Pete Wentz, Black Cards

After Fall Out Boy went on "hiatus," I was looking for an outlet to express myself and I wasn't super into the idea of making new music. My friend and producer Sam Hollander dragged me into the studio just to mess around with some music. We started working on some fun stuff and while we were sitting in Studio A, Bebe was in Studio B recording a demo – when I heard her sing I knew she was the right voice for the band. With Spencer, I know him from working with Cobra Starship and Save The Day and I've always wanted to work with him.

With the band picking up steam and a debut album soon to be released, could this become more than a side project?

It's easy to label Black Cards as a side project because it's still something people aren't used to but we're really committing energy and hard work into the band. We'll keep doing this for as long as people want to listen.

The initial scope seemed like a dance-pop project, but you've brought in reggae and dub influences - how would you describe your sound?

That's kind of the beauty of Black Cards... there is no specific way to describe it. The musical influences are all over the place and we're not looking to label the music we put out. One song can be dancey, one can have a retro vibe and it goes on. The music is about having fun and letting loose.

You're a busy, creative man - you own a club, are in two bands, have worked on a comic book series, have your own company (Clandestine Industries) and have designed your own brand of Fender bass guitar. What's next? And when do you sleep?

Funny thing is, I don't sleep. As creative as I may be, I find a good balance in getting things done by surrounding myself with a team that help me bring my ideas to life. Right now, Black Cards is really my number one focus but I'm sure I'll come up with some new crazy ideas along the way.

You also run Decaydance record label - how have you been adapting to the constant change in the last few years? And would you still get into the music industry if you were a 20 year old Pete Wentz now knowing how it all works?

The music industry is tumultuous right now, but one thing we know at Decaydance is that fan loyalty is key. I like to believe everyone there really goes out of their way to make the fans feel involved and part of everything our artists are doing.

I would never not want to be doing what I'm doing right now. I'm lucky enough to be doing what I love and I wouldn't change that in a million years.

You're quite a vocal musician, speaking about politics and world issues. Is that a field that you think you could move into?

I studied political science when I was in college, so I have a knack for making commentary here and there, but as far as making that a career move, probably not.

And what can we look forward to from your debut show in Dubai?

You can look forward to a good time. We're ready to party and show everyone what we've been working on.

Infusion Magazine - Tommie Sunshine

It's such a wonderful place, I look forward to coming back.

Your bio describes your sound as: 'Rock House, ElectroDiscoPunk & Lo-Fi Dance Pogo' - that might be the best description ever, but it sounds like a lot to live up to...

I'm a music lover of all kinds and I try to share a full scope of musical influences when I DJ. You will have to hear me play to truly understand what I mean.

America seems to be getting rave culture in a big, big way at the moment - why do you think it's got so popular in the last 5 years? Is it the Guetta effect?

America has finally woken up to the idea of the Rave lifestyle and not a minute too late. It's nice to see uptight yuppies take off their ties and live a little.

You co-wrote 'Silver Screen' with Felix Da Housecat, which is a defining single from the last decade - did you have any idea when you did so that it would go onto be such a big tune?

NO way, we had no idea. We just tried to make an album that was both ahead of the times and paid homage to what came before us. I believe with that one we did.

You have a very unique look, somewhere between ZZ Top and The Dude - in this very PR centric day, it's quite refreshing. How do people react to you when you show up at glitzy nightclubs?

People never know what to think. I like it that way. What you see is not what you get so I keep people guessing.

You're the resident DJ at Pacha New York - how did that come about, and are you involved in the bookings and musical direction?

I was asked to become a resident after playing there only twice. I play such a spectrum of music yet I keep the listener in mind, which is not typical for a DJ these days. I am proud to be resident at such a legacy club such as Pacha as their club in Ibiza was one of the first clubs of its kind.

And musically, what can we expect from your set on September 30?

I set forth each gig to take people out of their lives and lift them up to a higher place through music. Put on some loose clothes, comfy sneakers and an open mind and you'll get what I do just fine.

Full line up

LMFAO, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Dave Seaman, The Cataracs, Pete Wentz with Black Cards, Jimmy Van M, Tommie Sunshine, DJ Enferno, Sarah Main, Juan Diaz, Amanda Wilson, Kevin Shiu, Nikhil Chinapa, DJ Shadaia, Dale Anderson, DJ Knowledge, DJ FIN-S, Jared McCulloch, Smokingroove, Charl Chaka, Simon Reid, Dan Chadwick, Tristan Bain, Conan Liquid + live VJ from Tony Pantages and Vello Virkhaus.

dXb Beach Festival, Friday September 30. 3 stages across Nasimi Beach, the pool and a specially erected marquee, Midday-late. Tickets from Dhs350. www.dxbfestival.ae/