No Party Unturned
Dj Karan Makes Dubai Dance At His Fingertips
DJs are the thumping heart of the nightlife, and Dubai has some especially gifted DJs in its many clubs. DJ Karan Bhatia, who is consistently setting the tune for Bollywood club nights in the UAE for over 5 years, is in a class of his own and has been ranked #1 DJ in the Middle East. He gets that distinction through his versatility and ability to transcend genre distinctions to make a unique atmosphere for his crowd. Among the venues he’s played are People by Crystal, Cavalli Club, Armani and the Cirque Le Soir in Dubai. GLOSS got a chance to talk to the renowned DJ about the never ending party that is his career.
What made you decide to become a DJ and how supportive were the people in your life?
Truth be told, I didn’t actually ‘decide’ for or against it, it all just fell into place. I’ve come to love music in the most magical way and my world revolves around it. When I was younger, I had one prized possession I wouldn’t let anybody touch, an almost vintage cassette player. I think that little instrument set a fire in me then that is still burning.
Growing up my family was my number one support. My parents enrolled me in music classes where I learnt the piano and the drums. The power to create my own music was addictive. I think it’s what ultimately let me down the path of DJ-ing.
Which DJ do you feel most inspired by?
Roger Sanchez, DJ Snake and DJ Obert have been very inspiring. But most people are almost never inspired by people in the same field, doing the same thing in their own way unique way. I for example draw inspiration from people old and new, that annoying tapping of shoes or clicking of pens, the places I’ve newly discovered and the sounds that lurk in its shadows.
You are a household name in the nightlife of the UAE, but what are some cool gigs you have played outside the Middle East?
From falling asleep in Dubai and waking up in Lebanon, launching a brand new clubbing experience in Buffalo, New York, headlining a bachelor party in Spain and pulling off a week long wedding with all-nighters in Bali, it’s safe to say that being a household name in the UAE comes at a cost.
What are some venues and events that you would love to play someday?
I would be humbled to play at Ushuaia Ibiza, Printworks London and Omnia NY someday. Dream big they say!
How does a DJ starting out rise to the level of being the Best DJ in the Middle East?
Three words: Passion, hard work and dedication, and make sure you have a killer social media manager!
One of the best things about watching a DJ at work is how slick and easy he makes it look. What are some of the challenges you face that your audience might not know about?
Every job has its fair share of challenges. The biggest challenge is to make everyone happy. Music is subjective and it takes crowd reading skills to make sure your music is sitting well with them. Here’s a secret the crowd doesn’t know, but we DJs are constantly monitoring their reactions. Another challenge is technology. Yes technology is our best friend, it has revolutionized how DJs work and has made our workflow easier, but sometimes technology can our worst enemy. There is one such memory from a show of mine that remains etched in my mind, where a faulty piece of equipment was being replaced while the crowd was grooving without them knowing what is actually going on, and it all had to happen before the song I was played ended.
Along with playing at clubs, you also do weddings. What is the biggest and craziest wedding you have played for?
The infamous Bali wedding. It was set up in a 7 star hotel, over the course of one week with parties for every occasion and sometimes for no reason at all. I don’t remember sleeping that entire week. It has got to top my list of crazy weddings but I would do it all again if I had the chance!
In your line of work, you must listen to millions of songs from all kinds of artists most of the time. Are there times you want to switch it all off?
Never! I’ve got music surrounding me almost constantly. If I had a Dirham for every song I have listened to, I would be a rich man!
What songs are you jamming to these days?
Nicky Jam & J. Balvin – X (EQUIS), DJ Snake – Magenta Riddim, Nachle Na – Guru Randhawa.
What is on your agenda in the coming days and months?
It’s definitely going to get quite busy with shows internationally and locally. I’m also focusing on releasing my own music which I have been working on for quite some time now and am excited to launch soon. Till then, stay tuned!
