy is something very special. We’ve always had an amazing time playing midnight shows.

What tunes have you played at midnight before?

And what’s potentially in store for 2016/2017?

We normally make a custom made medley of songs – old classics and new music.

Describe your 2016 in 5 words?

Another chapter, another amazing year.

And thoughts on what will happen in 2017?

New music from us and we will be taking it to the very next level.

THE REST OF THE LINE UP MAMBO BROTHERS Born and raised in Ibiza, the brother-brother duo of Christian and Alan play a cool mix of tech-house and house and – thanks to countless gigs across Ibiza – have warmed up and closed for pretty much every big name DJ. Now globe-trotting DJs in their own right, they’ll be bringing their infectious energy and high tempo sounds to Dubai to see in 2017.

Biggest Track ‘Memento’. With plays from Pete Tong and Hot Since 82, it’s a classy slice of big room house designed to get your hands in the air.

SALVATORE GANACCI A long time collaborator with Axwell & Ingrosso, Salvatore is a Swedish DJ and producer and has released several big records on Ingrosso’s excellent Refune label. He’s remixed for Afrojack and Dada Life, while his 2014 hit with Jillionaire from Major Lazer announced him onto the world stage Biggest Track ‘Hit It From The Back’. A fiery Trap classic that’s notched up hundreds of thousands of plays and views online.

SHAPOV Signed to Axwell’s Axtone label, he’s already remixed for Camelphat and Afrojack despite only breaking into dance music in 2015. The Russian DJ has played on radio shows from Tiesto and Diplo, and recently played big EDM events Tomorrowland and Ushuaia in Ibiza.

Biggest Track Axwell & Ingrosso & Shapov ‘Belong’. Released on Axwell’s Axtone label, this incendiary slice of EDM was released earlier this summer, quickly becoming a club and festival anthem.

MAMBO BROTHERS

SALVATORE GANACCI

SHAPOV

Axwell & Ingrosso, December 31, Meydan Race Course, 7pm-3am, tickets from AED599 including open bar from envie-events.com

ON THE RADAR

FEEL GOOD FESTI FEAT. LOU BEGA

BENOIT & SERGIO

JANUARY 13 -NASIMI

JANUARY 27 - EL CHIRINGUITO

ALL DAY I DREAM FEAT. LAUREN RITTER JANUARY 14 - ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF COURSE

JANUARY 27 - MCGETTIGANS JLT

ROBERT BABICZ JANUARY 20 - ON42

JANUARY 20 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA

FRESHLY GROUND

ELTON JOHN

ON THE RADAR

REDFEST FEAT. CHRIS BROWN FEBRUARY 2-3 - MEDIA CITY

EELKE KLEIJN FEBRUARY 3 - ON42

JOSH BUTLER

FEBRUARY 4 - ZERO GRAVITY

DECIBEL FEAT. ALBERTO RUIZ FEBRUARY 9 - ON42

GUNS’N’ROSES

MARCH 3 - AUTISM ROCKS ARENA

KODE 9

APRIL 13 - VENUE TBC

DANCE MAGIC

With Infusion tuned in 24/7 to Dance FM, the region’s first dedicated dance music radio station, we caught up with 3 of the local DJs to find out what they’re playing and how they’ve been practicing their radio voices…

Sam Farsio: Friday 8-9pm Darko: Monday 10-11pm Safe Smokingroove: Friday 10pm-midnight Congratulations on the new Dance FM shows – what's your musical remit and what time do you play?

Sam Farsio: I am trying to play quality music and if you have been listening to my show I play different styles of music every week. Sometimes you get down tempo deep house and sometimes techno and tech house. The idea is to attract different and new listeners every week.

Darko: My show contains the latest from the clubbing scene, mostly from the deep, tech and deep-techno genre.

Safe: Our radio show continues where we left off in London 6 years ago.

Our own bespoke format is pulling in some fresh, cutting edge underground House and Techno but blending it all into our own ‘MultimediaMashup’, pulling in movie samples, audio snippets, TV samples and anything else we can throw into the mix.

And how fresh will the music be, who are you playing and why?

