Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Jim Thomas seems to have been put on the planet to spread the love for music. Right from childhood, he has shown vivid interest in his belonging toward the sound of music.
After completing his education from Abu Dhabi Indian School to graduating BBA, MIB (Master in International Business), MCSE from Chennai and dabbling in events, fine fragrance and cosmetic industries, his taste for good music always remained in his genes.
A marketer and his affinity towards music, he contributes his passion for being a South Indian music lover by promoting events such as Simbly South. A concept that started with just an idea has now become one of the most known events among South Indians. Events, Fine Fragrance, Cosmetic Industry.
To find out more, we decided to ask Jim Thomas aka JT a few questions,
What attracted you to music?
What attracted to me as far music is concerned, its timber, pitch, tempo and harmony.There are many things that go into the composition of music.
The two things that pull me in most are interesting harmonic progressions (I’m less fussed about individual harmonies – more about where they lead), and strong thematic material that is extensively developed in a variety of ways while still being fundamentally recognisable.
Perhaps the most important element for me is the sound itself, the sensual experience of sound waves making my ear drums vibrate and all the other stuff that goes on when sound waves get going.
What kind of music inspired or got you hooked?
Born with the affinity towards good music, naturally creative -I used to listen to anything and everything from Malayalam to Rock, Tamil to Metal, Soul, Jazz, RnB, Pop, House, Rave,Techno and it goes on. When I met a shift from school to college and moved to India to do my graduation, that;s when I fell in love with this new genre of music called Asian underground/Fusion/Asian Massive, it doesn’t matter what you call it. From then it were these sounds that inspired me to draw more attention to powerful music and those artists behind the making.
How are your favourite artists?
Karsh Kale, Zakir Hussain, Nitin Sawhney, Trilok Gurtu, Ravindran Master, Midival Punditz, Talvin Singh, Niladri Kumar, Temper Trap, Papon, The East India Company and the list goes on.
Where did the Simbly South idea come from?
It definitely did not come out from a meeting room. Been always part of the clubbing culture. Been partying from 1997 at different venues, states and countries. A desi party was always a scene for many Indians in Dubai and now can see westerners grooving to it too. I wanted to have something for my makals. We have some amazing tracks that we can all groove too. Some of the best music directors in India come from south – won’t you agree on that?
What made you take the plunge?
All I said to myself was, “Lets do it”. Termed in a new sub genre of music while launching this night. It’s called Dravidian Massive Bass (DMB) which includes Dappankuthu, Gaana, Molly – Kolly – Tolly Club edits with bit of house and dub step remixes. Pretty high octane bass, I tell you.
Have others tried this?
I doubt others have tried it, or else I would be clubbing there, and you would not have been interviewing me.
How was the initial reaction?
Packed Club was the initial reaction.
What made you choose the venue, XS Club Lounge, Dubai?
Location, heart of the city.
How do you market your self? Is it mostly social media?
Everything possible.
Is the Malayalee changing in terms of Music tastes?
Yes it’s definitely changing. I would like to be born again as a Malayalee, I have always felt that, I tend to have an ear for Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Telegu and Malayalam tracks followed by the genre I had mentioned earlier. And being brought up in UAE, definitely some Arabic tracks.
Simbly South happens on the first friday of every month at the XS Club and Lounge, Chelsea Plaza Hotel (Former Rydges Hotel), Satwa, Dubai.
