Issuu 299: 03 Sept '17 - 16 Sept '17

TALAL BUDEBS Publisher CHARL CHAKA Managing Partner charlchaka@infusion.ae STEPHEN O’DONOVAN Sales/marketing magazine@infusion.ae STU TODD Editor editor@infusion.ae PAULA MANGUEIRA Design design@infusion.ae SONIA IGNACIO Operations operations@infusion.ae CONTRIBUTORS: Stu Todd, Dwayne Pipes, Da Sendri, Andrew Gilpin, Ju Lovett, Korek, djSalvPepp, TODD, DJ Slater, Hudson, Ricardo De Meneses, Melu, Toubba DJ Rossi, Woodle, Scott Forshaw, Maks, SL4 and Kambiz Kia. INFUSION IS PUBLISHED BY Milehigh Media, LLC PO Box 53443 – Dubai, UAE Tel/Fax: 04 368 8098

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OUR PARTNERS

The end of a very hot and sticky summer is finally in sight. We will soon be back dancing in the sun cold drinks in hand.

For those that watch Game of Thrones will know just how good the finale was. For those that don’t, get involved.

The recent total solar eclipse really helps to put things in to perspective. Mind blowing when you actually think about our place in the universe and how insignificant some issues really are.

GUEST LIST BLACK LIST This also means that Game of Thrones is finished for another season and we now have to wait until next year, possibly 2019 for another season! Scary.

Now that the “Money Fight” is done and dusted, where does that leave the sport of boxing now that a new precedence has been set?

Say What?

DMC GETS A WOMENS TOUCH

Turntablism and DJ culture in general took a massive step forward recently when DJ Perly made history to become the first female to scoop the US DMC title. In an industry that is hugely dominated by males, this is fantastic news for all women out there that think turntablism is just for boys. DJ Perly who hails from The Bronx will be pitted against all the other DMC champions from across the world when she competes for the coveted DMC World Title which will take place at Koko in London on Sunday, October 1. We will be rooting for DJ Perly. Also on the bill is DJ Woody, Cutmaster Swift and Scotland’s own mix master and 4 time UK DMC champion Richie Rufftone.

GONE FISHING

If you have been to Dubai Mall recently and walked past the Dubai Aquarium, you will have noticed that there is mammoth OLED screen that runs the full length of the front portion of the tank. In true Dubai style, the huge “screen” has been awarded not one, not two, but three Guinness World Records. This see’s the screen as being recognised as the largest OLED screen, highest resolution video wall as well as largest highest definition video wall. They all seem like the same record, but Guinness clearly know the difference.

Anyway, hats off to the combined team of LG and Emaar Entertainment.

WE LOVE LUCKY VOICE

If you are looking for a social outing where you can let your hair down, do a bit of group singing with your friends and generally have a laugh then look no further than Lucky Voice. Having received wide spread accolades for being the best new brunch on the block, their Lucky Brunch offers outstanding entertainment in DJ Mitchell’s floor fillers, Alan J’s expert compering and on stage antics and the venue itself is a star in its own right. What is even more refreshing is the sheer value of the soft drinks package at AED 195, house beverages at AED 295 and sparkling package at AED 350. Wednesday’s Jukebox Brunch offers midweek good times too with the soft drinks package priced at AED 150, house beverages at AED 250 and sparkling package at AED 295.

Lucky Voice is also the place to go for ladies night as their sing song inducing night out “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” will see the lucky ladies being treated to free-flowing drinks from 8pm to 1am and receive a very generous 20% off their fabulous food. What is more, is that the girls will also receive a complimentary karaoke session too, how Lucky is that? There really is something for everybody at Lucky Voice, and what is clear is that this is not just an excellent live music venue, it is also an amazing bar with tremendous food and fantastic deals to boot. Whats not to love?

For more information go to facebook.com/LVDXB

What we did

¡OYE! (SIETE) @ STEIGENBERGER HOTEL, BUSINESS BAY

You know, sometimes a gig just feels ‘right’. ¡Oye! is a musical get-together bringing together DJs with musical knowledge far beyond the latest online chart and, although not wall-to-wall with people, had a great vibe built around cool punters appreciating fantastically diverse tunes. But this was much more than beard-stroking, leftfield randomness – more an eclectic, funky, head-nod journey through global beats, reggae, Northern Soul stompers and Brazilian rhythms.

The DJs know the heads in their audience well and never rest on their laurels musically, some of these savvy connoisseur’s attend ¡Oye! regularly and will pick up on a repeated track from one week to the next, which helps keep the sound consistently fresh. As resident DJ Dubijad explained “they’d know if I put on a track I played last week!”. His early-doors reggae selection expanded into some other soulful and Latino beauties too, think Lowrell, Sylvia Striplin and Charanga ’76 and you’ll get an idea.

The venue for the gig is The Back Garden at the Steingenberger Hotel in Business Bay, while ¡Oye!’s main man and DJ James Locksmith concedes an outdoor venue for the summer months was a risk, but one which I’m pretty sure will pay off as this weekly event grows into its massive potential. It’s a fantastic space, with great views onto Business Bay; the hotel towers framing a view of the Burj Al Arab in the distance. The emphasis here is clearly on building a family of like (and open-) minded music lovers and held a friendly atmosphere of down-to-earth people without a hint of pretense who were getting down to the tunes, playing beer-pong (nice!) or chewing the fat.

Guest DJ for tonight was the awesome Natalie Shooter, whose selection of Northern Soul and Rhythm & Blues 7inch 45s was an absolute treat. Natalie is a journalist and DJ who told me she started her love with the 45 after inheriting her grandmother’s record collection and, after moving to the Middle East, became a part of the funkateers that are The Beirut Groove Collective.

