Travelling Way Out east for a change

 

 

Nick Warren is one of the most respected DJs in the world. Period.

 

Apart from the fact that he is one half of popular dance act Way Out West alongside Jody Wisternoff, and has released a successful series of compilation albums, Warren also really knows how to work a crowd by mixing different tunes together as the mood of the club changes.

 

The DJ/producer returns to Dubai tonight to play Peppermint Club with support from DJ Afroboogie. Emirates Business caught up with him for a chat.

 

How many times have you been here now?

 

Ooh, I guess five or six times. I love Dubai, but I’ve never really holidayed here.

I’m a fair-skinned lad, so a wet weekend in Scotland is more for me than desert sun.

 

So what do you do when you’re over here?

 

I shop a lot. I go around all the malls. I have a weakness for Diesel jeans.

 

Any extravagant buys?

 

I’m not a Ferrari boy. Clothes are more my thing.

 

What have you been up to musically?

 

I’m working with Jody on the new Way Out West album. We’ve completed eight tracks so we’re nearly done. I’m going to play some of those tonight. I’m also working on Global Underground 8, set for release at the end of this year.

 

You’re also head of Artists & Repertoire (A&R) for Hope Recordings. Who is hot this summer?

 

I really like Samamidon, who plays funky, electronic music with a bit of guitar. It’s weird and wonderful. I’m also loving Glenn Morrison, Umek, plus my mate Jody is working on some great solo stuff. Darren Emerson also has an amazing new album coming up.

 

Your music has been featured on The OC and Grey’s Anatomy. Which show would you love your music to appear on?

 

I love nature shows, so I was chuffed when we were asked to do the music for a show called Tribe on the Discovery Channel. I’d also love to do something for Life On Earth.

 

You and Jody have been in Way Out West for 19 years. Who’s better at what?

 

(laughs) I used to be the sample finder and the ideas guy, while Jody was the brains in the studio. But we’ve both evolved, and our working relationship has matured, so I can safely say I’ve learned to twiddle my own knobs now!

 

Finally, what is the secret behind your DJing success?

 

It’s about knowing what people want. The more a DJ hones their skills, the better they become.

 

Nick Warren. Tonight at Peppermint Club, Habtoor Grand Hotel. Entry Dh120. Call: 050 343 3909.