Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 5 December, 2011: As the Capital prepares to welcome the world’s leading DJs and artists for the biggest electronic music festival in the region, four internationally renowned spinners have taken the time out to send aspiring Arab DJs some helpful advice.

Yousef, Italoboyz, Markus Schulz and Slam, who jet in to Abu Dhabi later this week for the most anticipated electronic music fiesta the Capital has ever hosted, Creamfields Abu Dhabi, say, one of the most important things to remember is to be yourself.

Yousef, one of the most popular Arab DJs on the international circuit, said: “Following the crowd and social conformity within music is always temporary.”

Over the last few years, Yousef, an Egyptian based in the UK, has become a popular fixture on the music scene, playing worldwide to tens of thousands of party revelers. The most valuable piece of advice, he adds: “I would encourage a love for music, and make the DJ understand that being a real DJ is not a fashion accessory; it’s a passion.”

American-based German trance DJ Markus Schulz, who revolutionized trance music in the United States, had this piece of advice for aspiring young Arab spinners: “Find the groove that feels absolutely right for you and stick to it. So many DJs try to be all things to all people, and it just can’t happen. You can’t possibly have a true representation of yourself if you are trying to please every other person out there. It just isn’t possible. Find the style of music that moves and inspires you and stick to it!”

Native Italian duo Italoboyz, aka Marco Donato and Federico Marton, who are now based in London, suggested experimenting with sound and taking risks.

“Try to play music according to your real taste,” they said. “Don’t stick to the charts; try to play music that has a timeless feeling. Imagine hearing it yourself in a few years’ time and see if you will still like it. If the answer is yes, you have it.”

Slam, made up of Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle, said: “Use the internet to build your knowledge of the multifaceted genre that is electronic dance music.”

The Glasgow-based pair, known throughout the clubbing-world for their house and techno sound, added: Choose your own path, start doing your own parties with friends, try to do radio production, and create your own record label. Finally, approach clubs to guest on nights; get busy.”

Partygoers and music lovers can see the DJs ply their trade this weekend. For the first time Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011 will be held over two days at the YAS ARENA. Dance fans will enjoy over 24 hours of the world’s finest electronica Live and DJ talent.

Headlining the third installment of the annual electronic dance fiesta will be Tiesto, deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Ferry Corsten, Katy B, Laidback Luke, Tinie Tempa, and a host of special guests.

With multiple dance stages and arenas, as well as a host of weird and wonderful festival entertainment dotted around the YAS ARENA fields, Creamfields Abu Dhabi is now firmly established as one of the leading festivals in the region.

This year’s event is expected to attract even more with some of the hottest DJs spinning all weekend against a backdrop of cool chill out areas, VIP platforms, shisha lounges, massage areas, oxygen bars, heaps of whacky merchandise, rides, vendors and other exciting activities across the festival.

Artist line up for Thursday, December 8th includes deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Katy B, John Digweed, Ferry Cortsen, Markus Shulz, Danny Howells, Yousef, Jochen Miller plus local DJs Greg Stainer, Humaid, Pete Samplers, DJ Xavi & DJ Spider and from Audio Tonic: Mr Mr, Vas Floyd and Raxon.

Friday, December 9th will host Tiesto, Tinie Tempa, Laidback Luke, Marco Carola, Derrick Carter, Riva Starr, Slam Italoboyz, Madjam, Simonne Cooper plus local DJs Natalie Brogan, DJ Genie, Stacktrazz, Mark Pickup & Infusion Dj’s; Smokingroove, Andy Buchan, Charl Chaka and Afroboogie.

This year, to make this event even more impressive, two lucky people will get Creamfields Abu Dhabi VIP treatment, with a two day pass, backstage tour, meet and greet with select DJs and a weekend hotel stay on Yas Island. Visit www.creamfields.ae for more details.

Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011 is a 21+ event. Tickets at www.thinkflash.ae

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. For tickets visit www.thinkflash.ae. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.com. Stay tuned for the other events and surprises happening on Yas Island this year.