Highly recommended If you want a night where you might only know 10% of the tunes but want to dance to 100% of them, then I’d suggest getting yourself over to one of the coolest nights I’ve been to in Dubai.

Tune of the night: Sherri Taylor “He’s The One That Rings My Bell” (1961) ¡Oye!: Weekly Fridays at The Backyard (Steigenberger Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai) Words by @djSalvPepp

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BEYOND THE TRACK

Time is ticking and it will not be long until its race day, and with the tickets already selling like hot cakes Alchemy Project and Beyond the Track have released details of a 3-day pass for AED895, with each day event will normally cost AED395 so there is some great savings to be had for these amazing shows with Martin Garrix, Carl Cox and Tiesto. Tickets now available at tixbox.com but you will need to be quick as the first tier of tickets has already sold out.

HOP TO IT

With only a few weeks to go until Hopfest rolls around at Irish Village it’s time to get in to training for the long weekend of antics.

Taking place from Thursday, September 7 through to Saturday, September 9 there will be hundreds of hops to sample. If you head along to Hopfest between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday, September 7 you will also receive 25% off when you buy 10 vouchers, usually this would set you back AED300. Don’t forget there will be a huge amount of fun and games to be had inside the massive air conditioned tent, including music from Roadie, Fixer the classic rock covers band The Maplejacks. Just remember it’s a marathon not a sprint, so pace yourself. Also drink plenty of water too.

EXTENDED PLAYER

With the summer season coming to a close Plus Minus are doubling down on their upfront selection of summer guest lead parties down at Bridgewater Tavern, JW Marriot Marquis. They have let us in on who is coming up next and you won’t be disappointed as there is something for everybody coming up. In keeping with their pledge to bring international guests on a weekly basis, first up on Friday, September 15 is former All Day I Dream artist Matthew Dekay, he will be supported by Zone + and AAYA. The following week on Friday, September 22 will be French artist Okain, he will be joined

by Hameed, Amir Sharara and Hakim Gad. On the last Friday of September (29th) will be living legend Timo Maas with support duties falling to the back to back pairing of Gabriel Floriani and Mo Ezaby. Further details will be released shortly, but you can find out more from facebook.com/PlusMinusUAE.

GOING DUTCH

Having made an impact on the Amsterdam scene with her monthly residency at Techno Tuesday at Melkweg, Amber is about to take on the world – one rave at a time. Ahead of her headline set at the launch of Decibel’s third season at ON42, Media One Hotel on Thursday, September 7, Infusion Magazine sat down to chew the fat with Amber...

What has been happening this summer for you?

After some single trips abroad last year to play in Bali and Tunisia, this summer I got the chance to play in Vienna, Berlin, Albstadt, Belgium, Prague, Gran Canaria and Barcelona to name a few. So far it’s been great to play abroad and see the responses and feel the energy from the crowd.

What has been the highlight so far?

The highlight this summer definitely has been my performance at SIGHT a techno concept created at Pacha Barcelona. I had the privilege to close the night after Nicole Moudaber. The atmosphere was just perfect, exactly what you would expect from a hot night in Barcelona. The energy I got from the crowd during and after my set was immense. I was really in the azmoment during that gig.

How was it growing up in a scene like Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a lot to offer as a city but also feels a bit like a village. What I as a techno DJ love about Amsterdam is that we have a lot of cool clubs and record stores on walking/cycling distance and of course numerous great festivals.

How did you get in to DJing?

I was about 16 years old when I started DJ’ing. At first it was just practising with the help of my brother at home and later on I started to play at some clubs in Amsterdam. It was several years later, after I graduated from the aviation academy, that I decided to do more with music and pursue a professional DJ career. I started to collect vinyl and learned mixing vinyl. Gradually I developed my style/sound.

Tell us how did you get involved in Techno Tuesday?

I came by Techno Tuesday as a visitor, because I was really curious how a Tuesday night in Amsterdam would turn out. I was surprised that I walked into a full club and experienced a great atmosphere like on a Saturday night. I immediately thought this would be a great place for me to play so I got in touch with the organizers, Dejan and Linda. They told me I was there at the right moment at the right time, because they were looking for a new resident to play at their concept. From that moment, I started playing at Techno Tuesday almost every month. This residency still helps me to develop myself as an artist.

What releases and gigs do you have coming up?

The coming month (September) I have gigs planned in Berlin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Charleroi, Swansea and Cologne. I’m really excited about my debut in Dubai at Decibel and I’m also really looking forward to Amsterdam Dance Event where I will play a set for SIGHT in collaboration with Ibiza Global Radio. During ADE I will also release new material, more info about this will follow on my socials.

Amber plays the launch of Decibel on Thursday, September 7 at ON42, 10pm to 3am, Media One Hotel, entry is free for ladies before midnight and AED120 for everybody else.

BERLIN > DUBAI Steffi is an artist unlike most in the realms of underground house and techno in that she can walk a fine line between genres with an ease not often documented among her peers.

Having been a resident DJ at infamous Berlin institution Berghain not long after her move to Berlin in 2007, Steffi has long gone on to become one of the leading ladies in electronic music. With her own productions stretching far and wide and encompassing 2 collaborative LP’s as Doms & Dykers with Martyn and as Third Side with The Analogue Cops as well as 3 solo albums. The most recent of which “World of the Waking State” on Ostgut Ton which is a breaks laden, electronica exploration of the more off beat electro side of Steffi’s vast palette of sounds.

Similar in styling to her recent stunning fabric 94 mix, Steffi’s warm, immersive sound works just as well in the depths of Berghain’s industrious main room as it does upstairs in Panoramabar, but at the risk of widely missing the mark, Steffi’s well-crafted DJ sets are not to be pigeon holed in the slightest.

