Hi guys. Seasons Greetings.
I come bearing gifts. Dj Mag here in Dubai are looking to find the top 50 djs in the region

http://soundcloud.com/djdavidcraig-co-uk/dj-mag-du...

Since the beginning of time I suppose we've always admired people who excel. More recently however it seems our fixation with fame and celebrity has given way to a new international obsession. So who's to blame? Ourselves for wanting to be like the stars we emulate or the media for how they portray them? On the one hand we build them up , celebrate in their victories and accomplishments then revel in their inevitable demise when they fail to live up to our expectations. They make us feel better about ourselves by succeeding and then do the same in equal measure in their failures. What we see is of course not the real person but the public persona more often than not both are pretty removed from each other.
I've been fortunate enough to work with and interview a few of the artists and musicians I admired growing up. Some we're really nice and accommodating, others charming, a few captivating but more often than not disappointingly normal and sometimes plain boring. I think its best never to meet your idols.
In truth I suppose they are mythical better versions of you an I. Living in a world removed from reality. The whitest teeth, the best clothes. cars, always looking age defyingly beautiful and airbrushed to perfection. Is there any need to ask the question of why we're fascinated by these celebrities. Although in the age of big brother and youtube I use the word loosely. It seems it's easier than ever to get your fifteen minutes. If we can't be them at least we can dress like them, smell like them and even drink what they drink. If imitation is the best form of flattery we've been conned by a false promise.
What got me thinking about this recently was the whole F1 experience. It seemed there were more levels of exclusivity than the security could even remember. Who's idea was it to put another v in vip? I wonder how many times as a promoter you can raise the price by adding additional letters on to a title. All that was really on sale was the opportunity to be in the same room as a few famous people and of course an unmissable photo opportunity for the facebook update.
SoulLounge4 ft Mestiza and Brunjes by  Djdavidcraig.co.uk

UrbanChiqueClaritaLive by  Djdavidcraig.co.uk
We were almost homeless again this month on account of my obsession with finding the perfect apartment. Here are some of the more recent reasons for me saying no to potential places. Too small, too dark, didn't smell good, shady landlord (didn't like his handshake) no gym, crap gym, the bedroom was the kitchen, dirty bath. That was just one place, just kidding. I think a mobile home or a barge is definitely the way forward. Failing that a friend suggested a tent in the desert.

Two blogs in one day is definitely a first for me. I was supposed to be viewing new places but is there anypoint? I'm not gonna like them anyway.Hope you enjoy the live mixes recorded recently at Warehouse at Urabn Chique and Soul lounge. See you two weeks Wednesday after the Eid Holiday.

Time
Time is too slow for those who wait
Too swift for those who fear
Too long for those who grieve
Too short for those who rejoice
But, for those who love –
Time is eternity.
(unknown)

Some you meet and they make an impression, others come and go, sometimes a person can change your life in ways you can’t even imagine. I’m sure Bibow was many things to many people. To me he was simply someone you could always rely on to make you smile. As small a virtue as that may sound. It’s hard to think of a more fitting compliment for once of the nicest individuals I’ve had the good fortune to befriend on this planet.
He was the eternal optimist in every situation, he was funny, exuberant, animated, charming and thoughtful. The kind of person others are drawn towards. The kind of person who would illuminate a room with his personality and amplify it with his laughter.
I write this with a bit of hesitation in the hope I can do justice to the memory of someone I held in such high regard. Unless you met him it’s difficult to explain the extent of his warmth and vibrant nature. I’m caught between laughter and tears thinking about the hilarity of past adventures and regret at the lack of opportunity to repeat them more often recently.
It’s still hard to imagine he’s gone. Even harder to accept that life seems to be going on as normal all around me. I suppose the best we can ever wish for is to live well and in the process leave some sort of legacy behind. I think Bibow’s testament besides his lovely children will be the wonderful memories he gave us all. RIP Richard Patterson.

..

I’m going to start with the lighter stuff this time round and should you wish my self indulgent opinion is below. As always it’s great to get your feedback good , bad or indifferent. I’ve had a busy month in Dubai with TV commercials for the Saudi Football League and Abu Dhabi Sports as well as a small feature in the Amazing Race reality game show. Which will be aired very soon on CBS. The show averages about 10 million viewers per season and has won nine Emmy awards. Being part of it was great fun and it’s easy to see why it’s been such a huge success.

