For its first public event, fashion label Fred Perry is bringing Australian psychedelic rock band Jagwar Ma to start the party in Dubai. Sub-Sonic Live is a concert series held in different parts of the world as a nod to the brand’s relationship with street style and club culture, and to give upcoming artists their time to shine.
Usually invite-only, limited tickets to the Dubai event on October 23 at the Dubai International Marine Club at Mina Siyahi are on sale for the first time this year. Joining Jagwar Ma on stage will be Kuwait DJ Zahed Sultan and Dubai-based British DJ Andy Buchan.
The three-piece Jagwar Ma, born in Sydney and now based in London, is made up of Gabriel Winterfield, Jono Ma and Jack Freeman. They recently broke into the US market with their debut album Howlin’, released last year, and capped it with a performance at the renowned Coachella music festival earlier this year.
Winterfield spoke to Soundbites ahead of his band’s Dubai debut to talk music, selfies and pistachio ice cream.
Hello, welcome to Dubai. Is this your first time in the city? What are you looking forward to the most besides performing?
Thank you very much for having us. I have been to Dubai once on holiday when I was a kid, and when we’re on tour making the almighty journey from London to Sydney that usually means a quick stopover In the UAE.
I love Middle Eastern food, especially proper pistachio ice cream with watermelon.
You’ve been making music for a long time. But tell me how the journey’s been so far since you released Howlin’?
We’ve had an amazing time, been able to see incredible places and meet interesting people. When you’re travelling a lot it’s impossible not to reflect. What starts as a physical journey turns into ripples in the ocean of your mind.
From Coachella to Glastonbury, which music festival has been your favourite, and why?
My favourite festival experience would have to be Summersonic in Japan. I’d always wanted to go and Tokyo was everything I’d hoped for and more. I also watched NaS side of stage and then watched Metallica. We also set fireworks outside of our hotel room.
Is breaking into the US a big deal for musicians like yourself?
I like vibing with everyone. We’ve toured the US a lot in the last 12 months and have always had a really great time.
So why don’t we settle this once and for all — how did you get your name?
We inherited it.
Then let’s discuss musical influences. Who were ‘it’ for you guys growing up?
Hmmm, it depends when you’re talking about. On the one hand various Disney soundtracks were pretty big in my house [Toy Story, Lion King, Aladdin] but then we also listened to a lot of things like NaS and Kanye, Beastie Boys, Nirvana, and I would also have to say that the themes to a lot of Super Nes and Game Boy games.
What kind of impact would you say has the internet had on your music and how it is consumed and spread?
I think the internet is a beautiful and powerful tool. There are always people using such powers the wrong way, others using it in such an inspired manner I sometimes question whether those created it could have predicted its evolution. I think Peter Parker’s uncle in Spider-Man summed it up well when he said: “With great power comes great responsibility”.
What can your fans expect from your Dubai performance?
Dancing, colourful lights, guitars, drum machines, hurling a microphone or two and definitely lots of hugs, high fives and selfies when we come off stage.
What next for Jagwar Ma?
Go to Australia, hang out with family, and break the back of the next record with the power of fresh coconuts and a shiny sun. And probably a fair amount of skating/surfing all over Sydney.
Don’t miss it
Tickets to Fred Perry Super-Sonic live are Dh100 (early bird) and Dh150 at the door. They are also available at all Fred Perry stores. Call 04-3399358.
