DJ/producer/curator/promoter and festival programmer - it's hard to pigeon-hole UAE-based James Locksmith, but we suspect that's just the way he likes it.
A certified full-time music junkie, James Locksmith has been leading the alternative music scene across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for nearly a decade, brilliantly blurring the lines between funk, disco, soul, house, electronic, techno and world grooves, creating his own unique, genre-hopping mix that's seen the native Australian play across the region including Beirut, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Greece, Morocco and Australia.
With music in his veins, he's become the go-to man for cult brands like Red Bull and their world-famous Music Academy as well as collaborating with Art Dubai, SOLE DXB, Tiger Translate, SATWA 3000, Analog Room and Vibe Series events. His role call of supporting gigs is just as impressive, having shared stage-time with Mr Scruff, Kenny Dope, Nightmares on Wax, John Morales, Nicolas Jaar, Hot Chip, Danny Krivit, Giles Peterson, Princess Nokia and dozens more. Alongside that, he's a regular fixture as a performing artist for Groove on the Grass, the leading electronic festival in the region.
An in-demand DJ and curator, he currently holds down a long-standing residency at Barbary in Dubai, with 2019 highlights set to include a tour of the US in May and the launch of his new podcast series.
Leading alternative Middle East DJ producer and curator James Locksmith has teamed up with Electronic Music Conference in Australia for a MENA focused program in November 2019
James Locksmith's influence is set to reach new heights as he's teamed up with the Australian Electronic Music Conference in November 2019 where he's been invited to be one of the main curators. Not only will he be discussing the huge growth the music scene has undergone in the Middle East, he'll actually be taking several acts to the conference, cherry-picking his favourite MENA talent to join in on panels, workshops, collaboration projects and performances for an all-expenses-paid trip to showcase their work.
Open to MENA based artists, James and the EMC are also looking for new and emerging bands, artists, producers and acts to take to Australia for the conference. While the primary focus is on electronic music, indie, hip hop, beats producers and bands can also apply.
Interested bands, artists and acts should send their bio, EPK and links to [email protected] with the subject line "EMC Australia 2019 ' Artist Name."
Beirut Gig Listing
April 19
James Locksmithwill be spinning the decks atBeirut's famous Ballroom Blitz along with supporting acts like Mira, Tobi Dei and others. For more information, call: +96176999334.
Date: April 19, 2019
Time: James Locksmith to start from 2AMtill end
Venue: Ballroom Blitz, 1st floor, Red Square Center, Bourj Hammoud, Seaside Road, Beirut Lebanon
Diggers' Delight Records is hosting their first BBQ this spring under the title Beirut Digs with the city's best talent such as Eli Atala, Georges C and guest producer James Locksmith from Dubai. Entrance is 20,000 LBP with one drink. Call +96176715445.
Date: April 22, 2019
Time: 12PM onwards
Venue: Bar 429, Arez Street - Saifi, Beirut
Social media links
James Locksmith
Electronic Music Conference