Sam: I always try to keep the music fresh and new. There

are a few producers who I really admire as well as their productions like Trikk, Kris Davis, Patlac, Marc Pinol, John Talabot and Olderic. I also play some of my productions under both Sam Farsio and my new alias Far From Mars.

Darko: Keeping the music fresh is my job! I’m always trying to fill my sets with as many unreleased tracks as I can. It’s hard to name who am I playing and why because there are many new names coming out on a daily basis, but I always have Olivier Giacomotto, Raxon, Luigi Gori, Moonwalk, Third Son and Noir my sets.

Smokingroove: The first hour of the show is mostly comprised of fresh promos that we’re getting from our artist friends from around the globe, a lot of it that won’t be coming out for a while.

If it’s fresh, great and more importantly relevant, we’re going to serve it up.

How many local producers will feature in your shows?

Sam: We haven’t had any local producers yet but I will have a plan for having them on the show once a month as I am getting some international producers to be part of the show as well.

Darko: I always support the local talent, regardless if it’s for a radio show/podcasts, signing their track to my own

Sam Farsio

Darko

BoxLogic Records label etc, as long as it fits my style of what I want or play. The UAE has numerous artists to be proud of!

Smokingroove: How long is a piece of string? If we hear something that really earns a place on the show, we’ll include it. Quality has to be high on the agenda before location of the producer.

Have you been practising your radio voice in the car, how do you think you sound to the nation?

Sam: I haven’t been trying my voice at all to be honest but I personally think it would be a great to use someone whose mother tongue isn’t English.

Darko: Actually I did it one time at home, in front of the mirror, it was a big laugh for wifey!

Smokingroove: We did underground radio in the UK for a decade before moving to Dubai, so we’re pretty

much used to our voices on the radio. There have been a lot of changes throughout the years but we’re at a point where the globally syndicated show is really hitting new areas and that in turn makes us really turn up the heat.

Who are your radio inspirations?

Sam: Pete Tong, Frisky radio of course Dance FM. Darko: Many will agree choosing Pete Tong as my answer. Why? Great DJ, amazing producer, regarded as global ambassador for electronic music and surely one of the best voices on air.

Smokingroove: A lot of our friends have radio shows (Roger Sanchez, Sam Divine, Nicole Moudaber to name a few) and we’ve worked on the show for a few months purely to make sure the quality is on par with our peers. facebook.com/dancefmuae

Safe

Musical collaboration by DJ Tiki and percussionists along with dance performances.

AED 650 inclusive of food and selected house beverages AED 950 inclusive of food and selected premium beverages with priority creekside tables For reservations, please contact +971 4 205 4586 or +971 4 205 4587, email festive@dubaigolf.com or visit dubaigolf.com.

Soundstage ANITA WILLIAMS

We chat to the Music Hall’s new resident musician about jazz, Mary Poppins and her up-coming album

My first musical influence was… Singing ‘Feed The Birds’

from Mary Poppins. I was about 6 or 7 years old and I was so happy. I had to audition with my fellow classmates at The Montfort Stage School in Cork. My parents were very proud. It was my first time under that spotlight and I loved every second. My love of the stage began.

The last pop star I liked was… I’m not really a popstar fan

but I do really like Lady Gaga. Maybe it is her recent performances with Tony Bennet on their jazz collaboration, but she is a wonderful performer and she has a great vocal range and very passionate about her work.

My sound is best described as… Old school. My voice has a very old-style to it. Maybe because my influences are Billie Holiday and Judy Garland. A lot of people compare me to Liza Minnelli which is a wonderful compliment too.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Stay focused and let

all the rubbish in this industry go over your head, you will go a long way.

What’s your musical guilty pleasure? I love all the old

musicals, I could watch them all day long. I know every single song and I love singing them when no one is home, except my poor dog.

He probably knows all the lyrics too!

Jazz in Dubai is… When I arrived here 4.5yrs ago there was not much of a jazz scene but now there are some excellent musicians.

Best claim to fame? Taking front page of the Sunday Times

in 2010 in Ireland and Great Britain for the Guinness Jazz Festival, Ireland. A fantastic picture, too!

