Al Sharif discusses main inspirations, latest single ‘U Got Me’ and more: Interview

Blessing fans alike with the most unique of sounds, Al Sharif is more than set on taking over the dance scene with each of his endeavours. A truly versatile act, this is one interview that you most definitely do not want to miss out on.

Looking to leave his own mark within the electronic dance industry, Al Sharif is the epitome of an act that has been mastering his craft to the utmost of perfection. Based in California, but with roots deriving from Saudi Arabia, this artist to watch curates the most unique of sounds, as he blends strong rhythms with organic and highly-energetic elements, resulting in the grooviest of end products. Taking the dance scene by storm with his latest single, ‘U Got Me,’ this tech-house collaboration alongside Sunday Noise is one for the ages, with both acts truly showcasing the versatile nature that they possess. With this in mind, we could not be any more thrilled to be joined by the man of the moment, as he discusses main inspirations, releasing music under MaestroLAB by MDLBEAST Records, the main thought process behind ‘U Got Me,’ upcoming tour in Peru with Sunday Noise, the creation of his imprint, Zensa Records, future plans and so much more.

Hello and thank you for joining us! Could you give us an insight on the main inspirations/influences that led to your chosen career pathway in music? 

Hi, it’s great to be here with We Rave You, it’s always an honor to talk with you. People who know me know that artists like Steve Angello really inspired me in the beginning of my career. When I first discovered the dance scene it moved me in a way where I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life, to take people on a journey through music. Artists like Corey James, Deadline, Kryder, Meduza, and Stevie Krash, among many other producers, continue to inspire me currently.

Maintaining a unique style of play, we would like to know how your signature sound came to be, as well as your thoughts on how significant versatility can be within the dance scene?

I’m such a fan of the dance scene and draw inspiration from different sounds and genres. I look at artists like David Guetta who are so versatile – by dropping everything from dope remixes to groovy melodic vocal hits to his future rave sound – the diversity in his sounds give guys like me the confidence that I don’t have to conform my productions into just one genre. I enjoy producing and mixing a variety of different styles and it’s so freeing to be able to put out whatever type of track I’m into at one moment in time. Versatility like that is really freeing creatively and keeps the audience and DJs from getting bored. 

Releasing music under MaestroLAB by MDLBEAST Records, we would like to know the overall feel behind such a venture, as your roots and family derive from the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia when being more precise? 

I’ve had my eye on MDLBEAST and their labels for a long time. And in all honesty, it’s a dream come true to release on a label under MDLBEAST. I’m extremely proud to have citizenship and roots from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and proud of its rich, beautiful history. It’s been quite an emotional time in my life lately and it feels so wonderful to be treated so kindly from everyone at MDLBEAST. The staff has been amazingly supportive and really been treating me like family. It feels great to be a part of a company where I feel like I belong. I’m just so impressed to see their growth. It’s really an exciting time and they’re making so much history. Like a lot of people in the dance music industry, I look forward to seeing everything else that they have going on from their festivals to artist roster, and so much more to come. 

Taking over the dance scene with your latest collaboration, ‘U Got Me,’ could you provide us with an insight on the main thought process behind this production, as well as the overall experience of working alongside Sunday Noise?

Sunday Noise is a good friend and one of the biggest Peruvian artists. We haven’t done a collaboration together in over 4 years so when we reunited and put our heads together, we really wanted to create something different with a techno track. When we noticed Fisher starting to play the ID, we knew we had created something special. We’re very grateful to see a bunch of videos online that people created using the track, I’ve never had a viral video of any sort, yet one that has gotten such a response – it was rad to see the viral video take off. 

Gearing up for a tour in Peru with Sunday Noise, we would like to know how you have been preparing for the upcoming shows, as well as any hints of what you may have in store for everyone in attendance? 

Thank you for asking. The Peru tour starts March 22^nd at Muzeo in Miraflores along with Mr. Pig (Bautista), Robertico and obviously, Sunday Noise. I’m looking forward to dropping some new IDs and bringing a lot of new music as well.

Providing artists with the most immersive of platforms, we would like to know how your imprint Zensa Records came to life, its overall purpose, and any music that is set to be released in the near future? 

Zensa Records was created to share feel good house music. As an artist it’s been amazing to have an outlet where I can put out any music that I want. I’m really happy to bring it back this year – I have my eye on many artists to bring to the roster and plan to re-release some Zensa tracks and possibly some from the vault. It’s an exciting time.

Garnering support by some of the biggest names within the dance scene, as well gaining viral traction through videos that feature ‘U Got Me,’ we would like to know how rewarding and impactful such recognition can be as time progresses?

I’m just very grateful for everything that’s been happening. I’m not taking it for granted, it was a lot to process initially but now I’m excited it’s given me new purpose.

With 2024 now in full flow, could you provide us with any hints on what the future holds for Al Sharif, always in terms of new music and upcoming live performances?

I feel very fortunate and blessed to be in a situation like this… different countries are interested in hosting me for upcoming tours. I have lots of new IDs and collabs in the works too. I’m working with fantastic artists like NORII, Kiro Prime, Monroe, Stevie Krash, and Sunday Noise. I also have a release coming out soon on California’s Kino Village label run by an amazing producer and DJ, Oren. When I get back to California from Peru, we’ll be lining up dates for future shows and tours.