The upcoming Thirst 2015, themed “We Are All Stardust”, promises to be a new experience beyond just music. Officially announced in February, this year’s event will turn things up a notch (or two) with a brand new show concept and is set to offer an experience like no other.
Let’s just say that it’ll be music for the eyes 
Thirst 2015 will see both international and local DJ/producer heavyweights such as Dash Berlin, R3hab, Goldfish & Blink, B.A.T.E, XU, and Hulkas take the “We Are All Stardust” stage for a visual feast of your lives.
But while they’re preparing to blow your minds, we took a moment to call R3hab (real name Fadil) up for a quick chat. On his birthday (2nd April) no less!
Here’s what went down:
Hey Fadil! What’s going on? Where are you right now and what are you currently up to?
Hello how you doin’! I’m in Mexico right now because I have a show in a couple of hours. I was actually about to take a nap before the show.
You last played in Malaysia during Thirst 2013 at Sepang International Circuit. What do you remember most about that show?
I think Malaysia is cool because people are very energetic and enthusiastic and..I mean, Malaysia has got great food – fried rice, satay, just in general. and the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s just a great place to be at and actually, on my next gig I’m gonna stay in Malaysia for a couple of days because I love Malaysia.
R3hab & a special guest appearance by NERVO at Thirst 2013 in Sepang
You’ve released quite a few collabs with renowned artistes in the past few years. Among all of the artistes that you’ve worked with, which ones have inspired you the most?
I’m a big fan of Calvin Harris because he makes great records. His work is the perfect hybrid between radio records and club music – he’s definitely one of my greatest inspirations and influences.
What has been some of the most impactful comments that you’ve heard people make about you?
I think what’s very impactful is that people are so happy to go to the show and they have an amazing time. Some people have said to me, “I was going through a hard time, but then I saw you and I really had a great time”. Just making people happy and putting smiles on their faces, that’s really impactful to me.
Looking back at 2014, what has been some of your most memorable achievements or moments?
Good question! Uhm..I made a record with Calvin Harris so that was a big achievement for me last year. But the biggest achievement for me was just making music and performing, in general. Sometimes, you forget that that’s a big achievement too, you know. I mean, I came to Kuala Lumpur and played for 5,000 people, and everyone was having a great time. That’s actually a great achievement!
Calvin Harris & R3hab
What’s in the pipeline for you for 2015? Are there any interesting collabs coming that you can talk about or is there an album in the works?
Well, there’s definitely some interesting stuff coning out that I can’t really talk about. It’s really interesting and I really want to finish it before I talk about it.
You mentioned that one of your biggest achievements is putting out music with Calvin Harris. Is there a personal wishlist of top DJs/producers that you’d like to someday work with?
I would like to work with a guy like John Legend as a writer and maybe the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’m trying to see if we can make something interesting together. I’ve also always been a big fan of Skrillex – he’s doing a really interesting Jack Ü project now with Diplo. It could be interesting to just do something different.
Unlike Thirst 2013, this year’s event promises to be a different experience altogether. What can your fans expect from your show at Thirst 2015?
A lot of new music! A lot of new music, first of all, and you know I’m the type of guy who tries to give a lot of energy to the crowd and see where it goes. I’m not very strategic because I play on emotions. I always try to reach the crowd on the spot and not think about it too much. I’m planning to play a lot of new music and make sure that everyone has a great night.
Alright, thanks for the chat, Fadil! Looking forward to your Thirst 2015 set already.
Thank you! My pleasure. I’m excited to be back in Malaysia. Thank you so much.
We’ll leave you now with a snippet of R3hab’s Tomorrowland 2014 set.
Enjoy:
Special thanks to Heineken Malaysia and Roots Asia for making this interview happen
Don’t forget to grab your tix to Thirst 2015!
Deets are as follows:
- Date: 25th April 2015
- Time: 6pm (Doors open)
- Venue: Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), Mines Resort City
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Phase 1: RM158 (From Friday, 13th March onwards. Limited quantities available)
- Phase 2: RM188 (Limited quantities available)
- Phase 3: RM218 (Available online and at the door on event day)
- VIP: RM308 (Limited quantities available)
Tickets are available via BoxTix Asia.
Deets on Heineken as well as the brand’s ongoing activities are available on Heineken’s website or Facebook page.