MDLBeast Soundstorm: Biirdperson on performing in Riyadh

We are counting down the days until MDLBeast Soundstorm turns the volume up in Riyadh. The festival is, quite simply, the biggest music event in Riyadh, as it is unrivalled when it comes to its sheer scale and impressive line-ups.

While there are international superstar DJs coming to the capital, from David Guetta to Deadmau5, there is also homegrown talent taking to the stage. We chatted to the Saudi DJ, Biirdperson, about stereotypes, setlists and performing in Saudi.

How did you get into music and where do you find your inspiration?

Music has always been a huge part of my life from a very young age. As I got older, my taste in music shifted towards electronic music. I’ve always been inspired by many of our local pioneers such as Vinyl Mode, Hats and Klaps, Majid, Cosmicat and Baloo. Witnessing the electronic music scene here grow in Saudi, from its early stage to form a strong community, makes me want to be part of it, support it and delve deeper into it. I believe music is a direct expression of the soul, it brings peoples’ minds and hearts together and connects them spiritually.

When people think of DJs, they normally think of a man in headphones. How does it feel to be changing that image as a woman?

Well, it’s a complex topic. First, I believe it’s a cultural thing and I think electronic music has a long way to go and the perception around it is constantly evolving. But it is an undeniable fact that it is a male dominated industry. However, I believe with the pace it’s evolving, there will be more women taking up the stage and we will be seeing more female DJs in a few years. It’s happening now in the region with the growth we’re experiencing and of course after Soundstorm 2019, more females are getting confident and excited to share and celebrate their voices. I think it’s so important for us women to work together and genuinely support each other wholeheartedly.

Tell us about your music and what people can expect from your set.

Because I’m a filmmaker and I have a passion for films, and my work has always influenced me in so many ways and it influences my music. There’s always a story, feeling and an expression behind every set I mix. I’d say you’ll get a nostalgic, house-y, groovy, jazzy, classic, deep, minimal vibe and feeling from my sets. All very exciting.

What excites you the most about performing at MDLBeast Soundstorm?

From the first edition of Soundstorm, it was amazing to have my family present and to see their reaction to attending their first-ever music festival. I loved the connection I was able to build with the large crowd – great to feel everyone’s united under on purpose and beat, it’s very powerful.

Also, seeing the audience dance happily or tap their feet and sway to the rhythm of the music is very gratifying and, of course, to perform on the same stage as my all-time favourite artist and biggest inspirations is incredible.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about Saudi Arabia’s live music scene?

That the live music scene was just born. I’m not sure what other misconceptions might be there, but I now know they can form an opinion and make a judgment of their own. I hope we live up to our own expectations and just have a good time.

Concerts have only recently been allowed. As a Saudi, what does it mean to you to be able to perform in your home country?

It means so much to me and I feel happy and proud to be able to perform here. The opportunity that exists for us to perform in one of the biggest music festivals in the world, which happens to be in my home country, with an enormous list of international and local artists all sharing the same passion for music, gives me goosebumps every time I think of it.