Thirsting for good music?

This week, the Heineken Music Thirst will give the best mixers around a chance to compete for a shot at international fame as well as play alongside DJ legend Paul Oakenfold. A conversation with DJ Daniele Davoli who is one of the judges at the final event

The last 10 days have been an exciting time for DJs in the region as they jockey for a place in the finals of the Heineken Music Thirst event.

On Wednesday, the best mixers around will compete for a shot at international fame as well as the chance to do what so many DJs dream of doing before they depart for the big mix in the sky: To play alongside DJ legend Paul Oakenfold. Disc jockey dreams come true for one finalist at the big Thirst event on Thursday at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Internationally acclaimed DJ Daniele Davoli who also performs on Thursday, is one of the judges at the final. Tabloid got in touch with him via email to find out what it takes to be a winning mix master. Aside from the regular two turntables (or CD players) and a mixer, Davoli recommends a good wardrobe. "You have to dress to impress."

Excerpts from the interview:

Tabloid: What exactly is going on up there at the desk when a top DJ is playing?
Daniele Davoli: It is very important to understand the crowd, to study what they are enjoying. The start of the set should aim to get the respect and trust of the crowd, after that you can then introduce more of your personality and your choice of tracks into the set.

Tabloid: So what then are the skills a DJ needs for shows? A lot of people think there's nothing to it ‹ pick the music, learn how to crossfade and there you go.
DD: No, no, no, no. Mixing is the easy part. DJing is about entertaining. People want an experience, not just track after track.

Tabloid: What separates the good DJ from the great DJ?
DD: A good DJ is a DJ who has the skills but hasn't quite made it yet. That DJ will become a superstar DJ when everything falls into place ‹ whether its getting a good DJ agent, a brilliant PR, a life-changing set or just dedication and ambition.

Tabloid: How does a world-class DJ keep in touch with the latest music?
DD: That is the difficult aspect. It's hard to stay ahead of the trends all the time. It's very important to be in the right place in the right time. Also to constantly communicate with DJs, producers and hear what they're working on. Touring the world with Thirst is a great headstart as you can tune into more than 30 musical landscapes for inspiration.

Tabloid: What is the most challenging part of being a DJ? The late nights? The skill needed? Getting tunes nobody else has?
DD: Personally, I'm a non-smoker so working in clubs and breathing in everyone else's smoke takes its toll on me on Monday and Tuesday.

Tabloid: What are the elements of DJ style? While many of us can explain what makes one guitarist different from another, it's harder to describe a DJ's style.
DD: I guess that's because a DJ has a different way of communicating their music as they play other people's songs. A DJ's job is building an atmosphere wherever they play. If you build it well, then you'll be top of the game.

Tabloid: As a judge for Thirst, what are your criteria and how important is each one?
DD: Technique is important, but performing is very high on the list too. You should be unique. Take inspiration from others but don't copy them.

Tabloid: There are so many styles and genres...
DD: It's endless. Every day there's a new DJ style. Electro-punk, Rock DJs, Chill out DJs. For each genre of music there is a genre of DJs.

Tabloid: Would you evaluate DJs of different kinds of music differently?
DD: I have no prejudice on music. However, those DJs who are playing the music I like most will more than likely get my attention and my vote.

Tabloid: Anybody in particular we should look out for?
DD: I believe a South African DJ called DJ Wesley won the Dubai Found@Thirst heat, so it will be interesting to hear what different musical influences he may or may not bring to his set on Wednesday.

Tabloid: What about the DJ market? Is it a tough one to crack? Does demand outstrip supply or is it the other way around?
DD: It's the other way around. There are far, far more DJs than club nights or venues. The DJs that promote themselves get more gigs and more recognition.