With feel good, modern classics such as “Yours” with her long-time production partner Virginia in her locker, there will be plenty full on hands in the air moments as well as introspective dancefloor “moments”. With this in mind, it really is no surprise that it is Analog Room who have been able to entice the Dutch born, Berlin based artist to Dubai to make her debut at their intimate rave at Industrial Avenue on Thursday, September 7.

Steffi plays Analog Room on Thursday, September 7 at Industrial Avenue, The Westin, Mina Seyahi. For more information go to facebook.com/analogroomdxb.

STAND OUT IN A CROWD

When Flashmob exploded on to the scene back in 2012 with their raucous Get Physical Music smash hit “Brick House”, “Ninety Five” and “Need In Me” the then Italian duo of Alessandro Magani and Danny Minchella had carved out a niche in the already bursting house market and in the process help to set about a 90’s house revival that is still ongoing to this day…

Since those tracks blew up everywhere it was played, the pair have since parted on good terms and has seen Alessandro Magani take the reins and also the brands sound in a different direction. With Sandro’s recent releases such as “Melting” and “Year 1993” leaning more towards brooding techno it is clear there has been a maturing difference in music tastes since the original member setup.

Not to say that Sandro has eternally changed the sound that they originally broke records with, as the archetypal Flashmob sound is still alive and more than kicking in tracks such as his deep summery remix of Paolo Martini’s “Shoulda Left You” on his own Flashmob Records imprint. Having doubled down on his original manifesto of hard work, creative productions and even more hard work, Flashmob has been prolific with his release schedule and has notched up an impressive array of releases on labels such as Defected, Kompakt, VIVa Music, Get Physical Music and of course, his own hugely consistent Flashmob Records. Make sure you grab your friends and create your own flash mob at Industrial Avenue, The Westin on Friday, September 8 when he spins for the Summer Vibes crew. Not to be missed.

For more information go to facebook.com/vibeseries.

LAURA JONES

Since her debut release “Intentions” on Matt Tolfrey’s Leftroom imprint in 2010, Laura Jones was quickly inducted in to the inner circle of the deep house. From that point, Laura waged an all-out offensive on the world’s hottest dancefloors and as well as holding a residency at Leeds taste making party Louche she is the first female resident at British institution Back to Basics. This saw her quickly rack up an impressive array of gig scalps including Movement in Detroit, fabric, Circoloco at DC-10, Warehouse Project, Richie Hawtin’s ENTER night and of course many boxes were ticked off on her way around the world via her tireless touring.

Laura’s standing in the world house and techno cosmos was solidified further with the chart topping “Love In Me” on Leftroom in the summer of 2011 and then again later that year when it received the Maceo Plex treatment. The result was a certifiable classic and propelled Laura to the top of the UK deep house scene.

Fast forward to 2017 and with her recently becoming a mother for the first time you could be forgiven for thinking that she would take her foot off the gas, not so.

Having recently delivered on point remixes such as her twisted breaks take on Burnski’s “I Like You” she is back in the driving seat of the burgeoning UK tech house sound which is taking hold of the cooler clubs. With nods to her eye condition, Laura has also launched her own vinyl only label Sensoramic and has since delivered the maiden release in the form of hubby Karousel’s (aka Gavin Herlihy) punchy Planetry Rebirth EP. With Plus Minus bringing Laura back to close out their summer schedule, what better way to do that have a DJ’s DJ like Laura in control. On Friday, September 8 at Bridgewater Tavern, Business Bay make sure and pack your dancing shoes and travel light as that night is all about the groove.

For more information go to facebook.com/PlusMinusUAE.

SLASH DOT DASH

When it comes to quality house and techno nights in the capital (Abu Dhabi), unfortunately choices can be a bit limited. Fear not, for new night SpectraDot, which has been running for a few months now, are building up a head of steam with their no-nonsense vibe of upfront house and techno.

Having met while regularly spinning for Abu Dhabi night Boogie Box, founding members Andrew Gilpin and Parallel Mono quickly hooked up with Secret Affair to devise a new concept, and as Andrew explains, “we set up SpectraDot to build on what was in Abu Dhabi already.” He continues, “We’re not looking at it from a competitive perspective – more growing the scene.” The rock-solid team of residents is headed up by Glaswegian Andrew Gilpin, Serbian DJ Parallel Mono who performed at Exit Festival this year, Secret Affair who was prolific in the Manchester club scene at venues such as Sankey’s and crack Egyptian techno DJ Khaled A. With the SpectraDot crew valuing sound quality and musical originality above all else, it is a no brainer to find the residents spinning vinyl at their parties. This ethos will sit well with their upcoming guests the Move DJ’s who also value wax releases over the endless supply of digital releases that clog up download sites like Beatport and Traxsource. SpectraDot is clearly going to become a welcome addition to Abu Dhabi’s growing clubbing landscape.

Watch the space.

SpectraDot welcome the Move DJ’s on Thursday, September 14 at Up and Below, 9pm – 3am, Marriot Hotel, Abu Dhabi, entry is free all night and Etihad staff and teachers will receive 30% on the bar.

117 LIVE

With a festival-sized stage shaped hole forming in Dubai’s live music scene since the sad demise of the much loved Sandance events, it was some time before somebody stepped up to the plate to deliver regular and consistently world challenging events. Sure, there is various one day festivals at Media City’s Amphitheatre and of course Irish Village, but there was seldom a stage big enough to entice the biggest of stars to Dubai. Step forward 117 LIVE‌

GORILLAZ / FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 Next up for 117 LIVE is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the live music calendar – Fiesta De Los Muertos, an event that celebrates the dead and of course the living too. This year 117 LIVE have booked one of the hottest acts of recent times and the fact Gorillaz are in the process of making a huge come back speaks volumes about 117 LIVE’s booking prowess. Damon Albarn’s and his “band” of cartoon monkeys are responsible for some of modern pop’s most iconic tracks in “Feel Good Inc.”, “Dare” and “Clint Eastwood” and we can assure you that the visuals for this show will be enough to wake the dead. After their resounding success last year, Mexican cover band The Mariachi’s will return this year. They will be joined by American singer-songwriter Nick Jonas, Lebanese artist Massari plus many more acts are yet to be announced.

