Newton’s law of partying

Playing an acoustic set at sundown on Friday, November 9 will be dreadlocked guitar wizard Newton Faulkner (pictured left).

The genial 27-year-old first broke in 2007 with his debut album Hand Built by Robots, which hit number one in his British homeland and went double-platinum off the back of singles Dream Catch Me and Teardrop (a cover of the Massive Attack classic).

Known for his percussive use of the acoustic guitar in his live shows, Faulkner has released two more records since - the most recent being Write it on Your Skin, which also reached the UK top spot in July.

Meanwhile, electronic hotshot Labrinth (pictured centre) will also be playing a live set at the show on Nasimi Beach at Atlantis, The Palm. The 23-year-old performer, born Timothy McKenzie, made headlines in 2010 when he signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco record label - becoming the first act in six years to join the mogul’s roster without having appeared on one of his TV reality contests.

Labrinth and rapper Tinie Tempah, close friends and longtime collaborators, have had a UK number one hit with Pass Out, plus two number two singles with Frisky and Earthquake. His most recent release from debut album Electronic Earth (2012) is Beneath Your Beautiful alongside Emeli Sande.

And the next name to join the beachfest bill, with more to follow, is Italian DJ and record producer Benny Benassi (pictured right). Benny, 45, is famed for his 2003 smash Satisfaction as well as his 2011 Chris Brown collaboration Beautiful People. The Grammy-winner has also worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, including David Bowie, Public Enemy, Kelis and T-Pain. Tickets to the festival cost Dhs225 (early bird), Dhs275 (regular), Dhs300 (at the door) and Dhs450 (VIP). Go to www.sandance.ae to book.

adam@khaleejtimes.com