Abu Dhabi resident Rob Forrest has become part of the fabric of the music scene in the capital for some time now
We all know that many industries have evolved in the post-COVID era. One of the most directly affected was the music scene with events and concerts coming to a standstill for many months before reappearing in 2021.
During this time many individuals working in the hospitality and entertainment business faced a threat to their livelyhoods, but thankfully things begun to pick up slowly and venues and bars swept back into full swing, culminating in the amazing concerts that Abu Dhabi has hosted in recent times.
Here, Yalla talks to a very talented performer who has had his finger on the pulse of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai music scene for some time. A resident for most of his life and a DJ that needs no introduction to the local scene Rob Forrest talks breaking onto the music scene, COVID, nightlife and plans for the future.
How long have you been in the UAE and what made you come here?
I’ve been in the UAE since 1997, living almost all of it in Abu Dhabi, with a couple of stints in Dubai. We moved out here because my dad got a job in oil and gas and I’ve considered it home ever since.
What have you noticed about the trends in people socializing in the UAE?
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I think post-COVID, there’s been a huge increase in a more seated experience. Obviously before there were no rules about having to stay seated, so I think with that being the norm for a few years.
People have adjusted to having a table somewhere to relax throughout a night as opposed to going out with the intention of standing or dancing the whole time. As well as that, I think, in Abu Dhabi at least, the culture of bottle service has diminished slightly. A lot of people seem to be more interested in a casual experience rather than a full show.
Which city do you prefer as a DJ and why…Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
I think Dubai has an amazing scene and there’s always something happening there, but Abu Dhabi has something special about it. Even though the nightlife scene in general is on a smaller scale, it feels like there’s more of a community because there’s a smaller selection of places to go so you see the same faces across those different venues.
Who has been your biggest influences on your career to date?
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Musically, I think it’ll take too long to list everyone. In terms of DJ’s, the likes of Cliff Townley and Neil T, who helped me become a versatile DJ, and capable of being more creative with the curation and execution of a set, as well as my business partner, LPN, who’s helped me to branch out into DJ’ing at and hosting our own events under the brand FRQNCY.
How did COVID affect the industry overall?
I think Abu Dhabi took a major hit, that even up to recently venues have still been affected by. Especially when Dubai’s doors seemed to be always open, it got people into the rhythm of leaving the capital every weekend, which took entertainers and venues a long time to change. We seem to be getting back to a place of normality where the nightlife scene was before COVID.
What are your immediate plans, and ones for the future?
Immediate plans are to keep working as much as possible, try and develop further as a DJ, working with venues that share the same vision, as well as trying to grow the FRQNCY brand. My future plans are to keep being involved with, organising and hosting events around the capital and Dubai, and see where that takes me.
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