Here are a couple links for recent interviews with Qatar airways in-flight magazine Oryx and also Dubai’s essential guide to nightlife Infusion. To read the interview in full: http://www.infusion.ae/20090725904/DJ-Booth/issue-112-dj-booth.html

Here are a few pictures taken by the magnificent Eros Goze. I find his work so animated and thought provoking. I just love the natural use of light and at times the simplicity. Then there are others which look dark and provocative like something straight from a Guillermo Del Torro film. It’s real edgy, raw and thought provoking. Check out his blog: http://eros210.multiply.com/

It’s always interesting to me how newspapers report particular stories. Being brought up in Scotland and having lived for most of my life there I’ve paid particular attention to the Al Megrahi release. My first thought was how could a man responsible for killing 270 people be granted any compassion? But the more I read about the story the less convinced I was of his guilt.
The evidence he was convicted on to say the least was contentious.  Both the UN and a Scottish Court acknowledged he suffered a “miscarriage of justice” But after spending 75 million on the legal proceedings someone had to pay. Of course Libya took responsibility under crippling sanctions, being forced to compensate the families and admit complicity in the process.Now upon his premature return the world seems shocked that there may have been some sort of trade agreement attached to his release. Is it so hard to believe?
What’s even more comical is being lectured by the US about morality and our legal system.  After fictionalizing reasons to go to war with two countries, bombing them, occupying them, rebuilding them with US contractors paid for with World Bank loans. Then leaving the countries themselves to pick up the bills with interest. While installing their preferred leaders in there and hopefully privatizing their most profitable industries at a later date and calling it democracy. For me what it all comes down to is money and our greed, individually, collectively, nationally and internationally.
It’s only recently I thought about how money relates to me and my life. I make money to pay off debt. It’s a system set up to profit a small minority and keep the majority enslaved. One percent of the population earns forty percent of the world’s wealth. The collective amount spent on war in the last 5 years could have easily fed the population of the world. In terms of GDP fifty one of the top one hundred in the world are now companies and forty nine countries. Again using the US as an example when politicians are put in power by private contributions for campaigning it’s no coincidence that favor is shown to those donating. Especially when those politicians are also shareholders in the same companies. Who’s really making the decisions and dictating policy?
Our monitory system is based on debt. It’s loaned to us by banks who don’t really have it. We work our whole lives in the hope of repaying it and thus ensuring the money owed always exceeds the money in circulation. That way inflation is always maintained and defaults and bankruptcy a part of the process, seeing the property or finance return to the banks or lenders even though they didn’t really in essence even really have the sum in the first place. I suppose recently the real problem occurs when we reach the tipping point on defaults. The solution then is to print more money. I’m not sure where this is going? If I really have a point or what your thoughts on this will be. But it relates back to the original rant about how we perceive things, how they are reported. Who in fact decides upon them and how history will record it. For the most part the real truth lies somewhere between all that. It may even have its price.
Written from the room I grew up in. looking east towards the sea and rising sun. Listening to the waves, the wind seagulls and Abri’s Blanknotes. Also reading Confessions of an Economic hitman and watched Zeitgeist last week oops. I need a good comedy or something to maintain some balance. I've definitely got too much time on my hands today.

I’ve got to acknowledge the passing of Michael Jackson. There’s been so much written already I don’t think it’s necessary to go in to it in too much detail besides to say his musical genius will be missed. My first thought was to hope he finds the peace he never really had here despite the fame and success. More recently I’ve really struggled to over look his personal life and all the drama that came with it. But I suppose in a sense we were partly responsible for always wanting more. I think the end he gave so much there was little left over. It seems to me he was never built for fame. I suppose the irony being he was over endowed with an amazing talent but wasn’t gifted the ability to deal with it. The legacy he left behind though is hopefully what he will be remembered for. I’d rather that than an old man struggling his way through 50 gigs. MJ thanks for the music R.I.P.

I’m really excited about the next Soul lounge gig on Wednesday the 29th of July with Emeli Sande from Scotland. She’s making quite a name for herself right straight in at number 6 in the UK chart as a feature on the Chipmunk track she co/wrote. Something which is even more of an accomplishment considering Michael Jackson is pretty much the rest of the top 20. I’ve no doubt this will be her year. Get ready Dubai for her debut performance.

We’ve managed to confirm another fantastic performer for the August Lounge (on the 12th this time.) This will be the final one before Ramadan. I’m so excited about seeing Hamdan of Abri perform a solo set. This will be the last time you’ll be able to hear Abri before they head off to the UK to promote the album. Check out the Blacksheep Magazine interview. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
abriblacksheep.mp3

Here are a couple of pictures of the recent Connected Models Teen Fashion competition at Marina Mall. I had a great time hosting the event. Thanks to77st Productions for the pictures.

Also just found this online from a recent commercial for Dubai tourism which I think is showing in the UK right now. I’m loving the narraton. The Mrs hogging the lime light again.

Another gig which I’m really excited about is Smooth Grooves at the Apartment Jumeirah Beach Hotel. On July 31st I’ll be hooking up with MC Bibow again. He’s traveled the world with grammy award winner Jazzie B of Soul2Soul as his official party starter before hooking up with me. Trust me you’ll know when Bibow’s in the building.

