Arabian dance

Egypt. Heralded for its mystical history and pyramidal landmarks, it's the cultural jewel of North Africa. Hardly the epicentre of the trance universe. Until now....

Thanks to one duo of producers, Aly & Fila, Egypt is gaining significant attention worldwide from the trance family. With the influence of Pacha's Sharm El Sheikh branch, Space – at which the duo host regular events – and their regular Future Show of Egypt on Nile FM, the Egyptian club scene is in rude health.

As it has grown, Aly & Fila have kept true to their roots. Making waves with DJ sets at the biggest events on the planet – the likes of Global Gathering, Tomorrowland and Dance Valley – they've been spreading their unique breed of Arabian-inspired 140bpm melodic dance to the far corners of globe. Not forgetting their illustrious career produceing for the likes of Armada, Black Hole and their own FSOE Recordings, so we had a chat...

Hi guys, how's things?

Fila: “Hi DJ Mag, all is great thanks. Just resting up after a weekend of travelling and shows.”

How has your summer been? Any highlights?

Fila: “Summer has been crazy, but in a good way, shows and festivals have been great. Met so many people this summer: fans, crowds have been really up for everything. It has been a great experience. Tomorrowland festival in Belgium was out of this world. Dance Valley, Global Gathering, Ibiza... to be honest everywhere we played has been great, great crowds.”

Where are you based these days?

Aly: “We both live in Egypt.”

Is the Egyptian club scene growing?

Fila: "For a long time the scene was very house, commercial, pop but with our radio show Future Sound of Egypt weekly on Nile FM in Egypt, and our FSOE Events at Space Sharm El Sheik, and our record label Future Sound of Egypt, trance is becoming a lot more known in Egypt."

Are people in Egypt embracing trance in particular?

Aly: "There is a big trance family in Egypt. They are very passionate and with the help of all mentioned above and Egypt Trance Family, our Team Aly & Fila in Egypt, trance is becoming more popular."

Has the dance music explosion in the US been beneficial to you guys? 

Fila: "For sure, it can only be a good thing for everyone that dance music is becoming very popular there, the festivals and events we play at in USA are becoming bigger and bigger. Electric Daisy Carnival is amazing.

Has convergence within "EDM" affected the music you make or the stuff you play?

Aly: "We always stick to what we believe in. The style we make is what we love, we are known worldwide for this style. Of course music evolves over the years but we always try to stick to our own style."

What's next? Any releases planned? Any gigs?

Fila: "Just played last night an unreal event called Sziget Festival in Budapest was amazing. Next week in Russia and then we have our celebration at Space Sharm el Sheik for 250th episode of our radio show, FSOE 250, with ourselves playing with Ferry Corsten, W&W, Sean Tyas, Shogun, Bjorn Akesson Brave, Mohamed Ragab, Jwaydan Live. Really looking forward to it. Then weekend after SW4 Festival, we tour US & Canada with Ibiza, Party in the Park Scotland in-between. Music-wise we just released Aly & Fila meets Roger Shah feat Adrina Thorpe called 'Perfect Love' and we are currently working on our new artist album also called 'Quiet Storm'.