Quite often of late I find myself saying yes to questionable adventures and later wondering exactly what my state of mind was at the time of agreeing to them. I decided last year to try to do as many things as possible which got me out of my comfort zone and in doing so I’ve had some of the most memorable experiences of my life thus far. I was chatting to a friend recently about charity work and the many exciting fund raising events she’d been a part of , the two things that stuck with me was her passion and enthusiasm for helping others and the fact the money raised for the causes went directly to them and made a real and visible difference. That was the first time I was introduced to Gulf for Good.
The challenge which captured my imagination was Kilimanjaro, a six day trek 19,000 feet above sea level to the roof of Africa. Time passed and the routine took over and I almost forgot about it till one day I was listening to a radio interview with a man who’d just returned from the Everest base camp, he then quoted Kalil Gibran by saying “…when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb…It was then I committed in my mind to the task at hand. I finally got round to going to the Gulf for Good orientation and signed up yesterday. I’m filled with excitement about the challenge and also the opportunity to contribute directly to a worthy kids charity in Tanzania called Amani Children’s Home. The words which stuck with me most from Kamelia when I asked her why she gave so much of her time and money were: “I can see exactly where it goes and the difference it makes to people’s lives…” So I thank her for the inspiration and the introduction to Gulf for Good and I hope in turn this can also persuade some of you to come join me up the mountain or to get involved in your own adventure with Gulf For Good. For more info admin@gulf4good.org
Thanks to Scene, Ahlan and de Luxe Middle East for the recent features. Just click on the photos themselves to read the interviews in full. All three were done around the same time but I’m glad to say the angle is slightly different on each one.I always take an eternity to come up with answers to questions like favourite film, song, food etc…Finally got the chance to lay the whole Craig David thing to rest also. So no excuses from here on in for calling me Craig.
I seem to have spent a fairly significant amount of time in the Indian consulate recently trying to arrange a visa for a gig there. I know a Visa application is seldom a straight forward process. But this one at times has had me perplexed. Organising documents and interviews between the agent, the consulate and my HR at work has been an exhausting process. I’m happy to say my trips been approved and I’m just awaiting the actual stamp in the passport. Now I’m looking forward to the stress free, fun part of actually getting there on the twenty seventh and playing some music for Café Del Mar at Azok in Mumbai. How do you fit twenty million people in to one city anyway? I’m really looking forward to my first experience of India.
Thanks once again to Doo Technologies for the video of the recent Full Moon party. If you go their website there’s lots more footage up there from Sandance too, you can actually view everything and navigate the clips in full 360. Talking of Sandance the New Year party as expected was amazing with all twelve thousand tickets selling out before the event. The next date to look forward to is March 9th confirmed acts so far include Snowpatrol, Eric Morillo, M People and Dj Yoda, myself and Smokingroovefor more info go to www.sandance.ae
Keeping true to the same theme of saying yes to things I should really think twice about I was coerced by the Bionic Hamster in to signing up for the Rak Half Marathon. It’s proved to be the motivation I needed to get myself back in the gym after the excess of the festive period. Also ideal preparation for the Kilimanjaro trek. I’m managing regular 10k’s and got up to 15 for the first time last week.(It hurt) The thought of 21 still kinda scares me. As does being almost twenty thousand feet above sea level at minus 20c. I had my mind set at around two hours, then just read the world record was one hour five. Surely that was on a motorbike?
On a final note I keep seeing press releases for Simon Cowell’s new Frankenstein- Dj Idol. I suppose it can’t be much worse than the current polls where the world’s top dj is so good he doesn’t even bother switching on his equipment to play. It will be interesting to see how it pans out. Probably not interesting enough to make me want to actually switch on the TV though. Everyone’s been asking “who is this Bionic Hamster you speak of?” He was recently photographer below by ITP on a rare public appearance out with his natural habitat of the gym. If I don’t beat his time for the RAK half marathon I fear I may never hear the end of it.
I’ve had a few messages about sponsorship and donations. While I’m in the process of setting up something online, I can accept cash or cheques in person. The second option is a direct transfer to the Gulf For Good account. In the meantime any questions drop me an e-mail info@djdavidcraig.co.uk All fees for my gigs booked from today for the next month (excluding residency) will go 100% to aid orphans in Tanzania via www.gulf4good.org Thanks Dave.
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago at 12:30 pm. 0 comments
It doesn’t feel like so long ago I was attending my first Southport Weekender. (From my rapidly deteriorating memory it was about 13 years back) A group of us from Aberdeen made the six hour pilgrimage and didn’t really sleep for the next three days of nonstop music and dancing. Life has never really been the same again after that. My eyes and ears were opened to a new world of Soul, rare groove, Jazz-funk and House. Since then the Southport Weekender has always been something magical to me. So you can imagine how excited I am about making to be making my first appearance this May in what will be the 25th anniversary of the event. The fact that after all this time it was sold out seven months in advance tells its own story. I’m eagerly awaiting the press release in the New Year with the confirmed live acts. For more info and full dj line up in the meantime:www.southportweekender.co.uk
Getting back to the present this month is pretty much all about Sandance. I’m very much looking forward to seeing in the New Year on Sandance beach to the sounds of Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, Vula, Goldfish, Sister Bliss, Smokingroove, Jonathan Ulysses and Above and Beyond. I’m really proud to be a part of such a great event. This one’s going to be extra special with one of the biggest firework displays in the UAE to welcome in the beginning of 2012. As always a big thanks to Adidas originals for kitting us out and keeping myself and Smokingroove looking the part. It’s good to be original.
