Dj David Craig

Under The Spreading Chestnut Tree…

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:41:37 +0000

The topic of just about every conversation here right now has been the suspension of Blackberry services by the TRA on the grounds of a national security. Initially it sounded a lot more sinister than it actually is. At first thought I presumed it was just a straight forward case of censorship or a move to control the market. But the government here seem to be arguing for the same right as the UK and the US have already when it comes to monitoring communication. Strange the American’s would then be first to criticise with the questionable nine year occupation of two countries , Guantanamo and the patriot act under their belts. I’m not sure they are in a position to judge.

I think we have just got to get used to the fact that f you put something out there in the public domain there’s every possibility someone will be looking at it and probably selling it on to be used for targeted marketing or worse. Both Google and Facebook have both courted controversy with this issue recently. We don’t live in a democracy here, things are censored and culturally it’s very different but not so different from the rest of the world when it comes to spying on their citizens. What privacy do we really have anyway? Every move we make is logged somewhere or filmed. Even my passport has an electronic tracking chip in it. Personally it worries me more that most people seem to be unable to have a conversation without glancing at a phone to take a call, bbm or tweet something irrelevant. Things can often seem unfair or hard to comprehend here but regardless of the fact it’s usually done fairly transparently and without apology. You either accept it or find somewhere else to live.

On the same subject of tolerance the French Government have voted to ban the face veil, similar acts are pending to become laws in Belgium and Spain. Curiously covering one’s face with a veil or helmet has been banned in Italy since 1975. Even in Syria they are banned in universities, in Britain schools can decide for themselves. In Turkey they are banned in civic spaces and public buildings. The French claim it’s not a religious issue but a cultural one and if the national poles are to be believed the French people agree.

Is it a religious obligation or more cultural/ personal preference? I’ve heard many arguments and interpretations on both sides from Muslim scholars and clerics who can’t seem to agree. With Turkey and Syria’s similar stance it’s strange the criticism the French are getting. Bearing in mind Frances Urban Affairs Minister, herself a Muslim, came out in support of the ruling, I think the marginalised and oppressed angle is rubbish in most cases but I do agree in terms of interaction and integration in Europe it can be a barrier. Living here, for me it’s now fairly normal but to most especially in their country of origin it can be intimidating. I’m interested to hear some feedback on both topics.

Moving swiftly from serious issues to goings on in the club world. After over a year I still like my space to vent as well as maintaining a forum for some shameless self promotion. I’m still trying to work out a way to merge the two a bit more subtly.

Here’s a rundown of the final week before the break for the holy month of Ramadan. Thursday night I’ll be cooking up some classics at Soulfood Thursdays at Loca in Dubai Marine Resort and Spa. It’s really a gig I look forward to every week with a passion. It’s nice to get the opportunity to drop some great music for a crowd who appreciate it. Expect to hear anything from Classic Soul to funk , rare groove and motown to soulful house and broken beat. Real music for real music lovers. I’ve eaten my way through most of the menu the foods fantastic too.

Friday I’ll be making an appearance at Nasmi pool party. Hats off to Nasimi after a fantastic season. I’m proud to be a small part of the team of dj’s who have rocked the beach and pool parties on the regular. I’ll be going back to back with Schooly opening up the day with the early set from 4-6. I’m equally excited about hearing sets from local legends Valdini, Smokingroove, Charl Chacka, Mark Pickup, Richard Round and Greg Stainer. I’m also hoping the fella with the tight red budgie smugglers will be making another appearance for comedy value. It’s a brave man who wears a tight pair of Speedos in a chilled pool.

Finally before I head back home for a brief trip to the UK I’ll be playing at the Rooftop main room closing party in the great company of Mr Mr, Mark Pickup, Danny Neville, John Spoor, Andy Buchan and Charl Chacka. Should be an interesting night of music with such a diverse line-up. With that said thanks Dubai for a great season. See you on the other side. Ramadan Kareem.