Doors are from 4pm to 1.30am and tickets are now on sale at Platinum List

JENNIFER LOPEZ / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Having caused quite a stir the last time she touched down in Dubai, Jennifer Lopez returns to headline the Autism Rocks Arena for 117 LIVE’s stadium-sized event on Friday, November 17. Jenny from the block will be turning 50 in a just over a year and the fact that she is still rocking out around the world is hugely impressive. What is even more impressive is the way in which she does it, her high octane and often raunchy stage show is enough to keep her in the great shape that she finds herself in. There is no further information as to who will be joining the “On The Floor” artist on the Autism Rocks Arena stage, but you can be sure that as always 117 LIVE will bring the very best in regional talent to Dubai.

Doors are from 5pm to 1230am and tickets are now available from Platinumlist.

ED SHEERAN / FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Few artists in recent times have as big an impact on the charts as Ed Sheeran has. The unassuming Yorkshire lad has won legions of fans around the world for little more than his gentle demeanour and his inane knack for writing infectious hit pop songs. Which is the way it should be right? With hits like “Shape of You”, “Castle on the Hill” and “Runaway” this event will be sing a long heaven, the only bad news is that if you don’t have a ticket by now you may have to hear about it on the grapevine as it is now sold out. It is not known just how quickly the event sold out, but in true Dubai style it set all kinds of new sales records (probably).

SIR ELTON JOHN / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

Where to start discussing the supersonic career of Sir Elton John CBE? Elton’s illustrious career now in its 50 year and in that time, he has amassed sales of more than a staggering 300 million records and can quite easily lay claim to being the best-selling artist in the world.

With this event having been rescheduled previously, this has only gone to heighten the anticipation of the arrival of one of the most talented singer-songwriter-composers of our time. From his early hits such as “Your Song” and “Rocket Man”, to “Candle In The Wind” and later his collaboration with rock band Queens of the Stone Age on their sixth studio album “Like Clockwork” Elton John simply oozes star quality. With the whole concert being fully seated you can sit back and enjoy an evening with a true superstar musician and his fantastic band.

Tickets are now on sale at Platinumlist and for more information on 117 LIVE and all their incredible events go to 111live.com

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ON THE RADAR

PLUS MINUS W/ MATTHEW DEKAY

HOPFEST 2017 SEPTEMBER 7-9 – IRISH VILLAGE, AL GARHOUD

SEPTEMBER 15 – BRIDGEWATER TAVERN, BUSINESS BAY

SUMMER VIBES W/ FLASHMOB SEPTEMBER 8 – INDUSTRIAL AVENUE, THE WESTIN

SUMMER VIBES W/ DJ THREE SEPTEMBER 15 – TAMANYA TERRACE, MEDIA CITY

ANALOG ROOM W/ DELANO SMITH SEPTEMBER 14 – INDUSTRIAL AVENUE, THE WESTIN

PLUS MINUS W/ TIMO MAAS SEPTEMBER 29 – BRIDGEWATER TAVERN, BUSINESS BAY

SPECTRADOT W/ MOVE DJ’S

DECIBEL W/ CHARLOTTE DE WITTE NOVEMBER 2 – ON42, MEDIA ONE HOTEL

SEPTEMBER 14 – UP & BELOW, MARRIOT HOTEL, ABU DHABI

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Soundstage LAURA INGHAM

Together with her talented band The Swing Revue, Laura dazzles with a unique and authentic swing style unmatched by few not just in UAE. Infusion Magazine caught up with Laura to find out more….

My biggest gig ever was…last year, my band, The Swing Revue, played at a huge party for Tiffany&Co. It was at the Armani Hotel and the event was incredible.

I’m most proud of…singing with the Abu Dhabi Big Band at the opening celebration for Dubai World Cup earlier this year. I was given an amazing Marchesa dress to wear and it was a pretty special moment singing for the royal family.

The artist I’d most like to work with is…Beyoncé, obviously!

Failing that, I’d LOVE to feature on one of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox covers. I love their arrangements.

One thing you may not know about me is that...I am OBSESSED with dogs. Well, all animals but dogs particularly.

This year, I’m playing at… at Seafire at The Atlantis on Mondays and Jazz@Pizza Express on Wednesdays. I’ll also be returning to Cavalli Club every Sunday evening for the Midnight Brunch cabaret show.

My music sounds like…a combination of New Orleans style jazz to jump blues to rock & roll. It’s lively, upbeat and most importantly, FUN! If I had to live in one decade it would be…the 1950s!

The one piece of music kit I can’t live without is…my Shure Super 55 microphone.

For further information on booking The Swing Revue contact adam@sole-agency.com.

DJ BOOTH: ANDREW GILPIN

Scottish DJ and promoter of Abu Dhabi night SpectraDot gave Infusion Magazine the lowdown…

One thing you might not know about me is…

I run (with my 2 partners) a techno and house night in Abu Dhabi called SpectraDot. My worst job ever was… a bartender in Glasgow. The most dangerous job in the world.

My favourite ever record is…

I won’t overthink this - I’d say Soul Capsule “Lady Science” (NYC Sunrise). It’s just a beautiful track.

Abu Dhabi’s clubbing scene is… getting better each season. We’re hoping that SpectraDot can achieve the same level of success as some of the big-hitters in Dubai. We’ve got the Move DJ’s coming through to the capital for the first time, which we’re delighted about!

