Expect 'emotional soundscape' at Lavelle gig

Tomorrow night sees the return of James Lavelle to Dubai, who plays at Chi @ The Lodge from 10pm. Emirates Business caught up with the world-famous DJ and producer and Unkle label owner ahead of his appearance.


What have you been up to in the run-up to your Dubai show?

I have been intensely trying to finish the new Unkle album as it has to be finished tomorrow! 

Are you going to stay in Dubai for a while this time around?

I am glad to be back. Do I get to catch the sights? It depends, when you tour you generally see more, but I am gonna stay in Dubai for a week as I need some time off after finishing the record.

What can fans expect from your set this time around?

An eclectic, emotional soundscape.

2009 was the year of many events, including the global economic crisis. Do you think it affected DJs touring?

Yes, the world is a very different place. It affected music sales; it affected everything.

Has the internet been an issue for you as an artist?

It is a double edged sword; there are both positive and negative issues yet essentially we need to be paid for our work. It just needs more thought put in to it to make it work – it is the major labels' fault for not embracing and supporting the future.

From the past year, what has been the biggest news story that stuck with you?

For me 2009 ended the decade of celebrity and five minutes of fame. I am happy to see the back of it, and I am looking forward to a more mindful decade.

Who were your favourite new artists of the year?

Animal Collective and The Big Pink.

Favourite tracks?

There has been so much good music in so many different areas, my favourite dance record was the collaboration between Mark Knight and Underworld.

A lot of publications have been revealing their "new artists of 2010 to look out for". Who are your recommendations?

Autolux are coming with a dope record, Luminarians, Rachel and Sleepy Sun, plus Dark horses to name a few.

What are you up to after Dubai? And in 2010?

Press and promo for the new album. I want to get the Unkle tour back on the road.


- Digital presents James Lavelle. Thursday, January 21 at Chi @ The Lodge, Dubai. Tickets start from Dh100. Call: 050 725 8277

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