For the frequent flyers that don’t pay attention to the safety instructions here’s the new Emirates clip. Thanks to www.optixdigital.ae for a fun day and a great job well done.

A Will To Power.

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:47:59 +0000

There was a curious headline in a local paper here yesterday which read Man in Bra says he will take gay test. This lead to a lot of speculation on my facebook page about what kind of test could determine if a person was actually gay. Cher or Kylie in the cd collection? Obviously being gay and wearing women’s clothes can be two separate things. While in Thailand a couple of weeks back I had an experience with the latter. Don’t despair though there was a happy ending involved.

Things in the capital weren’t looking too hopeful when I arrived. The reds were using live ammunition and petrol bombs in their peaceful demonstration and the police were firing back. People were losing their lives and everyone was getting impatient. Before I left the media here seemed to have a heroic portrayal of the reds fighting for their rights against an illegitimate government who seized power in a coup and refused to hold elections. There was little mention of their promise of payment for being there or the majorities lack of sympathy and dissatisfaction with their means of protest. There’s also the question of the legitimacy of the man they’d like to see return to power after he was found guilty of corruption charges. In Thailand most people I spoke to were sick of the stand-off and the inconvenience to their lives and livelihoods. It was a joke seeing the leaders being escorted away with Ghandi T-shirts on as the economic heart of the city burned in the background and the families of 89 people had to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.

With that said my time there was fantastic and the people I met reaffirmed its reputation as the land of smiles. I had a truly wonderful and relaxing trip the highlights being flying through a magnificent thunderstorm, sampling the biggest and best oysters I’ve ever had while watching the sun set in the background, getting my feet eaten by a small school of groupa fish and spending time catching up with a great friend eating amazing local food enjoying the simple things. No phones, no laptop, no facebook or frickin tweets to update. I almost forgot back to the ladyboy he/she managed to skilfully grab my ass and my wallet at the same time fortunately we gave chase and retrieved it. I’m not going to go in to where it was hidden. But I thank my friend for taking one for the team and finding it.

Okay next thing on my mind is the world cup. I’m a football fan, love a good game. Nothing like a world cup to get everyone involved. As Scotland aren’t participating (again). I’ll be rooting for my second team Brazil, being half Brazilian and all. As always the same argument comes up with the Mrs. “Why aren’t you supporting England?” Now I agree the usual nationalistic policy of supporting everyone who plays England is a bit harsh. While I’m not going that far I just don’t really like them as a team. I’m sure this will cause a bit of controversy with my Southern friends. Nothing personal I’m not too keen on Scotland either. I’d opt to watch Spain, Portugal, Holland or Germanyahead of them any day. On top of that I can’t get a fans perspective. Sure it’s your team I understand but unless it’s you playing I’m not sure you gain bragging rights. For 90 minutes I get in to it but after the whistle goes I’d be lying if I said I thought the world was going to end because my team got beat. I just want to see a good game, some individual skill and a heap of goals as well as Brazil putting another star on their shirt.

I always try to be as objective as possible but Israel’s latest episode of attacking an unarmed ship carrying humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza is a hard one to make sense of. Of course the reason for the voyage was to provoke them in to reacting and as always you can count on them for a violent over reaction killing nine activists in the process in international waters. Then followed the standard strong words of condemnation from the UN and the usual tepid and indifferent US response. This time they have not only managed anger their only ally In the Arab world in Turkey but isolate themselves totally in the process. The activists have succeeded in their aim to bring attention to Israel’s inhumane 3 year blockade of Gaza. Hopefully those lives will not be lost in vain.

http://www.djdavidcraig.co.uk/images/Djmag60secinterview.jpg

If you are not already sick of listening to my opinions you can click on the link above to read my 60 second interview with Dj Magazine Middle East. Nothing controversial most of it music based. Also log on to find out more about the magazine itself at http://www.djmag.ae

[Anything which] is a living and not a dying body… will have to be an incarnate will to power, it will strive to grow, spread, seize, become predominant - not from any morality or immorality but because it is living and because life simply is will to power… ‘Exploitation’… belongs to the essence of what lives, as a basic organic function; it is a consequence of the will to power, which is after all the will to life.

(Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil)

The Notions of Small Gods on Earth

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:37:17 +0000

Play at Nasimi on Saturdays seems to be getting busier by the week. With the addition of Duplays we took part in volleyball, tug o war and some extreme dodge ball. Who knew throwing balls at people could be so much fun. Team Infusion sucked badly at most events except the drinking game where we excelled as you’d expect I suppose. Congratulations are due to Schooly and Jenna finally on the slightly delayed arrival of their beautiful daughter Maia. Catch him broadcasting live each week on the beach from 7pm. Also a soul clap to all involved in the Full Moon party over 5000 clubbers under the stars. It was a pleasure to play a small part in the line up.

With the general election in the UK under a week away I feel a little disconnected here in Dubai. I’ve been watching and listening curiously from afar. Something which kinda shocked me was a family member’s despondency about the whole thing. When in the same week people in two different countries people were putting themselves in the line of fire while fighting for the same opportunity. Traditionally in the UK X factor finals generate more interest, with only a little over 60% of us bothering to vote last time round. So what better way to make politics engaging than to televise live debates? A format to suit our fickle attention spans. The only downside being people seem to be more swayed by personality rather than policy.

It’s good to see politicians having to account for decisions and answer to people directly making them more accountable for their actions. For the first time in as long as I can remember it’s seems to have caught people’s attention possibly owing more to the fact the change proposed by all sides is badly need as few have not suffered with the current financial climate.

The possibility of a hung parliament with a third party being a serious contender is a curious notion. A combination of our collective disappointment with Labour and scepticism with the Conservatives seems to have elevated the Lib’ Dems in to the limelight. Brown proved himself through the worst of the economic crisis handling the bank situation well but he was also chancellor at the time and part of the bank deregulation in the first place. I’d say I’m liberal by nature and while I think Clegg is confident and capable I’m not blown away by anything he stands for. Then there’s Cameron who for me seems more in his element when complaining about what’s wrong as opposed to suggesting ways to rectify it.

Personally I’ve always been complacent about politics thinking things never change different people and parties come and go, promises are made and broken and not much really improves in the areas which really need it. Although now the difference seems to be they are more accountable than ever for what they do and don’t do. The people are watching. This has inspired me to be part of the change.

Whoever wins will have a brief honeymoon before they have to introduce cuts and increase taxes to balance our massive deficit and astronomical debt all while we continue to spend billions on a war no one wanted. The revolution should soon be available in 3-d on pay per view…

I was really sad to observe the passing of Guru after a battle with cancer at the young age of 43. Worse still is the controversy surrounding his final wishes and testament which has overshadowed the amazing legacy he left behind and the tragic loss of a great person. I was lucky enough to do a couple of gig with him and link up on other occasions socially with the Urbanscot crew when he passed through the UK. I’ve got nothing but amazing memories and I’m happy I got the opportunity to meet him. We always joked about the first time I was supposed to see him live I chose to take a girl to dinner a few years later we got married. (He said I chose well.) Then another couple of years after that I stood her up for dinner with him, she understood. I don’t want to go in to the Solar side of things, much has been written already. Yes there were many things which unnerved me about their relationship and certain things in their company seemed really odd. But I’d rather dwell on the memory of a legend, a humble, warm and funny, charismatic guy who I admired and whose music will live on long after.

If you made it to the end of this blog without nodding off I salute you. Please feel free to comment and feedback.

in·spi·ra·tion- Stimulation of the mind….