What track could you drop in every set?

New Order “Temptation” (7” Mix). Not everyone’s idea of a dance track but I absolutely love it.

I can’t live without… my turntables and records.

My biggest DJ achievement to date is… supporting Dixon Avenue Basement Jams in Abu Dhabi was special for me.

If you could DJ in any decade which would it be… the very early 90’s, during the rave uprising. I don’t think I need to elaborate on that!

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

Andrew Weatherall, a master of his craft.

For more information go to facebook.com/SpectraDot

IN FOCUS: DJ Wanted There’s a disturbing trend infiltrating club land and it’s fair to say that although it’s not new, social media posts I’ve seen recently are definitely bringing into focus how far things have regressed in terms of the criteria for what defines a DJ worthy of fronting an event in the UAE.

This last week though, a couple of articles I have seen on social media really did turn me fully into the grumpy old man I’ve clearly now become. One, from an agency on a closed Facebook group which advertises gigs for available DJs, specified the following: • Male DJ for a 5hr set • 18-25 years old • Must Have 10k+ Instagram followers to be considered So, to clarify if I may: sexist, ageist and no mention of DJ ability or musical knowledge. This on a post advertising for a DJ? Not unexpectedly, the post drew dozens of (mainly negative) comments from disgruntled DJs from Dubai and beyond and has generated some back and forth from DJs on both sides of this argument. So, who’s right and who’s wrong?

I’ve always been of the opinion that it’s the job of the promoter/ venue to get people through the door and that of the DJ to entertain and keep them once they’re in (radical, I know!), and it’s clear that those booking their DJs will look to what tangible benefits they can bring to the table for their fee. The rise of social media and so-called ‘influencers’ has polarised old farts like me as a new breed of DJ’s embrace the need to generate their ‘brand’ and all that comes with that, which of course includes a strong social media following. Zero Gravity resident Scott Forshaw points out, “It's 2017 and Instagram and social media marketing are king.

I've picked up gigs purely on the basis of online numbers and not ashamed to admit that. I think you need the full package these days. Good music, productions, followers, mixes online etc. It's not enough to just be a good DJ anymore….it's part and parcel of the job now. ” Scott makes a great point – a DJ’s value is more than just their mixing ability and tunes nowadays and Scott is an excellent example of someone who, in addition to his talent, has utilised all facets of technology and digital marketing to make himself a DJ in demand. As he joked, “Sync button is life!”

SCOTT FORSHAW Whilst the whole separate subject of ‘paid’ likes and followers invokes fury in many, it has been pointed out that many venues may work on the rationale that even if a DJ has ‘x’thousand followers (bought or not), punters might think to have that kind of following they may be worth visiting that venue for. I would suggest that this is short-termism at its worst and, invariably, counter-productive as the risk is a DJ booked on likes alone may not have any ability to programme their set, read a crowd, mix etc. (fundamentals, at least to this old man’s definition of a DJ) and it’s this lack of interest in any of the fundamentals of DJing from the client in these adverts that yanked my chain. But maybe they just wanted to whittle down the number of applicants and felt these were appropriate criteria to do that?

My Victor Meldrew ire was only compounded a couple of days later by an article that flashed up on my timeline of a ‘top 10’ featuring some technically outstanding DJs in the UAE who know their stuff and are absolutely tried and tested as able to rock a crowd and keep a dancefloor, but this Top 10 wasn’t based on that. Nope, this was “10 of the best looking (male) DJs and where you can see them spinning” *wretch*.

DJs that happen to be female (particularly so in the UAE) have had to deal with this superficial nonsense for a long time already, which

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only refers to them as ‘female dj’ without separating the talented from the less-so, Juicy M was unavailable for comment. It looks like the boys are now not exempt from this too. Perhaps it’s my ‘face for radio’ that does my head in about all this, but surely as a principle it’s the ability of the artist that should factor in their procurement and popularity?

As I was writing this piece, DJ Rossi was, coincidentally, posting much the same frustrations and the Senara resident is, as I type, getting varied responses from many of the main headphonewearers around Dubai, who acknowledge this isn’t just a citywide problem, but one that is international, and in some cases a tide that is turning and that in order to remain relevant one should swim with the tide rather than against it. So, going forward, what can we as a music and club-loving community do about it here?

Paul Spaccavento of agency Vento Entertainment is clear about how we can at least try to stop the rot of this vacuous race-tothe bottom approach that some clients, promoters and venues have towards choosing the artists they employ. He makes a good point, “Too many cowboys out for the quick buck and not enough genuine collaboration. In my opinion a proactive approach to the issue of 'community' is a must if things are to change. If not, then down the drain it goes... The real question is how to get people involved and motivated in collaborating for mutual gain?”.

And there it is. In this highly competitive market, how will DJs prove

DJ ROSSI

their worth? I’d always put a value on my experience and ability when taking bookings, but maybe it’s me that needs to change?

As an agent commented to me privately, “DJ’s in Dubai seem to think they’re owed something and should be able to play anywhere for any client… Festivals and clubs in the UK book artists based on how popular they are knowing people will pay to enter.” Is the easy accessibility to digital music collections, ‘sync’ enabled mixing and the ability to buy popularity on social media the inevitable foundation for DJs in a market where margins are tight or will the short-sighted die out to be replaced by more considered strategies for success?

It would seem that collaboration would help, but can this community of people hustling after the same Dirham work together to help educate the procurers of their talent in the best interests of all? Or is it just futile, are clubbers just happy to see a pretty ‘DJ Instagram’ in their venue of choice?

