20 years Of DJing. Interview With Shef Codes

by Alexandra Mansilla

20 years Of DJing. Interview With Shef Codes

6 Apr 2024

Okay, you definitely know Shef Codes as a DJ with a long history of DJing. But did you know that he collects cameras? Or that during COVID, he didn’t earn any money at all? Or that he wants to open his own restaurant one day? Or that each mix he makes contains a certain idea that he will explain if you ask? If you haven’t, read our interview. If you have, read it too, actually.

— What is your schedule like? Because I can't imagine what a DJ's life is like.

— I always try to look at it from two perspectives: before COVID and after COVID. Before the pandemic, I used to DJ six or seven days a week. Sometimes, I would even do two gigs in one day — I was just on it. I was so comfortable like I was on cruise control. I was getting booked everywhere. Then COVID hit, and I felt demotivated.

So, last Ramadan, I had to restructure and figure out where I wanted to go. This gives me time to think about my sets, to be creative instead of repeating the same thing every week. I want to make each event more special and attract a more understanding audience. Now, I am being more selective about the gigs I take on, focusing on quality over quantity. Before, I didn't have time for anything else, but now, it is about carefully choosing the DJing opportunities that align with my vision.

— I can see Kaws figure behind you! How many do you have?

— I only have this one! But, actually, two. The funny story is, my friend, who is American, bought it for me because he knows I like it. He was getting one for himself and asked if I wanted one, too. I was like, "Yeah, sure." Before that, my ex-girlfriend, who is Bulgarian, knew that I liked it too. She bought me one, but it turned out to be fake. I didn't have the heart to tell her, so I just didn't say anything. So yeah, I have two, that is it.

— Do you want to collect more?

— I didn't want to get into it because I knew if I did a little bit of research, I was going to get a lot. So, if I start focusing on one small detail, I end up going deep dive into it. I am not collecting anything anymore.

Photo: Shef Codes' personal archive

— What about sneakers? A couple of years ago, you mentioned having 200 pairs. Has the collection expanded since then?

— Actually, no, it is fewer. I have a storage unit with all my sneakers in it now because I couldn't keep all of them in my apartment anymore. Again, we are going back to COVID times. That was two years of me not working. So, I really had to rethink what I wanted to spend my money on. I had to sell some of my expensive shoes, so it was time for me not to be attached to anything material. I stopped collecting sneakers.

I still have a decent amount, but I want to get rid of a lot of them now. It is more about growing up, more about streamlining. I am also older now. I see sneakers from a different perspective. I buy things now based on whether I can wear them in 10 years or not. If I can, then I will buy it. If not, I won't. Yeah, so for me now, it is like buying a Dyson vacuum cleaner is more important, you know?

— Or a blood pressure tonometer. An obvious question: What is your favourite pair?

— You know, now I don’t have, but I definitely had. It was Nike Air Yeezy 2. During COVID, I decided to sell it because it was worth a lot of money. I bought it for, I think, 1,000 Dhs, and I sold it for like 25,000 or something.

It was hard for me to sell it because of the struggle I had to get it. It is actually a funny story. I was trying to find it, calling and messaging people, and at that time, Instagram was the main platform, I think. But it was challenging to connect with people around the world, so it is kind of weird.

I used to love that shoe; it was such a great shoe. But I didn't have any income coming in, and all my savings were gone in one year. It was such a hassle because I had my own apartment and couldn't pay for anything. So, I had to sell a lot of my expensive sneakers for me to survive.

— And not so obvious: Have you ever bought a pair that you regretted then?

— Oh yes! I still have it! I was like, "I have to buy it, I have to buy it." So, I bought it and, oh my God, it is such an uncomfortable shoe, but it is great. It is the Maison Margiela’s tabis.

I bought it for my friend's wedding in Portugal. The problem is that the shoes, the leather shoes, don't have any grip. And my friend's wedding was in this house where you had to climb stuff, like an old house. It was extremely uncomfortable to do it on these shoes.

It is an expensive pair of shoes. It is ridiculous to pay that much and be uncomfortable. But no pain, no gain, right?