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:27:44 +0000

I was driving back from a gig this week and the O’Jays I love music came on the radio. It’s been my theme tune for the past few months. When I started out djing my love of music was my only inspiration too. I was a record collector and music lover long before I was a dj. Something changed in the middle when it became a job and gigs became necessary to pay the bills. The underground scene I was involved in went mainstream and focus changed. After over a decade in music everything’s pretty much came full circle and for the first time in a long while I’m back to playing music I love to people who appreciate it. Gotta say it feels good. Thanks Dubai.

On the gig front this month tomorrow night I’ll be at Horizon Lounge for Champagne,Strawberries and Cream Ladies Night. Thursday 8th I’m at Aloft hotel- Relax. After doing the opening I’m really looking forward to returning. The place looks spectacular by sundown. From This Sunday and every week thereafter I’ll be up at Caramel lounge in DIFC as they launch their new “Industry Night” For reservations in the restaurant or terrace call 800-caramel. (All tables were sold out yesterday) Regular residencies areBi-Weekly Tuesdays at the Rooftop. Weekends on rotation at Bar Loca,Dubai Marine and Play at Nasime Beach every Saturday.

On Friday April 9th I’ll be on warm up duties for Grandmaster flash at Chi. On the same night you can see Athlete the Futureheads and Zane Lowe brought to you by Nokia. Also as part of the Nokia Road Show you can also find me on the JBR walk before the gig around six pm on the same day doing a live set with Clarita on keys. Classical and Opera meets hip-hop.

March 22nd marked the passing of a good friend and well respected dj. Brian Daley aka Dj Swing never failed to bring a smile to my face. He touched the lives of many with his warmth, talent and energy. I’ll always be grateful to him for taking me under his wing when I started out. He was responsible for a more than a couple of late nights, missed flights and great memories. People come in to your life at certain times and probably have no idea how they have touched or inspired you. RIP Dj Swing gone but definitely not forgotten.

I’d also like to say a big thanks to Illustrado magazine for inviting me to play a small part in their third annual Woman of Substance events celebrating exemplary Filipina achievers in the region. Sticking to this month’s blog theme of inspiration some of the life stories and the speeches from the women of substance were fantastic. It’s nice to see people succeed when they follow their dreams. http://www.illustrado.net

It was great to be shortlisted for a Time Out Magazine Dubai nightlife award in the best local dj category. Congratulations to Mr Mr of 360 for winning the award. As a small consolation I won the dj battle at the after party and snagged a new set of Shure headphones and some new Star Wars Adidas gear.

I’m in the process of updating the photo section on the site as Flicker is banned here for some reason. Also got a few new interviews to add up there too. Now I think of it the audio section needs a bit of an overhaul with new Loca mixes and a Barasti live. I’ll get there eventually. While you are waiting you can check out Carlene Graham’s blog at http://geedaddy.wordpress.com/carlene/ She’s a super talented singer/songwriter I was lucky enough to meet a few years back at Southport and have been following ever since. In the past she’s worked with the likes of Jon Cutler, Bugz in the Attic and Reel People. One of the most talented singers on the scene right now. There’s lot of info, pics, music and interviews on there to keep you entertained. She was kind enough to feature me in the 5 minutes to shine section too.

Good Tunes and Old Fiddles.

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:42:53 +0000

I suppose I should start off with the introduction of my new Slow Jams Valentines Mix.

Valentines Love 2010. by Djdavidcraig.co.uk

As always the most time was taken up with the selection. I managed to eventually trim it down to 32 tracks which never leave my i-pod. After looking back over the list the most curious thing was the absence of anything new on there. I know Nas was shouting about hip-hop being dead a while back but has rnb lost it’s soul? I may be stuck in the past as you can see from the selection from my Valentines mix but I just don’t think the present sound can compare. Even on the more commercial side of rnb a decade back artists actually had a bit of talent and individuality. I’m not gonna even bother to get started on the current generic , disposable radio friendly rubbish.

