Having been in the game for the best part of two decades, it’s fair to say that Tehran-born DJ and producer Sharam knows how to make a crowd go nuts. Legendary late-night sets aside, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, topped countless polls in the house music press and, as one half of duo Deep Dish, even picked up a Grammy award back in 2002. Ahead of his hotly anticipated appearance at Allure, we fired some questions his way…
So, are you looking forward to coming back to Abu Dhabi?
I was at Creamfields last year. It was cool, but, unfortunately, it rained, which sort of threw people off. I’m looking forward to coming down to a more intimate venue and really experiencing Abu Dhabi.
Is there anything special about crowds in the UAE?
Yeah, when I come to the Middle East, I tend to attract a lot of Iranians, who usually aren’t able to see me perform, so they make the trip over. So there’s more excitement because you have your countrymen rooting for you. Hopefully I can play in Iran one day, but for now playing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is the closest I can get to a home gig.
You’ve been solo for five years now. Is that just temporary?
I’m the type of person who gets bored really easily. [Ali Shirazinia and I] achieved a lot of things that many people can only dream of as Deep Dish. We wanted to take a break and experiment. We’re both individuals, so we were just happy to work together for a while as a duo.
Is there anyone you’re aching to work with?
Someone who’s been at the top of my list for a long time is Björk. Working with her would be incredible.
Thinking of asking her?
If the opportunity presents itself, then I’ll approach it and explore it. I’m not really the type to cold call people!
Ever been star-struck during a show?
I did an Oscars party a couple of years back, and before the show I was hanging out in this room and all of a sudden I see Al Pacino and Adrien Brody right next to me! And it’s just the three of us. I thought, ‘I’ve got to say something or I’m gonna look goofy,’ but then I thought if I do say something they’re gonna be like, ‘Okay, who’s this dweeb?’ We just exchanged small talk for a bit, but I was properly star-struck.
At least you weren’t next to each other in the bathroom…
Well when you’re in a bathroom small talk tends to come more naturally, you let off whatever rubbish is on your mind. But in that particular case I was like, ‘Okay, I know who you guys are, but I know you have no idea who I am!’
What do you think makes a great clubbing venue?
The first and foremost important thing is the sound system. If it’s not right you might as well just pack it all up. It makes the experience that much better or that much worse. Along with the lighting and the vibe you create with that. As long as you’ve got those two elements and there’s a capable promoter doing their job, you’ve got a great party.
Do you have any vices to help the creative process along?
Tea. I’m an avid tea drinker. When I’m in the studio I’ve got to have my tea. Anything from the standard English breakfast, to Earl Grey, lapsang souchong. I also buy different teas and make my own medley. I take it on the road with me too – I have a bag of tea with me at all times.
Any other un-DJ like tendencies that people might not expect of you?
My biggest hobby is tracking box office figures and movie sales. I’ve done this ever since I was a young kid. I have to check the box office numbers of US and worldwide releases every week, I’m addicted to it. I’m not sure why, it’s just something I’ve always done.
Sharam will be playing at Allure, Yas Marina & Yacht Club on Thursday February 3. Tickets cost Dhs200. For bookings, call 050 596 9543.
