“It has been a pretty wild ride this year,” says Ali Shirazinia – AKA Dubfire, a name associated in EDM circles with deep, meaningful production talent as well as a superb ability to read a crowd from behind the mixer. “I’ve had a pretty punishing tour schedule in 2013 and started a bit of a new project which is the Dubfire live show, so getting that process hatched has been a big focus for me”. In an earlier life, the Iranian-American producer found notoriety as part of Deep Dish with partner in crime Sharam Tayebi – and the Dubfire incarnation promises the best of both worlds.

“It’s basically going to be a one-hour show of the most recognised productions, edits and remixes I’ve done in my career. What I’ve done, though, is taken those things and rearranged them for a live audience. With that, I’m also going to be working on a visual show to match the visual onslaught.”

Logistically, the setup will include Ableton, live controllers, iPads, control modules as well as anything else that might take Shirazinia’s fancy between now and then. “I’m really keeping my ear to the street to get a feel for what’s in the background,” he explains. “The idea was actually to launch the new show at the Future Music Festival, but based on what’s involved I’m wondering if I’ll be able to launch it by then. If I do get it up and running shortly afterwards, I promise to get back to Australia to do some gigs!”

Inevitably too, our discussion turns to rebooting Deep Dish – not just for themselves – but also to deliver some love back to their long-time fan base. “We have seen that ball gaining some traction,” he admits. “To start, we have been talking about putting together a retrospective box set that covers off on our career together. We have many releases that didn’t see the light of day and to preserve the legacy that was Deep Dish – something that was important to both of us but to so many passionate people as well – and to do some shows and tracks; that would really mean a lot.”

With the time that has passed since Deep Dish went on hiatus, the boys have come to understand more than ever that they had a unique musical vision and talent. “Looking back, there was a lot of infighting between us about who was doing what – but that was a typical part of a group who was passionate about what they were up to. We always questioned each other’s motives and skills, which in the end was a positive outcome for us. And when we get around to doing things again, it will no doubt facilitate the creativity and drive that we so enjoyed when we worked together.”

Regardless, Shirazinia remains focused and committed to his current pursuits too – particularly with his SCI+TEC imprint, with a release schedule that’s pretty much full until early next year. “The label has really been an opportunity to seek out and nurture new and exciting artists. I’ve really gotten behind The Junkies, Carlo Lio and Shaded – these guys are doing great and exciting things; I learnt a long time ago that I can’t take on everyone, so with the label now I’m trying to zero in on the ones that have the drive we’re looking for.”

Finally, Shirazinia shares some thoughts on getting back to Australia again for a series of dates with Future Music Festival in 2014. “Some of the best memories I’ve had were at Future Music Festivals – particularly with Sven Väth at the sideshows in Melbourne and Sydney. We weren’t just hanging out together but also with other artists generally, and that’s what I love about those types of festivals. I wish that happened in the United States; travelling from city to city, you’re always meeting with producers who are at the top of their game. All sorts of things always come of that, too.”

BY REZO

Dubfire plays Future Music Festival 2014 withDeadmau5, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Phoenix, Hardwell, Rudimental, Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Porter Robinson and more at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday March 8.

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