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Kristian Valdini has become quite the celebrity in Dubai over his 2
½ years here; not least for his stoint as Mr Mojo at Alpha, amongst
other things.
Kristian Valdini has become quite the celebrity in Dubai over his 2 ½ years here; not least for his stoint as Mr Mojo at Alpha, amongst other things.
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I first got into House music around 1993, listening to that classic ‘garage’ sound. After University he headed to London and became heavily involved in the music scene, so many record shops, parties, different styles and influences … and the chance to begin playing out most weekends and actually get paid to do so!
Since then he’s been lucky enough to have played at most of the main spots in London (Ministry of Sound, Turnmills, Home etc) plus international gigs across Europe, USA and now the Middle East.
It all sounded a little bit too good to be true, so Infusion caught up with him to find out what he’s really like …
So, Valdini ... what's that, Italian?
Part Italian, part ‘Super Mario’
And what do you spin?
Hopefully the right music for the occasion…I try not to stick to just one style of music as different events and venues need different tastes & tempo’s. But I would say that I am probably best known for playing deep & soulful house.
What is your first musical memory?
I have lot’s of musical memories from different times and places, however the first track that really sticks out for me would have to be Chaka Khan – I Feel For You. It’s a killer feel good track that I still play out today whenever I can get away with it!
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Do you remember listening to music as a kid?
Luckily my parents had what now appears to have been a fairy decent taste in music (my Dad used to DJ a little in the late 70’s…complete with a telephone handset-headphone!) so I grew up to a soundtrack hitting everything from Marvin Gaye to Spandau Ballet and a whole lot in between.
What about the first record you ever bought?
No surprises here as an 80s kid…Michael Jackson, Thriller (Cassette!) … My parents had the gatefold vinyl, but I wasn’t allowed to touch the turntables for fear of breaking the stylus!
How did you get into DJ-ing?
As a big music fan and pretty sociable person it seemed like the ideal hobby to get into at first.
At that time there were not that many people getting into DJing as the equipment and records were pretty expensive and not something to get into half hearted. I had a real passion for the music and the whole house music scene and 15 years down the line am still loving it!
At what point did you realise you could make a living out of it?
I’ve never set out to make a living from playing music and to this day still class it as more of a nice hobby with benefits
Music is very personal and as such I have my own style and am not one to jump on musical bandwagons just because ‘they are cool’. I know a lot of ‘professional’ DJs and in order for them to make a living from music all but the very top 5% have to alter their style to cater for current fashions and tastes which I don’t think I’d be able to do (unless I was getting paid mega bucks!).
What equipment have you got in your dream DJ Booth? Any particular mixer / tables / effects?
My dream DJ Booth would have to contain the following toys:
4 x Pioneer CDJmk3
1 x Serato Box
1 x Macbook
1 x Pioneer EFX 1000
1 Rane Rotary Mixer + EQ Unit
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…I’d also like a massive WWII air-raid siren – and an assistant to wind it up on cue when the bouncers come and tell you to turn off the music at 2.55am!
What's the best thing about being a DJ?
Getting the chance to play alongside many of my musical heros and influences over the years...the MoJo party with Louie Vega was pretty much the best gig of my life and something that I will not forget in a hurry!
What's the worst thing about being a DJ?
When someone comes up to the DJ booth when you are playing and insists that you completely change the style of music because THEY do not like it, regardless of what everyone else in the club seems to think.
What are the worst requests you've ever had as a DJ?
I’ve had some shockers for sure (mainly from girls it has to be said), but the one that sticks out the most was the guy that kept on pestering me to ‘play music with words that he knew...not all this house ‘sh1t’!’ for the best part of an hour. He got so irate that he didn’t know the lyrics to the tracks I was playing that he tried to have a swing at me and had to be dragged off by his mates…Steven Gerrad-esque.
Favourite clubs to party in around the world?
DC10/Space Terrace (Ibiza)…circa 2000 before the roof (s) went on
Delano (Miami)…for some of the best winter music conference events
54 (London)…for the excellent SouLogic nights
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What's next on the musical horizon for K.V.?
Hopefully kicking off our new ‘Caseta’ party at a very popular beach bar in the near future. I’m very excited about this as it will be an all day event taking place every Saturday with a firm focus on people simply coming down to chill out with like minded others, with a live radio broadcast and a huge emphasis on good quality music and fun in the sun…nothing more nothing less.
Shorts
Favourite drink ...Bombay Saphire & Tonic
Football team ...Spurs
Favourite sandwich ..Rare Roast Beef & Mustard
Favourite World War II politician ...The mighty Churchill for his cigar skills
Least favourite politician ...Sarah Palin…retard alert.
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