Ali Shirazinia is a name that is written in EDM folklore. Initially as a part of the supergroup Deep Dish, but now as a bona fide solo superstar.
The Dubfire name is associated with deep, meaningful productions as well as a superb ability to read a crowd from behind the mixer.
“It has been a pretty wild ride this year,” explains Shirazinia. “I've had a pretty punishing tour schedule in 2013 and started a bit of a new project which is the Dubfire live show; so getting that process hatched has been a big focus for me this year.”
On its own, that should be enough to get fans of not only Deep Dish but also Dubfire excited — because you can bet it will feature the best of both worlds. Shirazinia confirms fans' expectations. “It's basically going to be a one hour show of the most recognised productions, edits and remixes I've done in my career. What I've done though, is taken those things and rearranged them for a live audience. With that, I'm also going to be working on a visual show to match the audio onslaught.”
Logistically, the setup will include Ableton, live controllers, iPads, control modules as well as anything else that might take his fancy between now and then.
“I'm really keeping my ear to the street to get a feel for what's in the background,” he explains. “The idea was actually to launch the new show at the Future Music Festival, but based on what's involved I'm wondering if I'll be able to launch it by then. If I do get it up and running shortly afterwards, I promise to get back to Australia to do some gigs!”
Inevitably, our discussion turns to rebooting Deep Dish.
“We have seen that ball gaining some traction,” he admits. “To start, we have been talking about putting together a retrospective boxset that covers our career together. We have many releases that didn't see the light of day and to preserve the legacy that was Deep Dish — something that was important to both of us but to so many passionate people as well. To do some shows and tracks — that would really mean a lot.”
With the time that has passed, the lads have come to understand — more than ever — that they most definitely had a unique musical vision.
“Looking back, there was a lot of in-fighting between us about who was doing what, but that was a typical part of a group who was passionate about what they were up to. We always questioned each other's motives and skills, which in the end was a positive outcome for us. And when we get around to doing things again, it will no doubt facilitate the creativity and drive that we so enjoyed when we worked together.”
Regardless, Shirazinia remains focused and committed to his current pursuits too, particularly with his SCI+TEC imprint, with a release schedule that's pretty much full until early next year. “The label has really been an opportunity to seek out and nurture new and exciting artists. I've really gotten behind The Junkies, Carlo Lio and Shaded — these guys are doing great and exciting things; I learnt a long time ago that I can't take on everyone, so with the label now I'm trying to zero in on the ones that have the drive we're looking for.”
Finally, Shirazinia shares some thoughts on getting back to Australia again for a series of dates with Future Music Festival in 2014.
“Some of the best memories I've had were at Future Music Festivals - particularly with Sven Vath at the side shows in Melbourne and Sydney. We weren't just hanging out together, but also with other artists generally and that's what I love about those types of festivals. I wish that happened in the United States; travelling from city to city you’re always meeting with producers who are at the top of their game. All sorts of things always come of that too.”
Dubfire plays Future Music Festival at the RNA Showgrounds March 1.
