Dance, dance, dance! | Infusion Magazine | Dubai, Party, Events, Nightlife, Clubs, Bars, Lounges

Dance, dance, dance!

Written by Infusion Crew Sunday, 02 October 2011 11:42

It's quickly carved out a reputation for quality production and big, well-rounded line ups and the latest Sandance installment doesn't disappoint as Example, The Verve's Richard Ashcroft, Sasha, David Morales, Chicane and Space resident Joris Voorn take you through the 12 hour beach party.

We have the low-down on that line up, and also have an in-depth chat to Voris about the Ibiza season, playing to 10,000 people and why the Dutch do it better...

Joris Voorn Interview

What's been the secret to that success?

I'm not sure, but maybe the secret is that I don't pin myself down to just one style. I think I'd be bored doing the same thing over and over again. I love music in all its shapes and forms and get a lot of inspiration doing different things all the time.

The Dutch do seem to have an insanely high proportion of the world's biggest DJs - something in the water, or is there a real reason why that is?

I hear that a lot, I think it's the climate we have, all rainy and cold, that makes you want to stay inside and work on music!

You've been resident at Space Ibiza for a while now, how did you find this season - what was the most striking musical trend?

It's been a great season every single party was amazing! Not sure about the trends, I don't really pay attention to that too much and just try to do my own thing. Tech-house still seems to be big though, which is good for some reasons. At Space you can play anything as long as it's good, which is so special about that place. You don't need to stick to any trends!

Your releases always have a high level of quality - do you actively wait to make your releases more of an event, or is it just personal choice that you have to release only the best?

I don't see why I would release mediocre music? Quality is always the key and releasing only one good record a year will do more for you than 20 mediocre ones. I have a lot of unreleased music, which I also play to see how it works on the floor. If something is working just OK it's quite unlikely I'll ever release it.

You're a big fan of digital DJing, and took to Traktor quite early - have you had any serious problems on stage with it? And how will it cope with 10,000 people bouncing on a beach with sand flying?

I had issues in the beginning with drivers, cables and soundcards. It took a while to find out what the problems were, but recently I feel I have things under control. I made sure to get a digital hard-drive so heavy bass will never cause any hard-disk problems for instance. It's not cheap, but it gives me comfort being on stage in a bass-heavy club. Also, I change cables once every few months even when they don't seem broken. You can't afford to have your equipment wear out in front of thousands of people.

This is your first time in Dubai, so what have you heard about the city and its club/music scene?

Yes, first time. I have no idea what to expect so I'm very curious indeed!

The rest of the line up...

Richard Ashcroft

The ex Verve singer coulda been a contender, he could have been a world-beater, but twice his band collapsed under the weight of their own pressure and ambitions. As it is, in History and Urban Hymns, they created two of the outstanding albums of our generation, and live, Ashcroft is a magnetic force. Quite whether we'll be able to hear him over 10,000 people singing back 'Bittersweet Symphony' is another matter though.

Chicane

Best known for their Ibiza anthem 'Offshore,' Chicane are much more than a one-hit wonder. Having worked alongside Bryan Adams and Clannad vocalist Maire Brennan on their other big hits, they're not the coolest kids, but when the trance-ish strains of 'Saltwater' kick in, we'll be pogoing like the rest.

Example

Bookings, as any self-respecting promoter will tell you, are all about timing. And it couldn't have been much better for Sandance and Example. After a huge summer season of festivals, his new album is rooted to the top of the charts around the world, and he's taking dubstep and electro to a new live level courtesy of his live DJ sets with DJ Wire. Banging.

Sasha

A mainstay on the Dubai clubbing circuit, Sasha is always a crowd-puller. And having rediscovered his musical mojo in the last few years, and perfected the art of the festival set as his two Creamfields slots prove, this should be a highlight of the day.

David Morales

But where's all the classic house, one might ask? Well, that's what David Morales is here for. One of the most prolific remixers of all time, and a Grammy award winning one to boot, Morales will most likely drop a crowd-pleasing, soulfuric set on the sand. And we expect a tidal wave of dancing when 'Needin' U' gets dropped. Good times...

Sandance, Sandance beach (entrance from Aquaventure), Friday October 14, 2pm-2am. Dhs200 in advance from Virgin, Dhs250 on the door, Dhs350 VIP.