dxb Music Festival Artists Bios
Following are the Artists performing at the dxb Music Festival.
Afrojack:
Coming in at #7 on the top 100 DJ List in DJ Mag, Dutch DJ and Music Producer Afrojack is one of the most sought out DJs in the world! Performing at events with a fan base of 60,000 people per day, Afrojack has rocked the floor of Coachella, Ultra, Global Gathering Wireless, Tomorrowland and many more alongside legendary artists. Among other success, Afrojack has won a Grammy Award for his remix of Madonna’s “Revolver” with David Guetta, and was also nominated for two more Grammy’s in 2012. His single “Take Over Control” went platinum and he hit Number One with “Give Me Everything” featuring Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Nayer. His single, ‘Take Over Control ft. Eva Simons’ is still one of the hottest club anthems on the planet.
He has collaborated and performed with some of the world’s most respected producers and artists including David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Kid Cudi, Pitbull, Avicii and Black Eyed Peas.
Dev:
Acclaimed for her collaboration with Far East Movement on the Chart Topping Hit “Like A G6” which reached #1 in the US and sold over 3 Million downloads in the US alone, Dev was described by MTV this year as “Artist To Watch”. Her hit single “In the Dark” peaked at number 11 in the US charts, making it her most successful solo single to date. In March 2011, New Boyz’s single “Backseat”, featuring Dev and The Cataracs, was released. The song peaked in the top thirty on the Billboard Hot 100. She featured on Demi Lovato’s album “Unbroken” on a song called “Who’s That Boy”, and has featured on British boy band JLS’s single, “She Make Me Wanna”, which reached number 1 in the UK. She also featured on house music artist David Guetta’s album, Nothing But the Beat with a song called “I Just Wanna F” also featuring Timbaland and Afrojack.
Far East Movement:
American platinum record selling artists, Far East Movement, made history in 2010 with their hit “Like a G6” featuring Dev, and it was the first number 1 hit ever achieved by Asian Americans. They have amassed one of the world’s most eclectic fan bases, united by their love of FM’s propulsive beats, infectious energy, and classically melodic cadences. Their last album “Free Wired” which was an overwhelming success ensured tours with everyone from Rick Ross to La Roux; Lil Wayne to Lady Gaga; and Rihanna to LMFAO. They performed “If I Was You (OMG)” at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards with Snoop Dogg, and their other top 10-¬smash “Rocketeer” at NBA All-¬Star Weekend. They have toured and performed with artists such as Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, The Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. Their music has been used for hit TV shows and films such as the “The Fast and The Furious”, “Gossip Girl”, “Entourage” and “CSI Miami”.
Kaskade:
The New York Times named American DJ and Producer, Ryan Raddon (Kaskade) the “new face of electronic dance music.” He has also been named America’s Best DJ in 2011’s DJ Times Poll. Kaskade’s latest album; “Fire and Ice”, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart, number 3 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 17 on the Top 200 Albums chart, while the iTunes version debuted at number 4 on the overall album chart. Creating chart-topping remixes for a variety of artists, Kaskade has landed over 200 headlining shows around the world. This year being one of the biggest in tours, Kaskade played at Coachella and in June hit the road for his biggest headlining tour ever — 70-plus North American shows in just over three months. He has just become the first solo DJ to sell out Staples Center in LA with 20,000 screaming fans!
Kevin Shiu:
Both John Digweed and Tiesto have been quoted mentioning Kevin as one of their favorite opening DJ’s, and Kevin has played alongside almost every major DJ in the world. Shiu’s magic touch, keen foresight, and suave mannerisms have propelled him into headliner status at clubs around the world. His signature style ranges from deep tech house through driving progressive house. He remains true to the underground sound that first inspired him: a deep, moody sound with pounding percussion and a mighty hypnotic groove. Kevin’s talent is never ending. His enthusiasm and passion thrives for good quality electronic dance music. He instills a high standard of quality and professionalism. It is his positive influence on others and his reputation as a genuine and diligent visionary that has helped put himself and his home town of Vancouver on the map.