Awards and polls are pretty subjective affairs which always court a bit of controversy. While it’s not the be all and end all it’s always nice to be recognised by your peers for what you do. Thanks to Ahlan Magazine for short listing me in the “Best Dj in Dubai” category and all those who took the time to vote. Congratulations to all the winners on the night. I was really happy with Nasimi Beach winning best nightclub and proud to pick up the award with Smokingroove.
I also managed to make a cheeky appearance in Cosmopolitan Magazine recently in their hottest bachelor issue. The fact I had to bribe a friend to be my plus one for the party tells its own story. I was hoping after the magazine came out my fortunes with the fairer sex would improve. Not sure what’s next,speed dating or a personal ad’? In the meantime my ever growing collection of disastrous dates and awkward moments with the opposite sex are keeping my friends well and truly amused.
I’ve added a few new tribute mixes to the Mixcrate page recently. I’ll get in number twenty before the end of the month. Currently thinking about which artist to cover next.I think the recent D’Angelo one has been the most popular so far with well over one thousand two hundred spins at last count. A big thanks to Mixcrate for hosting and to all the people supporting, re-posting and tweeting. It’s much appreciated and inspires me to keep on with the mixes. Here’s the most recent tribute to Sade.www.mixcrate.com/djdavidcraig
I’m still elated after one of the best weekends of music I can remember in a long time. I was actually bouncing off the walls with excitement about seeing Sade live in Abu Dhabi. I’ve waited a lifetime to see her in perform. After such expectation there’s always a fear of disappointment. I’m always hesitant to meet people I admire. Fortunately in this case I left overwhelmed. There was a real magic in everything she did, every move and gesture had me captivated from start to finish. I didn’t want it to end. Well done to Flash for another great booking. After the show I opted for not meeting her preferring my illusion to the reality of her just being a normal person with the voice of an angel. I’m glad I didn’t break the spell.
Thanks to everyone who came down to the Soulful Sessions Sade after party at Yas Hotel.As strange as it sounds the nights where you get the opportunity to just play a straight up self indulgent soulful set and have people appreciate it are few and far between these days. It was a great ending to just the perfect day. (Besides Schooly waking me up at five thirty trying to find his hotel room)
I remember coming across a curious message on a building site a few months ago which made me smile. As time goes by I keep seeing these more and more in the same scroll all over town. Everyone has their idea of what is and isn’t art. I’m simply a fan of expression and anything which provokes thought. These snap me out of the routine for a moment and make me smile. They always seem to appear in the strangest of locations when I least expect them. Some of my favourites are “censorship usually Fails, “A glance can take an eon to decipher”, “She seduced me with emoticons” and the classic “All humanoids report to facebook immediately”
Finally I’d like to finish on a story which I read about recently which took place on a cold morning in Washington. A violinist played at rush hour in a metro station and for the most part was ignored by pretty much everyone who passed. He was Joshua Bell (regarded as one of the best musicians in the world) who had played a sold out show days before on a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. It was part social experiment by the Washington Post about people’s perceptions towards appreciation and beauty. It really struck a chord with me. We get so caught up in things which don’t matter and forget to slow down, read the writing on the wall or stop and listen to the music.
Posted 6 months, 1 week ago at 4:09 pm. 2 comments
I’ve been asked many times why I wanted to be a dj. In truth I never really set out to become one. I always loved music and had a fascination with collecting it. Fourteen years ago there wasn’t much going on in the scene I was in to so I linked up with two friends and started to promote nights and eventually play. Before that I bought my own turntables to practice my art. I can remember many frustrating nights , weeks and months spent getting to know my records , familiarizing myself with the equipment mastering the pitch control and perfecting my timing and levels. I immersed myself in music. Whole days were spent trawling record shops and second hand stores looking for not only the newest tracks but the original breaks and beats which provided them with their samples. Back then Djs were crate diggers, taste makers , nerds in many cases.There certainly wasn’t much glamour in puling around 40 kilos of records , playing a 6 hr set and barley making enough money to feed your vinyl addiction for the coming week. It was all about music and your love for it. Having the ability and the opportunity to take that passion to a club and perform for a crowd of like minded people blew me away then and still does now whether for a small room of a couple hundred or at a concert of festival. Sometimes the music just fits so perfectly it feels seamless like a dream, there’s no thought involved each track just leads on to the next perfectly. It’s more a feeling or a journey, creating an intimacy between you and the crowd. Everyone caught in the moment, together sharing something primal and unspoken. Music has the ability to bring a room full of strangers together on the same journey even if only for a few hours. That’s how liberating playing the music you love to a crowd of people who appreciate it feels to me.
