Thirst for music

12 July 2006

DJs in the region with a thirst for music are being given the opportunity to go head-to-head for the chance to perform and produce with Groove Armada.

Heineken Music is bringing Thirst back to the Gulf with an unparalleled global DJ competition which gives those with talent the chance to play live at a Dubai event.

The Thirst Studio will have a new format for this, the third edition of the region's hottest dj-ing talent competition, which will seek out new ability in Bahrain, Oman and the UAE.

Thirst Studio 2006 is encouraging DJs to go further to create and produce, as well as perform.

Workshops

Thirst Studio is working in collaboration with the SAE Institute in Dubai, part of the world's largest network of media institutes, to offer workshops to the competing DJs which will enable them to enhance their production skills for the competition.

Competing DJs are also being encouraged to use their creative skills in their showcase performances and to include original elements in their sets.

The winner of each local showcase event will go into the regional final in Dubai and the winner of the regional final will play alongside Groove Armada and Soulwax Nite Versions at the Thirst Studio main event in Dubai on November 9.

They will then travel to London to produce a track in a professional studio with Groove Armada.

The popular band, famous for hit songs such as I See You Baby and If Everybody Looked The Same, say they are looking forward to coming to Dubai.

Search for artistes

Band member Andy Cato said: "After a big night at the Heineken event in South America last year, we're looking forward to the '06 gigs that are on the way. Hopefully I can find some new artistes for my PackUpAndDance label."

Registration opened this week and anyone interested in taking part should sign up before July 31.

Previous winner Matthew Charles said the event gave his career a real boost.

The 30-year-old said: "I have been a DJ all over the world but have lived in Dubai for a few years now.

"Winning the competition last year has certainly given my career a boost and it gave me lots of confidence.

"Something like that will always look good on my CV."

How to take part

www.thirst-gulf.comAll applicants have to be aged 21 or over and need to provide a 30-minute, non-stop demo mix (original or remixed tracks) on CD along with the registration form.

DJs can create genre-bending mixes including dance and rock, hip hop and funk, among others.

Thirst Studio is being supported by global partner Pioneer, which is providing professional prizes to all the competing DJs, and in the Gulf by the SAE Institute and Dubai 92.

All the showcase events will be judged by experienced, music industry-related professionals.

About Thirst Studio ...

Since its beginning in 2002, Thirst has been on an incredible journey. It began with one DJ, one music genre, and has grown to feature multiple performers and multiple genres on a global scale in the search for fresh music talent.

More than 300,000 people have attended a Thirst event and over 7,000 aspiring DJs and musicians have participated in the Thirst programme.

Over the years the competition has provided local talented DJs with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside internationally-known artistes and performers, maximising their exposure and status.

Winners have received a huge amount of exclusive music hardware and software, widespread national media attention and career tips, advice and first-hand experience from international DJs.

Along the way, Thirst has unearthed some outstanding talent.

The dates

Thirst Studio DJ showcase events:

Wafi City, Dubai.

Bahrain: September 6 and 13 at BJs, Manama.

Regional final:

Dubai: September 19 at the Thirst Studio venue, Wafi City, Dubai.

Grand final:

Dubai: November 9 venue to be confirmed

By Kelly Crane