Soundcheck: what’s happening in clubland this weekend

Audio Tonic takes cover

Audio Tonic – the team behind 360°’s distinctive Friday-night Sunset Sessions – has taken a detour into more upbeat territories with a new indoor club night.

In addition to their much-loved alfresco concept, the team is starting a new night, Shibuya, subtitled “The Art of House Music”, a markedly grittier affair in the new Tecom nightspot The Basement.

“Nearly all our events have been open-air until now,” said the founder Mike Bufton, aka Mr Mr. “This gives us the chance to take it where clubbing culture was born, inside a true nightclub with four walls, a low ceiling and banging sound system.”

To get the new night off to a storming start, Audio Tonic have called on the services of the phenomenal French talent Rodriguez Jr, renowned for his “live” sets that blur the boundaries between a DJ set and band.

“I have some loops recorded, then I programme most of my beats live, and then I improvise on the keyboard over that – a lot,” explains the 37-year-old French DJ. “So every night it’s the same tracks, but the intensity, beats and structure are different – it’s like a rock band.”

Rodriguez is a master in the studio, too. His recent EP, Persistence of Vision, built on the sonic scope and ambition of his 2011 album, Bittersweet.

“I’ve known the Audio Tonic guys for a long time and I’m looking forward to this new venue,” he says. “It’s a basement vibe, very different to the concept they have at 360° – more underground, sweaty and ravey.”

• Read our full interview with Rodriguez Jr at www.thenational.ae/arts-life

• Shibuya is on tonight from 10pm at The Basement, Boutique 7 Hotel & Suites, Tecom, Dubai. Dh100 entry, ladies free before midnight

Join in the birthday celebraitons

Something old

Launched as a few stapled sheets of nightlife listings in 2004 – an Ice Age ago in UAE clubland terms – all-purpose Infusion has grown to become a main player on Dubai’s nightlife scene, as the promoter behind hip club nights such as House of Afrika and GlobalFunk.

The brand marks a major milestone tomorrow night with its We Are 10 anniversary party, featuring a visit from the prolific American-born, Greece-based, jazz-influenced producer Osunlade, plus a stint from the Dutch decksmith Born2Funk.

“Seeing the city grow and being part of creating its clubbing history for the past 10 years is an honour for the Infusion team,” said its founder, managing director and DJ Charl Chaka. “We look forward to the next 10 years of creating special moments and events in Dubai.”

Tomorrow from 6pm at The Deck on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, free entry

Something new

Also celebrating an anniversary this weekend is Something Big, which rings in two years with a Super Batch Party starring international drum’n’bass names Alix Perez and DLR.

Over the past 24 months the brand has grown internationally, with tie-ups alongside Croatia’s Outlook Festival and the Czech Republic’s Let It Roll, as well as hosting an impressive roster of regular international events.

Its founder Omar Shaker said: “We are extremely proud to be celebrating our second birthday and are ecstatic with the way the brand has grown over time.

“It’s such a satisfying feeling to stick with an underground format that we believe in, while maintaining a very strong and dedicated following.”

• Casting off from Dubai Marina tonight at 10pm, Dh350 including beverages

Something blue

Another birthday party in town, but this one is just stopping by – the German techno pioneer Martin Buttrich is celebrating 20 years of music-making with his tour, which lands at Blue Marlin this weekend.

•Tomorrow from 1pm at Blue Marlin Ibiza, Ghantoot, reservations 056 113 3400

Other happenings in clubland

The Breakbeat pioneer Krafty Kuts is back in Dubai, spinning alongside A Skillz tonight at Zero Gravity, SkyDive Dubai. Doors from 6pm. Entry is free for men before 10pm and ladies before midnight, otherwise Dh100.

The Canadian EDM duo DVBBS, best known for last year's UK number one Tsunami, spin at Dubai's People by Crystal tomorrow, doors 10pm. Entry Dh100 for ladies, Dhs250 for gents or Dh300 per couple.

Cafè Mambo Ibiza hosts a one-off night as part of its World Tour, which hits Cielo Sky Lounge, Dubai Creek Yacht Club tonight, doors from 6pm, reservations 055 106 9059.

Newcomers

Pacha Ibiza Dubai

In case you missed it, after more than a year of hype Pacha Ibiza Dubai finally opens to the public this weekend. A huge multi-room concept, the venue mixes a stage show, pan-Asian restaurant and three distinct dance floors in the Souk Madinat spot where Trilogy used to be – check www.thenational.ae for our full preview.

• Launch party tomorrow from 8pm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, entry Dh150

Skank launch

UK garage-club brand Skank is launching in the UAE, with a performance from early pioneers DJ Luck & MC Neat, known for their UK top 10 hits Master Blaster 2000 and Ain’t No Stopping Us.

•Tonight from 10pm at Story Rooftop Lounge, Holiday Inn Express, Dubai Knowledge Village, free entry

Grant Nelson

Going head-to-head with their own residents, Dubai’s 360° is launching a new Thursday-night concept with the Sunstroke team. Best known for their popular Dubai Marina boat parties, their new landlocked residency kicks off tonight with a special guest, the UK garage forefather Grant Nelson, pictured, behind the decks alongside Shane D.

• Tonight, from 6pm at 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, free entry

rgarratt@thenational.ae