By More and more of Dubai’s party people are finding their way to Ibiza Global Radio UAE – at 95.3FM – to catch the best in underground dance music.
Operational from the famous party island of Ibiza since 2004, Ibiza Global Radio’s presence in the UAE is welcome relief for those seeking more cutting-edge sounds. Ibiza Global Radio UAE broadcasts 24/7, with mixes from international DJ superstars and some of our favourite local DJs, including Frederick Stone, Hoolz and Smokingroove.
Presenter Clint Maximus soundtracks your drive home from work. He hosts the Sunset Sessions, Sunday to Thursday, from 4pm – 8pm. With a music career spanning 25 years – including a Grammy nomination and globally-recognised radio show ‘The Edge’ broadcast across 30 stations worldwide – Clint Maximus knows his onions. Born in the UK and raised in the Seychelles, this lad earned his DJing stripes playing at the likes of London’s Ministry of Sound, Beirut’s BO18 and the Castle Club in Cyprus, and has shared the stage with huge names like Major Lazer, Avicii, Tiësto and Paul Oakenfold.
We caught up new Dubai resident Clint Maximus for the low-down…
How did you first become involved in radio?
I started in radio in the Seychelles when I was about 15. A friend heard Paradise FM was looking for someone. I grabbed a cassette player – the kind where you could press play and record together – did a few fake radio shows and for some reason the bosses at Paradise FM liked it. I started off as a studio slack boy, editing and putting new music on the system, and later was given a show.
Why has your love affair with radio lasted so long?
I’ve had a love – and hate – relationship with radio for many, many years. There have been times when I’ve had enough and thought I should start something else. But now I have a greater appreciation for it. I’m not really into daytime radio anymore… you know, “Here’s the latest from the Kardashians, Justin, etc.” It’s just not me. I’ve matured as a listener, as a fan of music, and in the end, I’m now just following a path I enjoy.
Tell us about your last station and show before moving to Dubai?
My last live show was at my previous station MIX FM Lebanon. I presented the morning show from 6am to 10am. It was typical morning show radio but again, I just felt it wasn’t me anymore. Thankfully, I’ve always been doing a lot of dance shows for stations all over the world and weekly podcasts.
What tempted you to join Ibiza Global Radio UAE?
The station allows me to be more specialist and focus on the music I’m really into. They wanted me to DJ, conduct interviews and talk about house music – things I do almost every day through my podcasts and radio shows. So it just felt right.
What’s surprised you most about Dubai?
You have to admit the architecture here is impressive. Seeing the Burj Khalifa, the Cayan Tower, The Opus by Dame Zaha Hadid… Oh, and I loved my visit to The Green Planet. That was really cool.
What’s your vision for Sunset Sessions?
The station is creating a nice hub for international and local talent, featuring great club music. Showcasing local talent will help them grow. Between 4pm and 8pm, I’ll be playing plenty of deep house and deep tech through to organic house and minimal tunes as well. Just a nice package of cool, edgy tracks you won’t hear on any other station in the UAE.
What’s been the highlight of your DJing career?
I’m incredibly grateful to travel the world doing what I do. I’ve DJed in Miami, UK, Seychelles, Croatia, Cyprus, and right here in Dubai. That alone makes it so worthwhile. I’ve also performed with some of the most amazing artists and I was incredibly honoured to perform before Avicii in Beirut, in front of 15,000 people – that was pretty special.
What’s the highlight of your career as a producer?
Has to be the Grammy nomination for JES, Shant & Clint Maximus Hold On (Fatum Remix). I was shocked when I heard we’d been nominated. I didn’t sleep that night, in all honesty.
Got anything cooking production-wise?
Always! I have some new tech-house tracks on my laptop that I need to finish. I’ve reworked a very famous club anthem, which I hope will drop next year, and I’ll be putting more focus into my Game Chasers alias in 2021.
Three tunes you can’t live without…
Orbital
Halcyon and On and On (FFRR)
This song never gets old and reminds of my teen years, the early days of my DJ career and the craziness I used to get up to with friends.
Ian Brown
F.E.A.R (U.N.K.L.E Remix) (Polydor)
Heard this on Paul Oakendfold’s Great Wall Mix back in 2003. I met Paul the following year (or the same year) and warmed up for him in Beirut.
Reflekt feat Delline Bass
Need To Feel Loved (Positiva)
What’s not to like about this track? It reminds me of Ibiza so much and ‘It’s All Gone Pete Tong’ is one of my favorite movies.
