The Interview with Love This City Tv – Toronto Ontario – Digital Dreams Festival 2012 In the world of music just like life there are mice and there are men… and then there is Ali Shirazinia aka Dubfire who is THE MAN. Being “THE MAN” in Ali’s case is being a humble man. Despite having won a Grammy with his former duo DEEP DISH and being on top of the charts for over a decade his disposition is nothing les than gentlemanly, intuitive and refreshing. Six years ago Ali Shirazinia struck out on a solo career and has made it his mission to make waves in the techno scene. The list of successes since he launched his label Sci and Tec in 2007 have been numerous including: massive collaborations with Oliver Huntemann, remixes on Richie Hawtin’s MInus label, his production I Feel Speed appearing in the Volkswagen’s Eos commercial, winner of best minimal artist and techno artist from Beatport in 2008 and 2009. Most recently Dubfiresmashed attendance records in Montreal, Canada at Piknic Electronic. He opened the season to record braking numbers consecutively in 2011 and 2012. We caught up with him before his set at Digital Dreams in Toronto now one of Canada’s premiere electronic dance festivals. What do you think of Toronto and the crowd here? Dubfire:I have been playing Toronto since the mid 90’s and i really, really like it. Everytime I play here its like I’m home. I like the people, I like the city and I’m just happy to play here and be a part of a festival like this. How do you feel about yourself in regards to the artists you have influenced that are now performing on such a high level such as Nick Fanciulli for instance? Dubfire: Well when Sharam and I started out if it wasn’t for people like Carl Craig and Danny Tenaglia noticing us, giving us a helping hand, and their guidance we wouldn’t be where we are today. So as long as I can sort of repay that debt by being in the position where I can influence other artists and nurturing up and coming talent i will. You really have to give back to the community at some point so that’s what I’m trying to do. How do you feel about dance music as a global language and where do you see it going in the next couple of years? Dubfire:Dance music culture has been huge sort of on the level that we are seeing in America for the last ten plus years. We are just seeing that come over state side and take hold. The culture has always been there and I see it getting bigger and bigger and then going back underground and then evolving and staring up again. Its going to continue to evolve and grow and expand and sometimes fall apart and then fall back together again. Its great to watch that happen. What about SCI + TEC, Carlo Lio and how that relationship has evolved to this point? Dubfire:Carlo has been someone I’ve had my eye on ever since I started to notice his production. I started to run into him a lot when I would come to Toronto. Whenever (I hear) someone that has the drive that Carlo has with such a unique sound – I notice. Whether we realize it or not right now he has created a new style or genre. You know the Junkies are just nine months behind and are another group of artists I’m trying to help. They have a vision… a unique sound with their dj’ing and productions. I’m just happy I’m friends with Carlo and he has allowed me the opportunity to help them establish themselves. |
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