In-Depth Interview with Virgin Radio UAE Dance Show Host Scott Forshaw
UK artist Scott Forshaw boasts an impressive 15 million global streams, collaborating with major dance labels such as Armada, Ultra, and Toolroom. With over 250,000 unique monthly listeners on Spotify, Forshaw is rapidly solidifying his status in the music industry. Beyond his solo projects, he has co-production credits with renowned artists like John Newman, Altego, Black Caviar, and more, highlighting his upward trajectory.
If you’ve visited Dubai, you’ve likely heard of Scott Forshaw. He’s a staple on the Middle Eastern festival scene and is the resident DJ at Zero Gravity, the largest beach club in Dubai, since 2016. His contributions to the music scene have earned him five nominations from Time Out and What’s On, securing two awards along the way.
Recently, Scott secured a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing UK and Organized Chaos – the publishing branch of the UK indie label Perfect Havoc, where he is also signed. With these developments, he’s well-poised for an exciting future.
In celebration of his latest single ‘Just Keep Dancing’, we took a few moments with Scott Forshaw to discuss collaboration, his new show on Virgin Radio UAE, and memorable moments from the Dubai nightlife.
Your new single ‘Just Keep Dancing’, featuring Stephani B and Alfie Cridland, is a high-energy anthem. Can you share the creative process behind it?
Our goal was to merge our individual styles into a cohesive track. We drew inspiration from various aspects that we all enjoy, ultimately blending everything together into this single. After some tweaks and adjustments, we were excited about what we had created.
How does the creative process for ‘Just Keep Dancing’ differ from your previous releases, like ‘Oxygen’ or ‘Castles In The Sky’?
The previous tracks had a more progressive, melodic feel. In contrast, with ‘Just Keep Dancing’, we aimed for something more energetic and tailored for the dance floor.
Stephani B is gaining recognition for her unique mix of live drumming and DJing. Did this influence the production of ‘Just Keep Dancing’?
Absolutely! We ensured that the drums and percussion were spot-on. We designed the track so it could be easily adapted for Stephani’s live performances with her drum pads.
The track is released by Perfect Havoc, and you’re signed under their label as well. What’s your experience been with the Perfect Havoc team?
I’ve known Adam Griffin from Perfect Havoc since 2019, thanks to a mutual acquaintance. Since then, we’ve collaborated on various projects, so working with them now feels like a natural progression. The entire Perfect Havoc team is incredibly dedicated, and I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished together so far. I look forward to our future endeavors!
Congratulations on your new dance show with Virgin Radio UAE! How did it feel to receive that offer, and what can listeners expect in the upcoming weeks?
It was an amazing opportunity! Virgin Radio is the biggest station in the UAE, so I accepted the offer immediately. The show airs every Friday night at 9 PM, and I aim to keep the music fresh and exciting while sprinkling in some classics to kick off the weekend.
You’re a well-known figure in the Dubai club scene. How would you describe the nightlife there?
Having lived in Dubai for 10 years, I’ve witnessed tremendous growth in the music scene. It’s thrilling to see its evolution. When I first arrived, big international acts were rare, but now there’s a plethora of them performing every week. I feel lucky to have shared stages with so many talented artists.
Some of my most memorable performances include closing the MainStage at the inaugural Untold festival in Dubai, playing to over 250,000 attendees at sunrise on a shut-down highway, and my residency at Zero Gravity, one of Dubai’s longest-running and finest beach clubs.
The dance music scene is always evolving. As a DJ, how do you keep your sound current while maintaining originality?
It’s crucial to focus on your own musical taste and trust it. I constantly search for new music across all genres, incorporating that into my sets. I prefer not to box myself into one genre, which allows me to keep my performances dynamic and fresh.
Can you provide a glimpse into any upcoming projects or collaborations?
I’m continuously working on numerous new tracks. My next release is ‘Jumeirah Jam’ with Echostorms, inspired by Dubai, set to release on Soave on October 11. Additionally, I have another track titled ‘Mind Body Soul’ with Hollaphonic, coming out on October 25 via Perfect Havoc.
Do you have any major gigs or announcements on the horizon?
We’ve just announced our new season at Zero Gravity! From now until November, I’ll be sharing the stage with Belters Only, Goodboys, Switch Disco, Charlie Hedges, and many more acts to be revealed. Plus, keep an eye out for a HUGE announcement for NYE!
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring producers aiming to break into the dance music industry?
Stay persistent! I’ve been producing since 2004 in various forms, and it’s definitely a journey with its cycles. The key is to remain committed day after day, keep pushing ahead, and eventually, you’ll find yourself in the right place at the right time, leading to exciting opportunities.
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