Words by @djSalvPepp

PAUL SPACCAVENTO

Food News MOBILE MEXICANA

If Mexican food is your thing, and even if it’s not it soon will be thanks to pop up eatery BurroBlanco. This unique independent delivery only food outlet comes courtesy of the culinary mind of Saied El Hakim aka Ed Wise of Asia Asia fame and can be found on Uber Eats. What you will find is some of the finest burritos, bowls and taco’s this side of Mexico City. BurroBlanco also utilises only the freshest of ingredients and the fact that it is not attached to a restaurant means you will have delicious food delivered to your apartment or office quicker than you can say, “blooming love burritos”. For more information go to facebook.com/ burroblancouae and check Uber Eats to see if they deliver to your address.

A GRAND UNVEILING

For those of you that either live in JBR or have walked along The Walk in the last few years will have noticed a mysterious building surrounded by a very ornate garden. It would seem that venue has been in the works for several years now, but that is all about to change. La Boheme is, as the name suggests an eatery of bohemian proportions. The baroque inspired restaurant will be music to meat lovers’ ears as it features a large rotisserie grill. In keeping with the decadent exterior, no expense has been spared on the interior and the opulent multi-coloured light fixture will be sure to draw gazes from all corners of the room. Little more is known at this point, but you can be sure Infusion Magazine will have the scoop.

The Weekend Social BRUNCH AT THE ARMANI HOTEL

The first of 2 new brunch offerings come with a touch of class and twice the options.

First up is the new Friday brunch at the Armani/Deli, Burj Khalifa, always a special day when it involves a trip to the tallest building in the world.

Staying true to its Italian roots, this brunch explores Italy’s more traditional foods. Think pasta, risotto, cold cuts and of course antipasti, all prepared live to order, all at a much more civilised time of 4pm to 9pm. Alternatively you can enjoy a more relaxed Friday afternoon with a more international feel and takes place in Armani/Meditarraneo is timed from 1230pm to 4pm and is more family orientated. Pricing is the same - AED 290 per person including soft drinks; AED 390 per person including select hard beverages; AED 490 per person including a bottle of sparkling grape.

RELAUNCH OF RÜYA BRUNCH

Relaunching this month is the Rüya Brunch at Dubai Marina’s Grosvenor House Hotel. This Anatolian inspired brunch offers guests a journey through the entire menu taking in the finest cuts of meat such as Rangers Valley Rib Eye, Keskek and Lamb Cutlets. Rüya’s iconic 360° bar will also be serving a wide range of signature cocktails as well as wines handpicked from Turkish vineyards. Timings for this altogether different brunch are from 12pm to 4pm and Prices start from AED 295 for the soft drinks only, AED 495 with house beverage, signature cocktails and bubbly and AED 595 inclusive of French bubbly.

DJ CHARTS DA SENDRI – JEKYLL & HYDE Martha & The Vendellas - Nowhere To Run [Gordy] Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter [Decca Records/ABKCO] Stone Roses - Fools Gold [Silvertone] The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger [Fallout] Primal Scream – Rocks [Creation] Chaka Khan - Ain’t Nobody [Warner Bros.]

Warren G – Regulate [Def Jam / Death Row] Lunis - I Got 5 On It [Noo Trybe] The Verve - Unfinished Sympathy [Hut] Massive Attack - Unfinished Symphony [Wild Bunch / Virgin] ANDREW GILPIN – SPECTRADOT (ABU DHABI) D’marc Cantu – MadDance [Desire Records] Leon X Leon - Acid Disco [Red Laser] DJ Haus – Alien Acid [DanceTrax] Big Miz – Sponk 900 – [Dixon Avenue Basement Jams] MAP vs DJ Haus – X-MOD [Dixon Avenue Basement Jams] Thomas Schumacher – Hush (Catz n Dogz Remix) [Pets] Jeroen Search – The Future is Ours [Figure SPC P] Denis Sulta – It’s Only Real [NMBRS] Adesse Versions – Pride [NMBRS] Mall Grab – Pool Party Music [Hot Haus Records] JU LOVETT - DYSFUNKTION Christian Smith & Harry Romero - Neon Jungle [Tronic] Cirez D - The Accuser [Mouseville] Shaded (LA) - Sip Trip [Senso Sounds ] Drunken Kong - The Signs Within [Tronic] Oliver Huntemann - Rotlicht [Senso Sounds] Coyu, Thomas Gandey - 1+1 Feat. Thomas Gandey (Cosmin TRG Remix) [Suara] Maksim Dark - Addendum [Senso Sounds ] Bjarki - Fimmtudagur 16-2 [Trip] Andre Winter Carte Blanche [Senso Sounds] Victor Ruiz - Voyage (Suara)

DA SENDRI

JU LOVETT

ANDREW GILPIN

TODD

KOREK – MA’ANA MUSIC Fresh & Low - New Life [Foul & Sunk] Derrick L. Carter ‘10’ [Classic] Soundstream - All Night [Soundstream] Three Kings Ft Jaygun & Bashy - Shake Dat Booty (Pal Joey Interpretation) [Coco Machete] Hamdi Ryder - Afro Jam [Good For You Records] Guti & Dubshape - Every Cow Has A Bird [Crosstown Rebels] G Flame & Mr. G - Ohh Alpha Recordings] Theo Parrish - Electric Alleycat [Peacefrog] H Foundation - (Hear Dis Sound) [Siesta Music] Rich Martinez - Love Jazz (Demuir Playboy Edit) [Chicago Skyline Records] TODD – MOVE Rag Dabons- Taupe Wings [Concrete Music] Constant – 001 [Constant Black] Plantae- Amber Light of Ethereal Shadow [Elephant Moon] Salt - Quantum XL [Sports Records] Grant - No Lights [Lobster Theramin] Laven & MSO - Looking For God [Klang Elektronik] Instinct – Pressure [Instinct] Florian Muller – Finally [Concrete Music] Professor Inc. – White Belt, Green Stripe [Phonogramme] Olo – Track 1 [Olo]

DJ SALVATORE PEPPINO – GOT2BEFUNKY James Brown - Make It Funky [Polydor] Change - A Lover’s Holiday [Warner Bros.]

