Time Out Dubai’s annual Nightlife Awards saw many local DJs up for nominations. Abu Dhabi has really set the scene in the past year and these talented DJs are really making their mark. We caught up with Local DJ Mike Bufton to talk nominations, house music and psychology.
You were nominated for Best Local DJ this year, how do you feel and did it come as a surprise?
Yes it did actually, I was really happy to win the accolade in 2010 and be nominated in 2011, so another nomination in 2012 makes me think it must be the third time lucky thing! Haha no, it’s great to be recognised by Time Out and an honour to be in it for another year.
Audio Tonic was also nominated twice for Best House Night, tell us about Audio Tonic and how it all got started?
Again it’s fantastic news. We won Best House Music Night last year (2011) so a nomination is good enough for me and the team this year, that’s for sure. I guess it all started with a passion for new music that wasn’t being played anywhere else in the region. The concept was born as a radio show (on Radio 1, which is still in session every Thursday night from midnight), and has grown into a mini monster that invites international guest DJ’s to play at either Sea Lounge at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club in Abu Dhabi or at 360o in Dubai every week (Thursdays and Fridays). It’s all about a sound which is accessible yet upfront – it’s easy to listen to. And our Friday party is ten hours long, so we get to play a wide spectrum from sunset chill out to infectiously good house music. We also launched the Audio Tonic record label in October 2011 and to date have eight releases out, with strong support from some big industry players, so we are not only expanding on a local level, but globally now.
What do you love about DJing?
The fact that I can play the sound that I want to play. Dubai is a very commercial city, and to have the freedom (both with my live DJ sets and on the radio) to play the sound I believe is the future is one in a million. There is nothing better than seeing a sea of hands and a truly passionate crowd stomping to the music that you also love, especially when you are playing the music released on your own record label.
What is your most memorable gig?
There really are so many. But my set on the terrace at Space in Ibiza in 2008 was certainly a keeper, and also when I warmed up the Flash Forum in June 2011 (for Armin Van Buuren). I didn’t play trance, but a carefully selected peak time set – the big sound system, incredible visuals and 5,000 people equals fun. Also have to mention the Audio Tonic arena at the last Creamfields Abu Dhabi, I’ll never forget that.
If you weren’t DJing what would you be doing?
Probably a pilot, a chef or a psychologist (I did my degree in the latter). However aside from DJing I also freelance for a creative ad agency during the week and do a lot of PR/marketing related stuff for the Audio Tonic brand and record label. I need more days in the week please.
What is your favourite song to get a crowd started?
Right now, it’s a forthcoming release from our Audio Tonic Records Miami Sampler (out March 20) from the German house legend that is Ian Pooley, it’s called Read My Mind.
What other DJs do you admire?
So many locally now that I don’t even want to start naming names, that would be unfair because I wouldn’t want to miss anyone out. Of course all the Audio Tonic residents, and the guys we’ve had and have coming up for our monthly local showcase(s), and the guys who play on a weekly basis to ensure the party people of the UAE receive their fair dose of quality music.
