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Local and international DJs on uniting diners through a rich musical repertoire
As we eat in a restaurant in Dubai, Julia Child’s famous quote “Some people prefer to paint pictures, or do gardening, or construct a boat in the basement” plays in our heads. Because cooking is an activity that requires just as much creativity and imagination as sketching, woodcarving, or music, other people find great joy in it.
Due to Dubai’s famed culinary prowess, many of us like going out to eat. When paired with live music performed by local and foreign DJs, our two passions—music and art in general—become even more entwined. General Manager, DJ, and musical director Nicolas Hillman of Pullman Dubai Downtown’s The Birdcage remarked, “The music is what draws people in. Our mission at The Birdcage is to connect and unite individuals through a musical experience in a welcoming environment. I keep in mind that the UAE audience connects via the emotions and vigour that house music conjures while I’m creating a music mix for them.
Reading the audience
According to Sam Starks, music director, and resident DJ at FIVE Hotels and Resorts, “the key to a great performance is in accurately reading the atmosphere; the energy of your audience within the context of timing and place and playing directly to the moment at hand” (FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, and FIVE Zurich). “It always varies a little depending on the setting and type of music being played. According to JP Mäyeur, resident DJ at The Birdcage, “a ‘do’ is absolutely reading your crowd and playing on the diversity to keep them interested and connected with the music. Sam explained how he has always created playlists and now performs at live events with some of the world’s best DJs, like Lost Frequencies and Robin Schulz. My Spotify playlists for the music label FIVE represent the “Sound of FIVE,” a multi-genre selection that appeals to a global audience of music fans. The majority of customers in the UAE are musically literate, according to Nicolas, who has more than 10 years of worldwide experience in the nightclub and restaurant industries. They are looking for restaurants that not only have wonderful cuisine but also have a pleasant atmosphere. It’s now more than simply the cuisine that keeps people interested; it’s the ideal fusion of elements like music, location, liveliness, etc.
What not to do when creating a playlist?
“As a DJ, I’ve performed with a varied playlist in several clubs and eateries in Dubai. I’m constantly conscious of the need to engage my audience because music, especially EDM, is a tremendous equalizer. It has the ability to bring people together and spread a message of peace, according to Emery Swelam, the resident DJ at The Birdcage. JP said, “Music should not be confined and should be able to incorporate any genre, nationality, or culture.” For him, there is no “don’t” when it comes to music. ” “Don’t mindlessly follow trends or mimic popular artists,” Sam suggested. Listeners will never connect to an artificial sound. Never depart from your musical roots since they are the heart of your venue and what draws crowds, Nicolas said. Don’t stray from the musical direction of your venue. Emery stated, “I always make sure the whole crowd is vibing and are taken on a journey via the music. I don’t believe in making the music so exclusive that you exclude a specific population. People from all over the world may be seen smiling while listening to EDM at festivals, which is why I perform EDM because I firmly think that music has a special ability to bring people together.
And the most loved music genres are
The top three music genres as per Nicolas are Melodic House, Latino music, and Open Format music.
Sam cast his ballot for House, Commercial, and Hip Hop. JP claimed that Arabic, R’n’B, and Electronic music are the top three types of music that Dubai enjoys. The music that Dubai is now enjoying, according to Emery, “includes Organic House, Melodic House, Groove and Tech House.” A few of Dubai’s favourite DJs, including Natalie Brogan, Andy Swift, and Wanderlust Resident DJ Adam J., will perform at the Wanderlust Brunch after-party at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. Additionally, Basement Jaxx DJ Set will make an exclusive appearance. The brunch is only held underground for three days in October and November. The largest gathering of the region’s famous DJs, including Aseel, Amory, Kanary, Empire, and Nick Tohme, took place during the just-completed weekend party (from Wednesday to Sunday, through September 17), which took place at STAGE Dubai, the area’s opulent Arabic nightlife venue. International DJ and producer DJ REGARD, well known for his smash song “Ride It,” presented his own sound to The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah last Friday.