1. Nightlife MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
MAZY
DAYS
Multi-talented genre-
spanning London lad
Labrinth has a global
tastemaker for a boss
and the world at his feet.
What’s On grabbed a
word with the pop hot
property ahead of his
first-ever Middle East
performance in Abu
Dhabi this month…
W
hatever you think of Simon
Cowell, even the biggest haters
would have to concede that
the opinion-splitting X Factor
music mogul knows a thing or two about
what makes a hit artist. So when Cowell’s
record label Syco made Labrinth its first non- success à la some of his mentor’s less talented are really valuable to me. I dreamt and still
reality television signing, the eyes of the pop protégés, despite having previously publicly dream of working with many people in the
world were instantly upon the 23-year-old dissed X Factor. industry. This is why it’s so exciting.”
Hackney native. “Did it worry me that people might lump Back home, it’s a big month for Labrinth’s
“It has definitely changed my life,” Labrinth me in with TV talent show artists? Not at all,” native London. Having recently played a
exclaims, after we track him down to the he asserts. “I think most people know me for celebratory event on the route of the Olympic
mid-tour surrounds of slightly insalubrious being a producer anyway, which is definitely a torch, he can’t wait for the Games themselves
English city Stoke-on-Trent. “No exaggeration different lump to the others. to get underway.
at all. I’m living my dream.” “It’s not that I don’t like X Factor; not at all, “I’m hugely excited that the Games are
Whereas high-waist-banded multi- I respect it. It’s just not the way I would have going to take place in Hackney where I
millionaire Cowell is often associated with started my career. It’s the instant fame aspect. grew up. It’s been great to be a part of it.
chart puppets uninvolved in writing their I guess that’s what it is.” Ultimately I’m a big supporter of the UK, all
own songs, Labrinth – real name Timothy Labrinth cemented his own fame earlier day, every day.”
McKenzie – offers a different proposition. this year with debut album Electronic Earth, Before then, there’s the small matter of his
Having already produced tracks for aspiring following up an impressive run of three Middle East debut, at Etoiles.
artists during his teens, things shifted up consecutive Top Ten solo singles in Britain. “The set in Abu Dhabi is going to be a
a gear with a guest slot on Tinie Tempah’s The LP followed suit into the upper reaches mixture of PA and DJing,” he explains. “I
UK number one single Pass Out – which he of the charts, returning the cameo favour to really believe this gig is going to be a great
also produced and co-wrote – followed by Tinie Tempah on single Earthquake. His stock one and I’m really looking forward to coming
a second link-up with the chart-gobbling has risen sufficiently since that there’s now to the UAE.” After that? “It’s simple really: I
rapper on Top Ten hit Frisky. A few months talk that his next collaborative projects could just want to keep doing what I love.”
and a clutch of further collaborations later, include Usher, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole. Jul 13, Etoiles, Emirates Palace, West Corniche,
Syco came calling. “[I’ve got] great respect for Tinie Tempah, Abu Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, Dhs100, free
Consequently, Labrinth isn’t too concerned but ultimately I’m so lucky to have many before 1am. Tel: (02) 6908960. labrinthofficial.
he’ll be mistaken for a flash-in-the-pan musical friends in the industry. All of them com
JULY 2012 WHAT’S ON 83
83 Club lead.indd 83 6/25/12 8:15 PM