Brandon Boyd – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 13 November, 2011: Formula 1 ticket holders were treated to yet another thrilling concert performance, with British rock band The Cult and American rockers Incubus lighting up Yas Arena, Yas Island, last night.

Chris Kilmore – turntables, keyboards

 

Thousands of enthusiastic rock fans raced to the arena, shortly after the qualifying session ended, to secure their seats for the double act who produced a red-hot night of entertainment ahead of the final day of the 2011 F1™ Etihad Airways Dhabi Grand Prix.

Mike Einziger – lead guitar, piano, backing vocals

 

The Cult stepped out on stage to a roaring welcome and did not let down their dedicated followers. The popular 80s British band performed some of their greatest hits including Lil’ Devil, Sweet Soul Sister and the Rain, a single from one of their famous albums Love which was released in 1985.

Ben Kenney – bass guitar, backing vocals

 

The American rock band Incubus were greeted with a deafening cheer as the group opened its show with Megalomaniac and then moved into tracks off their latest album If Not Now, When, including Promises, Defiance and Tomorrow’s Food.

Incubus – Brandon Boyd

 

Alex Daristides a Dubai resident from Australia, said: “It was a great night. We spent a long day here as we originally came to watch the race and decided to stay for the concerts. The setup was great and we really enjoyed it.”

Incubus – Brandon Boyd

 

Yasalam concludes tonight with one of the world’s most recognized performers, the legendary Paul McCartney. The show is exclusive to F1 ticket holders.

 

ABOUT FLASH ENTERTAINMENT

Based in Abu Dhabi, FLASH Entertainment is the regions premier live events company, with a proven track record in delivering fantastic events and experiences for people of Abu Dhabi, of any age, culture or nationality.

From movie premieres, classical shows, international tennis tournaments and megastar music concerts through to creating local community events, supporting local talent, and providing interactive experiences and edu-tainment, FLASH is committed to providing unique entertainment experiences.

FLASH has successfully delivered some of the biggest and most memorable live events in Abu Dhabi’s history. From ground breaking popstars to world film premieres, FLASH has already left an unforgettable mark on the city, and in the process entertained over half a million people.

 

ABOUT YASALAM

Yasalam was created by Abu Dhabi for residents and visitors to enjoy. It is a unique concept rooted in the cultural fabric, tastes and interests of the UAE appealing to all ages and backgrounds. With parades, simulators, parties, concerts, open-air cinema, art displays and much more, Yasalam means a whole heap of fun and entertainment in Abu Dhabi.

Each year Yasalam promises to be bigger, with more surprises and of course the big names performing on Yas Island. Yasalam events bring together a stellar line up of celebrated local, Arab and international artists performing for tens of thousands at Abu Dhabi Corniche for ‘Beats on the Beach’. Yasalam Live on Yas Island and Live on the Corniche attracts an audience of over half a million every year, from Abu Dhabi, the UAE, the region and internationally. The festival also integrates Abu Dhabi educational and community initiatives with festivities and entertainment throughout the Capital. Yasalam has the support of the government, the business community, the entertainment industry, after-race stakeholders and the people of Abu Dhabi.

Press Release:Nothing Else Matters … Metallica Rocks The Yas Arena

Press Release

Nothing Else Matters

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 26 October, 2011: ‘Nothing Else Matters’, that’s what thousands of fans chanted as they began arriving at the Yas Arena, Yas Island, on Tuesday night to see the biggest hard rock band on the planet perform for the first time in Abu Dhabi.

Filipinos Represent

 

When die hard Metallica fans first heard the news they were coming to town, thousands snapped up tickets in record time and weren’t disappointed as the famous quartet of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammet and Robert Trujillo rocked the Yas Arena.

James Hetfield

 

The hard rock legends, who are celebrating their 30^th anniversary, opened the show with some of their most powerful hits, and for over 2 hours a capacity crowd was treated to one of the biggest rock concerts the region has ever seen.

Kirk Hammett

 

The band dominated the biggest stage in the Middle East blasting out hits including Enter Sandman, Creeping Death, Nothing Else Matters, Sanitarium and Seek and Destroy. There were tears of joy on the front row as die hard rock fans from across the region screamed for their heroes.