Congratulations to my little sister on giving birth to a beautiful baby girl called Estelle. I’m so happy and proud to be her Uncle. It was funny standing next to my own uncle with him telling a story about changing my nappy. Then you find yourself looking back at all the things that have taken you to this moment and contemplating what the future may bring but all the while looking at something so small and perfect as it sleeps in your arms that nothing else really matters and everything seems right there and then to make sense.

We met next to the buffet cart and got chatting about nothing in particular. I was looking forward to getting acquainted with my bacon roll as he mentioned he didn’t eat pig. I like to ask questions.Some people react well to being asked to explain their beliefs others get defensive. He laughed with indifference and said he’d never thought too much about it but definitely liked the smell. You don’t miss what you’ve never had right? I’m never sure where the line is with these things. Is it okay to covet (providing it’s not your neighbor’s wife) or a sin to be curious as long as you don’t indulge? Anyhow I removed the aforementioned temptation swiftly and heartily, before moving on to the wedding cake.
My train of thought was then swiftly derailed when he introduced his Jewish friend from Israel. Although I consider myself very liberal and open minded its difficult not to prejudge to a certain extent. (even subconsciously) How many of us have measured a person by race, age, appearance, occupation or colour of skin at a glance before meeting them. I’m not talking about any form or racism or ignorance just basic presumption. Things we grow up with, things we read and see everyday. It can be difficult to re-educate the thought process to contradict the stereotypes we're force fed. Considering we were all attending the beautiful union of two mutual friends one Indian and the other from Scotland I shouldn't have been so surprised.
I myself being the product of Portuguese love of Brazilian women and far later my Scottish Dad’s similar fascination. Then in turn getting married to the daughter of a Filipina and Dutch / Irish Essex geezer. I can't help thinking things get a lot more interesting when you mix them up a bit. I know people are still terrified by the thought of loosing their national identities the world over but when it comes down to it were all descendents of Pangaea right?

For those in Dubai please come down and support a new live music night we’re calling the Soul Lounge. It takes place this next Wednesday the 24th of June at the Warehouse (A day after my 25th birthday) I’ll still accept belated birthday drinks though. The night will include a live acoustic performance by local soul singer Ash Hamman www.ash4ever.com See his recent video for “I’m Sorry” You’ve probably heard Ash recently on the Virgin Radio hot 20. Look out for his new album dropping soon featuring Akon and Sway. I’ll be on hand with the musical support dropping soul, 90’s rnb, funk and soulful-house. Did I mention the gigs free? For more info/tables call 055 329-3784.

Blacksheep magazine is now live. www.blacksheepmag.com  The sites looking fantastic.Join the flock and log on.

Almost forgot. Help yourself to a new commercial rnb mix I did recently.I'll get tracklist and proper download link up on the media page asap but in the meantime you can get a copy here at z-share:
www.zshare.net/audio/6120437726612a7b/

We’ve been coming back and fourth to the UAE for a few years and initially I focused mainly on the down side of life here being critical of the obvious things. It’s hard not to compare where you are with where you are from. The more time I spend here the more I begin to appreciate the subtleties and the more refined aspects. Expats always refer to their own country like some sort of mythical place where everything is functional and efficient. It seems like the memories of your childhood with times passage you tend to forget about less favorable things about your homeland and recall only the good. There are lots of issues here I don’t necessarily agree with but I do respect.
It’s nice to be able to walk at night without worrying about being stabbed. There’s no pissing on the street or people throwing up, no human sized seagulls fighting for the remnants of last nights junk food take away. Although I think restrictions here can be over zealous to the point of incomprehension. We could possibly tone down our excesses.
I oppose censorship of any kind but also I’m bemused by hatred and racism coming under the banner of self expression and fee speech in our democracy.
The Emiratis I suppose have never hidden the fact they favor their own people. The only difference is here it’s in the open where as in the UK it wouldn’t be politically correct to say it out loud. Locals certainly have a great deal with land and loans and company ownership. As a declining minority in their own country I can see why they cling to tradition. But with change comes acceptance and a little concession. You can move with the times or eventually get left behind. Obviously Dubai anticipated this and made provisions to build a modern city out of the sand. Although I really don’t know if the average local marvels at or laments their modern day Frankenstein.
The question of immigration and national identity is something which is a worldwide debate right now. The far right seems to be making resurgence in popularity. Disgruntled nationals complain about jobs and housing, never acknowledging where the wealth that built the major ports and cities came from. We sit in our armchairs shaking our heads about the treatment of the workers in Dubai but never consider the ones in our own country working without rights and benefits doing the jobs we think are beneath us. You can also hear us complain about call centers and sweat shops but going crazy for the latest deals in Primark.
In a sense Dubai wouldn’t have been possible without the foreigners but neither would our industrial revolution. As the world becomes a smaller place integration is inevitable despite the intentions of some to create a new world order with open borders and a standardized currency it seems we’ve never been further apart. When it comes down to it we’re all pretty quick to judge, just a little slower to realize we’re not so different after all.


For my Dubai crew you can find me this Monday night at the Hollywood Lounge Mondays at Elegante' in the Royal Ascot Hotel. Join us for a night of fun filled entertainment Hollywood style! Performances by Xtremer Dance Crew and Hollywood Events TV dancers. Ladies free all night with free champagne. For table bookings contact +97150 2973671



Finally look out for Blacksheep online magazine coming real soon. In a field of it's own get it! No sheep loving Aberdeen jokes thank you. Look out for the low down from D12 , Royce Da 5,9", Classifeid and a Scottish round up. Also coming soon UK Soul Mix featuring new music from the linkes of Omar, Don-e, Anthoney Wright,Ty and Teri Walker. Currently in the lab putting it together. Thanks to Pauline at PK image for all the great photos recently www.pkimage.co.uk

It’s been a funny old week absurd and comical in just about equal measure. The only thing consistent in my life right now is the speed in which time passes. Everything else is kinda up in the air but in a good way if that makes any sense. I think I’ve always been more comfortable with uncertainty than routine anyway.
I sent out a rather fetching picture of myself via face in the hole dot com with me as a conan the barbarian below is my web designer Corrie's creative reply (Acme digital must have had a busy week.) I think I look real cuddly as a big guy. At least the missus will now have an accurate picture of what to expect in 10 years time.

To mark the 12th anniversary of Biggie’s death I got a few of his tracks together and recorded a live mix. I’ve always thought of myself as a huge Notorious BIG fan but to be honest after going through the albums a lot of the stuff on there I can no longer relate to. Don’t get me wrong there’s no shortage of club bangers which still work in the club. But it’s not something I could really listen to at home anymore. Which then brought me to thinking am I still a biggie fan? I suppose we’ll never know how he would have changed and his music developed. Either way I suppose he’s left behind quite a legacy. In the words of the big fella’s self fulfilling prophecy “Your nobody till somebody kills you” I’ve still to see the movie..Should I just wait for the dvd?

[audio:http://www.djdavidcraig.co.uk/audio/TheNotoriousBigMix09Master.mp3|titles=March 09 R.I.P B-I-G Mix|artists=Dj David Craig]http://www.zshare.net/audio/56820371e6f5b456/ (Download it)
Anyway check out the mix right here. There’s also a download link for Mark Devlin’s Just Buggin radio show which featured it this week week. Catch Mark Online every Wednesday night  on FM 107 Oxford. www.fm1079.com You can find Mr Devlin at http://www.mdevlin.demon.co.uk/
Mark Devlin Just Buggin 11/03/2009

Tomorrow I’m heading for St Andrews for the “don’t walk” charity fashion show and after party which is contributing towards the Invisible Children project. Please take some time to check out the website of such a fantastic cause working towards creating opportunities and raising money to support the war affected children in Northern Uganda.
http://www.invisiblechildren.com
I’ll admit it’s something I didn’t give enough thought to until interviewing former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. His story was as touching and inspiring as it was engaging heartbreaking. But after being given one opportunity he elevated himself to be a spokesman for his generation http://www.emmanueljal.org/ Here's the interview with Emmanuuel:
[audio:http://www.djdavidcraig.co.uk/audio/Emmanuael jal.mp3|titles=Emmanuel Jal Interview|artists=Dj David Craig]

On a lighter note. I’m really looking forward to being part of the Ed Hardy Party tour with Exclusive events on Friday the 27th of this month at the Corinthian in Glasgow.
It’s an invite only event with a fashion show previewing the new range, there will be clothing and merchandise given away all night to guests and an after party with Dj Buddy Luv, Steve James and myself providing the soundtrack. For info or to book a table or booths call Charles on 07747874474 or belvedere@exclusiveentertainments.com (Entry is by guest list only so get in touch asap.)
Next time round. Chatting with Ann Nesby , new UK Soul mix and the D12 after party with Royce Da 5,9”.

INTRO

DEAD WRONG

BIG POPPA

WARNING

THE WHAT

CANT YOU SEE RMX

TEN CRACK COMMANDMENTS

F&^%ING YOU TONIGHT

RESPECT

DREAMS

KICKIN THE DOOR

ONE MORE CHANCE RMX

GET MONEY

UNBELIEVABLE

WHO SHOT YA

HYPNOTIZE

I GOT A STORY TO TELL

MACHING GUN FUNK

JUICY

EVERYDAY STRUGGLE

GOING BACK TO CALI

CAN I GET WITH YOU ?

NOTORIOUS BIG

NASTY BOY



http://www.zshare.net/audi..o/56820371e6f5b456/

www.djdavidcraig.co.uk/audio/TheNotoriousBigMix09Master.mp3