Photo: Shef Codes' personal archive

— So, let's delve into your past a bit. You have mentioned before that you were quite shy. Can you describe yourself during that time? Did you have difficulties communicating with other children, for example?

— When I was younger, I felt like, I don't know, it was just this weird feeling where I couldn't really communicate well with people in Sri Lanka for some reason. I don't know why. So it was always me and my cousins, who were super close-knit. I felt like I didn't need any other friends. Even today, I don't have a crazy amount of friends, just a handful. I don't know if it was shyness or just me being in my own thought process.

You know, I don't think I had trouble making friends. I think I was just a very closed-off person.

— You once described spending time with your cousins, playing football without any phones. When did you get your first phone?

— My first phone... My parents were strict about it. They believed that just because everyone else had it didn't mean I needed it. I think I only got my phone when I was maybe 18 or 19. It was the Nokia 3310. Do you know it?

— That one with a snake game!

— Yes! It was such a big deal for me because I always used to borrow my dad's phone and my mom's phone, especially when I was texting my girlfriend. I would be like, "Don't message back; this is my dad's phone" or "this is my mom's phone." So, finally having my own phone was like a milestone. The first thing I did when I got my phone was to go to the internet cafe where you could make ringtones. I remember typing in everything like 5-5-3-3 to create a custom ringtone. It was a good time.

— Okay, and what was your first job?

— My first job was working for my uncle in a courier company, similar to DHL or FedEx, but on a local scale. It was a startup, so we were focused on improving pricing and local delivery services. As I was working for my uncle, I had to wear many hats. I handled customer service, operations, accounting, and everything else.

It was challenging, but it was a valuable experience because I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do long term. I had to stay focused and work as hard as I could. Since I couldn't afford to take a taxi every day, I had to rely on public transportation and walk to and from work. It was a lot of learning and taught me to appreciate what I have now compared to before. That was my first job; I was around 21 then.

— Also, you told that you wanted to be a chef.

— So, at that time, I really wanted to learn a skill, and since my dad was in the hotel industry, he had all these books about food, recipes, and everything related to hotels.

I would often go to my dad's hotel and explore the kitchen. I was curious about how different dishes were made. I was always interested in how that process worked.

I believe that two things people can always talk about, no matter where they are in the world, are food and music. These two things definitely connect people.

Back then, I didn't realise that I wanted to become a chef because I wanted to be part of this encompassing social experience. However, I didn't pursue it because my mom was concerned. She saw how my dad's work kept him away from home, and she didn't want me to have a similar experience.

— By the way, do you cook?

— I am not bad at all. I think I inherited my dad's genes when it comes to cooking. If I put my mind to it, I can cook really well, and I put a lot of energy into it. For example, my girlfriend, who is British, likes hot pot, and she doesn't cook. So, I took it upon myself to learn how to make it. I researched and practised, and it turned out pretty good. The first attempt wasn't great, but I improved with each try. During COVID, I did a lot of cooking by myself, which helped me learn more about food.

The thing is, when I get into something, I delve deep into it. The same goes for cooking. I like to understand the origins of dishes and why they are popular in certain regions. For example, why is a dish like Biryani prepared differently in various places? I enjoy exploring these culinary nuances.

— And what is going on with your podcast, “Cookin’ with Shef?” It has stopped, right?

— It has been on pause for a while due to various ups and downs. Personally, I didn't have the right mindset, and I needed time to recharge my energy. But now, I feel like it is the right time to start again. The "Cookin’ with Shef" podcast is essentially a stepping stone toward my dream of owning a restaurant someday. It is still a learning process for me, and while I would like to say I am actively working on it, there are so many other things demanding my attention right now that I need to concentrate on.

— What type of restaurant will it be?

— I want to open a Sri Lankan restaurant because, firstly, I want to leave a mark on my time in Dubai. The restaurant will be a product of my dedication and passion. It will be positioned as a middle-ground eatery — not too high-end, but also not too local. I aim to create a place where everyone can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine without it being overly cheap or expensive.

— Do you remember your first DJ set?

