Tech-touting DJ Anna is one of Brazil’s finest contemporary musical exports, serving up warm but raw electronic beats that went down a storm at her regional debut almost a year ago. Having thrilled a throbbing crowd at 360°, the rising star is back for another session which is already tipped to be among the best of the season.
You spun at 360° for Audio Tonic last season – what do you remember of the gig, and how was the crowd?
I loved everything. The crowd was fantastic, we really connected. The weather was amazing, 360° was packed – it was really cool. And that is why I am so excited to be coming back.
Your dad used to own a nightclub in Brazil. How much of an influence did he have on your career path?
It was because of him that I got started. At his club I used to regularly go and see what the DJs were doing, and I always thought I could do better. He encouraged me to try and have a go at it – he gave me all the conditions to develop my career as a DJ. He used to take me to buy vinyl in São Paulo, and bought me some equipment as well.
How strong is the electronic music scene right now in Brazil?
It is very strong. In Brazil the scene is really growing, even if electronic music isn’t the main thing right now. Events are getting bigger and better; the Brazilian producers are starting to break out of the local scene. Even if commercial music is still more predominant, we are working on changing that.
Why aren’t there more female DJs in the world?
I really don’t know. We are a small number compared to the men but there are a few of us, and I think that the few that there are, are doing extremely well.
A lot of female DJs are getting as much praise as some of the top male DJs, which is so important for the industry.
Describe your personality in five words.
Shy, dreamer, unstoppable, lazy, strong.
Describe your DJ sound in five words.
Driving, groovy, bass, techno, house.
A guilty pleasure?
Funk music from Rio de Janeiro.
Three of your biggest musical influences?
There are so many I will have to name four: Caribou, Carl Cox, Kraftwerk, Carl Craig.
If you could steal any DJ’s record box, whose would it be?
John Digweed’s.
And if the world was going to end in seven minutes, what tune would you play?
Carl Craig, At Les.
DJ Anna performs at Audio Tonic's Sunset Sessions, 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, February 6,from 4pm. Free guest list at www.platinumlist.ae
- What’s happening in clubland
Steve Aoki
Last spotted at People in Dubai 12 months ago, Aoki is more used to crowd-surfing far larger audiences in a blow-up mattress, as well as showering them with his Teutonic electronic beats and signposted drops.
• February 5, from 9pm at Eden Beach Club, Rixos the Palm. Tickets from Dh150 at www.platinumlist.ae.
Audio Bullys
Once the duo behind Nancy Sinatra-sampling 2005 super-hit Shot You Down, Audio Bullys are now just Simon Franks, who takes the mic here backed by a tour DJ.
• February 5, from 10pm at The Basement, Boutique 7 Hotel, Tecom. Dh100, ladies free before midnight.
Basement Jaxx
The vintage UK house-pop duo make another appearance in Dubai. Hope to hear classics Red Alert and Rendez-Vu among some new tracks.
• February 6, from 5pm at Nasimi Beach, Atlantis the Palm. Tickets from Dh180 at www.platinumlist.ae.
Klingande
The French producer/saxophonist responsible for Jubel, which clocked 87 million views on YouTube will make a regional splash with gigs in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• February 5 from 10.30pm at The Exchange Club, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, 050 763 9275.
• February 6 from 11pm at Pacha Ibiza Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah; 04 567 0000. Free entry.
Norman Jay
The “Good Times” party starter known for his annual Notting Hill Carnival sets and that hat, returns to Dubai, bringing his typically eclectic record bag, stuffed with floor-filling summery beats.
• February 6 at Zero Gravity, SkyDive Dubai. Free for men before 10pm and ladies before midnight, Dh100 after.
[ rgarratt@thenational.ae ]
