One thing the UAE loves to do, and does well, is big, bold and glitzy. The past few years have seen an influx of large events in film, literature and music – think of Creamfields, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai film festivals, Sandance and the Dubai Jazz Festival. There is, however, much to be said for the small and intimate and it is that gap that the new Metronome Festival, launched in the capital on Saturday, seeks to fill.
As The National reported yesterday, the festival is taking place throughout this month. Organised by the music collective White Cube, it puts an emphasis on UAE-based singer-songwriters in intimate spaces with a relatively small audience. Such city-grown independent festivals highlight local talent who are at an early stage of their careers.
They also feed into more established events: musicians from small venues can easily graduate to the better-known festivals. Having established the infrastructure and thirst for bigger music events, such smaller events can now emerge, providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs and a chance to hear less well-known genres of music.
Such festivals should be encouraged. They add to the cultural scene of the country and provide a unique experience for music fans who enjoy simplicity – which, as described by Leonardo da Vinci, is the ultimate sophistication.