Cue my current defection to the more soulful side of house. I’m actually loving the variation in my sets right now. It’s nice to be able to drop some quality tracks at Muzik and Urban Chique mixing up classic rnb with soul and funk. Also loving my new weekend home residencies at Bar loca and Nasimi Beach where in both venues the emphasis is on good music without concession. I’ve got to say I’ve never been happier djing and being able to play out some quality music on a regular basis to people who actually appreciate something different.

Here’s another live mix taken from my set at Barasti last weekend which was sabotaged by the rain. Props to the lunatics who braved the elements and kept dancing even after getting drenched. Also some nice sets from Afroboogie, John Spoor and Karlo Funk.

Download audio file (davidcraigbarasti.mp3)
Download Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NF98SH3R

Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the Dj Mag Middle East competition. With your help I came a respectable 25th place. There was a fantastic standard of dj’s from all over the region so I’m really happy with the outcome. It also sparked some interesting debated locally about the value of such competitions and about the criteria for judging.

Still on the subject of competitions I’ve been shortlisted by Time Out magazine Dubai in the category best local dj in the 2010 Nightlife Awards. The magazine also recognises best local bar, club , band etc. The awards itself takes place at Sanctuary (Atlantis) on ……Check out the site for more info: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/nightlifeawards

Here’s my weekly rundown of gigs right now. Hopefully see you all on the dance floor sometime soon. Tuesdays bi-Weekly With Emtee and Danny Neville.. Every Tuesday we are going back to basics for a serious mix of quality music with no boundaries. From Jahiem to Slum Village, Masters @ Work to Donaeo, James Brown to Jill Scott, Bob Marley to Blackstreet, A Tribe Called Quest To Angie Stone, Ryan Leslie to Roy Ayers, ‘It’s all about the Muzik’

Wednesdays we’re still doing it up at Warehouse lounge leaning more on the classic soul and funk early on and progressing in to rnb, hip-hop and reggaeton and dancehall later. Look out in the listings for regular live guests.

Thursdays and Fridays I’m on rotation with Youngie at Bar Loca in Dubai Marine. Besides being tipped by Time out Dubai as one of the top 5 places to try in Dubai in 2010. It continues to get great reviews in the local press for food , setting and after the feedback from last weekend music too. Some of the best requests I’ve had in a long time ranging from Fela Kuti to Curtis Mayfield.

Finally for the perfect end to the week you’ve got to try Play at Nasimi Beach. Theres a great all day drinking and bbq offer on. The food’s amazing and the tunes are provided by some of my favourite selectors in Dubai. On rotation you have Myself,Schooly, Salah Sadeq, Roni Jaxx, Charl Chacka, Smoking Groove and Kristin Valdini spinning old school funk, disco, soul and rare groove, with a slice of deep house later into the night. This eclectic musical mix is all presented live from Nasimi Beach and broadcast across the nation only on Radio 1. As part of the Schooly’s Soulful Sessions show. That’s about it for this month. I’ve had a few comments about the lack of the usual observations / rants. It’s been noted and I’ll be back to my over opinionated self real soon.

The Age of New Aquarius

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:03:26 +0000

Whether you are happy to see the arrival of 2010 or celebrating the departure of 2009. A happy New Year to you all. A bit belated I know but better later then not at all. The festive season ended up a bit more hectic than anticipated with some late bookings coming through. Thanks to everyone who made Hogmanay so special up at the Terrace at media Rotana. I did miss out on a trip home to see the family and friends but also spared myself from some real sub zero conditions too. I look forward to catching up with everyone as soon as possible though and wish you all the very best.

Launching tonight and every Tuesday thereafter at Catwalk is Billionaire Boys Club. Bringing you to the beginning of a new era in clubbing. A movement that will surely raise the bar for all clubs in the middle East. That’s what it says on the press release but sure it will be a great night. Hosted by Moneyplus and myself on the tables. Ladies are drinking for free all night!!!! What ? Sorry guys! www.catwalkdubai.com for info.