Something which has been on my mind more and more recently is how little skill you actually need to be a dj now. Technology has made everything more convenient. But with any advancement which makes things easier you loose out on the essential part of actually learning your trade as such. I was a Youth Worker for around a decade for Give Kids a Chance teaching djing workshops in various schools and drop in centres. Some kids stuck with it and eventually got it but most became frustrated and didn’t because it wasn’t easy. Now, give me ten minutes with a spotty teenager and a controller and as long as they can count to four I could have them mixing in minutes. So in a sense technology has made the art to djing redundant. Call me a dinosaur but if you are a dj and you are up there hitting cue points on Ableton or using a programme to pre-match the beats for you it’s kinda cheating. I know you need to move with the times or get left behind and I can’t deny I do love playing off serato but in essence you are still mixing off vinyl or cd’s as you normally would. The arguments I’ve heard are along the lines of you can do so much more and re-create on the fly, sampling and remixing live, using accapellas… Now a lot of people I like and respect in the game fall in to this category so in saying this I don’t mean to offend. I’m just curious that’s all. I want to know peoples thoughts on this. A few times recently while watching djs spin there’s been so much hardware and software running I’ve got no clue what’s going on. There’s lots of cheerleading, hand clapping, echoes, filters and effects but there’s little in the way of actual effort. I’m just not sure if hitting cue points on a program that pre-mixes everything is still djing? Or is this exactly what djing is now and I’m missing the point? In essence as a paying customer would you be happy knowing the headliner was up there playing back something he mixed earlier?
Here’s a recent interview I did for the Aberdeen Football Club matchday programme. There’s also a rare picture of me as a young kid with hair.Click on photo to read the interview by Kevin Stirling.
I’ve been watching the News of the World circus unfold with growing curiosity. It seems the paper which built itself off the back of scandal has contributed to its own demise with the very thing it delighted in revealing. Not as ironic as it may seem at first thought. In fact it sounds like something you would usually read in the paper itself. It’s got everything from phone tapping to dishonest policemen taking bribes, the death of a whistle blower, the demise of a newspaper, politicians with personal relationships to the accused and a lot of prominent people nervously trying to distance themselves from past affiliations in order to avert attention from their own part in the story.You couldn’t make this stuff up , what’s the saying about the truth being stranger than fiction? It’s going to be interesting to see who is offered as a sacrifice to appease the masses. The crowd are a fickle bunch give them the blood they lust and they crown you King but when your methods are exposed they turn on you. How else did they expect you to feed their appetite for scandal?
The most interesting thing for me are the relationships within the story. Obviously Murdoch’s a very influential man and its in the interests of the politicians to keep him sweet. Their popularity and agendas are largely dependant on the press and how they report them. Then it gets a bit murky when you look at how the Sun sided with the Tories at the last election and find Cameron was a guest at Rebekah Brook’s wedding, then Coulson is employed as his spin doctor after leaving News of the World. Can you still trust a journalist to be impartial once they have personal relationships with politicians?
I’m not sure who’s worse those who tapped phones mining for scandal and gossip or us, the depraved voyeurs of others misery who bought the tabloid and made it the most read newspaper in the country. It’s all very well Murdoch now saying he is humbled in front of some MPs after initially declining an offer to apologise. It’s also easy to deny knowledge and accountability in a public hearing. Lets see how they fair under oath in court of law when the trial comes round. I hope he can stay awake for that one. I hear he’s employed his wife as security after her impressive forehand spike on the foam pie perpetrator. I hope after all this come to to pass journalists can get back to reporting on things that actually matter. Thanks Cameron for the promise of some new inquiries. Especially as the original ones were so successful five years ago when all this started. I’m sure all involved will offer up a few low level scalps and go back to business as usual. The Mayans were almost right about the end of the world though.
I’ve been busy recording the last few weeks. Check out my mixcrate page for recent tribute mixes to Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson , Stevie Wonder , Erykah Badu and Maxwell. These are also available in the audio section if you have any problems with the site. Click above on the artists names to open the mixes in a new browser. Feel free to suggest new requests you’d like to see covered. Click on the mixcrate logo to go direct to download page. If there’s something on there you like please support the artist by purchasing the music from the amazon links.
Here’s a recent interview I did with Infusion Magazine in Dubai. I’m going head to head in the cool test with Conan Manchester of Liquid People. The interesting part of this is that we both picked the same track for out favourite song of all time. I can’t imagine what the odds of that happening are. Any guesses what it could be if you haven’t already picked up a copy of Infusion. Click on the picture for the full interview.
I’d like to say a quick thanks to all at Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for getting me through my PADI open water and introducing me to the wonderful world of scuba. It’s been a great experience I’m now going for my advanced level and looking forward to my first dive holiday in Thailand in August.
Finally on the week of her 80th year on this planet I’d like to say Happy Birthday to Granny Craig. I could write a separate blog on all the things she’s done for me over the years. Simply put I owe absolutely everything to her. I look forward to returning home soon to see all my family and friends for the first time in almost one year. After doing six nights for the past ten months I’m looking forward to hanging up the head phones for a bit.
I’ll leave you with another mix recently recorded one Saturday night at Nasimi beach called Soul Defenitions: New music from Hamdan Al Abri, Jill Scott, Slakah The Beatchild, Zo, and classics from the likes of Paul Johnson, Soul2 Soul and loose Ends. Part 2 in the making right now.
I was just about to upload this and heard the news Amy Winehouse had passed. I saw her just before the first album dropped in a small club and was blown away, She was raw and real,sounded fantastic and looked healthy, full bodied and seemed like she was born to be on stage. The next time I saw her at T in the park after Back to Black she was skeletal and falling about, forgetting lyrics and looking lost. I couldn’t believe it was the same person.
The saddest thing about her death is its not even surprising. There was an inevitability about her decline. People laughed and jeered at her demise and paid to watch her self destruct and her management and label kept taking the money, putting her out there on parade for all to see. From that point of view I think they failed her badly. She was a phenomenal singer/songwriter although a tragic waste of talent too. I hope that 5 Grammys an Ivor Novello and 10 million album sales will be what she’s remembered more for in years to come. Although it’s not confirmed I suspect she’ll join the likes of Cobain, Morrison, Jones, Hendrix and Joplin in the forever 27 club claimed prematurely by drug abuse.
