Three of a Kind
24/06/10
Dubai isn’t all big name DJs and over-infl ated fees, and the proof of that can be found in this Filipino collective, Team Switch. Comprised of three open-minded DJs – James, Rocky and Andrew - they’ve made the move out of club back-rooms and brought their back-to-back-to-back set into the mainstream.
How did you guys meet and decide to join up?
James: We all knew each other from back home. Teamswitch is my group in the Philippines, and is made up of good friends and has branches in different countries. The three of us decided to start one here in dubai.
Rocky: Yeah, we’ve known each other for 15 years now.
And how would you describe the music thatyou play?
James: Unpredictable, fl awless.
Rocky: I am more on the tech and progressive side at the moment, I like the congos and percussion combo.
Andrew: Tech and deep house all the way.
The Philippines has very vibrant club scene – how have you transferred that spirit to dubai?
James: With the experience of playing in different countries and different people throughout the years, comes that comfort of being on the decks and creating that vibe and spirit. Be it Philippines or Dubai, I just play it by heart.
Rocky: We just do what we usually do in The Philippines. We have been together for a long time, and I think it’s the vibe that we have when everyone of us are there. And besides, a DJ will always be a DJ where ever we are.
Andrew: Definitely, it’s not about where you play, it’s about the vibe that we create through the music that we play.
And do you find yourself typecast for Filipino nights only or have you found quite open minded?
James: I don’t really feel that, but maybe because the genre of music I play and due to the open mindness of the people here in Dubai.
Rocky: Open minded as always. It’s just the music that we play and generally that is for the love of house! We enjoy the crowd that reacts well to our tunes.
How does Djing work between the three of you?Do you play off six decks like X-press 2, or is it back to back with the tracks?
Rocky: We regularly play one hour each. But in the Philippines, James and I did some duo sets and try to throw some samples and other tricks.
What advantage does being a trio have?
James: Sharing the ideas and music to each other is a good one.
Rocky: The biggest advantage is when we jam together and exchange music with each other.
Andrew: Three or more DJs is better than one. And pulling in each DJs’ followers to just one gig helps as well.
And what are your day jobs?
James: I work in sales at the DJ Corner in Virgin Megastores.
Rocky: I work alongside James as Sales Supervisor for DJ Corner in Virgin Megastores. We enjoy it there because we get to use all the new kit that comes in (laughs).
Andrew: I’m a technical Sales Manager for DesertBeat Trading and have been there for 10years.
Dj trios are quite rare, are you all happysharing the limelight when you play?
James: We’re always happy playing together. And we do it for passion, not fame.
Rocky: We are all happy when we are all together in a club sharing our new music. Honestly we don’t go for the limelight.
You were very active in Philippines, what Djs and events did you play and promote at? And how does it compare to Dubai?
James: Ricky Stone, DJ Antoine, Jim Masters, Paul Oakenfold, Roger Sanchez, Laurent Garnier and more.
Rocky: I was involved in Funboy International that books International DJs like Tiesto, Benny Benassi, Olav Basoski, Ian Carey, Max Graham, Phynn, DJ Preach, Jessie Garcia to name a few. I opened for some of those and closed for Tiesto. Of course Dubai is much bigger than the Philippines. R&B is very big there, so we are in a good place now in Dubai.
You also have the equivalent of Ibiza, Boracay Island, where Roger Sanchez has said was his favourite place to play. Is it really as hedonistic as it sounds?
James: Yes it is. I had a residency there...
Rocky: A defi nite yes. I enjoyed every moment when I was there. James had a residency there so we always get to the “love island” as we call it.
Andrew: The place you want to party hard, 24Hours a day...
What sort of following do you have in the UAE?
James: Mostly Filipino, but still a lot of different nationalities who just love HOUSE MUSIC!
Team Switch have launched a new night at De Gama, Century Village called Deep Groove every Wednesday.
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