Born in bred in Adelaide, Australia, DJ Lou Lou is bringing her experience from down under right to the latest Dubai hotspot: Boutiq Ultra Lounge.
The new duplex venue, opening on January 23, can be aptly summed up as ambitious. With a ceiling 19 metres high, 32 speakers, an upstairs lounge section, a curtained-off VVIP section and a lower ground dance floor, the 500-capacity spot was built with versatility in mind. Future plans include nights of intimate live music, themed lifestyle events and the occasional bespoke gathering.
One constant is resident DJ Lou Lou on the elevated decks, overlooking a good portion of the action. The 33-year-old has a bachelor’s degree in History and Anthropology, a post-graduate degree in Arts and Music history, a record of working in real-estate and banking, and a drive for always discovering the newest sounds.
How would you describe your DJing style?
All things house! A fusion of soulful, vocal groovy tech and deep driving tunes that pack a punch.
Are you excited about starting a residency at Boutiq Ultra Lounge?
I’m very excited! Can’t wait for the curtains to be unveiled! The suspense is driving me crazy...
What do you think will make it a special place to take over the turntables in?
It’s always good when a new venue wants to do something different from other places. I think most DJs would put their hand up for that opportunity. What I’m looking forward to is being able to play my style and keep it fresh by introducing new tracks each time but keep it familiar with the crowd, too. Keeping that balance is my mission.
Take us back a little further. How long have you been doing this, and how did you begin your DJing career?
In summary, I was raised in a musical household. My father is a guitarist and is proudly still rocking out. I inherited his passion and ear for music. At school, I studied piano and guitar and joined the school choir. I was probably one of the only students at the time who liked “techno” as they labelled it then. I was definitely outcast for this during the grunge era. At university, I pursued piano and singing as an extra-curricular activity. I was also working part-time for a music store and I was fascinated by DJing and clubbing culture but didn’t see it as a career at that time until I started purchasing some favourite tunes on vinyl in 2004/2005 and then it all started. Since then I’ve played around Australia, some parts of Asia, USA and Middle East.
What are some of your favourite new songs to include on your set?
Well, I don’t want to give too much away, but you can expect some tracks from Andre Crom, Roland Nights, Tapesh, DJ Le Roi, Giom, Breach, Kevin Saunderson to name a few. I’m loving the UK Garage-fused house tracks around at the moment. Definitely up my alley!
And what are some songs that are constants on your set, if you have any?
I don’t get too attached to tracks these days, not like I used to, because I’m always searching for stand out tracks to make my sets different each time and it definitely depends on where I’m playing.
What’s your biggest pet peeve as a DJ?
Biggest peeve, even after all this time, is getting requests. Not so much being asked, but the attitude of some people when you don’t have what they want. Come on... I don’t work with a crystal ball... Or worse when they want to hover around and make small talk.
What do you think makes a successful party?
A good, non-pretentious mixed crowd, top-notch sound system, good DJs, consistent music repertoire and. of course. good management.
* Boutiq Ultra Lounge is at Address Hotel, The Dubai Mall. For tables, call 052-6801855. Go to boutiq.ae for more.