Here’s my tribute to her recorded today: As always If you are feeling it re-post, tweet, pass it on and support the artist by purchasing anything you like: Head to the site for download link.
It’s hard not to mention the royal wedding since its taking place as I type. I asked a few friends last night about their thoughts on the occasion, on the whole the reaction was pretty indifferent. Strangely enough my American friends seemed more excited which I though ironic since they fought a war to get rid of our Monarchy. Still I suppose they aren’t picking up the bill for the occasion. Although I’m sure we’ll make some cash off them with the memorabilia.
Don’t get me wrong I love weddings and I really wish them both a great future together, they look like a beautiful couple and if ever there were two of the royal family who seem fairly grounded and likeable it’s William and his wacky brother Harry. William Hill are actually running odds on Harry forgetting the ring, as long as he doesn’t come dressed as a Nazi soldier (again) everything should run according to plan. I know the House of Windsor aren’t keen on advertising their German roots.
I get the fact news channels and papers will be happy to run stories for a while about cucumber sandwiches, street parties and what the Beckham’s are wearing (Just seen them arrive, he’s got great hair) anything to divert from Governments we’re friends with slaughtering peaceful protesters in the streets. Interesting that some of those leaders made the guest list too. I wonder if the Syrian ambassador feels any regret about the loss of life on his watch now his invitation has been rescinded?
I’ve got no issue with our Royalty as such besides the fact they seem to serve no real purpose besides luring tourists to the UK to spend money. I suppose it’s more about national pride and Britishness, remnants of the old empire and our stiff upper lip. I’d be a lot more inclined to like them if they were a bit more self sufficient. As one of the wealthiest institutions in the world it would have been a nice gesture for them to say something along the lines of “Okay as a country were broke, there’s high unemployment, budget cuts to services, were spending millions per day on 2 illegal wars you didn’t want and now there’s this thing in Libya too.. Well they do have the biggest oil reserves in Africa. Anyway we’ll pick up the tab this time. (Possibly get a round in too since you guys have funded us all these years) Stop worrying about the state of the NHS and your kid’s education, grab your Union Jack and let’s think of the good old days and the commonwealth, Bottoms up…” I suppose the only thing I can think of which could be worse is a politician being the head of state. Right, better get the kettle on, ooh there’s Elton John and his husband.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Here’s a mix of some of my favourite Erykah Badu tracks. You can download from the audio page on the site or at http://www.mixcrate.com/djdavidcraig It was a great pleasure to be a part of the line up for the 5th Annual Chill Out Festival on Sandance beach. Thanks to Tar3k V on the violin, Hamdan of Abri , Carlene Graham on vocals and Ray the beatboxer for being a part of the live show with me.
After arriving an hour and a half late it took Erykah Badu about half an hour to get in to it in which time she lost a lot of the crowd with some bizarre out of tune drumming on an effects pad and a generally languid performance. She did eventually come to life about half way through and went on to perform a few encores and even got out in the crowd at one point. I think one to keep the fans happy but not really a memorable performance to win her many new ones. Well done to Ohm Records for some cracking bookings. I really enjoyed in particular Royksopp, Matthew Herbert, Aim and Niko and The wonderful Cinematic Orchestra in particular vocals from Heidi Vogel. Look out for some new material dropping very soon from the amazing talents of Hamdan and Carlene Graham .
Skydiving is something I’ve been saying for over a decade I’d get round to doing sometime. I am admittedly a coward with anything which involves speed or heights. So you can imagine my surprise as I found myself signing a disclaimer that I wouldn’t sue in the event of death if my parachute didn’t open. Initially I was tricked in to it after a good friend called my bluff and booked it on my behalf then proceeded to challenge my masculinity in the process. There was really no option but to go through with it. I’m so glad I did. It’s easily one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I was really apprehensive about the whole thing and as I was perched at the door looking out I did wonder if it was such a good Idea, then moments later you are falling through the air or does it feel like floating? Everything happens so fast and there’s this feeling of exhilaration or invincibility or of just being alive and the parachute opens and you descent serenely towards the city and start to take in the magnificent feeling of what’s just occurred. Here’s to friends and new experiences. It’s sometimes good to do things which scare the crap out of you.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Posted 10 months, 1 week ago at 11:53 am. 0 comments
I think the Stevie wonder concert by Flash on Yas island yesterday will go down as one of the best nights I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend. There are not many of the true music greats left he’s part of a rare breed of artists who don’t really exist anymore. We all grew up on his music as did our parents and I’m sure our children and the generations to follow will too. From a two hour jam and sound check to the best part of three hours in concert, then a meet and greet for fans after the show, the man is just music. While on stage he seemed almost as happy as we were out front singing along to every song with him. He also took the time out between tracks to acknowledge us with charm and a great sense of humour. I felt more a part of something than a spectator of it. The whole thing from start to finish was just an amazing experience. Seeing him in a small room after the concert sitting playing away on a keyboard was as surreal as standing a few feet away from him on stage. I apologise now in advance for those who’ll have the misfortune to meet me in the coming weeks/years no prizes for guessing what I’ll be talking about. Did I tell you about the time I warmed up for Stevie Wonder? Thanks to Flash for the amazing opportunity. The live set is below, thanks to Ayoola for reminding me to record. The link will take you to my mixcrate page where you can download it. Apologies for the levels:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
For my friends at DU who check out the blog don’t worry there will be no naming and shaming. (For the man who eventually fixed things thanks.)fortunately today I’m all about love and good vibes. But for the record you have managed to mess absolutely everything up at every junction possible starting from my name on the contract itself. I’ve had repeated problems with TV, home phone internet and mobile. Your latest trick was to cancel my service in error. A month later and lots of hours in the DU office and its all finally resolved. Strangely enough the only thing which has never failed is your invoices for billing. Quite often wildly wrong but always right on time it seems. My new ringtone is Bob Dylan-Stuck in the middle with DU.
