Co-founder, president, and CEO of The Bullitt Agency, a music management group housing some of the world’s most recognizable DJs, Arash Shirazi, travels the world curating sounds for the fashion, auto and, of course, music industry. Formerly a lecture agent for best-selling authors and journalists, Shirazi transferred his entrepreneurial spirit to a realm that seems to be growing faster than most anticipated. Which says a lot for a guy who started at The Discovery Channel, to being recognized as a leading entrepreneur by Fast Company magazine.
Having spun the tables for Dolce and Gabbana during fashion week, Arash follows his passion around the world, having already scheduled BPM Festival, Future Music, Winter Music, IMS in Ibiza and countless others into his schedule for 2014. While we had him, we asked for his tips on tracks that would keep the party pumping New Year’s Eve, what festivals are a must and DJs to follow.
What songs are must have for a New Year’s Party Playlist?
“Hold On We’re Coming Home” Holy Ghost
“Losing You” Solange
“Give It 2 U” Robin Thicke
“Imprint of Pleasure” Tube & Berger
“Beat Down” Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas feat Iggy Azalea
“Dreams” Deep Dish feat Stevie Nicks
“King of Hearts” Cassie
“Lose Yourself to Dance” Daft Punk feat Pharrell Williams
And maybe “Wrecking Ball” when the ball drops at midnight ????
Who are the hot DJs to watch out for?
Hector, HotSince82, Joseph Capriati, Michaelangelo L’Aqua, Yellow Claw, Deep Dish, DJ Snake, and Zedd.
What are some great EDM/music events to look for this New Year?
As dance music has really proliferated and become more popular in the U.S., there are a plethora of options. I would suggest BPM Festival in Playa Del Carmen in January as the location is beautiful. Coachella isn’t to be missed, Electric Daisy Festival in Las Vegas, TomorrowWorld Festival in Atlanta, HARD Summer in LA. Anything at Output nightclub in Brooklyn and Story in Miami.
What were some of the tracks you played during Milan Fashion Week for Dolce Gabbana?
When I worked with them, we used a lot of material from the DJ/production team Deep Dish. Domenico and Stefano are great because they have such a vast catalog of musical taste and were very open to incorporate cutting-edge dance music into their shows at the time. Their design aesthetic has evolved and so musically they have moved into more cinematic soundtracks for their shows.