Tomorrow night we are looking forward to revisiting the new look Warehouse Lounge. It’s just had a bit of a speedy refit. I’m excited about seeing the new image. As always Wednesday nights are all about Urban Chique. We have turntable entertainment by yours truly alongside the Switch crew Andrew, Jen , Funky and Mika. Next week for the first time we welcome local multi instrumental Soul artist Nile. To listen to him in action check out his youtube page : http://www.youtube.com/nileofficial

This is definitely gonna be his year. He’s without a doubt one of the most talented guys around on the local scene. If you don’t believe me folow the link.

Thanks again to everyone who voted for me so far in Mix Mag Middle East Top 50 Djs competition. I realy appreciate it, with your votes I made the cut to the final 50. Voting is open till the 14th of Jan so If you like the mix , think I deserve a vote please log on and register: http://www.platinumlist.ae/poll/item.html?id=1

Dj Mag Dubai Mix Dec 09. by Djdavidcraig.co.uk

After an amazing start to the New Year on Jan 1st at Nasimi. I’m pleased to say I’ll be back there spinning again on Saturday 16th alongside Smoking Groove. I’ve gotta say the New Years Day party is always gonna be a tough one to top. Despite wind, rain , hail, thunder and lightening a great crowd still turned up to party hard with 27 of Dubai’s various resident dj. It’s nice to finally get the opportunity to hang out and listen to some of the city’s finest.

Also launching this month will be the Caramel Lounge in DIFC Level 2, Building 3. The place is looking fantastic and promises to bring a splash of Vegas to Dubai replicating the already successful brand. For more info on the launch contact: info@carameldubai.com

I’ll update you on dates and times etc as the information comes in.

When Will I be Famous?

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:14 +0000

Since the beginning of time I suppose we’ve always admired people who excel. More recently however it seems our fixation with fame and celebrity has given way to a new international obsession. So who’s to blame? Ourselves for wanting to be like the stars we emulate or the media for how they portray them? On the one hand we build them up , celebrate in their victories and accomplishments then revel in their inevitable demise when they fail to live up to our expectations. They make us feel better about ourselves by succeeding and then do the same in equal measure in their failures. What we see is of course not the real person but the public persona more often than not both are pretty removed from each other.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and interview a few of the artists and musicians I admired growing up. Some we’re really nice and accommodating, others charming, a few captivating but more often than not disappointingly normal and sometimes plain boring. I think its best never to meet your idols.

In truth I suppose they are mythical better versions of you an I. Living in a world removed from reality. The whitest teeth, the best clothes. cars, always looking age defyingly beautiful and airbrushed to perfection. Is there any need to ask the question of why we’re fascinated by these celebrities. Although in the age of big brother and youtube I use the word loosely. It seems it’s easier than ever to get your fifteen minutes. If we can’t be them at least we can dress like them, smell like them and even drink what they drink. If imitation is the best form of flattery we’ve been conned by a false promise.

What got me thinking about this recently was the whole F1 experience. It seemed there were more levels of exclusivity than the security could even remember. Who’s idea was it to put another v in vip? I wonder how many times as a promoter you can raise the price by adding additional letters on to a title. All that was really on sale was the opportunity to be in the same room as a few famous people and of course an unmissable photo opportunity for the facebook update.

SoulLounge4 ft Mestiza and Brunjes by Djdavidcraig.co.uk

UrbanChiqueClaritaLive by Djdavidcraig.co.uk

We were almost homeless again this month on account of my obsession with finding the perfect apartment. Here are some of the more recent reasons for me saying no to potential places. Too small, too dark, didn’t smell good, shady landlord (didn’t like his handshake) no gym, crap gym, the bedroom was the kitchen, dirty bath. That was just one place, just kidding. I think a mobile home or a barge is definitely the way forward. Failing that a friend suggested a tent in the desert.

Two blogs in one day is definitely a first for me. I was supposed to be viewing new places but is there anypoint? I’m not gonna like them anyway.Hope you enjoy the live mixes recorded recently at Warehouse at Urabn Chique and Soul lounge. See you two weeks Wednesday after the Eid Holiday.