My musical motto is… You’re born with this gift in your soul, make the very best of it, not everyone is so lucky.

Best gig you’ve played? By far The Music Hall Dubai. It’s just a dream come true for me to perform on this stage. We are there performing every Thursday and Friday.

Best lyrics of all time? My Own. We have just finished

recording our own new album and I wrote all the lyrics in this album. I never knew I could do such a thing and I pushed myself to create this, I am very proud of the final compositions.

DJ BOOTH: TOM NOIZE

A big name in his native Hungary, Tom Noize has played at Ibiza’s famous Cafe Mambo and is now based in Dubai playing a mix of energetic deep house

One thing you might not know about me is... That I used to play as a keyboardist in a popular Hungarian electronic music band.

My worst ever job was… Washing up after a party at my place.

My favorite ever record is... Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence”.

DJing is much like... Fun, when it’s not your main money maker.

Dubai’s clubbing scene is... Really different than I thought before I came here.

I’m really proud of... That some of my heroes like Chicane, Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten have played my music.

What track could you drop in every set? Something from EDX, he always had something I could play in my sets in the last 10 years.

My biggest DJ achievement to date is... Playing in Cafe Mambo’s Radio Studio with the Ibiza sunset in front of me. It’s maybe not the biggest, but the most satisfying.

What is your guiltiest pleasure? I can’t stop eating Italian food.

If you could DJ in any decade which would it be... Back in the 90s.

If I could go back-to-back with any other DJ it would be... Paul Van Dyk. I’m not a politician but… I saw them on TV. I think they should have more fun.

www.soundcloud.com/tomnoize

THE SPIN DUBAI, DECEMBER 2016

PAGE 217

ISSUE 51

DUBAI TO BREAK WORLD’S LARGEST FIREWORK RECORD FOR NYE

After previously smashing the world records for “World’s Largest Fireworks Display”, “World’s Highest Viewing Platform for a Fireworks Display” and “World’s Most Expensive Explosion” The Spin can exclusively reveal, that Dubai will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for “Largest Firework ever Detonated.”

The entire Palm Jumeirah will be evacuated for the night as 17 million tonnes of explosives are locked into position ready to be exploded on the stroke of midnight.

The entire operation, nicknamed Pearl Harbour, will last over 3 hours as ever more ludicrous fireworks are sent into the sky, with the spectacle finishing with a 3km long unicorn, replete with a Burj Khalifa shaped horn.

Catherine Wheel from Dubai’s Fireworks and Kaleidoscopic Explosions (F.a.K.E) Committee had this to say: “This will be the largest firework display in the world, and will be clearly visible from Mars.” *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.

WE ARE OPEN MMI ARMADA JLT

Locate us at

TEL NO. 04 425 1701

LOTS OF SPECIAL OFFERS AND GIVEAWAYS IN-STORE

Food News GET WANDERLUST THIS CHRISTMAS

We’ve done more than our fair share of eating out this year – yeah, Stephen Day, we’re looking at you! – but one of the best meals we’ve had was at the sprawling, all-encompassing Wanderlust brunch at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. Fittingly, they’re throwing a festive brunch on Christmas Day from 1-4pm, with more than 10 live stations and 365 dishes to choose from, with entry AED395 including house drinks. Yowsers! If you want a more home-cooked affair – but, you know, without actually cooking – then help is at hand as JW Marriott restaurant La Farine is hosting their Turkey Takeaway. From just AED750 for 10-12 guests, you can take away a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings (we’re talking glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, celery and chestnut stuffing). Orders must be made 48 hours in advance and collected from the hotel, a small price to pay for a stress-free Christmas meal. Call 04 414 3000 to book your seats for brunch or your Turkey Takeaway.

Gadgets APPLE SMART BATTERY CASE

DISC’O’CLOCK VINYL CLOCK

Prolong your battery life and protect your iPhone with the Smart Battery Case from Apple. Charge your iPhone and battery case simultaneously for increased talk time of up to 25 hours.

Put some Rock’n’ Roll on your wall with a recycled vinyl record clock from Disc’O’Clock. Handmade using scratched vinyl from professional DJs, each clock is as eco-friendly as it is unique.

57TH & 9TH BY STING

FITBIT FLEX 2

Discover the legendary singersongwriter’s first pop/rock project in over a decade. Produced by Martin Kierszenbaum, the album features a wide range of Sting’s musical and songwriting styles.

Track activity and sleep and receive call notifications with the first swim-proof wristband from Fitbit.

This ultra-slim device features a removable tracker which can fit into band, bangle & pendant accessories.

Eat Sleep Rave Repeat

Aji

Dan Fahy puts the Palm’s latest gastronomic offering Aji, a Peruvian/Japanese restaurant and bar, through its paces

Club Vista Mare is the newest hotspot to hit the Palm. Its seaside boardwalk feels like you’re very much away on holiday, with the rare ability (in Dubai at least) to be able to walk along the shoreline, restaurant-to-restaurant, deciding where to spend the evening for a few drinks and food.

We were led to the bar where we were greeted by Laura, a superstar mixologist who looked after us all evening. Friends had mentioned that the drinks selection was excellent, so we began the night with a couple of their deliciously-balanced Pisco (a Peruvian brandy variation) cocktails. If you’ve never had a Pisco cocktail before, be sure to ask about the varieties they have to match your preferences.

Once our whistles were wet, we embarked upon an exploration for the taste buds. Dish-upondish arrived at our table of delicious ceviche, sashimi, sushi rolls and nigiri. The chef obviously likes truffles (and who in the right mind doesn’t!?) with several dishes containing the prized ingredient; the rich, earthy flavour combined with the fresh fish was a real treat and every dish was presented with surgeon-like precision.

Halfway through the meal, we noticed a member of staff knocking up a concoction of rums and spices; we asked him what he was doing and he

told us he was barrel-ageing a cocktail that they’re planning to release in the new year – remember filling vodka with skittles and leaving it in the closet (Editor: Err, no Dan...)?

This is Aji taking it to the next level and it’s this attention to detail and thinking outside the box that sparkled throughout the entire experience.

The signature cocktails were simply amazing. We were asked if we’d ever tried essence of seaurchin before and our stomachs flipped – it sounded disgusting but being the troopers we are, we said we’d try one. The drink came served in an urchin-shaped glass and tasted delicious – with ingredients like Champagne syrup and sake, I’m pretty sure you won’t find anything else like it in Dubai.

The sea urchin-infused “Summer in Hokkaido” was followed by the delightfully playful, “Piña Ramen”; served in a bowl with chopsticks, we schlurped through our delicate coconut udon noodles, and drank the “soup” of banana infused dark rum. The presentation levels of the drinks at Aji make it an Instagrammer’s dream.

After some more excellent dishes including a heavenly bite of spicy soft-shelled crab on creamy mash (I’m salivating just writing about it!), we loosened our belts for the dessert - the deconstructed “Yuzu Cheesecake”. Again, top

marks for presentation. It looked absolutely beautiful on the plate and was an exciting mix of sweet, salty, sour and umami with the additional surprise of popping candy to send our mouths into overdrive.

We were given one last treat to end our journey, “The Matcha Ceremony”; another of Aji’s signature cocktails. It was presented on a tray with a bowl that contained “pear cryogenic ice powder” (I’ve no idea either) and a traditional Japanese teapot filled with Shochu (a distilled, Japanese spirit) flavoured with Nashi Pear (again, a quintessential Japanese ingredient). We poured the drink over the ice, added some pink ginger caviar and stirred it altogether with a

supplied whisk. It was so much fun watching the drink come together and was typical of the rest of the cocktails we tried – delicious.

There’s clearly been a conscious effort to build a superb team at Aji. Every member of staff on the ground we dealt with was passionate and knowledgeable and the level of sophistication shown in the flavour combinations of both cocktails and food, was testament to an excellent kitchen and bar-team.

