You can’t go to school to learn this stuff.
As the nightlife scene in Dubai quickly picks up pace and adds one star after another to clubbing line-ups, Pacha Ibiza Dubai is bringing renowned DJ John Digweed to town on March 11 for a party that will have your nerves twitching and your heart thumping.
Starting his career in Hastings at the age of 15 years, he has come a long way to have a loyalfollowing around the world – From Top 40 smashes ‘Heaven Scent’ and ‘For What You Dream Of’ (with Nick Muir) to world renowned mix CDs for Renaissance, GU and Northern Exposure.
In 2013, Digweed was ranked No. 17 Best DJ in the world in Resident Advisor‘s top 100 DJ charts.
We caught up with him before his anticipated gig in Dubai – here’s what he had to say:
1. What is your process for putting a set together?
It’s really important to know your music inside out and when you get to the gig, you see how the crowd is reacting then get the crowd on side and take them where you want. Preparing a set beforehand does not make sense to me – if the crowd is not into it, where do you go?
2. How do you decide between playing something new versus what the audience wants/expects in a set?
That comes with years of practice and knowing which tracks to play so they make the most impact. You can’t go to school to learn this stuff.
3. What are your biggest challenges as a DJ right now? What were they 10 years ago?
At the start of your career, you do everything you can to be heard and seen which takes so much work and dedication, then after you achieve success, you seem to work even harder to stay on top of everything.
For me now, I am in a place where I pick and choose the gigs I want to do and give every party 100%.
4. Your most memorable gig:
Big Beach Boutique on Brighton beach with Fatboyslim and 250,000 on the beach – Amazing GIG.
Check out our exclusive interview with: Dubai DJ Jon Besant: Getting People Together Is My Greatest Skill
5. Tell us in 50 words or less why people should watch you play at Pacha Ibiza Dubai:
Well, anyone who came to my last party there could see what a great party it was. The club looks amazing and the sound and lighting is spot on. Add to that Dubai’s most clued up crowd wanting to hear the best electronic music out there and you have all the ingredients for a top night out.
Doors for the event open at 10pm.
AED 125 Early Bird tickets available through www.travelwings.com
AED 175 available through www.travelwings.com and limited tickets available at the door.
For VIP and table bookings, contact 04 567 0000 or email reservations@pacha.ae
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