5 Minutes with Omar Basaad

We speak to up and coming Saudi Arabian dance producer Omar Basaad before hitting the decks Friday at the Sandance music festival.

How did you get started in the game? I've always loved music. When I was a kid I bought a beat-box and other musical instruments just to learn the fundamental basics of music. And from there onwards, I spent hours in the studio learning and creating new sounds. I improved myself. I learned algorithms, notes, and the fundamentals of recording techniques and finally produced my own music.

What was it about dance music that attracted you? Dance music has a feeling. It's as simple as that. It can make you sad or happy in a break down of a song and as the anthem builds up to the beat it can make you breakout into a dance. It plays with emotions and just connects with me.

Is there a DJ community in Saudi Arabia? There are DJ's but the scene is yet to develop and mature officially.

Is it tough to improve as DJ considering one cannot perform such gigs in the kingdom? I believe there are no excuses to achieving dreams. If being a DJ is yours no matter where you are, you can achieve it. There is a chance for aspiring DJ's and they just have to take the initiative. It's not a pastime, you really have to want it.

How did the Nehayitna Eh come about? Nehayitna was released in 2009. It's been remixed and I've recently released a Dubstep version of it. I always use my heritage to my advantage, synchronizing various facets. That helped with Nehayitna Eh. I guess I just use my knowledge of music genres, cultures and connect experiences I had to synthesize new things.

For those who never heard you, what should they expect? I would rather let my work (in this case music) speak for me. You should come to Sandance and find out!

Any last words? I am very excited about my first EP called ''Vega'' that has been released on Beatport and will soon be available on iTunes. It's got a total of 6 brand new tracks and is a very special compilation.

Omar Basaad will perform as part of the Sandance Festival. Friday, 2pm-2am. Nasimi Beach, Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.  Tickets begin at Dh 275 from www.timeouttickets.com