Bret Turner

I’m Bret, a British DJ based in Dubai. I started DJing professionally in West Sussex in 2008, and since then the job has taken me through Thailand, Spain and, in 2016, to Dubai, where I’ve been based ever since.

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What I love is giving people a fantastic party. I’m an extrovert, and connecting with the crowd is a huge part of the enjoyment for me. Whether it’s people cheering when a song comes on, singing together or giving me a fist bump as they pass the decks, those reactions are what I DJ for.

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Where it started

My first years were spent playing weddings across West Sussex, with speakers, decks and lights packed into a Fiat hatchback. Those weddings taught me how to read a room, bring different generations together and recognise when to build the energy or give people a breather.

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Moving to Thailand in 2012 gave me the confidence to take that experience into completely different settings. I spent four years based on Koh Samui, playing nightclubs and beach clubs. One night could mean drum and bass at a beach bar on Koh Tao; another, David Guetta for a huge crowd of backpackers. At Nikki Beach, I’d play something more understated while people recovered from the night before, then build towards another party in the afternoon.

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I loved that variety. After Thailand, a holiday in Puerto Banús turned into a summer playing six nights a week at Linekers, before friends persuaded me to give Dubai a go.

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A proper celebration

Weddings are still my favourite events. I love the mix of generations, especially seeing people who haven’t been out in years completely let loose. There’s something special about a room full of people losing their inhibitions and celebrating together.

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For the couple, it’s a night they’ll remember forever. Being trusted with that is a real responsibility, and getting it right is incredibly rewarding. I also love a yacht party - the energy on board makes those some of my favourite bookings.

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Behind the decks

I play pop, dance, house, classic house, Latin pop and old-school R&B and hip-hop. I’m not a music snob: I love familiar favourites and music that gets people involved.

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At McGettigan’s in JLT, where I currently play, I love being on stage and interacting with everyone. Even someone who’s come out on their own should feel part of the night. I’ll use the microphone when it helps bring people together, and adapt my approach to the occasion. A corporate reception needs a different touch. I also currently play at Five Iron in Mina Seyahi.

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Before your event, we’ll talk through your tastes and agree the musical direction. I’m happy to look at a Spotify playlist beforehand, or you can give me five favourite songs and let me build from there. That preparation means I arrive knowing what you’re hoping for - and you can relax and enjoy the celebration.