< PreviousSOUNDSTORM 2024 20 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com M ega festival Soundstorm is back in Banban for its fifth edition, with music and nightlife fans all over Saudi counting down the days to what will be a monumental celebration of the regional and international music scene. Get set for three days of extraordinary performances from some of the world’s top artists, all taking place from Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14 in the greater Riyadh area. With Eminem and Muse already announced as headline acts this year, the bar is set seriously high. Not only that, but the weekend is once again preceded by XP Music Futures, a forum that brings together leading music industry pros with those looking to break into the industry. Through keynote talks, workshops, mentoring and gigs, the conference aims to amplify music in the Kingdom – and set the stage for Soundstorm. Both events are brought to the city by MDLBEAST, a name now synonymous with celebrating music talent locally and globally, through its world-class festivals to its own record label and radio station. Feeling ready to break into the biz? Wondering if your old decks still work? Hunting out those lyrics you penned all those years ago? Whether you’ve got even the teeniest bit of musical know-how or you just want to be part of the most epic party of the year (we’ll wager the latter is more likely), read on for all the details you need. WHAT IS XP MUSIC FUTURES? If you’ve got talent that needs nurturing, want to help champion local artists or have the slightest interest in a career in music, then you need to get yourself down to XP Music Futures. Being held from Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 7 in JAX District, Diriyah, this is a rare opportunity to network with the best in the industry and see first-hand how music contributes to the cultural fabric of the country. Previous speakers have included David Guetta, Mathew Knowles (that’s Beyoncé’s dad) and Afrojack, which gives you just a hint of the calibre of the event. Talks, workshops and mentoring sessions take place during XP Day with a range of performances at XP Nite, so you can be entertained while you’re educated. XP DAY AND XP NITE In the packed XP Day programme, topics under discussion include: Building Your Own Label: The Five-Year Plan to Success; Leveraging Digital Platforms and Social Media for Artist Promotion; The Power of Music in Fashion; and the Evolution of Rock and Metal in the Arab World. Former X-Factor judge and renowned music producer Miklos Malek will host a keynote on The Ultimate Music Career FAQ: 99 Questions Answered, set to be fascinating whether you’re trying to get into the industry or not. Don’t miss the artist interviews either, including In Conversation with TamTam, in which Riyadh’s very own independent songstress TamTam will share the creative journey behind her latest album, MA3ASSALAMA. There’s also a Healing Oasis that combines nature, music and art for sensory and wellness sessions, the Demo Lab for innovative products and Youth Club to nurture young minds. Phew. You’ll need to let off steam after all that, which is what XP Nite is all about. SOUNDSTORM 2024: NEED TO KNOW WHEN IS IT? Soundstorm 2024 takes place over three days from Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14, with music starting at 7pm and ending at 4am. WHERE IS IT HELD? The festival action happens in Banban on the outskirts of northern Riyadh. Here you’ll find different stages (there are eight), heaps of food stalls and restaurants, plus essential merch. WHO’S HEADLINING? So far, Eminem, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Muse and Tyler, the Creator have been announced. Soundstorm is renowned for its surprise drops right up until the festival opens, though. HOW DO I GET TICKETS? Access to Soundstorm is only available via the NOFOMO app. You can buy tickets online then download the app. Tickets include access to all stages and complimentary parking. HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? Prices start from SAR209 for a single day and SAR469 for three days. There are also VIB, otherwise known as Very Important Beast tickets, group tickets and hotel packages. Bundle tickets for XP Music Futures and Soundstorm start from SAR1,279. IS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION? Yes, you have to be at least 16 years old to attend Soundstorm. O nofomo.com. TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 20TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2030/11/2024 16:0230/11/2024 16:02SOUNDSTORM 2024 timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 21 JAX District TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 21TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2130/11/2024 16:0230/11/2024 16:02SOUNDSTORM 2024 22 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com MDLBEAST Soundstorm TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 22TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2230/11/2024 16:0230/11/2024 16:02SOUNDSTORM 2024 timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 23 Regional promoters and record labels will bring top artists to perform, such as Bas, Don Cannon and Kali-B from Saudi label Birj Entertainment and Saoud, Kae and REN from Avantgarde X. Tickets are available from NOFOMO starting from SAR500, and you get can them for either XP Day (talks and workshops), XP Nite (live performances) or the Full Xperience. O From SAR500. Dec 5-7. Diriyah, nofomo.com. WHAT IS SOUNDSTORM 2024? By the time XP Music Futures wraps, you’ll feel the frisson of anticipation as the city ramps up for the main event. Music nerds are already buzzing for Soundstorm, which last year reportedly attracted more than 700,000 people. You can expect the same this year. Since it first launched in 2019, Soundstorm has brought in both international acts and Arab artists and musicians, including David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Bruno Mars, Post Malone, DJ Khaled, Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram, Baloo, Dish Dash and Cosmicat – Saudi’s first female EDM superstar. Then there was the historic appearance of one of the greatest metal bands in the world, Metallica, at the 2023 festival, not to mention superstar DJ Tiësto’s epic set and a rare performance from Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Gigs take place across multiple stages. Big Beast is reserved for headliners, Indie and R&B vibes happen in Down Beast and the Dance Tent is reserved for well, dance. There are also five Underground stages, with everything from house to disco. Food is also a big part of Soundstorm, with plenty of options to refuel, from street food to pop-ups from fine-dining restaurants. SOUNDSTORM 24 LINE-UP With one of the greatest rappers of all-time making his debut performance in Saudi Arabia at the 2024 edition, expectations are rightly huge. Eminem was the first headline act to be announced, hot on the heels of the release of his 12th album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace). Steve Aoki SOUNDSTORM 2024: ARAB ARTISTS TO WATCH ANMARZ A regular at Soundstorm, this Saudi electronic and house musician is known for his immersive, thrilling and captivating beats, influenced by Chicago and the West Coast. O @anmarz. BALOO Saudi DJ Baloo is one of the main creative forces behind MDLBEAST. A long-time champion of the Saudi music scene, he’s also played around the world from Beirut and Boston to London and Mykonos. He’s now got his own label, Gabu, and he’s renowned for an ethereal spectrum of house, disco, funk and jazz. Don’t miss him. O @a_baloo. BUTCH Born in Dubai and with Turkish roots, DJ and producer Butch has collaborated with some of the biggest names in electronic music and been released on major labels. Anyone into house and techno will want to check out Butch at this year’s Soundstorm. O @cometobutch. DORAR One of Saudi’s rising DJs, Dorar has been gradually making a name for herself locally and has also played in Bahrain, Zanzibar and Amsterdam. She’s inspired by the local and underground music scenes and known for easy-listening tunes and house sets. O @itsjustdorar. HATS & KLAPS This DJ and producer duo, real names Amin and Hamza, have travelled the world and released EPs on several record labels. Familiar faces at Soundstorm, their music is a vibrant, electronic blend and exploration of sonic fiction. O @hats_and_klaps. VINYL MODE For the past 10 years, this DJ has been shaping the underground scene of Saudi Arabia. Music for Vinyl Mode is all about the experience and his performance at Soundstorm is bound to bring good vibes and great memories. O @vinlymode. TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 23TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2330/11/2024 16:0330/11/2024 16:03SOUNDSTORM 2024 24 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com His visit is part of a wider Gulf tour that includes a post-race gig at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on Saturday December 7 and a concert in Bahrain on Tuesday December 10. Timings haven’t yet been announced for his Soundstorm gig but we do know that he’s in good company. Fellow headliners include American alternative rockers Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Hollywood’s Jared Leto and his brother Shannon, British rock legends Muse and rapper, record producer and director Tyler, the Creator, who has just released his hyped eighth album, Chromakopia. That’s just for starters. Akon, Afrojack, Black Coffee, David Guetta, DJ Snake, G-Eazy, Jason Derulo, Linkin Park, Martin Garrix, Solomun and Steve Aoki are also on the bombastic line-up. Regional names are looking exciting too, with Anmarz, Baloo, Butch, Dorar, Hats & Klaps, Russ, Tul8te and Vinyl Mode already announced. With it being the fifth