— It was probably around 20 years ago, but I recall my early DJ sessions. We didn't have laptops back then, only CDs. I remember lugging my own equipment — speakers, CD players, mixer — on the bus to various venues. It was quite a hassle, unlike today where you can simply take a laptop and headphones anywhere. Back then, I needed friends to help carry everything. You would arrive at the venue, ensure everyone had a good time, and then hope to get paid — though sometimes, they would try to avoid it. I can't recall the exact details of my first gig, but those initial ones were definitely a learning experience.

— Have you ever encountered a situation where event organisers didn't pay you?

— Oh, yes. It is something I could discuss for months. Even now, it remains a significant problem, largely revolving around trust. I am not inherently difficult to work with; in fact, I am quite accommodating. If I have built a rapport with someone and they approach me to DJ at a new club opening, for instance, I am inclined to say yes because of our relationship. However, sometimes the event isn't even their responsibility; yet, because they reached out to me, I feel obliged. It is a widespread issue, not unique to me, where people fail to recognise that we have commitments, bills to pay, and responsibilities. We are not working for free, despite the misconception. This scenario still occurs today, not just with me but with many others in similar positions.

Instagram: @mrshefcodes

— You once mentioned a really insightful point. You said that one of the key skills of a DJ is the ability to read the crowd, especially if the set isn't quite hitting the mark. Can you share any experiences where you have had to adapt because the audience was different?

— Looking back at my early days, navigating different parties and events taught me a lot about human psychology and behaviour. For instance, when I found myself DJing at Pakistani weddings or Indian engagements, despite not being Pakistani or Indian myself, I had to adapt quickly. Initially, I would play songs, but if the crowd wasn't responding, I would realise I needed to switch it up. Back then, I had to be strategic with limited music on CDs.

I learned to approach it like a game of cards. At first, you play your regular cards, but as the game progresses and you see an opportunity to win, you bring out your stronger cards. Similarly, in DJing, when the crowd's energy isn't picking up, you have to adapt on the spot. For example, at my recent gig, although I anticipated a certain vibe, the crowd was more into Afrobeat and dancehall. I had to pivot my set accordingly, even though it wasn't my usual style. While I may not have felt I nailed it, as long as people were enjoying themselves and vibing, that is what matters most.

— What was the first big festival you played at?

— The biggest festival experience I have had was when I opened for Chris Brown. It happened during the Formula One event in December. That was a surreal moment for me, realising I was performing for a crowd of 30,000 to 35,000 people. Then, in January, I got another call to perform at a festival. It was a bit unexpected because the lineup mostly featured eclectic house music. I had to do the closing party after the set of JUNGLE. I was like… how do I fit in that equation? But I wanted to do it, and I did my set, and everybody was happy.

Then I got another call to perform at Untold Festival, and on the main stage, no less. I was like, "Okay, this is crazy." So I did that set. It was just the opening of the festival, and I didn't expect much. But I had a fun time! It was good to meet a lot of people, understand what I did wrong and what I did right. But it was good to connect with everyone, and I had the opportunity to go to Romania after this.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You can't expect to have 25,000 people every single time. So, the biggest one I think I did was the Chris Brown gig in December. But this year I have a couple of other bigger ones as well.

— What are they?

— I can't say!

— Okaaaay. Could you please describe the nightlife in Dubai for those who haven’t been to the city and have no idea?

— I have been DJing for almost 20 years now. Back in the day, there weren't many options. Clubs were limited — you had your house music clubs and your hip-hop clubs. But now, there is a lot more variety. With the influx of different minds and creativity in Dubai, you are spoiled for choice. You can find tech house nights, disco nights, hardcore hip-hop venues, and spots for the latest music trends. Around 10 to 20 years ago, there was a big demand for super clubs, where the focus was on bottle service and getting the best table in the club. Selling tables was a major deal back then. While it is still important today, the nightclub business model has had to adapt. Nowadays, there are two major nightclubs — BLU and Soho Garden DXB.

— Do you have any favourite venues that you particularly enjoy playing at? Ones that you always look forward to returning to?