A Blog for Bibow.

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:12:32 +0000

Time

Time is too slow for those who wait

Too swift for those who fear

Too long for those who grieve

Too short for those who rejoice

But, for those who love –

Time is eternity.

(unknown)

Some you meet and they make an impression, others come and go, sometimes a person can change your life in ways you can’t even imagine. I’m sure Bibow was many things to many people. To me he was simply someone you could always rely on to make you smile. As small a virtue as that may sound. It’s hard to think of a more fitting compliment for once of the nicest individuals I’ve had the good fortune to befriend on this planet.

He was the eternal optimist in every situation, he was funny, exuberant, animated, charming and thoughtful. The kind of person others are drawn towards. The kind of person who would illuminate a room with his personality and amplify it with his laughter.

I write this with a bit of hesitation in the hope I can do justice to the memory of someone I held in such high regard. Unless you met him it’s difficult to explain the extent of his warmth and vibrant nature. I’m caught between laughter and tears thinking about the hilarity of past adventures and regret at the lack of opportunity to repeat them more often recently.

It’s still hard to imagine he’s gone. Even harder to accept that life seems to be going on as normal all around me. I suppose the best we can ever wish for is to live well and in the process leave some sort of legacy behind. I think Bibow’s testament besides his lovely children will be the wonderful memories he gave us all. RIP Richard Patterson.

The Blog With No Name

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:38:26 +0000

Not so much a blog as a quick update with a few nights and events coming up.I’ll spare you this time round from my rants and opinions. I don’t know what became of September. It really passed in a blur. Although I will say we had a fantastic time visiting both families in the UK and the Philippines. Unfortunately since our return a months worth of rain fell in just six hours leaving parts of the country devastated. The guys at FMO and Warehouse Le Meridian have put together a fundraiser for this evening. So please come down and show your support if you can make it. On hand will be a great selection of local djs to keep you entertained.

This Wednesday (7th) after the Ahlan party we’re gonna be kicking off the Urban Chique vibe with the official launch the week after. So if you haven’t already make sure you come up and check out the Warehouse Lounge. For facecard holders we’re offering free entry, 50% off selected drinks all night and for the ladies free selected drinks from 10pm till 12 midnight.

Every Wednesday Urban Chique will be bringing you a variety of local and international entertainment. We will be looking to represent the world or music, art and fashion to the fullest. This month opening will be the ever popular violinist Tarek. The following week the Soul lounge returns after last sell out show to bring you Misteza http://www.myspace.com/mestizauk with established musician and producer Brunjes http://www.myspace.com/brvnjes as support. Finally on the 28th we have local artists Desert Heat with Dj Moe of Channel 4 supporting. Thanks to Bareface entertainment for providing the additional and creative surprises you’ll be seeing around the venue on a weekly basis. All acts can be booked direct from them at http://www.bareface.com

This weekend I’m really excited about hitting the mainstage for 3 days of straight up hip-hop for the Barbican Turbo gig. http://www.barbicanturbo.com/ If you don’t already know the the event takes place this weekend from the 8th till the 10th. It’s without a doubt the Middle East’s hottest custom, tuning, car, motorcycle and motorsports festival! Catch me on the main stage with performances over the weekend by the likes of local all stars P – Storm, Swerte and Young Vaughn.

Ministry of Sound will be coming to Dubai this month on Friday the 16th at Chi.The headliners will be Freemasons out in Chi garden with myself , Jon and Dj Kofi in the club. Additional attractions include MOS T shirts & MOS exclusive CD giveaways, professional club dancers plus loads more..

A scene outside a club in Dubai. Hi good evening. No guys.Excuse me? Couples only. Errm My wifes in there waiting for me I just came out to make a call. I told you about 2 minutes ago I’d be back. I don’t remember you (After a ten minute debate I was allowed back in)Another scene outside a different club.Hi. No guys. We’re in a group they just arrived before us (girls and guys)No guys I already told you.We have a table…Okay enter. I’ve no idea what single males do on a nightout in Dubai (unless you have a table of course) Good luck with the bachelor party.

