Swedish DJ Sebastian Ingrosso is cruising back into town, to spin at glitzy Dubai nightspot Provocateur on Thursday (February 4).
Recognise the name, but not sure why? Ingrosso is best known as one-third of Swedish House Mafia, the now-defunct electro-house stadium-fillers which helped break dance music into the American mainstream – kick-starting the global “EDM” juggernaut in the process – before splitting truimphantly in 2013.
Questions about SHM however were strictly off bounds. Ingrosso still produces music and tours extensively with one other third of the trio, as Axwell & Ingrosso (Steve Angello meanwhile flies solo).
The duo's latest club banger, Dream Bigger, dropped just last month, but we're promised some more solo stuff soon.
What can we expect from your set at Provocateur?
A lot of energy. There’s a lot of fresh music to be playing at the moment and of course some favourites from my own various projects.
What’s the best tune you’ve heard so far in 2016?
One of the coolest has been The Mad Drummer by Harvey McKay. Huge techno vibes.
You recently released a new tune with your buddy Axwell. Tell us about it? Will you guys continue to work together moving forward?
Dream Bigger is one of those records we have had for a while and the fans have gone crazy for it in our sets. It felt like it was time to release it finally. Ax and I will definitely continue to work together, but we want to also put some focus on our own music as well.
You’ve been pretty quiet on the solo releases front, what have you got up your sleeve next?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but the silence is bound to be broken soon.
You worked with David Guetta around his commercial peak in 2009. Do you think he’s as relevant today?
For sure. David opened the door to a huge new audience for electronic music.
You’ve played Dubai a few times now – on Swedish House Mafia’s One Last Tour, with Axwell at Sandance – which night sticks in your mind the most?
It wouldn’t be fair to pick a favourite. Dubai is a very unique place to play. When people are out to party, they go for it.
What will the world be listening to in 2020?
Music, hopefully without too many boundaries. I hope that genres are going be mixed and experimented with more in the years to come.
Sebastain Ingrosso is live at Provocateur, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah, on Thursday, February 4, doors 11pm. Dh300 (reservations 055 211 8222).