Times are changing we are children of a digital age and although I reserve my status of an analogue kid and resist technology’s advances to rule my life I do love the role it’s played in galvanising the movement of the people against oppression. Even world news is relying heavily on youtube camera phone clips and twitter feeds. While I still secretly think the machines are plotting to take over the world. The one thing I do like is that it has empowered and given voice to those who previously had to suffer in silence. Technology has now made it near impossible for dictatorships to censor or prevent their evils from reaching the rest of the world. My thoughts are with the brave people in their respective countries standing up for what’s right and risking their lives for what they believe in. Shame on any ruler who opens fire on peaceful demonstrators. The strangest type of tough love I’ve ever seen. I hope by the time I’ve finished this The African Union and the UN come to some agreement to stop leather face slaughtering his own people. One day we’re shaking his hand and selling him weapons the next thinking where did it all go wrong. I think it was when he booked Nelly Furtado for a private gig. Props to her for donating the money to charity. One million on a PA, he could have probably got a decent singer for that price. Or paid for the education and healthcare of a good few Tunisians. Then to top it all off the pulls a Bush and tries to blame everything on Osama.
There’s been so much going on right now I don’t know where to start. From parties with Hed Kandi , Cuban Brothers, Gramphonetize, Edward Maya, Pacha and the Usher to the epic Sandance and opening for the amazing Brand New Heavies. It’s almost too much excitement for one beach. Just when even I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better the guys announce Faithless live as part of their last world tour on April 1st. Props to Nasimi and Think for a great booking. Then the weekend after it’s the Chill Out Festival with Erykah Badu, Royksopp, Hot Chip DJs, Cinematic Orchestra, Midival Punditz, Matthew Herbert, AIM & Matthew Hawtin, Kaleidoscope, Brownies, Liminal Roots and Myself alongside guests pa’s from Carlene Graham, Hamdan of Abri, Tar3kv on violin and Beatboxer Ray. It’s an awesome line up and I’m as excited about seeing the other acts as I am about performing. Check out the site for more info: http://chilloutfestivaldubai.com
Congratulations to my Nasimi Beach partner in crime Smokingroove with his recent Café Del Mar mix which he’s promoting with a few gigs in the region, best of luck to him and all at Mixtura records with the release of the Winter Music Collection. You can buy those at beatoprt.
We’ve been fooled by tv life is not an episode of friends probably more like Eastenders or Casualty unfortunately. Sometimes there may not be a happy ending. For some reason we feel entitled to certain things. We think success, love and accomplishment should come to us without the struggle to achieve it. I don’t know if I fully subscribe to the notion of Karma but it seems when I do good , good things come back to me. Lately I’ve been blessed with meeting some fantastic people who have really inspired me with their words and actions. I suppose the thing to bear in mind is never forget the effect we have on those around us without even knowing it our encouragement or example could change someone’s life. Thanks to those people who have uplifted mine recently and all the teachers who I’ve met along the way.
Last week Martin Luther King day got me thinking, after listening to his last “I’ve been to the mountain top speech..” It struck me that not only did he see his assassination coming but he expected it and was willing to give up his life for his cause. Initially I thought it was a rare thing and it got me thinking what’s happened to all the heroes. As I began to write the blog with that in mind.
I then turned on the news and saw people rise up and take to the streets to demand change. They stood strong against tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons all for basic things most of us take for granted. I saw many different heroes of all ages, men and women staning side by side ready if need be to give their lives as they faced the army’s tanks. I hope this serves as a warning to all leaders, governments and corrupt institutitions around the world that the people are watching and you will be held accountable for your crimes and actions.
In both instances it seems the army’s refusal to fire on their own people have prevented disaster and enabled a near peaceful revolt to ensue. The pledges of both leaders to sack their cabinet shows just how out of touch and egotistical they really are. Especially in the case of Mubarak in Egypt putting the opposing voice under house arrest then shutting down the phone and internet services before trying to beat his people in to submission. Even the Americans were trying to distance themselves from their puppet. My condolences go out to the families of those who have died and I hope for a peaceful resolution and change. Could this be the start of a new renaissance of thought and action? We’ve become fat and languid on easy living and endless credit what better time than a world recession to rebuild and reform. I hope when my time comes I’ll be ready and willing to sacrifice everything for that which I love.
As always moving on seamlessly and shamelessly from world affairs to nightlife at Nasimi Beach. I had an amazing day / night recently djing for at the Brazilian Carnival party. I’m as proud of my Brazilian side as I am of my Scottish being able to play some samba and baile funk on the beach was an amazing experience. Hats off to Smokingroove for dropping some serious Latin vibes. I’ll be reuniting with Brazilian night again next month for a party in Abu Dhabi details to follow. Search for “Brazilian Nights in Duabi” on Facebook for info.
