Ibiza's famous pool party Cuckoo Land comes to Dubai this weekend

DJs Gorgon City and Max Chapman will headline Ibiza's Cuckoo Land residency that's launching at Soho Beach on February 15

The pool party scene in town just got better. One of Ibiza's biggest pool parties, Cuckoo Land, is launching in Dubai this Friday at Soho Beach (situated within Soho Garden).
The opening party, running from midday to midnight, features DJs Gorgon City and Max Chapman. Over the years, both artistes have wowed Cuckoo Land Ibiza crowds as well as enjoyed huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. Alongside the headline acts, a host of Cuckoo Land Ibiza residents will also be there to keep the party rocking. Entry to the event is free.
This is the first time Electric Ibiza and Ibiza Rocks are partnering with Dubai's Soho Garden Group to bring this massive party. They've also lined-up five other pool events at Soho Garden. "Cuckoo Land parties have been some of our favourite events over the last two summers in Ibiza, so to be able to take a bit of that crazy Balearic party vibe and work with the Ibiza Rocks team in Dubai at Soho Garden is something we're really looking forward to," said Neil Evans, Director of Electric Ibiza.
English producer duo Kye 'Foamo' Gibbon and Matt 'RackNRuin' Robson-Scott make up Gorgon City. They  are famous for their single Ready for Your Love. Gorgon City have taken their bass heavy house sound to sold out shows like Brixton Academy, Amnesia, Ushuaia, and the CRSSD Festival.  Ahead of the gig fans can get a feel of Gorgon City's first track of 2019, Lick Shot, released on the duo's own platform, REALM. The duo will also appear at Coachella Music Festival in April.
Ahead of the party, we spoke to Gorgon City to know more:

Have you guys played here before?
Yes we've played in Dubai a few times in the past 3-4 years. It's a lovely place to visit.

What excites you more - playing indoors in a club or an open air venue?
We love doing both, but coming to a place like Dubai, it feels right to play outside. It's fun for us and the crowd always seem to love dancing in the fresh air.

Anything different you've planned for the Dubai show?
We will be playing lots of feel good music as outdoor shows are a perfect place to do that. We just can't wait!

How do you usually prepare for a show?
We collect new music constantly to play in our sets and also produce new tracks for the dance floor. We then try and get rest and some food before getting to the venue!

Which was the most amazing gig you've played?
Playing with Fatboy Slim a few years ago was amazing. His fans are always up for it so playing to them was a lot of fun.

Tell us a bit about your Ibiza experience?
Ibiza is definitely our second home every season. It's a magical place and the music and club scene there is amazing. It's also a beautiful island with lots of chilled areas and beaches. The food scene is really strong as well.

What is your dream venue ?
We're so lucky to have played in some incredible places, so thinking of a dream venue is quite difficult. Maybe a rave in space would be cool. But not for a while as space exploration isn't quite advanced yet.....
 
Max Chapman has the grooves
Since breaking into the scene in 2011, Max has made a huge impact in the underground house music scene. Known for his energetic shows, Max has been creating music that's made him a much sought-after DJ taking him to some of the most influential clubs worldwide. Here's what he told City Times ahead of his Dubai gig:
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
It's house music with plenty of groove and rolling bass lines, and a bit of influence from acid and techno in parts.

Which legendary DJ have you been inspired by?
Jamie Jones has always been an inspiration for me. Having a track signed to Hot Creations (record label co-founded by Jamie) was a big moment for me.

What's more important for you - the venue, the sound or the crowd?
I think the best gigs have the perfect combination of all three, but at the end of the day, if you've not got a crowd who are loving the music and lost in the moment, even with the best sound system and venue in the world, you've only got half a party.

How do you usually plan for a party?
I try not to plan anything and just go with the flow, but getting there a bit earlier to understand the vibe of the night is always helpful before going on stage.

Do you plan your set list according to the venue?
Sort of. I have a huge selection of music that covers most situations, but of course if you're playing a festival set, then you'll need to be playing the big crowd-pleasers, whereas you can be a bit more experimental at an all-night warehouse set.

A pet peeve when performing?
When the sound in the booth isn't right.

What music do you listen to when not DJing?
I listen to all sorts, but if I'm not DJing, then I'm usually in the studio so I'm listening to house music!

One album you would've loved to be part of?
Bicep's recent album was genius. I had it on repeat for months.

Your fav party place?
It's got to be Ibiza. The parties go on for days!

What's the best thing you love about your job?
Getting to see so many amazing places and countries. Travelling is such an incredible part of this job.
 
Event Details
What: Cuckoo Land
Where: Soho Beach, Meydan Road
When: Friday February 15, from 12pm to 12am
Entry: free
Contact:  052 433 3375 or visit www.facebook.com/sohobeachdubai
 
michael@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai