Hitting the right note – E.M.A interviews Julie E Gordon
| 24th February 2022
Hitting the right note – E.M.A interviews Julie E Gordon: Singer, songwriter and top vocalist, our DJ in Dubai E.M.A meets one of her musical heroines who’s also made the move to sunny Dubai and has released a new album.
You may have heard about this legend already from the Madchester music scene, Julie E Gordon, who is originally from Dudley UK, and made her name as a Mancunian vocal performance artist, producer, writer, and composer who moved to Dubai two years ago.
Her background is soul, jazz, and gospel, and she has used her experiences in live performance to produce an outstanding collection of music, with influences from EDM, drum and bass, infused with the soulful house.
Her musical history stems from collaborations with bands across the UK such as Happy Mondays and Black Grape. Julie also fronted her own band with Myke Wilson previously of Swing Out Sister on drums, keyboard player Paul Ashton, Italian guitarist Paolo Fuschi and Dave Luvin from Kansas USA on bass.
Now she’s moved to Dubai where I caught up with her to see what brought her here and what she’s up to now.
Hitting the right note – E.M.A interviews Julie E Gordon
What made you move to the UAE and why the big move?
Moving to the UAE has to be one of the best decisions I’ve made this side of the 21st century. After experiencing the world through the lens of music, I felt compelled to take up an opportunity to work with local citizens here in Dubai. A very close friend of mine encouraged me to take a position as a Faculty in Applied media at a government-run educational institution. She had already been here from 2015 and she had already made it clear that it was life-changing, and that the opportunities to grow as a creative in Dubai were vast.
After completing my master’s degree in Music Performance at Salford University, I applied for the role and was accepted. I was slightly anxious, after reading up about the rules and restrictions, I asked myself would it work? Well two years deep, I have to say, it’s been a journey, I’ve met some incredible people, mostly locals, but I feel I’m on an international stage, with a beautiful collective of people from around the world. I’m still learning more about myself each day I’m here, I’ll never look back.
What do you miss most about Manchester?
Well, Manchester was and still is my creative birthplace. I have no hesitation to say I deeply miss my family and very close friends. The part of being welcomed into the rainy city has been an honour since day one. I miss the music scene, particularly the individuals who were part of shaping my art, helping me to develop as a unique artist. I have learned so much in the way of the beautiful collective of such talented individuals and I’ve taken all that I know to develop the rich quality of the North. Manchester as said in the words of Tony Wilson “We do things differently”.
Hitting the right note – E.M.A interviews Julie E Gordon
How hard/easy was it to get on the music scene in the UAE?
Getting into the music scene here in the UAE is pretty straightforward. Open Mic and jam sessions are a big thing and so many places open up opportunities for musicians to showcase their skills, in turn securing residences. I recently secured a residency at the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, as well as EXPO 2020. I have to be honest, Dubai favours UK and US artists over other nationalities, which I feel is too biased as the artists I’ve encountered here, are exceptionally talented. I strongly support all nationalities and have made it my priority to help open doors through collaborations, as well as promoting through my personal social platforms.
How does the music scene in the UAE compared to the UK music scene?
The music scene here in the UAE caters for all nationalities, with it being the epicentre of bringing the world together there’s no easy way to say it differs from the UK. You get everyone in one melting pot. Dubai I would say is a mixture of the UK/US it’s super commercial.
What advice could you give to other musicians making their career move to the UAE?
My advice to anyone looking to start a career as a musician here in the UAE is to make sure you have a strong portfolio of work, they favour musicians who have a strong presence on social media, however, they offer opportunities for creatives through several government initiatives. Do your research, also make sure you secure an opportunity before settling here, as it’s a very expensive city. I encourage you to come out first, check out the scene, and make sure you network!
You are involved in DS2DIO Performing Arts what’s the concept?
I currently work as Head of Music Performance for a Performing Arts Academy DS2DIO. We are based in Dubai Townsquare and Al Wasl. DS2DIO offers programmes in Music, Contemporary Dance, (Hip Hop, Afro Salsa) Ballet, Musical Theatre, Arial Yoga and much more. Our market is kids and adults. We offer a bespoke programme that focuses on the development of each individual, we harness the creative skills, then train each individual in the art of “live” performance.
How did you get involved?
I was discovered after doing a stint on an open mic night, so this guy Kem came up to me and bullied me into seeing the academy and said I would not be disappointed and he could see me doing great things there. Well without going into the nitty-gritty, it was the best thing I have ever done. After performing for an open evening there, the owner wanted me to be a central part of the academy on the spot. I guess it was already written. The future is bright for DS2DIO the students and Instructors are incredibly talented.
Where can we see you perform in the UAE?
So right now, my focus is working on the release of my album “HOME” which is out now, but I have a few events coming up in March, check out my site www.officialjulieegordon.com Where you can find updates on up and coming shows.
Which artists to look out for in the UAE?
Artists to look out for are on my Thevocalpod site. I have my money on Ruben and Dana a duo who are taking Dubai by storm, also Katty Gold, Boye Henry, and Semi Souls.
I have plans to come back to Manchester this year for a private event. This was
planned pre covid, so I’m holding out for that. I would love to check out some of Manchester’s up and coming artists while I’m back to see who’s hot on the scene.
What does 2022 hold out for Julie E Gordon?
A seasoned and more rounded artist with a deep love for the people of this world. Check out my new Album “HOME” it’s spirit-filled, a journey into discovering the truth about life.
You can listen/download Julie’s new album “HOME” on all music platforms and when you’re next visiting Dubai make sure to catch Julie at one of her gigs.