Smokingroove WILL PUT A SPIN ON YOU!
Ahead of playing UNITE Tomorrowland, the Dubai-based DJ duo tell City Times about their love for the city, their influences and how they plan to make you dance to their killer cuts
What are you doing this Saturday? Cancel all your plans, you need to see Smokingroove perform at UNITE Tomorrowland. The Dubai based award-winning DJ duo, who are from the streets of London, have legitimate experience behind the decks and have been the champions of developderground House music in the city’s diverse music scene over the last decade. Smokingroove is definitely our highlight at the music festival, but we are also excited to check out the live satellite connection with Tomorrowland’s Mainstage back in Belgium where headliners like Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike are playing. From their love for Dubai to their influences and rituals before they perform, we caught up with Smokingroove before their performance to get you the told inside us. scoop. Here’s what they
What are your thoughts on the UAE?
The UAE has been our home away from home for the last decade. The weather is perfect (never too hot) and there’s a huge selection of people from different backgrounds, all with different life experiences. The interactions we’ve had over the years have made us who we are today.
Where is your favourite place to perform in the world and why?
Obviously, I could say Dubai as I can drive home after the gig, lol! I think some of the best times we’ve had DJing have been in Ibiza, and Miami for the Winter Music Conference.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a DJ?
Early teens, back in the early 90s (yes, work out how old we are). We started on vinyl and took our music to one of the most famous pirate radio stations in the UK and went on to have a big show for the next 10 years.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
Before House music, we were heavily into hip-hop. Artists like Ice-T, Ice Cube, NWA, Cypress Hill were our main focus and then when we moved into House Music; Roger Sanchez, DJ Sneak, Armand Van Helden and Daft Punk, we’ve been privileged to call these artists our friends now.
How important are awards to you as an artist?
They should and shouldn’t be important. Although we’ve won more awards than we can remember, the main reward is giving people that great experience that they’ll live with.
Which contemporary DJs or musicians do you like? Who is currently on your playlist?
I listen to everything from The Rolling Stones to ABBA to The Beastie boys. I’m a big fan of quirky sounds and artists that actively try to create something completely different.
As a successful DJ what percentage of what you do goes beyond music and more into the business/marketing side of things?
A lot! The perception of a DJ just turning up to a gig, rocking the party and laying around is one of the biggest misconceptions. I’m awake around 1820 hours every day working on invoicing, producing the radio show and making sure it goes out to the 30 radio stations every week and seem to work seven days a week, but I’m happy with that.
How important is social media in what you do? How have you utilised this platform?
We’ve been pretty heavy on social media since around 2006. There’s always another avenue to explore and we’re constantly looking at new ways to reach new fans around the world.
These days it seems that anyone who thinks they can turn tables, or download a few programs to mix a few songs are calling themselves a DJ. What do you think makes a ‘real’ DJ?
A ‘real’ DJ puts in the effort to learn their craft. You can have all the gadgets, money or music in the world but true talent is earned over years of perfecting the art. I see so many ‘wannabes’ calling themselves DJs without earning the right of passage by putting in the hours. Rubbish will always put out rubbish.
It’s really important to stay relevant these days as an artist in the music industry. A lot of musicians and celebrities stay relevant by being on everyone’s newsfeed and in the media for good, bad and personal reasons.
How do you try and stay relevant?
By keeping the music fresh and true to our sound. You can follow a trend but you’ll always be a follower and not a leader. Be honest and play what you feel while not pandering to a crowd out of peer pressure.
What advice do you have for young DJs out there trying to make it in the region?
Put in the time, effort and stop listening to other people. Don’t follow the weak, commercial scene. It’s a sheep-led fraternity of people who have no direction.
Do you have a ritual before you jump on stage and perform?
No ritual. Just have a good time, enjoy the party and play something that people will be inspired by.
What can audiences expect from you at UNITE with Tomorrowland?
Fun! UNITE is one of the world’s biggest and best festival parties and we’re bringing some killer cuts. We’re used to playing big festivals and we want to make sure people wear their shoes out from all the dancing.