Spain's premier DJ, B Jones, talks about Luvya Fest in Dubai

WHEN IT COMES to DJs playing in Dubai, throw a dart at a list of random venues across the city and without fail, wherever the arrow lands, you'll be able to listen to someone famous or otherwise spinning tracks should you choose to then venture out. On the flipside, dance music festivals are a little harder to come by, which is why we cannot wait for this weekend's Luvya event, bringing together mixers and pop stars from all over the world to FIVE Palm Jumeirah. The three-day gig kicks off today and weekend passes are available for Dhs1000 (including 10 drinks) for access to performers including Lost Frequencies, Dmitri Vegas & Like Mike, Craig David, Disciples and Klingande to name but a few.
To get you in the mood, we spoke to one of Spain's foremost EDM artists B Jones (real name Beatriz Martinez) about Luvya where tonight she will take centre stage.
Do you think being from Spain impacts the music you choose to play?
I live in Ibiza and it's a very musically international place, so I would say that my influences are a bit mixed between the Spanish music culture and international art.
Why did you settle on the name B Jones, as opposed to your real name?
'B' comes from Beatriz and Jones is because when I was a kid my friends used to call me "La Jones" because I am a very adventurous person like Indiana Jones.
What have you got planned for your Dubai set at the Luvya Fest?
My set is going to be very fresh, melodic with a nice beat for everyone to enjoy. Actually, I never prepare my sets, I just look at the crowd and I improvise. This is what I love most about my work.
What is the city's reputation in the DJ community?
I think that Dubai is a top trending city in all genres and the music scene in Dubai has a lot of variety and quality in all its styles. I have been a resident at FIVE Palm Jumeirah for a month, which is home to DJs from all over the world and it has been great fun meeting and working with such great international talent.
Where, in your opinion, is the best place to DJ?
Ibiza because all the people come to Ibiza with the attitude to enjoy and have fun.
Who has been the best fellow DJ with whom you have shared the stage/ gig?
Tiësto and Idris Elba.
Are you positive about the future of house and dance music? What would you like to see change?
Yes I'm positive about it, though the music is always changing and adapting to new times.
I would like to see more female DJs getting top 10 positions and main stages at big festivals and venues.
What are you currently working on?
Besides the next tours, Im working on a lot of new tracks and I'm very excited about this.
Do you think the time when you broke out was the optimum time for your music or would you like to be starting out today?
To be honest, I would never change anything about my career and I am proud of all I have passed through to get to where I am now, both the good and bad times.
How have you found the impact of social media - positive or negative?
As a private person I would say that sometimes it's a bit too much and I would not be connected to social media if it wasn't necessary for my career. As a professional, I think social media is very positive because you can reach people from all around the world and this can only be good for any artist. Sometimes it's a bit exhausting because social media almost needs 50 per cent of your time but nowadays it is very relevant.
What would your advice be for anyone trying to get into the industry?
Believe in yourself, work very hard and choose your music by looking at the crowd. The crowd is never wrong, and they are your biggest fans. Never forget that you are there to entertain them.
david@khaleejtimes.com