— I think I have started to prefer smaller, more intimate clubs over the bigger ones. In these smaller venues, you can feel the energy more, and people are there to dance rather than just stand around and buy champagne. It is not to throw shade on anyone who prefers the big clubs — it is just different preferences. As I have gotten older, I have grown to love playing at festivals, but I still enjoy the intimacy of smaller venues.

One place I really enjoy playing at is Monkey Bar. It is very intimate, and there is a place called Room 3, where I haven't had the chance to play yet, but I am hoping to do so this year. They are very selective about the DJs they book, and it is a cool environment.

Photo: Shef Codes' personal archive

— You are very picky when it comes to the people you work with, right? Now, what kind of offers can you reject if you are not interested?

— I think it is more about how I align with your club. Let’s think about it this way, right? If you are a football team like Real Madrid and you are looking for a striker, you are not going to get a defender to play as a striker. Similarly, if I am a hip-hop DJ, I am not going to come to a house night and play a different kind of music. It is all about picking a DJ who fits the vibe and direction of your night or brand. Some clubs just go for whoever is popular at the moment, but sometimes that doesn't work because it is not the right fit. So, if it is not a good match, I will politely refuse.

— Okay, by the way, what is in the caption of your Instagram profile? That "decode.jpg".

— Do you remember when I mentioned that when I get into something, I really dive into it? Well, there was a time when I started collecting cameras. Would you like to see it?

— Sure!

[Shef shows his collection of cameras via Zoom]

— So… one, two, three, four, five, six… I think I have like eight cameras. Basically, the whole idea behind the “decode.jpg” was for me to take pictures and put them on Instagram. It is about me visiting different cafes and capturing moments. The reason I bought this particular camera was because it has a flip-out screen, which allows me to record myself DJing. As for the other cameras, I bought them mainly for their aesthetics. It might sound a bit silly, but I am into photography, and I wish I could do more of it; it is just a matter of finding the time. This month, I plan to go for photo walks with a friend and take pictures together. It is like some people say, "Just start doing it," but for me, it is not that simple because...

— Because you need time to focus on it properly.

— If I focus on something, I tend to go deep dive into it. And I think that is a problem with me because whenever I want to do something I think too much about it. Like if The Sandy Times asks, "Shef, can you record a DJ set for us?" I am like, "Okay, but it has to be done properly, you know? It has to have a certain style to it." I think I always try to find my own unique way of doing things. I might play a song, but I am going to make it my way.

Photo: Shef Codes

— But when is your birthday?

— September 12th, I am a Virgo.

— Now everything is clear!

— Oh yes, I am very focused on details! Sometimes it is really good and sometimes bad. Sometimes I just want to, like, I have so many mixes lying around, but I wish I could just put them out. But deep down inside, I am like, I don't want to because they are not well thought out, you know? I like things to be well thought out; the process around it is very important to me. So I can't just name anything for my mixes. I can't say "Urban Hip Hop Mix," I don't want to do that.

I mean, there has to be a reason why I am doing it, you know? Even to the simple things, like naming my mixtape. My mixtape is called "1800”. So, here is the thought process behind it: my girlfriend suggested, "Why don't you make short mixes instead of one-hour mixes, something you can listen to from A to B while travelling?" I thought, "Yeah, that is a good idea." The average driving time in Dubai is around 30 minutes. So, during my travels in Lisbon, I had a drink called "1800." It is like a shot, right? It is like a “shot of music”. Then I realised that one minute is 60 seconds. So, 30 minutes into 60 seconds is 1800. And then I released it on the 18th of January. That was it. The next mix came out on the 18th of March at six o'clock, which is 1800.

— So, what are your plans for this year?

— Um, you know, I have so many ideas but there is no full action to it. So, this year is mostly about taking action and not just talking about things. So, I want to do my "The Cookout With Shef" — a project that gets all the DJs together and does a barbecue.

So, the main goal for this year is to do something that I want to do, like a proper event. I also want to tour this year, not just by myself but with a couple of my friends as well. That is the main focus. And I want to release some music this year, too. Now I am working on a couple of things, trying to figure out if I can do some edits, if I can do production.

by Alexandra Mansilla