We have certainly had a wealth of cool and talented DJ’s popping up in Abu Dhabi in the last six months, with the likes of Fat Boy Slim and Danny Howells making appearances here in the capital. After proving to be a massive hit with the crowds at Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011, Dutch DJ and producer, Laidback Luke is back to perform at Flash Forum on Yas Island Abu Dhabi next week. Known for his fusion of electro house and ‘dirty’ trance this is set to be another cracking performance. With support from local DJs Mister Outlaw and Immaculate Touch (Chad Punk and Stew Magoo), you will not want to miss this night.
You were welcomed in Abu Dhabi recently at Creamfields in 2011, what are you looking forward to this time?
I feel the last time I came a lot of people saw me for the first time. The feedback I got from the crowd at Creamfields was amazing. I am looking forward to a warm welcome back in Abu Dhabi and another pumping night.
What do you love about performing in Abu Dhabi?
Flying into Abu Dhabi is amazing. The service on the plane and at the airport is incredible. The weather is so nice too, nice and warm. When you’re able to grab the crowd, they will go completely wild. So I am going to try that again.
You used to be a graffiti artist, tell us how you got into mixing?
Nowadays, I see my music as my graffiti. I got into DJing to find out what DJs needed in my productions. I started as a producer, and I’m a producer at heart. DJing seemed to be very addictive and the rest, as they say, is history.
What songs do you love to play to really get a crowd pumping?
I’m very happy a lot of people know my tracks, so they do it very well for me. One that’s definitely pumping is my track with Steve Aoki and Lil’ Jon; Turbulence. But my new single Speak Up, featuring Wynter Gordon, that came out this week is doing amazingly well on the floor too.
What other DJ’s do you admire?
I admire other DJs that have the same passion in music that I have. Guys that are into the music for the most, and stay humble. Guys that work hard and don’t do it for the money and the fame. All that is secondary to passion and the happiness we get from being a DJ. My number one DJ is Gaslamp Killer. If you don’t know him, Google him now.
What other DJ’s have you collaborated with?
A lot of DJs. David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Diplo, A-trak, Steve Aoki, Sander van Doorn and Lee Mortimer to name a few.
Where is your favourite place to perform in the world and why?
At the moment, my popularity is biggest in America and the UK. The amount of support and the shows that sell out over there is incredible.
What do you like about producing?
Producing is my first love, I prefer doing it over watching TV for instance. The ability to create something new, or to be able to make an amazing DJ battle track is incredible. Then being aware you can touch so many people with it, give them amazing memories and an emotional connection with your music, is the best feeling.
Laidback Luke is performing at Flash Forum on Yas Island Abu Dhabi on April 5. It is an 18+ event and tickets start from Dhs195 for general admission, Dhs5000 for a VIP gold table and Dhs7000 for a VIP platinum table. Tables are only available for 21+. For more information go to www.thinkflash.ae
