Superstar DJs: Make way for Dubai's very own
With a career spanning more than 10 years, it's safe to say that Greg Stainer deserves to be where he is right now. The British-born Dubai-based DJ has just released his first locally produced album thanks to a chance meeting with local band Abri and the band's record label Music Master.
"I heard Abri and really wanted to hook up with them," he explains. "Abri's manager [who also works at Music Master] arranged for me to work on one of their tracks and it has been a huge success. As a result we started planning this project."
Entitled 6mil 2headphones, the 15-track compilation of pure house music are "inspired by the glitz and glamour of the budding Dubai nightlife." Emirates Business finds out more.
How did this project come about?
I have been writing and producing the tracks since early 2007, and most were originally intended to be released as singles. Then it got to the point where I had enough tracks to fill an album, so I figured why not?
Tell us more about 6mil 2headphones.
Most of the tracks were written here in Dubai, while a few were conceived in the UK then finished here. I've worked with artists including Abri and Spin from Dubai, and Jazzloungerz, Hed Trip and Izzy Stardust from Europe.
How did you decide who you wanted to work with?
It's all about positive attraction. I was simply in the right place at the right time. That's the beauty of music, you never know what will come next. A lot of the collaborations started from random meetings in clubs, concerts and MySpace.
Have you tested any of the CD's tracks?
Yes, I always test the tracks out at Zinc [at the Crowne Plaza Dubai], and the reaction so far has been great. Plus, tracks such as Saxy Mofoe, Long Verb and Arid have already been played by some DJs including Roger Sanchez, Dubfire and Stefano Noferini.
Which DJs do you rate?
I rate anyone who is passionate about music.
What about Arabic DJs?
Even though I have been living in an Arabic county for the past six years I don't really know a whole lot about the scene. So that's a tough one to answer. The only Arabic DJ I can vouch for is Humaid who plays some great fusion music.
With the release of locally produced CDs like yours, and more UAE-based DJs making a name for themselves, do you think we are soon going to see a DJ from Dubai go international?
DJs in Dubai are doing an awesome job. It's quite a tough place to perform, but it's only a matter of time before one of us reaches international superstardom.
And what's next for you?
More production and DJing. It's what I love, so I think I'm going to stick at it.
Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.