Creamfields 2013 is thumping its way into Abu Dhabi’s collective subconscious, bringing us the best dance music in the world. For one night only, the festival will be taking over the city – and with The Prodigy, Calvin Harris and more big names, it’s set to be the best year for it yet.
That low rumbling noise is the sound of Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2013 rolling into town, dialling up the bass and increasing the excitement around the capital. By bringing the cream of modern dance music to a field on Yas Island, December will see the ultimate party, hosted by the ultimate dance groups, for the ultimate audience.
The one-day festival, which lasts for over nine hours, will see world-class acts take the city by storm as soon as the sun’s gone down. The recently completed line-up, which will see Above & Beyond and Disclosure joining the likes of Calvin Harris and The Prodigy, will make certain that those in search of a night to remember won’t be disappointed. A host of local acts will also be performing alongside these big names, promoting the region’s talent for spinning the decks and getting the crowd going. Look out for the likes of Hollaphonic, maDJam, Omar Basaad, Gunther & Stamina and Ronin & Nesta.
Creamfields started life in Liverpool, England, in 1998, with headline performances from Run DMC and Primal Scream, and DJ sets from Daft Punk. It quickly expanded to different countries, with Buenos Aires putting on its first event in 2001. In the following years, Creamfields spread to the Czech Republic, Argentina and Turkey, with music royalty including Basement Jaxx, Underworld and Faithless playing around the world as part of this new international nerve centre for dance. The UAE enjoyed its first Creamfields festival in 2009 – Deadmau5, Underworld, Sasha and Calvin Harris were the inaugural acts. It’s now the UAE’s biggest and best outlet for dance music.
Whether you’re looking to sing along to the tunes of the main acts, dance yourself silly to the UAE’s up-and-coming stars or lose yourself in the arena’s food and beverage outlets – making a few friends along the way – you’re certain to have an unforgettable time. If you don’t want to slum it in the throng of fellow dance fans, you can buy VIP tickets that’ll allow you to literally raise the roof – as over 21s can hang out on an elevated platform. The platform comes with a dedicated beverage area, so there will be plenty of room to party with your own crew.
Creamfields 2013 is the destination for fans of electronic music to unite, whether it be while listening to trance, drum ’n’ bass or dubstep, and dance the night away. The talent need no introduction, but we take a look at the four main acts to find out just what we’re in for…
Above & Beyond
This isn’t Above & Beyond’s first visit to the UAE, having played Creamfields in 2010. Hailing from England and formed in 2000, the three-piece have built a consistent following over the last 13 years thanks to owning their own record label and weekly radio show, and a remix of Chakra’s ‘Home’ making it to No. 1 in the UK club chart. They’re becoming a big deal in the UAE, and Creamfields should provide the perfect platform for the group to reach out to the Middle East’s dance scene even further.
Tracks to listen out for: ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Alchemy’, ‘Thing Called Love’
Disclosure
Disclosure have come a long way since forming three years ago. Even before they released their debut album Settle in June, they had a massive following just on the strength of three singles. Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have forged a relentlessly progressive sound, oddly by taking a lot of influence from ’80s music. Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2013 will welcome them with open arms as princes of the new generation of electronica.
Tracks to listen out for: ‘Latch’, ‘When A Fire Starts To Burn’, ‘White Noise’
Calvin Harris
Further up the bill is the record-beating DJ and producer Calvin Harris. Calvin returns to Abu Dhabi to ignite the dancefloor with massive hits such as ‘Feel So Close’ and ‘I Need Your Love’, having not played Abu Dhabi since 2009. This December, he’ll be heading out on his (sold out) first arena tour – but not before stopping by Yas Island to show us his best moves. As an artist who’s beaten Michael Jackson in the number of top 10 hits from a single album in his native UK, you’d be crazy to miss his set.
Tracks to listen out for: ‘Thinking About You’, ‘Sweet Nothing’, ‘Feel So Close’
The Prodigy
The Prodigy are sure to bring their A-game to their headline slot at Creamfields. What can you say about a group who have redefined dance music multiple times in their 23 years on the scene? Their brand of hard-edged noise and attitude-heavy stage presence is why Keith Flint and company have stood the test of time, building a legacy only fellow dance pioneers Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers could make a claim to. Tonight, Abu Dhabi gets to be the venue for The Prodigy’s all-out, no-holds-barred shindig.
Tracks to listen out for: ‘Firestarter’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Omen’
Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2013 will take place at Du Arena, Yas Island, at 6pm on December 13. Over 18s only. General admission is Dhs275, VIP admission is Dhs595. For tickets and more information go to www.thinkflash.ae.
In their words
TOAD caught up with Greg Stainer and Olly Wood from regional dance act Hollaphonic to get the low down on how they’re going to rock Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2013.
What is Creamfields’ effect on Middle Eastern music?
With the refreshed outlook on Middle Eastern artists, Creamfields enables them to mix with global leaders of dance music. The festival will give dance acts like us the chance to showcase just how much talent the region has to offer – so local consumers will get to experience otherwise unheard talent.
What effect has Creamfields had on you?
It gives us a stage on which to gather new fans and make awesome loud noises that will take the Hollaphonic train onto a whole new track.
Which track will you play at Creamfields to make the audience go wild?
‘Krazy’ is our Creamfields anthem, designed for and inspired by the festival itself… Not many people know about it, but Hollaphonic are already making waves globally. We like to stay quiet, but we’ll be playing this one loud.’
