Many Arab DJs are coming out of the Middle East nowadays. From Cairo to Amman and Beirut to Dubai, musical genius is coming to light. We sat down with one of Dubai’s up and coming influences on the scene, DJ Haidz, to tell about his journey from partying on one side of the decks to the other.
1. How did you get started DJing? How did you first get interested and what was it that made you decide to pursue it more seriously?
I was already very passionate about electronic music and was always in awe when I would go see a famous DJ play somewhere. I would basically just stand by the booth and watch the DJ play all night long. The fact that he/she can make the crowd dance with the tip of their fingers was amazing. Started off by buying the most basic of equipment and basically taught myself, practicing everyday until I slowly got better. As I got better I also bought better equipment and with time, I finally mastered the art of DJing.
2. Tell us about your a.) first, b.) worst and c.) best experience on the decks.
First : Cant really remember but it was definitely at some house party.
Worst: Not particularly an experience on the decks but dealing with unprofessional promoters or non-stop requests from the crowd.
Best: It would be between playing for the closing party of Nasimi and just recently reaching the finals of the Pioneer DJ Competition.
3. How would you define the genre of music you DJ?
I play a combination of Deep House and Nu Disco with some Tech House influences. It also depends on the venue and time I play, whether I am warming up or playing at peak time.
4. How is the DJ scene and nightlife evolving in Dubai?
Over the past two to three years, I would say the scene has evolved immensely. So many new venues opened and are still opening with great DJs playing here every week. It was always the same boring commercial music played everywhere and now Dubai has a variety and the people are getting exposed to new music from amazing talents both local and international.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to see myself growing as a DJ in the region, playing in different countries within the Middle East. However, my day job does come first. I am currently taking a music production course and my next big goal is to start releasing my records to various labels.
6. Give us the scoop on your next project.
Got a few nice things happening, one being the finals of the Pioneer DJ Competition happening at Armani Prive this Thursday. Also got some gigs lined up till the end of the year in different venues, which I always post on my Facebook page. Everyone can follow me on
www.facebook.com/haidz.dxb and check out my sets on
www.soundcloud.com/haidz.
