The Big One: Dubai Sound City 2009

The Irish Village, Dubai, UAE

United Kingdom | by Daniel Fahey | 02 November 2009

We look ahead to this week's big festival draw, Dubai Sound City.

What is it?
From the organisers of the successful Liverpool Sound City comes its international counterpart, Dubai Sound City. The event is part-music festival, part-music conference, showcasing a combination of local and international acts in the sweltering getaway of The Irish Village, Dubai.

Organisers describe it as the hottest winter music festival and it may be the perfect chance to forget about the barrage of Tesco Christmas adverts doing the circulation on TV and concentrate instead of some great music from the likes of De La Soul, Happy Mondays and the Human League.

When and where?
The event runs for three days in The Irish Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 5-7 November.

One to watch
De La Soul – 9.40pm, Irish Village, 6 November
Legendary hip hop outfit De La Soul don’t make festival appearances that often, but when they do they turn the place into a great big musical love in. With funky beats and some classic rap tracks, their show should be hotter than the desert.

One to miss
Super Furry Animals – 9.40pm, Irish Village, 7 November
After some woeful and frankly self-indulgent performances this summer, it’s best not to give SFA another chance. Not until they start playing anything other than their new album anyway.

Insider tip
Foreign Beggars – 1pm, Alpha, 5 November
Forget flashes in the pan like Tinchy and Chipmunk, Foreign Beggars have been the greatest hip hop contingent in the UK for the last ten years. The original and most credible rappers from these shores will put on a party to bring down the Seven Star Hotel.

Be at Dubai Sound City if you like…
Topping up your sun tan, impressive buildings and beaches, great venues and a diversity in musical selection.

Avoid if you hate…
Staying sober, warm weather, classic late 80s and early 90s bands a la The Farm, Echo And The Bunnymen, Happy Mondays and Ocean Colour Scene.

Can I still get tickets?
Yes. Conference tickets and festival wristbands are both available now for $300USD and $750AED respectively.

Click here for more information.