When Money Speaks the Truth is Silent.

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:22:34 +0000

I’m going to start with the lighter stuff this time round and should you wish my self indulgent opinion is below. As always it’s great to get your feedback good , bad or indifferent. I’ve had a busy month in Dubai with TV commercials for the Saudi Football League and Abu Dhabi Sports as well as a small feature in the Amazing Race reality game show. Which will be aired very soon on CBS. The show averages about 10 million viewers per season and has won nine Emmy awards. Being part of it was great fun and it’s easy to see why it’s been such a huge success.

Here are a couple links for recent interviews with Qatar airways in-flight magazine Oryx and also Dubai’s essential guide to nightlife Infusion. To read the interview in full: http://www.infusion.ae/20090725904/DJ-Booth/issue-112-dj-booth.html

Here are a few pictures taken by the magnificent Eros Goze. I find his work so animated and inspiring. I just love the natural use of light and at times the simplicity. Then there are others which look dark and provocative like something straight from a Guillermo Del Torro film. It’s real edgy, raw and thought provoking. Check out his blog: http://eros210.multiply.com/

It’s always interesting to me how newspapers report particular stories. Being brought up in Scotland and having lived for most of my life there I’ve paid particular attention to the Al Megrahi release. My first thought was how could a man responsible for killing 270 people be granted any compassion? But the more I read about the story the less convinced I was of his guilt.

The evidence he was convicted on to say the least was contentious. Both the UN and a Scottish Court acknowledged he suffered a “miscarriage of justice” But after spending 75 million on the legal proceedings someone had to pay. Of course Libya took responsibility under crippling sanctions, being forced to compensate the families and admit complicity in the process.Now upon his premature return the world seems shocked that there may have been some sort of trade agreement attached to his release. Is it so hard to believe?

What’s even more comical is being lectured by the US about morality and our legal system. After fictionalizing reasons to go to war with two countries, bombing them, occupying them, rebuilding them with US contractors paid for with World Bank loans. Then leaving the countries themselves to pick up the bills with interest. While installing their preferred leaders in there and hopefully privatizing their most profitable industries at a later date and calling it democracy. For me what it all comes down to is money and our greed, individually, collectively, nationally and internationally.

It’s only recently I thought about how money relates to me and my life. I make money to pay off debt. It’s a system set up to profit a small minority and keep the majority enslaved. One percent of the population earns forty percent of the world’s wealth. The collective amount spent on war in the last 5 years could have easily fed the population of the world. In terms of GDP fifty one of the top one hundred in the world are now companies and forty nine countries. Again using the US as an example when politicians are put in power by private contributions for campaigning it’s no coincidence that favor is shown to those donating. Especially when those politicians are also shareholders in the same companies. Who’s really making the decisions and dictating policy?

Our monitory system is based on debt. It’s loaned to us by banks who don’t really have it. We work our whole lives in the hope of repaying it and thus ensuring the money owed always exceeds the money in circulation. That way inflation is always maintained and defaults and bankruptcy a part of the process, seeing the property or finance return to the banks or lenders even though they didn’t really in essence even really have the sum in the first place. I suppose recently the real problem occurs when we reach the tipping point on defaults. The solution then is to print more money. I’m not sure where this is going? If I really have a point or what your thoughts on this will be. But it relates back to the original rant about how we perceive things, how they are reported. Who in fact decides upon them and how history will record it. For the most part the real truth lies somewhere between all that. It may even have its price.

Written from the room I grew up in. looking east towards the sea and rising sun. Listening to the waves, the wind seagulls and Abri’s Blanknotes. Also reading Confessions of an Economic hitman and watched Zeitgeist last week oops. I need a good comedy or something to maintain some balance. I’ve definitely got too much time on my hands today.