MistaJam:
Helping propel the underground genres into the mainstream consciousness, DJ MistaJam has been instrumental in mastering the Dubstep and Bass music scene on national radio since 2005. Starting off at BBC Radio 1Xtra, MistaJam is known as the go-to-man for breaking new music into the British Radio. Within 3 years of starting at BBC’s Radio 1, he’s hit record listenership in his timeslot on Saturday nights. In addition to radio, MistaJam’s taste in music has recently bolstered. I-D magazine described him as “pioneering the future for Youth Culture” – Bringing on artists like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Wretch 32 and Tinie Tempah before the mainstream had a clue who they were.
Rebecca and Fiona:
Swedish DJs and Singers, Rebecca and Fiona have had over 3.5 million hits on YouTube with their hit single “Turn It Down” featuring top US DJ Kaskade. Receiving the award for ‘Newcomer Of The Year,’ ‘Best Dance Song,’ and ‘Song of the Year’ in 2011 Swedish Youth Radio Award, these girls have received the Swedish Grammi Award for ‘Best Dance/Electronic Act’ in 2012. In 2011 they won ‘Song Of The Year’, ‘Best Dance Song’ and ‘Newcomer Of The Year’ at The Swedish Youth Radio Awards. After performing as the opening act for Robyn on her European tour, in 2011 the girls had an even bigger year when their single “Bullets” received double platinum status.
Shermanology:
Dutch trio – comprising of singer, song writer and DJ have cut into the international clubland circuit where they have been featured on records alongside Afrojack, Chuckie, Shapeshifters and Avicii. Their greatest success to date is their current chart topping single “Can’t Stop Me Now” in collaboration with Afrojack. This summer Shermanology are supporting Afrojack on his ‘Jacked’ tour, hitting some of the hottest nightclubs around the world.
Tommie Sunshine:
Regarded as one of today’s most prolific remixers, with almost 300 commissioned remixes to date, Tommie Sunshine returns to Dubai for the second annual dXb Music Festival. He has performed worldwide from Hong Kong to Reykjavik, and has become a legend with his hybrid play on DJ sets and live performances. His original production career spans collaborations with such artists as Arthur Baker, Felix da Housecat, Midnight Magic, Peaches, Codes, Bart B More, Shinichi Osawa, The Disco Fries, James Murphy, and many more. Bringing out his New Yorker DJ style, Sunshine spins a unique blend of modern rock and future-forward dance music. DJ Times describes “his quirky ear, knack for being ahead of the curve and enthusiasm bordering on obsession for music can’t be understated.”
B.I.G Rossi:
Performing at the largest music festivals and nightclubs in the United Kingdom for the past decade, Virgin Radio Dubai’s B.I.G Rossi (cast of the Kris Fade Show) will be joining the line up at this year’s dXb Music Festival. In collaboration with his musical entertainment, B.I.G Rossi also has his own page, ‘What Rossi’s Reading’ in Ahlan! magazine.
Phil K:
Melbourne based DJ, Phil K has been labeled as one of, if not the most technically-skilled DJs in the world. With a fan base ranging from peers like Sasha, Seaman, Meat Katie, and James Zabiela who has touted Phil K as his “favourite DJ’. He was crowned with the coveted Australian Dance Music Awards “Best DJ”, “Best Radio Show”, and “Lifetime Achievement” awards. He has supported various acts from Kraftwerk to Sasha and played at Glastonbury, Sonar, and Big Day Out as well as countless international clubs, such as Fabric, Zouk, and Ministry of Sound. Phil K has released 7 mix CDs to date.
Simon Reid:
British born DJ Simon Reid has played at renowned London nightclub Plan B with the likes of Norman Jay, Joey Negro, Greg Wilson, Bassment Jaxx and many other top DJs from around the world. Based in Dubai, he is the resident DJ promoter and event manager for MustHaveSoul and Southport Weekender/Official After Party. Simon Reid has also had his own weekly Saturday slot on UAE’s Radio 1 broadcasting live from 360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in 2009 & 2010.
