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Want to be a famous DJ? James Locksmith is looking to take you to Australia!

IT IS THE question that troubles any creative: 'when will I get my big break?' Whether it's writing, performing or fashioning art, making your name and turning your passion into a career often involves a lot of hard work combined with a mix of good fortune. Well, if you're in the DJ game and you've put in the hard yards, your ticket may just be about to come in.
UAE-based DJ and producer James Locksmith is putting together a crack team of Middle East musicians and EDM movers and shakers and taking them to Australia in November for the prestigious Electronic Music Conference 2019 where he's been invited to be one of the main curators. Not only will Locksmith be discussing the huge growth the music scene has undergone in the region, his cherry-picked favourite MENA talent will join in on panels, workshops, collaboration projects and performances during an all-expenses-paid trip. While the primary focus is on electronic music; indie, hip hop, beats producers and bands can also apply.
We spoke to James to find out more.
What made you decide to set up this initiative? What can the candidates do to impress you?
Fortunately I was invited to the conference by the organisers on a visit to Sydney last year. They mentioned that 2019 will have a focus on the MENA region and if I could help curate a line up and be involved. I'm looking for beat makers, DJs, producers, musicians both live and electronic, singers, writers and bands who are original, creative and who make good music with new and old sounds. They must have a track, big or small, along with previous performances and releases.
Do you believe the UAE / MENA has a lot of undiscovered DJ talent? What does a tune need to possess to get your attention?
Originality, creativity, forward thinking, homage to yesteryear and future sounds are things that grab my attention in music, but more than anything, it is the way it makes me feel when I hear it. If it can speak to my heart and my toes start to move, you got me. The UAE DJ community, actual working DJs, is not that big, but not that small either. There are many new names popping up which is fresh and healthy to see. I keep my eyes and ears open for local music showcases and usually not at the typical venues or corporate sponsored events. My favourite at the moment in the UAE is presented by Tarboosh Records and Flipside Records at Flipside in Al Serkal, which brings together musicians, MCs, vocalists, beat makers, producers and there they have a 15-minute window to strut their stuff. As I work closely with many venues and events, I'm also watching what they're doing and, thanks to Youtube, I can see and hear performances. It's hard to go to all the gigs, especially as a gigging DJ and event producer.
How do you think taking successful candidates to this conference will help them? Will you be offering your own advice? Are you looking for the finished article in this open call or potential to grow?
I am looking for more finished and accomplished artists, as it's more about showcasing their body of work and introducing them to a new market, but I'm open to learn about the newbies too. If something blows us away, we're not turning away from that. I won't be offering any specific advice on submissions. EMC Australia will help them with meeting new, like-minded individuals in the music industry in that part of the world, that may lead to touring and performance opportunities, collaborations and label releases. It's really up to them to do their thing.
What is the EMC like? What can attendees expect?
EMC is considered by music followers and industry experts as the leading electronic event in the Asia Pacific region allowing creative professionals, curators, influencers and tastemakers to network, share ideas and collaborate.
Being based in Dubai, how do you find the city's clubbing/ music scene? What would you like to see change (if anything) and where are some of your favourite venues?
I'm a fan of Groove on the Grass, Analog Room, SATWA 3000, SOLE DXB, Vibe Series and Barbary. These are some of the events, club nights and venues that are shaping this city's clubbing culture. The clubbing scene in the UAE has grown substantially since I arrived in 2011 and thanks to independent music heads like myself, we have created a scene that is away from the "bottle service and sparklers". Right now many venues are clueless of what to do with their space because the audience wants cutting-edge, forward thinking experiences and not boring tourist guide stuff. Venue owners and management are catching on and taking risks on the cool stuff now, which is a good thing.
One of the biggest hurdles in nurturing talent is the licences required to perform in a venue or event. It limits artists' abilities to just go out and jam publicly. I understand there needs to be revenue generated in a taxless country, but now with VAT, venue fees and ticketing commission already in place there must be a better way, especially in a city that is all about growth and supporting the arts. The performance permission fees are actually not fully supporting the arts and creativity. I'd love to see some changes that still benefit the government and procedures although find a middle ground that allows more growth and opportunity for the arts and music to flourish without limitations.
As someone who also knows the business side of the industry, do you think the winners of this open call could go on to become professionals? What advantage would it give them? Is that leap from hobbyist to pro becoming easier now or is it more difficult compared to when you started?
We're only looking for professionals whether part time or full time. Music industry conferences can enhance someone's career on different levels; education, new skills, new partners, new opportunities, new territories and new experiences. I don't feel its a matter of today being more difficult or easier, however, with the Internet, social media and smart phones there are definitely new ways to reach audiences and create your own thing. I believe your career, no matter what industry, is a reflection of your attitude, mindset, skills, experiences, talent and what you put into it.
What words of advice do you have for those entering the open call and for budding DJs in general?
Don't be disillusioned if you don't make it to EMC, this is not the end of your career. Keep going, stay committed and focused on your vision. Upgrade your skills, keep learning, keep improving, learn to deal with failure, show up daily, even if it's a little less than yesterday, do something every day to bring you closer. Look after your health first, create quiet time daily, spend quality time with friends and family, create and nurture a flow state lifestyle, don't force it, reduce stress and...HAVE FUN!
What else have you got coming up in 2019? Where can we see you next?
You can catch me weekly at Barbary. I'm now head of music programming there too. You'll also find me working at other venues, parties and events around town. Plenty of great projects in the pipeline, although too soon to announce them. I'm in Beirut April 19 for Ballroom Blitz, then off to the US all of May in NYC and LA to mid June for some gigs and connecting with music people. Stay tuned with my calendar at www.jameslocksmith.net
With whom would you most like to collaborate and why?
I'm a big fan of Rick Rubin. Yeah, I know I've picked the big guy, but hey you never know. Maybe one day. I'll be in LA in June, maybe we'll cross paths. His body of work says it all, but mostly because he appears to be the calmest, gracious, bad a** in the music business.
What are your thoughts on 'out-there' DJ names? Are they necessary?
Call yourself whatever you want, your name doesn't define you; your actions and character do. My surname is Anezis. Locksmith is my great grandmother's real surname translated from Greek to English. I just thought it had a nice sound to it and there's an awesome funk band from the '70s called Locksmith who released only one album in 1980. Sometimes I wonder though...Anezis does sound exotic!
How to send your music to James
Interested bands, artists and acts should send their bio, EPK and links to info@jameslocksmith.net with the subject line: "EMC Australia 2019 'Artist Name.'"
david@khaleejtimes.com