Young MC - Know How (Vocal) [Delicious Vinyl] Sylvester - Do You Wanna Funk? [London] Jill Scott - Gettin’ In The Way (MJ Cole Remix) [White Label] Jon Cutler ft. E-Man - It’s Yours (Original Distant Music Mix) [Chez USA] Gwen McCrae - All This Love I’m Givin’ (12” mix) [Rhythm King/Flame] Norma Jean Bell - I’m The Baddest B*tch (In The Room) [Pandamonium USA] Kraak & Smaak - Squeeze Me [Jalapeno] Masters At Work ft. India - Backfired (Joey Negro Remix) [MAW USA] DJ SLATER – MR MIYAGI’S Love Birds - I Want You In My Soul [Winding Roads Records] Ferreck Dawn - Lord [Spinnin’ Deep] Matthew Clarck - Pay Me Up [Taste The Music] Volkoder – Sensation [Suara] Sonny Fodera - Just A Feeling [Defected] Gregor Salto - Just Yeah [Spinnin’ Deep] CN Williams – Reachin’ [Reelhouse Records] Milk & Sugar feat. Barbara Tucker - My Lovin [Milk & Sugar] Alaia & Gallo feat. Kevin Haden - Who Is He (Soul Heaven Records) House of Virus - Better World [Freakin909] HUDSON – RM RECORDS Mandar – Canary [Oscillat Music] Worth Way – Brain Phasing [The Other Planet] Bicep – Glue [Ninja Tune] Janeret – Rear [Joule] DJ Different – Starships Weren’t Meant To Fly [Mood of the Era] Tee Mango – All The Places Left To Dance [AUS Records] Phrased – Positive Centre [L.B. Produce] Carlo – Fly the W (Black Loops Remix) [Neovinyl Recordings] Karousel – Outback (Seb Zito Step Mix) [Fuse London] Tato – Met [Organic Music]

RICARDO DE MENESES – ORDNANCE Tom Ries - Airhead [Sturo] And.rea - Theoretically [Lowmoneymusiclove] Seuil - D-Force (Live Weather Edit) [Concrete Music 7AM] Henry Hyde - Mr Susan [NorthSouth Records] Module Werk - Awakenings [0Helena0] Etienne - Mphasis [SEQUALOG] Riccardo - Lowearth [Amazing Stories] Jacob Chennaux & Martyne - Neinunder [Discours] Reedale Rise - The Great Auk [Frustrated Funk] Voigtmann - Delta Integrale [Hello? Repeat] MELU – DESERT DREAM Mihai Popoviciu and David Delgado - Continuously [Moan] Andu Simion - A1 003.1 [Atipic] Cristi Cons - Aural [Meander] Iovan Iorgovan - Tare Ca Fierul [Third Wave Black] Pandilla - Street Manifest (Patrick Klein Remix) [Project London Raw] Cab Drivers - Ground Service [Cabinet Records] Ada Kaleh - Difuz [Ada Kaleh Romania] BAL (Bigi & Laurentiu) - Le Vent (Iovan Iorgovan Remix) [Genial] Nice ’n Trick - Prolepsis [Arupa Music] Alexander Skancke - Ravelle [Neo Strictly]

DJ SLATER

RICARDO DE MENESES

HUDSON

MELU

TOUBBA - DECIBEL Linear Straight - Neurons [Time Trial Records] Javadeep - C.T.W.A. [Sin Sin Records] Resonance (US) - Distored Pleasure [Creptonit Records] Frankie Serious - Chromatic Waves [Switch Off Records] Jssst - Code Red [Jssst Records] VSK - Under Processing [47] Intoxx - Black Bar (Mheta Ton Remix) [Minimal Killer Trax] Dr Cyanide - Out World [Hardtools Records] Pierre Deutschmann – Reculio [XLR1507] Josiah Fontenot - Ebb & Flow [Denied Music] WOODLE – BASSWORX Chase & Status ft. MC Fats - Step Away [Virgin EMI] Whiney ft Inja - Flashlight [Hospital Records] Technimatic - Bristol (Break Remix) [Shogun Audio] T.R.A.C. ft Random Movement - Step Tune [V Recordings] Alibi & Command Strange - Ahead Of Me [V Recordings] Serum & Voltage - Cobra [Philly Blunt] DJ Patife & David WS ft. Fats - The Vibe Is Coming [Sun And Bass Recordings] Alibi, Unreal & Dogface - Lasagna [V Recordings] Dave Owen - Love So True [Soul Deep Recordings] J. Cole - She’s Mine (Spectrasoul Bootleg) [Dreamville Records] SCOTT FORSHAW – ZERO GRAVITY Austin Mahone feat Pitbull - Lady (Scott Forshaw & Greg Stainer Remix) [A.M. Music] PBH & Jack Shizzle - Deep Inside [Armada Deep] Don Diablo – Momentum [Hexagon] Ryan Blyth, Scrufizzer & Rae Hall - You & Me [New State] Artistic Raw - Dil Dil Dil [Free download] Alesso - Move Like That [Free download] Chuckie & Glowinthedark - Turn Up The Bass [Dirty Dutch Music] Scott Forshaw & Greg Stainer - Pump It Up [Free download] Funkstar De Lux vs PBH & Jack Shizzle - Sun Is Shining [Armada Deep] Faith Evans - Love Like This (Freejak Voodoo Song Remix)

WOODLE

SCOTT FORSHAW

WE ARE OPEN MMI ARMADA JLT

Locate us at

TEL NO. 04 425 1701

LOTS OF SPECIAL OFFERS AND GIVEAWAYS IN-STORE

Continuing our look at the DJ’s and promoters that have helped shape Dubai’s clubbing landscape, Infusion Magazine chats to Darren “Da Sendri” Hendry to find out his Dubai story…

DUBAI LEGENDS: DA SENDRI

For those that don’t know you can you tell us a little about your career in music so far?

