Dubai – Many see it as a new Miami: lights, skyscrapers, fantastic hotels and luxury in 24 carats.
One of the seven emirates in United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a global business and commercial trading hub in the Middle East. Home of Palm Jumeirah artificial island, Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world, massive entertainment and gigantic shopping malls. Dubai is a place where one is bound to encounter cultures from around the world that blend together peacefully, also helped by the music from Buddha bar resident DJ Dimi. El.
Hi DIMI EL, tell us about yourself, where are you from, where do you live now?
DIMI EL – I am originally from a small town in Greece called Komotini. I live in Dubai since 2006.
URLOPOP – How long have you been working as a DJ? And how many years have you been resident DJ for the Buddha Dubai?
DIMI EL – It was back in 1993.. I started playing music at local bars and radio stations in my hometown, I was too young back then, took me some time to gain the experience, I am almost 9 years in Buddha bar Dubai.. 2006 if I remember well.
URLOPOP – Who and what influenced you in your work as a DJ when you started?
DIMI EL – The DJ scene and music culture was very different those years.. no internet.. no social media .. we always use to listen local djs in our town or even travel to other cities to see the club and music trends there. I remember the days that we use to spent hours in record stores.. priceless ! In 1998 my biggest influence came from Paris with the Buddha bar compilations .. Claude Challe and DJ Ravin where my Idols
URLOPOP – How do you find it living in Dubai, compared to your home in Komotini - Greece? What do you like about Dubai and what do you miss of your home country?
DIMI EL – Two different worlds.. a village and a hi-tech city .. that’s the only way to describe it! What I like in Dubai… its Cosmopolitan, very safe place to live, you have unlimited choices in international cuisine , interesting nightlife, you can ski in the desert plus everything its easy.. you can even pay all your bills just with an application on your mobile.. But Honestly .. I miss my country .. Simplicity, Great Food, beautiful people.. amazing weather.. The best beaches in the world ..
URLOPOP – What do you think about the current economic/political situation in Greece?
DIMI EL – What’s happening in Greece it's illegal and unethical.. A well planed game between US, Europe and our corrupted government .. their target is our resources .. the majority of the world have no clue how rich county we are.. LOTS OF PETROL, GAS, METALS etc-
URLOPOP – How do cope with the extremely hot summers in Dubai? Temperature in excess of +40°C are normal during the summer time.
DIMI EL – well .. 43 it’s a normal summer day .. best solution… avoid open spaces .. stay indoors.. and make sure the AC in your car is working!
URLOPOP – How did you end up playing as a DJ at Buddha Bar Dubai? Was it just a coincidence or something you planned.
DIMI EL - I always wanted to play in Buddha Bar since I was 19 years old (1999). I really can’t explain how I ended up in Dubai.. power of will and positive thinking I guess, or lets say .. in the right place.. at the right time.. with the right people.
URLOPOP – What is your favourite kind of music?
DIMI EL – There is bad music and good music… I don’t have a favourite style.. as long is something good to my ears I am happy. I can listen from Indie rock to opera.
URLOPOP – What kind of music do you prefer to play for your audience?
DIMI EL – My style is a mix of Indie-Dance, House and Electronic. Is always nicer and more challenging to combine different genres.
URLOPOP – Do you play any musical instruments?
DIMI EL – Unfortunately no.. and I regret it every day! Well .. it's never to late.
URLOPOP – Would you like to mention someone that has worked with you and you would like to thank?
DIMI EL – I would like to mention 3 people.. for the support in all those years..Paris Christofides and Costas Melenikos .. They are always next to me whatever the situation! The third person.. DJ Ravin.. he introduced me to Buddha Bar .. Feeling grateful!
URLOPOP – Did you have to adapt your music style to the local culture when you moved to Dubai?
DIMI EL – Not really.. everybody seems to enjoy it all those years.
URLOPOP – Your job as a DJ has taken you around the world, which is the best place you visited so far?
DIMI EL – Its hard to say.. every country its different and beautiful .. But.. I really enjoy the vibe of the city when I am in Paris or Saint Petersburg
URLOPOP – What are your projects for the future?
DIMI EL – A new compilation coming out end of February and I am really looking forward to that! the rest I’ll keep it as a surprise.
2015