I spend so much time on Naismi Beach it’s getting like an episode of Lost, without the black smoke and polar bears or obviously the plane crash. Actually the only thing in common I suppose is the beach, moving on. This Friday sees the return of Soundwave an all day music festival starting from two in the afternoon till two in the morning. For the full line up check out the facebook page of call +971 55 2004321 or email nasimi.beach@atlantisthepalm.com Tickets available from www.timeouttickets.com Djs include Robert Miles , Timmy Vegas and Lady Lea, Gunther and Stamina alongside local all stars Da Sendri, Sam Farsio, Mark Pickup, Smokingroove and me.
My facebook page has been alive with discussion about some new photos I did with Illustrado magazine. The theme was bold and futuristic, very brave and edgy. Possibly a bit controversial. I suppose a first for me and somewhat different to what I’m used to. I am a massive fan of Illustrado and all it stands for as well as being a huge admirer of photographer Eros Goze and the amazingly talented designer Michael Cinco. I probably underestimated the power of an image and its interpretations and misinterpretations that can come with it. But I suppose with anything that’s unique or artistic it should be thought provoking and challenging to people’s perceptions. I’m proud to have been a part of the shoot.
I do a lot of people watching. Not in a creepy way though, let’s say observing that sounds less intrusive. Something which occurs regularly and really grinds my gears are people while in company seeming to be more interested in their phone(s) or i-pads. Who brings an i-pad to a meeting with friends anyway? A family emergency I understand, even a pressing work issue fair enough but are endless text mesages, tweeting and real time facebook updates really necessary? What happened to speaking to each other? I’m just old fashioned like that. There’s nothing stranger to me than seeing a couple sat in silence both playing on their phones. The only thing I can think of which is worse is letting the world know exactly where you are by the same technology. I spend the better part of my life trying to avoid people not disclosing my exact latitude and longitude to them.
“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”
Happy New Year. I hope this finds you happy, healthy and in good spirits. It’s been a while since I’ve managed to get some time together to write a blog. Life has been a bit hectic of late but in a good way. I’m two months in to a residency with Atlantis hotel which sees me split my time between Nasimi beach and Levantine terrace. I now seem to spend more time at the hotel than I do at home. Saying that it’s my dream gig I get the freedom to be creative with the music and fortunately I get to play to an appreciative crowd in one of the best venues in the city. I’ll never tire of sundown on the beach overlooking the Dubai skyline. Have a look on the Nasimi facebook page to see what’s going on week to week with brands like Pacha, Café Del Mar, Hed Kandi and Full Moon parties on rotation.
I almost got away with pretending to be 25 in a recent interview in Gulf News. (It helps when you use the same press shot for a decade) If it wasn’t for the fact Matt Charles tried the same thing I think I’d have got away with it. I’m actually closer to the speed at which a record revolves and as Bill Drummond said what better time in your life for change or a revolution. So I suppose just like that 2011 sees the beginning of a new decade and a new chapter for me. Life’s got a funny way of putting you in your place just when you think you’ve almost got it figured out. With that said I’m as happy about the hard times as I am grateful for the blessings. It’s a combination of how you handle one and learn to appreciate the other that defines you. So with all that in mind I look forward to the New Year and everything it has in store for me good and bad and continue loving the beautiful struggle.
After being asked for mix cds on a daily basis I finally got myself a recording device and knocked out three in two days. To those who harassed me thanks for the push it was much needed. So below is me live on two cdj’s and a mixer on the beach under sun moon and stars playing some tunes I love. I’ll start with the sundown set find me on the beach from 5pm daily playing similar stuff
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Next up is a sexy soulful mix of new bits and pieces with some older classics. I think it was done on ladies night.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Finally this one was a product of the recorder being left on unintentionally. I was wondering where to go from the soulful set and unintentionally strayed in to some Afro and Broken Beat territory and then the garage just followed on naturally. It’s a real pleasure being able to play out stuff like this which was previously reserved for my i-pod.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Since I started the last blog with a Prince story I’ll end this one with another. I was a big gutted about missing out on his intimate gig until I received an invitation to play a private party on the spectacular Nurai Island just outside Abu Dhabi. Host for the night was none other than Prince Albert of Monaco. A grand piano was flown in and for the occasion and looked tantalisingly close to the dj booth. Definitely close enough for me to run across and steal some locks of hair before getting kung fu-ed by security. I waited in anticipation for the arrival of the legend himself. Then waited some more after a few false alarms I began to come to terms with the fact he wasn’t going to show. Just when I was beginning to re-evaluate my feelings towards my idol I got a call from Dirty Derek with spare ticket for the concert the night after. I’ve got to say he pulled it out of the bag and again reaffirmed my obsession with him, after the third encore his majestic status was confirmed. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen a good few concerts but this one probably set a new benchmark for entertainment and sheer brilliance. Then just to top off an amazing weekend I had the pleasure of playing some tunes for the band on Nasimi Beach the day after. A small gesture of thanks for providing me and the tens of thousands of others with one of the best nights of music we’re likely to witness for a long time.
