The Walnut Room

Air Dubai

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Air Dubai is a Hip Hop/Rock band from Denver Colorado founded by Julian Thomas and Jon Shockness aka Rhias in June of 2008. Air Dubai, released their debut album “The Early October”, October 29th, 2008. This album was reviewed very well by friends and critics alike and even gained the attention of credible news sources such as the Westword Magazine located in Denver who praised “The Early October” saying “Air Dubai’s tracks flow not just with deft lyrics, but also with intelligent observations and a rich frisson of artistic traditions”

Since their debut, Air Dubai has been gaining a steady stream of attention which adds to their fan base and general attraction as a group. In April of 2009, Air Dubai made the shift from a pre-recorded instrumentation duo to a full band which includes the members Nick Spreigl on drums, Wesley Watkins on trumpet, Michael Ray on keyboard and synth, Lawrence Grivich on guitar and Jordan Bever on bass. To date Air Dubai has two official releases, their album “The Early October” and a five track EP titled “The Party On! EP” both of which are available on iTunes for download.

According to Air Dubai it’s harder to cite specific artists as influences, rather opting to cite genres, time periods, lifestyles, personal experiences and life lessons as the key to understanding their writing process. One major aspect of Air Dubai that sets them apart from other Hip-Hop groups is that Air Dubai uses no profanity in their writing, and that the subject matter of their songs lean more towards meaningful messages, and are in no way derogatory, or misogynistic.

Air Dubai’s future plans are to continue to grow and improve as artists and musicians. So far, Air Dubai has been praised for their stage presence and performance, giving their audience originality and innovativeness. They hope to start reaching bigger audiences and one day have a fan base that spans not only throughout Colorado but worldwide leaving listeners with, like Westword magazine reads, “deliciously deep scars”

“Sitting at the judges’ table, it was clear from the moment Denver hip-hop/rock group Air Dubai finished their first song that they’d be winning the competition.” – DAVE BURDICK, COLORADO DAILY MAGAZINE – BATTLE OF THE BANDS REVIEW (OCT 26, 2009)

“(As) Air Dubai continues to find success in an ever-turbulent scene, we (can) take comfort knowing that their rise isn’t based on some sort of hype created by a machine, but merely a product of their hard work, dedication and natural talent.” – 7 DAY, COLORADO MUSIC BUZZ (SEP 01, 2009

“Right now, the Front Range is brimming with a staggering number of talented hip-hop purveyors, an impressive class that includes Air Dubai” – DAVE HERRERA, WESTWORD MAGAZINE (JUN 09, 2009)

“I love it! Gym Class Heroes with more R&B influence. Really cool” – Chris Gordon, The Summer Circuit (Band) (Jul 09, 2009)

“It’s going to be a treat to watch this act develop.” – ERYC EYL, WESTWORD MAGAZINE (APR 16, 2009)

“These songs sound like they’ve been percolating in the imaginations of Julian Thomas and Jon Shockness for years in terms of what would make for killer hip-hop songs.” – TOM MURPHY, WESTWORD MAGAZINE (FEB 18, 2009)