We both left the restaurant with big smiles on our faces with plans to head back for more very soon. www.aji.ae Ají, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, 04 552 0244

INFUSION CHRISTMAS WISHLIST STUCK FOR PRESENTS THIS YEAR? THEN LET US GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE INTERNETS AND THE PACKED-OUT MALLS WITH OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE…

1 Star Wars Quadcopter Drones Star Wars + drones + laser-battling Tie fighters = Christmas sorted.

Coming in three models – the Tie Fighter, X-Wing and Speeder Bike – the drones can speed up to 35MPH and you can battle mid-air with up to 24 friends using the drones’ unique lasers. Oh, and each drone plays Star Wars music when activated.

AED1,119 from Virgin Megastores.

2 Sony PlayStation VR It’s not cheap – you’re looking at $400 for the stand alone unit – but the possibilities are pretty much endless as you truly immerse yourself in Sony’s fun virtual reality system. The headset is comfy, and some of the games – including the truly epic Batman: Arkham VR – are outstanding.

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3 Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Go Wireless this Christmas and get a loved one – or yourself, go on, you deserve it – a set of Sennheiser’s already classic PXC 550 cans. With Sennheiser’s renowned sound quality paired with the NoiseGard hybrid adaptive noise cancellation (a posh way of saying you won’t hear that screaming baby on the plane), they deliver up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge. Compact, foldable and with an earcup mounted control panel and voice prompt system, they have all the gadgets you’ll ever need.

4 iSport Strive It’s winter, the beach weather is amazing and you can pretend like you’re running down JBR auditioning for the next Baywatch film, all sultry slo-mo. But your headphones keep coming out. Well, worry no more, as these Monster headphones have a patented SportClip which ensures they’ll stay locked to your ears, no matter if you’re snowboarding, running or just watching other people do the hard work and you’re lazing on the beach with a cold one. Hands free, wipe clean and with a flat cable meaning no tangled wires when you’re wearing glasses or goggles, these bad boys come in at AED323 making them an excellent Christmas present (to yourself).

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5 JBL Clip 2 There are literally hundreds of action-packed mini speakers out there competing for your audio dollar, but this hockey-puck shaped Bluetooth speaker packs an impressive punch. Hung on an intergrated caribiner and water resistant to 1 metre for 30 minutes, this speaker can hang off your car/house keys and literally come anywhere with you.

6 Sony MDR 1000X The name might sound like the new Terminator model, but if you were wearing these noise cancelling cans, you wouldn’t be able to hear him sneak up on you, they’re that good. You can tailor the noise cancelling features (including setting them in Ambient Sound Mode), while if you press your hand against one of the ear cups, it’ll dip the music to allow you to have a conversation without taking the headset off. Wireless with Bluetooth connectivity, they’ll run for 20 hours on a full charge, are clean and stylish and come in either black or grey beige, costing AED1599.

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7 Eagles Nest Outfitters Sub7 Hammock Take it easy this Christmas with this compact hammock that weighs just 6.5 ounces and packs up the size of an orange. It’ll pitch up between 2 trees, poles, boat masts or even walls thanks to its aluminum wire gate carabiners and Dyneema lines.

Got a killer guitar riff that you need to put down on record there and then, but you’re stuck in Hessa Street traffic (for the nth time that week)? Then hook up your iRig to your iPhone and get recording.

8 iRig Guitar Interface Adapter Got a killer guitar riff that you need to put down on record there and then, but you’re stuck in Hessa Street traffic (for the nth time that week)? Then hook up your iRig to your iPhone and get recording.

Money for nothing The city is skint, we’re all in huge amounts of debt (you do not want to see my Credit Card bill, it’s bigger than a Gorilla’s dipstick) and yet… some venues are charging AED3,000 for dinner and drinks to see some Youtube stars perform live.

Erm, not sure if you noticed, but Trump is President, the world is literally heating up and Armageddon is surely coming, but you want us to spend our hard earned dirhams on 2 hours entertainment working out at AED1500 an hour?

Riiiiiiiight. Doesn’t just stop there. We recently forked out AED89 for a bottle of beer. To put that into perspective for you, it’s REALLY REALLY REALLY EXPENSIVE. The entertainment business is as strapped as it’s ever been in Dubai at the moment, and yet – like the fiddlers on the Titanic – you’re intent on getting everything out of your ride until you go down sinking and screaming. Well, good luck.

Monkey Out...

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

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