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 8:53 am. 0 comments
Since Prince has been confirmed as a headliner for the Abu Dhabi F1 I thought it would be a perfect time to tell a story I had been keeping for my grandchildren. On one of my first nights out in Minneapolis after going to see First Avenue, my second stop happened to be a little place called the Lounge where there’s a table which sits empty with a red rope around it. After a few visits I asked why no one was allowed to sit there. Apparently it was Prince’s table and the pleasure was reserved solely for him should he decide to drop in unannounced, which I was told he frequently did. He also added when he does show up he sometimes invites everyone present to party with him. I waited almost a full decade for the legend to be fulfilled and as luck would have it finally it happened. On route I was excited about the prospect of being in the presence of one of music’s most intriguing figures on his birthday no less.
On arrival at Paisley park which was in the middle of nowhere I stared in awe at all the memorabilia on display as we were ushered in to a small room to hear a then unknown young woman on the piano singing what would turn out to be the number one single “falling” from her debut album. Then sometime later Erykah Baddu appeared from the crowd alongside Common then Prince jumped up onstage to accompany them. Three of my favourite artists were within super fan stalking distance. I would have loved to capture the moment but phones and cameras were banned. Al I have are the memories, the best one of all was figuring out what to say to prince.
What do you say to Prince? He’s walking towards you looking supernaturally cool. He’s abnormally small but carries such a presence the whole room stops to observe his movements. I step forward almost intercepted by his over enthusiastic body guard who looks ready to snap my neck. The man himself gives him a look which lets him know it’s cool to allow me to live. Relieved I move forward hand extended and just smile gormlessly like I’m missing a few chromosomes. Nothing inspirational comes to mind and the moment is gone. Then I realized it’s close to morning I’m in the middle of nowhere and there don’t seem to be any taxis. Fortunately I managed to hitch a life from a sympathetic group heading back to the city. If I ever find myself face to face with Prince again this time round I’m still not sure what to say to him. Possibly ask him about the lack of transport options from At Paisley Park at four in the morning.
If cars are your thing make sure you get down to ADNEC Abu Dhabi for the third Barbican Turbo event this weekend on October 7,8 and 9th. last year there was so much on offer down there from customised cars, bikes and trucks to drift races and a whole host of entertainment on the Barbican main stage from Pro Flips’s parkour antics, Dubai B-Boys The Riddim Dance Project will be poppin and lockin, while graffiti artists Deco Spray from Paris will be making decorating the wall of the main stage. In addition to that check out the Barbican mixologists Crazy Blend from the UK and local Hip-Hp acts alongside myself throwing down some nasty beats.
We’re back in business with Soulfood Thursdays at Bar Loca in Dubai Marine Resort and Spa. I’m happy to welcome the new resident on rotation Safet who’s been spinning previously at Soluna, rooftop and Barzar. He comes with a wealth of musical experience playing a real unique mix of Funk , Soul and Disco. We’ll be rotating alternative weekends at Loca maintaining the well established night of music to a grown and sexy crowd. Tables tend to sell out on a weekly basis with an early dining crowd reservations are recommended.
Looking further in to the month I’ll be warming up for Roni Size with a D&B set at the Chi Garden Gathering. On the night you’ll also be treated to music by Stromae with their Summer smash Alorz Un Dance. In the other room get down to the sounds of UK Funky and Garage with EZ. Additional support on the night from Mark Pickup, Da Sendri,Matthew Charles, Snezana,Rudy Larry, Mark Evans,Emtee and Jermaine on vocals.
Another fun gig I’m really looking forward to this month takes place at Alpha on Wednesday 20th. It’s an intergalactic affair with the force and the dark side going head to head in an Adidas Originals Star wars battle to the musical death. The Force will be made up of MrMr, Raxon, Da:Funct, Charl Chacka MC Swerte and Hush. While the Dark Side Will be myself , Danny Neville, Rone Jaxx, Emtee and the Narcicst. All I’m saying is don’t underestimate the power of the dark side.
Finally thanks to everyone at Aloft for a great weekend. I played Relax at 12 with Chad Funk on the Thursday and the After-Splash Pool party on the Friday. Both venues are spectacular Relax with its rooftop views of the city and mycafe ‘s infinity pool is extra inviting by night. After taking part in the Aloft run for children earlier I was ready for a dip and the free massage that was on offer compliments of www.filini.com I thought I’d done well running 10 k till I found out someone had completed 92 over the whole day. Now that’s an accomplishment for a great cause.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 12:07 pm. 1 comment
I usually just piece together my regular rant and the clubbing and gig guide. But I wanted the last one to stand alone for obvious reasons. Two blogs in one day is surely a record for me after averaging about one a month.
It’s great to be back in Dubai after an amazing holiday in Scotland spent catching up with the family and friends in the place I was brought up. I had a relatively peaceful time in a small fishing village on the North East coast of Scotland where thankfully my mobile phone still gets no signal and I wake up every morning looking on to the sea.
Saying that I didn’t retire fully from getting out and about. I did a few gigs and a couple of radio shows. Thanks to Kojo and Shmu FM for welcoming me back. It seems like such a long time ago when I was doing the Lunchtime Rhythms show there. Great to see Shmu doing so well and earning its place on the city’s FM dial. Also thanks to the Soul master Steve Aggasild for the invitation to join him in the studio on his Soul City show at Northsound 2. It’s been on air for an amazing 28 years making it the longest running soul show in the UK. After all that time it’s great to see Steve as enthusiastic as ever about the music. It’s without a doubt thanks to his influence over the years which have shaped my musical tastes and knowledge coming up as a dj. He’s one of the many who have inspired me along the way and it’s great to still be learning and like Steve be able to maintain my love for what I do.
