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Rohann is know to many clubbers around Dubai, if not by name and recognition, then simply by name, seeing as he is resident at one of the most popular clubs in town, Zinc.
We sat down recently and chatted to Rohann about his musical roots, how he go to where he is now and where he’s going …
Where does the love of music come into your life? What was it that first inspired you to get on the decks?
In my previous life I was Jim Morrison of the doors I think ... LOL. Both my parents loved music; Dad played the flute and mouth organ and I was exposed to it when I was a day old ... I’ve always loved music and I remember as a kid we used to have loads of records, right from Stevie Wonder to the Beatles. At the age of 17 I entered a club for the 1st time and saw a DJ spinning vinyl, I know it was beats international’s ‘Dub be good to me’ and he was mixing and messing with sum other track. I was totally mesmerized and decided I want to do the same somewhere down the line. And in the next 2 yrs I got my 1st break spinning...the story goes on...
Any childhood musical heroes that have stayed with you all this time?
Always loved The Doors, especially Jim Morrison, and used to listen to loads of rock n roll from the 60s and 70s and still do...but as time passed by I got totally got hooked up on dance music.... and now after all these 14 yrs I’m still paying respect to masters at work. Just love them
You've played with some great DJs in your time ... what / who have been the highlights?
I've opened up for quiet a few DJs but 1 of the best times I remember was back in 2004; I think it was back in Bombay for The Smirnoff experience opening for Sasha. When he came on he created magic ...
Is there any DJ out there you would most love to work with?
Loads .... not only DJs but some real good musicians too ... Greg Stainer -wicked, Arnold- trippy, Chad - awesome guitarist, and of course, some day my dream is to work with Kenny dope and Louie Vega.
You've also shown yourself to me an avid remixer / producer. When did you first get the urge to start that?
In college use to play the guitar and drums for a while but never continued doing that.... it was late last year that I just decided to make a few tunes which were haunting me; to recreate sum magic and add sum flavor to it .. and yes Jan 2009 released Fiesta Mundo on GF Tekk Recs with Arnold from Bombay and I’ve done two remixes for Greg Stainer call me / long verb. Been working on some new tracks too ... should be out sometime this year.
What equipment / software would be in your ideal studio?
Love to work on Ableton live, RMEsound card, Alesis monitors and an evolution midi controller ... hopefully soon logic.
Do you like to have a lot of different instruments and funky gadgets when you work or just a simple meat and potatoes man!
Not really, basic midi keyboard ... but loads of super-duper samples and drums patterns. All the rest comes from within my soul.
You've been synonymous with Zinc for years. What is it about that place that makes it such a good, successful club?
Yup, been there for quite a while now. It’s got super energy and flavor, super sound, a great crowd and staff, different styles of music every night and the in-house DJs are awesome ... All thanks to the main man behind it all, Greg Stainer.
What kit do you have in your standard DJ booth?
3 CDJs 1000 mk3 and a Pioneer DJM 800.
Any turntables or you a laptop dancer?
No. Still use my shiny CDs ... can feel it on my fingers
Just for the public at large - where can we see you perform in Dubai and what can we expect to hear you play?
I'm at Zinc every night except on Fridays and Sundays. Monday is great for old-skool dance anthems ... Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday gives you loads of Latin House AND Uplifting House.
What next for Rohann? Albums of your own to be recorded and released? Any long-term goals?
Been working on sum new tracks, and of course hopefully soon somewhere down the line in the next coming months and years loads of releases and an album too.
Rohann is resident DJ at Zinc, in particular on the Breeze Nights. Head down there and say hi. Just remember that if you feel like listening to a track, then you should probably go home and download it. Don’t annoy the DJ!
Quick bites
Favourite 80s record: pump up the volume/marrs
Least favourite 80s record: part time lover/stevie wonder grrrr
Favourite ice-cream: chocalate mocha
Least favourite aspect of living in Dubai: rents so damn high
Favourite super-model: Cindy Crawford |