Robert Trujillo

 

After the show, fans praised the iconic band saying it was one of the most powerful and electrifying performances they had ever witnessed at the Yas Arena.

James Hetfield

 

Tarek Al Alawi flew in from Egypt to see his icons perform. He said: “I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. I’ve got nothing else to say”.

Robert Trujillo

 

Amanda Peterson from Dubai said: “I never thought we’d see Metallica in the UAE. The energy is incredible. This is the biggest Tuesday night I’ve ever had. What a show”.

Kirk Hammett

 

Fans can download the audio of Metallica’s performance for this show at www.livemetallica.com.

To see how Metallica prepared for Yas Arena show, go to www.thinkflash.ae from Thursday 27^th October and watch an exclusive video from the band’s Tuning Room.

 

Robert Trujillo

The next installment of YISW will see the biggest electronic festival in the Middle East; Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2011 returns to Yas Arena for 2 days of the world’s biggest DJs and live acts on December 8^th and 9^th.

James Hetfield

 

Headlining the third installment of the annual electronic dance fiesta will be Tiesto, deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Ferry Corsten, Katy B, Laidback Luke, Tinie Tempa, and a host of special guests.

Kirk Hammett

 

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. For tickets visit www.thinkflash.ae. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.com. Stay tuned for the other events and surprises happening on Yas Island this year.

 

 

Press Release: Janet Jackson made the Yas Arena Dance

Press Release

THOUSANDS GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH POP ICON JANET JACKSON AT THE YAS ARENA 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 14 October, 2011: Thousands of pop fans flocked to the Yas Arena on Thursday night to see the legendary Janet Jackson perform from her many number one smash hits.

The pop icon kicked off another outstanding season of Yas Island Show Weekends, bringing what has been hailed worldwide as her largest ever tour; Number Ones: Up Close and Personal.

Fans were taken on a trip down memory lane as the iconic megastar serenaded her supporters with her most popular number one hits including ‘Control’, ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately’, ‘Nasty’  ‘Miss You Much’, ‘Escapade’, ‘Again’ and ‘Love Will Never Do Without You’.

But it was the song which Janet Jackson had dedicated to Abu Dhabi, ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’, that had the crowd roaring. ‘I’m gonna take you to places you’ve never been before,’ she sang, leaving Fans in awe of one of contemporary music’s true icons.

 Audience quotes:

 

Jayme Gafford from Texas said “I’ve grown up with Janet and I’ve loved her music all my life. I’m so thrilled to be here this evening that I even dressed like her tonight!”

Nadine from Lebanon said “It’s so wonderful to be able to see Janet live, I love her music and her voice. That’s the beauty of living in Abu Dhabi.”

Shatha Al Romaithi, FLASH Entertainment spokesperson, said Janet Jackson’s show was merely the beginning of what would be one of the biggest Yas Island Show Weekend concert seasons ever.

“Janet Jackson’s concert last night took many of her adoring fans on a journey back in time and showed how her music still influences millions of young people around the world,” she said. “The Yas Island Show Weekends is about bringing quality and varied talent to the island. We now look forward to Metallica on Oct 25 without doubt one of the biggest shows of the year. We urge fans to buy soon as tickets are selling fast.”

The next concert of the season sees the biggest hard rock band in the world Metallica play Yas Arena on Tuesday October 25. Fan Pit tickets for this long awaited night of rock are almost sold out. General Admission tickets are still available but selling fast. Buy now at www.thinkflash.ae

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.ae.

 

Credits to:

Zeina Hallassou
Account Director
www.fourcommunications.com

 

Metallica – Live in Abu Dhabi

Concert Photography

The world famous hard-rock band behind the hit songs Battery, Enter Sandman, Unforgiven, Nothing Else Matters and many more will make UAE bang their heads on the 25th October 2011. Metallica will definitely rock Yas Island with their hits. It’s a sure heart pounding, head banging performance that you sure don’t want to miss.

for tickets visit www.thinkflash.ae