Thanks to all at Urban Edinburgh for looking after me recently. I played both the rnb room with P45 and the connoisseur room with Flow which turned in to a Courvoisier fuelled soundclash till 5am. Thanks again to Fab and the crew for putting me on. And shout out to Mikey Don for the entertaining stories. I also managed to squeeze in a quick gig at Zee’s in Stonehaven courtesy of The Pied Piper Pistol Pete. Thanks to Zee for the Remy XO surprise on my debut spinning in the town, good to see some of the old heads from the school days in there too. Finally I was back at Espionage for the reunion at my former residency with the DOC. It was good to be back and see some of the old faces. We played everything from hip-hop classics to drum and bass and finished off carnival style with some soca. It was a refreshing change to play black music gigs and not get one single request for Flo Rida, BEP or Lady Gaga. It’s also nice to see the UK supporting British music and looking less towards the US for inspiration. Definitely good to be back in Scotland.
This weekend I’m going to be playing at Aloft hotel in Abu Dhabi. Tonight I’ll be up on the rooftop in Relax @ 12 and the following day outside for the After Splash Pool Party with Filini.com. If you attend the Aloft Runs for Children in the afternoon at ADNEC you’ll receive 50% off entrance. I’m looking forward to returning to one of my favourite gigs of last season Music for this one will be soulful and funky but I think I’ll take it down a Latin / Afro route tonight.
We’re also back at Bar Loca in Dubai Marine and Resort welcoming new resident Safet. He’s the former dj for Soluna and brings a real wealth of musical knowledge to tha table. I’m excited about checking out the new menu and hearing him at Soulfood Thursdays real soon. Also go to mention Nasimi Pool Party last week. It’s good to be back. The music was great, the place was packed and the atmosphere unreal. It definitely sets the standard for others to follow. Just counting down to the return of Play on Saturdays with Schooly’s Soulful Sessions once the beach re-opens with a major new look.
Whatever you are getting up to this weekend have a good one. Hopefully see you all at some point soon on a dance floor.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 10:48 am. 1 comment
This week marked the passing of nine years since the fall of the twin towers. Two lights shone brightly to mark the occasion. Then a third one was illuminated later by the truth activists as a testament to the unexplained collapse of the third building (wt7) and also to serve as a reminder of all the unexplained questions which arose from that day which subsequently all these years after remain unanswered.
The fall of WT7 has always been a source of embarrassment for the American Government. After the BBC reported it had been pulled live on air twenty minutes before it fell (with it clearly standing proud in the background.) Add the Jewish family group the Silverstine’s new insurance policy for all three buildings six week before the event specifically adding cover from terrorist attacksand things start to get suspicious. There are so many things like this which don’t add up and all this time the US, the UK Government and the laughable coalition of the willing have never been forced to answer them. While both the Iraq Inquiry and the 911 Commission were spineless gestures to uncover any truth.
The whole chain of events is so bad it would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic. The crazy bearded fanatic in his cave masterminds a cunning plan with 12 terrorists armed with box cutters. (Mainly Saudi and North African) But a few of them were already on FBI and or CIA watch lists while taking flying lessons. The US knew about impending attacks or didn’t they? They couldn’t seem to decide. On the fateful day NORAD’s jets are in Canada preparing for a simulation of a hijacked aeroplane under the orders of Chaney and Rumsfeld. Then after impact both steel structured buildings built to withstand the very thing which brought them down collapsed. Taking us back to the uncomfortable incident with building 7 which just fell down of its own accord soon after.
Then were suddenly going to war in Iraq and Afghanistan even though Bin Laden himself and most of the perpetrators were from Saudi Arabia. What was the link between Saddam and Al Qaeda again? Ah but they had these WMD’s right? We were confident at least of chemical weapons because we sold them to Saddam in the 80’s. I still remember Colon Powell and his fancy presentation and satellite images assuring the world within 12 minutes we could all be annihilated. Despite Hans Blix and the rest of the UN team disagreeing with him. So without a UN resolution and against the wishes of the majority or the permanent members of the security council (4 out of 15 supported war) we declared an illegally ambiguous war on two countries without the faintest idea what we’d do once we invaded, killed and conquered.
While everyone was distracted by fear of people with beards and being poisoned with anthrax they changed the law and introduced the patriot act and opened Guantanamo bay. All in the name of preserving freedom, building a pipeline through Afghanistan, disposed of their old mate Saddam and carved up access to Iraq’s oli. Bush with his Dad’s connections at Carlyle alongside board members from the Regan and Bush snr’s administrations and even our old PM John Major were in business with the Saudi Bin Laden Group at the time. Carlyle Group also owns United Defence Industries. Who in turn supply arms to the pentagon amongst other things. Don’t get me started on Halliburton and its former CEO Dick Chaney who awarded them hundreds of millions worth of dollars in war contracts alone. Lots of people made a nice profit off the loss of innocent lives under the banner of freedom.
For the sake of space I’m trying to keep this as short as possible. I’m not sold on lots of the popular theories of conspiracies and I’m not pointing the finger directly at anyone although guilt for letting something happen is surely as bad as doing it yourself. But the motives seem fairly clear when you stand back and look at the bizarre chain of events and see who profited from them. There’s a worrying coincidence in the whole thing which I find insulting to the memory of the lives lost on that day and the many, many more since then. The most disturbing thing for me though is how easily we were all manipulated by the media and what we are willing believe without question. I suppose the Nazi’s were right about one thing. The bigger the lie you tell the more people will believe it..(Goebbels)
