Deejay Shadow Dubai talks about his multicultural background and its influence on the tracks he creates and plays
Known for his dynamic performances and keen musical instincts, Deejay Shadow Dubai is a music producer who effortlessly gets the crowd moving to his beats. Hailing from Dubai, this artist is constantly on the move and recently showcased his talents at the ‘Bollywood Night’ in Mi-a-mi, the club at Pune’s JW Marriott. Notably, he has recently collaborated with Guru Randhawa and Pitbull on the track titled “Slowly Slowly.” Deejay Shadow Dubai is also the founder of Shadow Experience, a collective that brings together artists, producers, songwriters, and DJs to create and support Bollywood music on a global scale. Some of his other popular works include “Aaja ni aaja,” “Move your body,” “Champagne train,” “Saari saari raat,” “Rich,” and various official remixes.
In a recent interview, Deejay Shadow Dubai shared insights into his musical journey:
**Earliest Musical Memory:**
Growing up in Dubai, a melting pot of cultures, music played a pivotal role in the fusion of East and West. This environment not only forms one of my earliest memories of music but also lays the foundation for my career. The sound of “Slowly Slowly” is a prime example of this cultural blend that captivated me at a young age. Collaborating with two giants from the East and the West, Guru Randhawa and Pitbull, is a privilege.
**Decision to Pursue Music Full Time:**
Music has always been in my blood. Initially working in the events industry, I contemplated my life’s path as a teenager. My exposure to DJ sets and passion for music, cultivated during events, sparked a deep interest. Transitioning from DJing to music production was a natural progression driven by my profound passion. There wasn’t a specific moment but a gradual realization that music was my calling.
**Musical Inspirations:**
Inspiration is omnipresent, drawn from life experiences and encounters with people worldwide. Traveling allows me to explore diverse sounds that can be incorporated into my music. It strikes when least expected—sometimes waking up with a particular sound in mind. Collaborating with artists like Sean Paul, Bohemia, Jay Sean, Badshah, Guru Randhawa, and Pitbull brings unique experiences to the creative process.
**Challenges in Music Production:**
As a DJ, standing out amidst a sea of remixes and mashups poses a significant challenge. It takes time to find one’s unique sound, identify the target audience, and understand what works. The prevalence of song remakes in the market limits our sets, as original compositions are scarce.
**Evolution of Work Since the Beginning:**
My journey started with a desire to blend Bollywood and electronic music, an unconventional combination at the time. Initially, I focused on remixes, garnering positive responses and securing spots in the top 10 of the BBC Asian Network. The progression continued into mashups and now includes original music, paving the way for international collaborations like “Slowly Slowly,” “Move your body,” and “Aaja ni aaja.”
**Upcoming Projects:**
Following the success of “Slowly Slowly,” I am thrilled about touring and sharing this song with fans. Anticipate more original music this year as collaborations take center stage, uniting the world through music and bringing Indian music to a global audience. Stay tuned for some exciting projects in the pipeline.