Clubbers will unanimously agree that a DJ who brings an electrifying set of mixes combined with perfect timing can make a night out on the town really special. Abu Dhabi has been slowly inching its way into the scene, with even legendary dance label Ministry of Sound now holding nights on Yas Island at Rush.
While there are plenty of resources available to help you become a DJ, being ready to get up on stage at a packed venue is no easy feat. We scoped the city for fresh talent busy learning the tricks of the trade and got some invaluable advice from known names already making an impact on the nightlife in the city.
The student
Abu Dhabi resident Michelle Solomon has recently developed a keen interest in DJing and has taken steps to learn how to master the art.
Why did you invest in learning the wheels of steel?
My love for music and wanting to share it! I’ve often been the one that would create mix tapes and playlists for friends. Nothing makes me happier than when I see a room full of people dancing and happy.
How did you go about getting the equipment and lessons?
I liked the music that one of the DJs was playing at a bar in Abu Dhabi and I asked him if he knew anyone that gave lessons – and he in fact already had students. So I got some basic lessons from him and he
advised me on what set of decks I should try to start off with. You can get the equipment fairly easily in many of Abu Dhabi’s local music shops.
What sort of budget do you think a novice would need before starting out?
There is a lot of software and equipment out there that can automatically mix the beats and the speed of the tracks together for you. But if you want to do
it the traditional way by ear, equipment is certainly not cheap. You can be looking at spending around Dhs4,000 on a pretty basic pair of decks.
Paul Hamilton: DJ at Sho Cho and Ray’s Bar
How did you become a DJ in Abu Dhabi?
For the past few years I felt that the capital required someone experienced enough to develop a cutting edge night – suitable for the real clubbers that stayed at home because the level of music was not to their expectations, or the ones travelling to Dubai week after week to listen to decent international music. In the next few years I will keep on working hard to deliver the highest standard of cutting edge dance music.
What was the hardest part?
Apart from having no support whatsoever from any nightlife magazine, false reports on the night scene by clueless reporters and awards that are the biggest joke and insult to the hardest working industry people, the toughest part was to try and push upfront electronic music. It’s difficult when a lot of management teams in the capital only believe in R&B and commercial radio garbage, but times are changing.
Have other DJs been receptive and helpful?
Yes, I had help in many ways from sincere DJs trying to do something for the industry, whereas the ones that praise themselves all the time are not the ones in my circle.
What kind of advice can you offer to someone who really wants to be a DJ?
I would seriously advise them to start training on vinyl before anything else, because they will never understand the meaning of becoming a real DJ if they don’t have that feel.
www.djpaulhamilton.com
Natalie Brogan: DJ at Al Maya Island pool parties and Aloft
How did you become a DJ in Abu Dhabi?
I began at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel, on a four-month contact. Three years later, I’m still here!
What sort of equipment do you use for your sets?
Industry standard Pioneer; I prefer CDJ2000s and a DJM800 mixer. All my music is on USBs and I have Sennheiser HD25 headphones.
What inspired you to want to become a DJ?
I grew up listening to my dad’s music from a young age, then I played at local parties for my grandad before going out in my hometown Manchester, where I discovered a love for house music and decided to learn properly at Manchester Midi School where I enrolled on the DJ course.
