The Social Room at Marina Social, the lounge at the InterContinental hotel in Dubai Marina, has welcomed their latest resident DJ, Natalie Brogan. She tells us what she has planned for her Thursday night sets — and why she’s one of the few women we can find behind the decks.
Tell us about your new residency. What can people expect to hear?
It’s a very cool, intimate [venue]. I’m able to play a more laid-back but funky house set whilst people enjoy their drinks.
How old were you when you first began DJing, and how old are you now?
I was around 13 when I first started to play ‘parties’ but at 21, I wanted to learn professionally. I enrolled at Manchester Midi School on a 10-week DJ course. I’m now 31 and have spent the last seven years in the UAE as a full-time working DJ.
When and where was the first time you ever DJed? And when did you decide you wanted to do it as a career?
This was never actually ‘meant’ to be my job, it was my hobby. I was a beauty therapist in the UK, and it [started] from working a season in Ibiza that [was] followed with a contract in Abu Dhabi, so in a way, I fell into it being my job — a great fall I must add!
What’s one of your earliest music-related memories?
Very happy memories of listening to my dad getting ready to his [David] Bowie or Smiths collection — something he still does now. Of course, back then those songs were on older players but now I listen to those classics … at the gym or walking around, and it brings back good memories.
When you’re getting ready for a residency spot, what does your creative process entail?
I’m very active on social media, for new and old residencies, I tend to post on my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter weekly. Well set-up technology is important, too — I’ll make sure I have plenty of new music and my favourite Sennheiser headphones with me, the HD25. They are the industry standard and the best performing DJ headphones I’ve used.
What’s your biggest pet peeve as a DJ?
Probably the influx of fake female DJs — the Paris Hiltons — girls who can no longer get work as models so become ‘DJs’ for an attention boost rather than for the love of music. That or being asked for a style of music I don’t play, and then being asked if a phone can be plugged in to play said song!
What’s your worst nightmare behind the decks?
I have actual nightmares about a track ending and I don’t have another ready to play next. Luckily, this has never happened and I don’t ever want it to.
DJing is a massively male-dominated field — why do you think that is?
Good question! I’m not too sure, really. My passion for music 100 per cent came from my upbringing — my dad’s ear for good music and my granddad teaching me the piano, so I suppose it’s what you’re around from a young age. Males are generally more technical but like other male-dominated jobs, there are more and more women becoming DJs every day.
What’s your go-to song if you feel the crowd flagging?
I’d play a classic: At Night by Shakedown (Kid Creme Remix)
What are the hottest three tracks on your set right now?
Nora En Pure, Convincing; Duke Dumont, Be Here; and CamelPhat, Reverse It.
*For table bookings, contact 04-4466664.
