UAE. DXB (Dubai International) is launching the first airport DJ residency as part of its musicDXB platform.
Music industry professionals Olly Wood and Greg Stainer, of electronic music duo Hollaphonic, will curate the musicDXB programme as part of a new long-term partnership with the airport.
DXB said Wood and Stainer’s “industry knowledge and contacts” would attract established performers, while the stage will also be used as a platform to showcase up and coming talent.
“As a next step, the ambition is to appeal to headline artists passing through the global hub and encourage them to consider DXB as a new space to perform to an international audience,” the airport commented.
The new roaming musicDXB stage will present free monthly concerts for travellers. Hollaphonic will begin their residency this weekend (6-7 April) with a pair of two-hour sets.
They will be supported the following weekend (13-14 April) by Dubai-based house DJ Scott Forshaw and Mark Shakedown. After a break during Ramadan, home-grown names like Stephon Lamar and international artists such as the USA’s Alex Syps will perform.
“From chilled ambient beach vibes, to the summer anthem that still makes you smile a decade later, music influences our mood and even more so when we travel,” said Wood.
“Right now, an average one in five people are walking around the airport with headphones on, listening to music that comforts and soothes, motivates and inspires and sparks joy.
“You get those same feelings while travelling, so partnering with DXB seemed as natural as Mariah hitting a high note.”
Dubai Airports Director of Brand Matthew Horobin commented: “Pianos in baggage reclaim don’t cut it any more. Our customers are well travelled, global citizens and expect more. At DXB we are really making some bold steps to offer just that. Live performances by incredible singers from around the world that make you stop and take a moment, a DJ when you least expect – these are moments people will remember and share with their family and friends. These are the kind of moments we create at DXB.”
