Red Bull Music Academy
Get ready for a weekend of mind-blowing music
Hold on to the seat of your pants music lovers: the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender is heading to Dubai for the first time, and it’s jam-packed with high-caliber artists and events, some in association with local promoters.
At the heart of the programme is forwardthinking electronic music. The Black Madonna makes her UAE debut at ON42, Media One Hotel, on Thursday, April 13, where Moodyman joins her. The Black Madonna’s house and techno selections have been lauded everywhere from Sonar, in Barcelona, to Berlin’s Panoramabar and, of course, her residency at Smart Bar in her hometown of Chicago. Moodymann, meanwhile, is as mysterious as he is funky. His infusion of funk, house and techno drives crowds wild the world over, with his set at the recent Dekmantel festival, in Brazil, still being talked about.
The same night also sees a wealth of talent taking part in the weekender over two floors at the Steigenberger Hotel, in Business Bay. There, you can experience Swedish tastemaker Axel Boman’s off-kilter house, techno and disco. Axel has put out a steady stream of top-class music on some of the scene’s best imprints, like Permanent Vacation, Hypercolour, Glass Table and his own Studio Barnhus label. German duo DeWalta & Shannon have also been invited along for a live modular workout, as has Korean artist Peggy Gou, whose deep house cuts have piqued interest of late.
On another floor you’ll find a more bass-heavy line-up with Hyperdub label boss Kode9 and label mate Ikonika. Joining them both is the 264 Cru’s Esserai and Teklife artist DJ Earl, who’ll be bringing his jazz and funk tunes and hip hop samples.
The sound action switches to Dubai Design District, on Friday, April 14, with Californian rapper Earl Sweatshirt, Detroit artist Danny Brown, Afro-Nuyorican hip hop artist Princess Nokia and Canadian producer Jessy Lanza. Local band Muhaisnah Four will also be premiering their debut album and Aeli will be fusing hip hop and electronica.
House and disco legend Danny Krivit has signed on to round out the weekender in fine style, at the Tap House, Club Vista Mare, on Saturday, April 15. A star of the New York scene since the ’70s, Krivit made his name through residencies at The Loft and The Roxy, and later Twilo and Shelter.
Bringing together more than 30 international and regional artists over its four-day duration, the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender also features film screenings, meditation sessions, lectures and a photography exhibition. April 12 to 15 Red Bull Music Academy Weekender, Dubai. platinumlist.net