I’ve been DJing for over 17 years now, professionally for 12 years when I quit my “real job” and moved to Ibiza where I lived for 4 seasons playing at Space for Carl Cox night, Privilege where I was Manumission resident for a year, Es Paradis, Eden, Hush, Plastik and many more.

How long have you been in Dubai?

10 years .

What made you decide to move to Dubai?

I was asked by Mr Mr and Alex Bracken to be the new resident of 360° for 2007.

What was the scene like when you moved here?

Exciting, there were a few really great venues like 360°, Chi at The Lodge and Trilogy that were playing great music and a really welcoming group of resident DJs. Since moving to Dubai how have you seen the music and club scenes evolve?

With so many venues and hotels opening up all looking for entertainment the competition is intense, if you don’t get the right concept you will struggle.

With the state of the rest of the world so many DJs are coming to Dubai for work that prices are actually less than when I came out here in 2007, so you have to

adapt and find the right venues with the right management to work with that trust you and won’t chop and change every month.

What do you think is the best thing about the Dubai scene at the moment?

New people mean new ideas all the time, new enthusiasm ensures you have to keep working hard to maintain a presence in the scene.

How do you feel the scene could be improved?

Venues and management need to value their artists, understand what they bring to the venue and not just treat them as an expensive luxury where if the venue is struggling they are the first to be fired.

Being a full-time DJ can be demanding, what do you do when you are not behind the decks?

I run an artist agency and events company called AME, supplying DJ’s, musicians and other artists as well as rental equipment and consultancy work for venues.

Where will we be able to catch you in action this season?

This season I’m at the new British bar Jekyll & Hyde in DIFC Tuesdays to Fridays playing alternative music, anything from rock, indie, motown, hip hop, 80’s 90’s soul, funk and disco - a real mixed bag of delights.

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Of course, there are a million and one sightseeing activities in New York, but what really attracts me to New York is the fashion, the music and the art and how it is all effortlessly intertwined. New York is steeped in history when it comes to all 3, you only have to walk down any street to join the dots...

MUSIC

Being a music lover first and foremost it is hard not to be attracted to New York, for a starter this is where you find Studio 54 and the Paradise Garage, both zeitgeists of disco and house music.

The gravitational pull of this immensely influential city has been ingrained in my musical upbringing where I would hear of mythical sets from Danny Tenaglia at clubs such as Twilo and nights such as The Bunker and that was just when I was growing up. Nowadays, attention has shifted to Brooklyn where clubs such as Output and its associated rooftop venue, Good Room, House of Yes and TBA have all been drawing in great bookings for a while now.

With DJ culture being synonymous with New York during the late 70’s thanks to the likes of Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa the legacy is alive and well in modern NYC and it is this that legions of vinyl heads travel to NYC for. As well as being a haven for hip hop junkies, NYC and its hundreds of thrift stores, record shops and street hawkers offer the chance to grab a piece of the cities illustrious lineage on wax for a fraction of the original price. Of course, there are stores such as Halcyon, Rough Trade, Rock & Soul and Superior Elevation all offer the latest in house and techno from around the world. So expect a crate digging trip of epic proportions to ensue.

FASHION

Having been the avant-garde centre point of world fashion since the early 1900’s, New York has, with each passing decade become more entrenched in world fashion and with New York Fashion Week (Women) beginning at the start of September the buzz around the city will be tangible. Seeing as high fashion, especially women’s doesn’t really interest me, I will be instead focusing my time and effort in seeking out the rarest sneakers I can get my hands on. Stores like Flight Club, Kith, Stadium Goods, Extra Butter and West NYC all hold possibilities to grab a pair of seldom found shoes that would never see the light of day in the UAE. There is also dedicated department store sized shops for brands such as Nike and Adidas, so expect some tasty trainers to be adorning these very pages in the coming weeks.

ART

For me, no trip to The Big Apple would be complete without a trip to the famous Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on 5th Avenue.

Sitting on the halfway point of Central Park, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed building has stood the test of time as it was opened way back in 1959 and has since housed works by some of modern arts finest and thought provoking artists. One such artist that I have long been an admirer of is Jackson Pollock, his stark creations buck the trend of what is perceived to be standard operating procedure when painting a piece of art. His paint spattered creations may seem like bedlam to some eyes, but the layers and intricacy of his work, especially Alchemy which is currently on display is a feast for the abstract eye. What is even more impressive is that this particular piece, and much of his work dates back to 1947. There is an insane amount of modern art housed within the sculpted walls of the Guggenheim, but my interest was more than piqued when I learned that this piece was on public display. There is also the huge amount of street art and graffiti that adorns the walls, streets and every available surface of the city.

PAY IT BACK The music industry is a funny old place sometimes, as the old adage goes, “one sapiens news is another’s chip wrapper”. So, as I write this, certain spheres of Dubai are beating quite heavily on the jungle drums, a bit too heavily to their own tune. I remember when building a scene was all about creating a community feeling where everybody is equal and has their part to play and their unique talent or skill is offered to the next person freely. This no longer seems to be the case with certain people constantly trying to out shine the other, under cut them and generally undermine the community spirit that this whole magnificent organic machine is supposed to run on. While dialogue is encouraged, let’s keep it positive, open and moving forward rather than regressing to before we inhabited the tree’s.

Monkey Out...

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