edition, Soundstorm is expected to dial up the focus on local and regional artists, many of whom work tirelessly throughout the year to spread the sounds of Arab music and raise the profile of the region’s music culture. One thing is for certain: XP Music Futures and Soundstorm make up Riyadh’s loudest weekend. Get ready to set the volume to the max. O From SAR209. Dec 12-14, 7pm-4am. Banban, mdlbeast.com / @mdlbeast.soundstorm. “Eminem, one of the greatest rappers of all- time, is making his debut Saudi performance at the festival” Eminem TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 24TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2430/11/2024 16:0330/11/2024 16:03SOUNDSTORM 2024 timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 25 Martin Garrix SOUNDSTORM 2024: LINE-UP AT A GLANCE HEADLINE ACTS (SO FAR) INCLUDE: • Eminem • Muse • Thirty Seconds to Mars • Tyler, the Creator INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS (SO FAR) INCLUDE: • Adriatique • Afrojack • Agents of Time • Akon • Armin Van Burren • Black Coffee • Boris Brejcha • Brina Knauss • Chelina Manuhutu • David Guetta • DJ Snake • G-Eazy • Fleur Shore • Jason Derulo • JID • Latto • Linkin Park • Marco Carola • Morten • Richie Hawtin • R3hab REGIONAL ARTISTS (SO FAR) INCLUDE: • Anmarz • Baloo • Butch • Dorar • Hats & Klaps • Russ TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 25TOR_EN032_18_25_Feature Soundstorm guide_13430398.indd 2530/11/2024 16:0330/11/2024 16:03WINTER DISHES 26 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Lamb shank Rogan Josh at Gymkhana TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 26TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 2630/11/2024 16:2830/11/2024 16:28WINTER DISHES timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 27 Winter WARMERS It’s the season for comfort food. Here are 15 top dishes to keep you feeling cosy. By Louise Charlesworth TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 27TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 2730/11/2024 16:2930/11/2024 16:29WINTER DISHES 28 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com CENTURIES-OLD ARMENIAN GAPAMA Where to order it: Lusin It doesn’t get more seasonal than this. Picture a pumpkin filled to the brim with spiced rice, veal fillet and nuts. Traditionally served as part of the Armenian festive holiday following New Year, you can try it in Riyadh at Lusin. Without doubt one of the most stylish Middle Eastern restaurants in the capital, Lusin is part of a small yet mighty group of Armenian restaurants with an international branch in London’s Mayfair district, so you already know you’re in for a treat. O SAR120. Centria Mall, lusinrestaurant.com (92 000 2690). JARISH AJEE Where to order it: Fi Glbak Consisting of ground whole grains (normally wheat or bulgar) cooked with laban, onions, ghee and lemon, this is exactly the sort of stew to sort out those winter cravings. At Fi Glbak, chicken and kansha are added to a mix of aji and white grains. Founded by Hisham Baeshen, who started out as a food blogger with the catchphrase ‘fi glbak’ (in your heart), the restaurant is now one of the most popular Saudi eateries in Riyadh. O SAR42. Al Mohammadiyyah, figlbak.com (053 562 2657). KABSA Where to order it: Suhail One of the city’s fanciest Saudi specialist restaurants, Suhail offers one of the best M ove over poke bowls, salads and sashimi. It’s officially winter, which means we can indulge in copious amounts of comfort food. Think pasta, pies and puddings, silky soups, spicy sauces and anything that is just on the right side of stodgy. Cooler climes practically beg for us to eat warming, hearty dishes, ideally while sat outside under heaters, blankets on our knees and shawls over our shoulders – whether we need them or not. While we love Saudi food for all seasons, there’s something special about tucking into a warming local dish during the cooler months. If we’re eating it outside or sat with family in majlis seating it’s even better. Here’s where to go for some winter warmers, from traditional Saudi recipes to well-known international favourites. SAVOURY DISHES BAKED MAC N’ CHEESE Where to order it: GUNBUN Proving that it’s definitely not your average burger joint, GUNBUN serves up one of the best macaroni and cheese dishes we’ve ever tried, presented in a roasting-hot skillet. You’ll probably also want to try a burger while you’re there, so opt for the brisket in that unique burnt sourdough bun. O SAR38. Pure Center, Al Mohammadiyyah,@gunbun.ksa. Kabsa at Suhail TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 28TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 2830/11/2024 16:0630/11/2024 16:06WINTER DISHES timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 29 Najd Village TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 29TOR_EN032_26_33_Winter dishes and drinks_13459417.indd 2930/11/2024 16:0630/11/2024 16:06Next >