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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
41
Aly & Fila
1

“Ever since we started our careers, one of our ambitions was to mix one,” says A&F, referring to the rare-for-the-genre Radio 1 Essential Mix they landed themselves back in February. Through it, Egypt’s favourite trance sons were quicker off the grid than most in 2016.
From there, it seems, they’ve only hit the gas harder. “Over the last 12 months we’ve played festivals and shows in 39 countries,” continues their ever-genial frontman, Fadi. “After the Future Sound Of Egypt 400 show at The Great Pyramids of Giza in 2015, we had a challenge finding something that would match it.” The answer looks likely to be Luxor’s Karnak Temple — one of the world’s oldest, most historic sites, from which the pair springboard this year’s 450 flag-wave. 

Aly & Fila have broadened the brand too this year, hosting new concepts like FSOE Island in New York City and — spinning to an estimated 1.2million people — the Future Sound Of Egypt Love Truck at Zurich’s Love Parade. China has also proved key for them in 2016. “We’re one of the main trance acts to tour there over the last 12 months. As a scene, China is growing very rapidly”. 

For the third year in a on the trot, they were also voted No.1 in TrancePodium.com’s DJs Poll. Taking their Future Sound Of Egypt record label independent in June hasn’t hurt them either, with the pair becoming Beatport’s No.1-selling trance act over the last 12 months. TIM STARK

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form?

“There is certainly more attention now on dance music through the media, and the Internet has helped the dance music phenomenon become better known throughout the world. So yes, we think it is taken very seriously.”

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? 

“Nothing really impressed us this year.”

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be? 

“We really like melodic deep house.” 

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ?

 “One million dollars!”

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events?

“Education on types of drugs and their effects in schools and universities would create more awareness amongst the generations coming through.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music?

“If we are talking about the diversity of race and languages within the dance music scene, it’s never been as diverse worldwide as it is now.”