Charl Chaka:
Based in Dubai, South African DJ Charl Chaka is one of the pioneers in the Dubai music industry. He was voted #4 in the DJ Mag Middle East Poll of 2010 as well as nominated for the Best Local DJ by Ahlan! Magazine in 2011 and Winner of “Best Local DJ” in the Time Out Nightlife Awards 2012. Charl Chaka is Managing Director of Dubai’s leading nightlife and music platform, “Infusion Magazine”. He performed at the Abu Dhabi F1 Fan Zone party to over 15,000 fans, UAE Creamfields’ Mainstage 2010, UFC After-party at Yas Island among many more. His vast knowledge and love of music has even seen him drop some energetic Drum and Bass, whilst warming up for the likes of DJ Hype, Roni Size and DJ Marky and LTJ Buken to name but a few.
Mister Outlaw:
One of the most experienced DJs in the UAE, Ahmed Benchaibah, better known as Mister Outlaw, was the first Emirati and Gulf National to perform at UAE Creamfields in 2011.
He has been on the road since he was 18, performing in clubs and private functions in 22 countries ranging from Morocco to Oman. In 2010, Mister Outlaw supported the likes of Bob Sinclair and Jay Sean, and was one of the opening DJs for Coldplay and Deadmau5.
Vello Virkhaus:
American-born Virkhaus is a leading figure in the contemporary electronic music and visual art scene. He has worked on some of the world’s biggest music tours including The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s world tour in 2006 where he directed the multi-media visuals. He also directed the original concert tour visual animations for 50 Cent and on his 2005 Anger Management Tour. He VJ’d and directed visuals for Billy Idol’s “Scream” music video in 2005, and he directed the animations as well as created audio reactive visuals for Coldplay’s “Speed Of Sound” music video, which was nominated for Best Visual FX Award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2005.
Tony Pantages:
Known for his award winning music videos for INXS, Sarah McLachlan, Our Lady Peace and 54•40, filmmaker and visual artist Tony Pantages also moonlights as the main stage VJ of choice at some of the world’s best music festivals. A pioneer of the dance music visual scene and self-described viewsician, Tony scrambled across North America last year with Deadmau5 and fed his cinematic snacks to over 300,000 people. Highlights included closing Miami’s Ultra Music Festival, the Winter Olympics, Coachella and performing in New Orleans during the BP Oil disaster. Take a mesmerizing journey into the music as he rocks the screens, beat for visual beat.
The Zombie Kids:
They have played all the major festivals in Spain including, Sonar, SOS, BBK, MTV Beach and Creamfields Andalucia. Last summer TZK enjoyed a residency at Space Ibiza and for 2012 they are resident DJs at Amnesia Ibiza. Internationally they have exported their dance floor anthems to clubs in Milan, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich. They became number 1 on iTunes Spain (Dance) with their first single “FACE”, which reached over half a million views on YouTube in just 6 months, following its release in Summer 2011. Besides their DJ sessions and productions, they also promote the most successful club night in Spain: ZOMBIE Club: every Wednesday in Madrid. During their club night, they have shared booth with Skrillex, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Foreign Beggars and a long list of similar artists.
Jared McCulloch:
The creator of Global DJs The International Clubbing Experience, a night that has evolved into what is now one of the Middle East’s biggest nights attracting tens of thousands clubbers while hosting DJs like David Guetta, Tiesto & Armin Van Buuren to name a few. Whether he is bringing dance music to the masses via Global DJs or at Qatar’s super club “Seven”, there is one thing for sure, you won’t forget him in a hurry. Jared has spun in some of the worlds biggest clubs and city’s including Los Angeles, Miami, UK, Dubai, Beirut and a host of other places in between spinning for A-List names like BCM Planet Dance, Space, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi and Defected In The House. Jared has shared the booth with Tiesto, David Guetta, Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren, Marco V, Above & Beyond, Judge Jules, Christopher Lawrence, Alex Gaudino, Sander Klienenberg, Simon Dunmore and many more.
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