A master of deep hypnotic grooves, Zone+ balances the art of creating depth and levels in his music to make the crowd move yet fly through his emotional escapes.The natural born musician is widely known for his mesmerizing sets and memorable productions that make a mark on discerning dance floors. The DJ/Producer from Bahrain, found his musical direction after playing as a resident in Soundscapes Bahrain and has since continued his musical escapades being an integral part of the growing underground movement in the region.
Relocating to Dubai, he quickly engrained himself in the hearts and minds within the scene, playing with many of the world’s leading artists such as Lee Burridge, Hernan Cattaneo, Martin Buttrich, YokoO and many more. His deeply emotive productions have been supported and released by premier labels in the industry such as All Day I Dream, Tale & Tone, Anjunadeep, Sol Selectas, Kindisch and Klassified.
As his notoriety spread globally, Zone+ has built quite a following, leading him to play around the world’s top clubs and festivals such as Cercle in Bali, Sunwaves Festival in Romania, Kater Blau in Berlin, Xibalba Festival in Mexico, Sandbox Festival in Egypt, ZERO in New York and Burning Man in Black Rock City.
We had a chat with Zone+ to talk about his current musical projects.
Electronic Groove: Hello Z0ne+, thanks for your time today. Where are you now and what’s the current situation with the coronavirus there?
Z0ne+: Hey, I am currently in my hometown in Bahrain. The cases have declined a bit, however, we are a very small country with a population of 1.5 million so we are all very extra careful. Also, the government has shown amazing support and awareness for everyone.
EG: How have you handled the lockdown and has it affected you in any positive or negative way?
Z0ne+: I defiantly miss the parties/traveling but the lockdown hasn’t affected me so much as I already love staying indoors and working on music, so now I legally have to stay indoors and work on music.
EG: Thanks for your recent Electronic Groove mix, how do you prepare your sets? Is there any special process involved?
Z0ne+: I would choose the first 2 tracks before the set and then let the journey take its toll.
EG: What do you think and the key elements that make a good DJ?
Z0ne+: Good taste in music and being able to read the crowd.
“I really can’t wait to be back on the road”
EG: Also, you recently released a remix for NODO’s ‘Kintsugi’. What was the inspiration to do this new version?
Z0ne+: Some of the elements used in the original track were nice to work with. I gave the track a cozy and warm vibe.
EG: Is there any other release planned in the coming months you’d like to mention?
Z0ne+: A remix that I did for Balad’s ‘A Half Remembered Dream’ on Sound Avenue and an original track ‘Saturday Luv’ on Armen Miran’s Hoomidaas label.
EG: You are linked to Lee Burridge’s collective All Day I Dream. How you connected with them
Z0ne+: I got to meet Hoj at one of his gigs in Dubai and as we were driving around I made him listen to some tracks that I was working on then. When he returned he introduced me to Lee and I had my first EP on All Day I Dream entitled ‘Baia’, that’s how the connection happened.
EG: You recently were part of their live stream series ‘All Day I Stream’. Where it was recorded and how was the experience?
Z0ne+: It was in my kitchen (laughter), I picked up every plant I saw in the house and put it in there. It was a great feeling to be behind the decks, however, nothing beats a great party with a good crowd.
“If I don’t get the time to make music I get in a very low mood”
EG: What are your plans for the year?
Z0ne+: As places are slowly opening up I really can’t wait to be back on the road, seeing friends and beautiful people around the world.
EG: What is the easiest and hardest part of being Z0ne+?
Z0ne+: Making music is a big part of my life, its like a therapy needed throughout the week, and if I don’t get the time to make music I get in a very low mood.
EG: Thanks and stay safe!
Z0ne+: Thanks to the EG team and stay safe.
Follow Zone+: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud
