Saudi DJ and creative Baloo began his musical journey in the early nineties, after falling in love with the sumptuous grooves of house music. The years that followed saw him go from strength to strength, taking his sound around the globe to hotspots including Beirut, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Mykonos, London, New York, and Miami. Not only has he established himself as a respected maestro behind the decks but also as a pioneer in driving the Saudi electronic music scene forward. As a founding partner at 9SS Creative and 9SICKSICK – Saudi design and lifestyle brands – he has played an instrumental role in developing the concept, brand identity and experience for MDLBEAST, the music, art and culture brand. It is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, and the largest festival in the Middle East, opening up an array of critical opportunities for the next generation of budding artists across the region.
This week, we are excited to announce that he is our guest on the latest edition of the Select Cuts series. We talk sound, standout moments from the story so far and the post-pandemic world. What’s more, Baloo has recorded an exclusive set for us that represents his peak hour sound. It brings together driving basslines and infectious beats, a perfect mood enhancer. Enjoy!
WWD: Thanks for joining us Baloo! Where in the world are you right now?
Jeddah, and getting ready for tonight’s mini party with my crew.
WWD: What projects have you been working on recently?
All MDLBEAST stuff, new events, content, music labels. These are exciting times for us and despite the pandemic, creativity has been overflowing. I have also been working on some of my own music with Carlo, set to be released during the second half of this year.
WWD: Can you tell us about your first time on the decks?
It was in 1996, I was 18 and in college. I learned everything from my oldest brother Khaled, who was always the source of all things music and culture. He taught me how to listen to music. My first time playing with the decks I was using my brother’s music and his gear, and I was terrible. Took me a couple of months to record my first set.
WWD: How would you define your sound?
My sound is deep, and my spectrum goes from downtempo to disco to house and everything in between. Soulful, fresh, funky, and a little tough from time to time.
WWD: Heroes that influenced your sound?
When it comes to house, it was definitely first and foremost, my brother Khaled, and then I learned so much from house heroes like Danny Tenaglia, Deep Dish, Mark Farina, Todd Terry, Masters At Work, Frankie Knuckles (RIP), Roger Sanchez, Terry Lee Brown Junior, Sasha & Digweed, Saeed Younan, and DC’s Sam “the Man” Burns (RIP). When it comes to other genres of music, I am a huge fan of Prince, MJ, Janet Jackson and a lot of the 80s funk heroes.
WWD: What was your most memorable performance, one that would still give you goosebumps 15 years later?
My most memorable happened just before the pandemic. It was the closing afterparty for MDLBEAST, probably because we had just completed the most life changing event of our lives, our Woodstock. I remember being so elated and so overwhelmed with so many emotions, it all came through the music I was playing. That stands out as the most important or memorable set I have ever played.
WWD: What’s the underground scene like in Saudi?
It’s been buzzing for decades, but it has evolved from being small and niche, to becoming widely appreciated and with so much talent buzzing and ready to rock any event. We are very musical people and we love dancing, we possess so much groove.
WWD: You’re an OG in the Saudi music scene, how does it feel to welcome new talent in a whole new landscape?
In the past, I never saw music as a viable career for myself, it just wasn’t an option. After joining MDLBEAST, and pushing the local scene to a global place, I am finally able to work on this opportunity to help younger talent do this full time, with the opportunity to turn their passions into creating a real career.
WWD: Who are some fresh standout Saudi artists for you right now?
There are so many, but I have my eye on a few that play a sound that resonates with me. Anmarz, Varoo, Gooner Mesh, Spceboi, Majid, K.LED, Vinyl Mode, Tarek Antabi, Tamer, Dorar, Biirdperson, Ray of Solskin, and Dabbous are among those talents I am loving. I enjoy hearing them play and really love encouraging their work and passion.
WWD: What are your predictions for the Saudi music scene in the next 2 years?
Once this pandemic subsides, or we figure out our way around it, I expect weekends in Saudi to be insane with multiple events happening every night. I expect lots of music labels to launch and lots of talent to come out of their shadows and express their creativity, uniqueness, and vibe.
WWD: How soon can we anticipate dancing again in Saudi?
As of yesterday. This pandemic will never stop our groove, not even slow it down. I am dancing right now!
Follow: Baloo