Interview: DJ Saeed Murad

As the father of the Oriental Electronic/Dance music genre – DJ Saeed Murad has already enjoyed a fantastic and fulfilling career in DJing, producing and remixing. His signature Middle Eastern infused style has set him apart from the crowd and has helped catapult the genre to international dimensions. We talk to him ahead of his upcoming gig in Dubai – read below for the interview…

Q1: As a renowned DJ and an electronic music producer – can you share your observations on the electronic music scene in the Arab world?

Well from my point of view there are a few producers for this kind of music in the Middle East, but it’s picking up as more people around the world are accepting the oriental house and oriental electronic music genres.

Q2: Your remix of Om Kulthoum’s Alf Laila W Laila will always be an iconic song. Was it intimidating remixing such a classic and from such an iconic figure in the Arab world?

At that time it was not an intimidating thing as I was doing it for my own pleasure, but when it came out to be a huge worldwide success - eyes were wide open on me and I knew the kind of responsibilities which were expected of me.

Q3: Were you surprised by the positive reception?

Yes it was a surprise, a big surprise - especially the first time I played the song in a club back in 1999! People just came to listen to the song and leave afterwards.

Q4: Do you think that remixing and reworking old classics helps make them accessible to the younger generations?

Of course! Especially old Egyptian classics - as they are a bit too long for one to listen to as a whole. So, by choosing a part from the song and focusing on it this helped me a lot in introducing old classics to the younger generation.

Q5: What one artist you’d love to do a remix for?

I did a lot of remixes for a lot of artists but most of those were made just to play in my sets. But an official remix for MJ would do me good!

Q6: What’s the fondest memory of your DJing career?

The first time I played 1001 nights and the reaction I saw on people’s faces and how everyone came and asked me about this song and if it was taken off the Buddha Bar CD!

Q7: As a high-profile DJ and music producer, what advice do you have for up and coming DJs?

There are really big names in the DJ scene in the Middle East, yet most of them did not enter the world of production! It is a totally different world and would help them elaborate their thinking of music. They must create their own tracks.

Q8: Your remix of Shakira’s “She Wolf” was brilliant! How did that collaboration happen?

As a remixer I did work before with Sony ME for the remix of Ricky Martin’s ‘One Night Man’ and the second collaboration came directly from them. The deal was made between Shakira’s management, Sony music and myself.

Q9: Which is your favorite city to DJ at?

I don’t have a favorite city as everytime I play a different set. It is the crowd that counts. But Dubai is one of my favorites, because I love its crowd.

Q10: What’s the biggest misconception about DJ Saeed Murad that you’d like to change?

My Name being associated as an Arabic DJ. There is a big difference between Arabic DJ and an Oriental DJ.

Q11: What do you think needs to happen in the Arab electronic music scene for it to compete with the international scene?

It only needs a proper propaganda and more producer.

Q12: Tell us about your upcoming and future plans – and what can your fans expect from you soon?

I’m finishing my new album soon – that will contain more house, oriental sound, remixes and new compositions. I also have plans to tour Latin America and Europe.

DJ Saeed Murad plays Karma Kafe in Dubai, June 3rd. Click here for event details.