From Berlin to Beirut: Playing Sets That Stick

Every city has its own heartbeat. And as a DJ, I’ve come to realize that reading that heartbeat is the difference between playing a set that’s good… and playing one that’s unforgettable.

Berlin taught me about tension. It’s a city that thrives on minimalism, on industrial textures, on slow builds and relentless pulse. I’ve played in basements where the air vibrates with expectation, where the crowd doesn't cheer — they nod, eyes closed, surrendering to the hypnotic rhythm. In those moments, I learned to listen more than I play.

Beirut, in contrast, is fire. It’s rooftop euphoria, basslines with color, emotion, even joy. When I played my first set in Gemmayze, I was nervous — could I really connect here, coming from such a different vibe? But the moment I dropped a remix of a Fairuz vocal layered over a deep progressive groove, the room lit up. People danced with their hands, not just their feet. They looked up, not down. The energy was vertical.

That’s when I learned: connection isn’t about technical perfection. It’s about presence. About being in the moment, with the crowd, with the city.

How I Adapt My Sets Across Cities

• Do the research. I walk around the city before a gig. Not just tourist spots — backstreets, music shops, record bars. I want to feel the city's rhythm.

• Read the room early. The first 10 minutes of any set are crucial. I’ll often play two very different intros to test the vibe.

• Carry emotional anchors. I always have a few tracks that have a deep emotional pull — they work across borders. But I drop them only when it feels right.

Every city gives you something — a frequency, a scent, a silhouette. And when you honor that in your set, the city gives you something back: a night people will remember.