Scott Forshaw: ‘The key to my career has been consistent dedication every single day’

Scott Forshaw has become a prominent figure in Dubai’s electronic music scene since moving from the UK in 2014. His long-term residency at Zero Gravity has been key to his growth, allowing him to refine his sound and perform alongside industry legends like Pete Tong and Martin Solveig. In 2024, Forshaw achieved major milestones by signing with UMPG and Perfect Havoc Management, launching a weekly show on Virgin Radio UAE and earning support from global icons like Armin van Buuren, Tiësto and David Guetta for his track “Castles in the Sky.”

Now in 2025, the artist continues to expand his global reach following standout performances at events like Untold Dubai and releases on leading labels such as Armada, Ultra, and Toolroom. With plans for new high-energy tracks and experimental projects, he remains focused on pushing creative boundaries and strengthening his presence in the international electronic music scene.

How are you? How was the year 2024 for you?

2024 was an incredible year, marked by some major career milestones. I signed with UMPG and Perfect Havoc Management, launched a new weekly show every Friday night on Virgin Radio, the biggest station in the UAE, and received massive support from Armin van Buuren for my track ‘Castles in the Sky’. Other DJs like Tiësto, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Oliver Heldens and many more have also shown their support on my music.

Gig highlights include closing the MainStage at the region's largest-ever festival, Untold Dubai, performing for over 275,000 people at Dubai Run, playing the Box at the legendary Ministry of Sound, being invited by Tomorrowland twice to support Timmy Trumpet and Meduza at their venue Terra Solis and continuing my residency at Zero Gravity, Dubai's most loved and biggest beach club.

Your tracks have amassed over 15 million global streams. How does it feel to see your music resonating with such a vast audience?

It's amazing to think back to when I was just tinkering with beats in my bedroom, not expecting anyone to actually like them. Knowing that people out there connect with something I've poured my heart and soul into is incredibly validating. It’s taken years to reach this milestone, but the growth has been exponential year after year. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we’re talking about adding another zero—or even two—to that figure!

Being a resident DJ at Zero Gravity since 2016 has cemented your place in Dubai's music scene. How has this residency influenced your career, and what’s been the most memorable moment during your tenure?

Initially, it was a steppingstone that helped me transition to playing bigger stages and supporting major acts on a regular basis. It pushed me to elevate my game and refine my sound for larger audiences. Being a long-term resident in one place also challenges you to stay creative, constantly adapting and keeping your sets fresh week after week to avoid becoming predictable.

One of my most memorable moments at Zero Gravity has to be supporting and meeting some of the DJs and producers who inspired me growing up—legends like Pete Tong, Martin Solveig, and Chicane as well as newer legends such as James Hype.

How has the scene in the UAE been evolving in recent years?

The music scene in the UAE has grown tremendously, especially post-COVID. When I first arrived in 2014, big events with international artists were few and far between—you’d be lucky to see a couple of events per month. Now, it’s a completely different story, with multiple international acts performing almost every night of the week. On top of that, there’s been an influx of production talent, creating a tight-knit community of producers who are all doing exciting things and pushing the scene forward. It’s amazing to see how far it’s come.

Your performance at Untold Dubai this year was a significant milestone. What would you like to say about this experience?

It was an incredible honor to be asked to close the MainStage with the final set of the festival. The lineup was absolutely insane, featuring legends like Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Hardwell, Major Lazer, Sebastian Ingrosso, and so many more. Dubai had never seen a festival with such a stacked lineup of massive acts on the same bill.

To share the stage with these icons and close out a weekend that attracted over 70,000 people per day was truly a career highlight and an unforgettable experience. I really hope that I get invited back for the 2025 edition.

You've worked with labels like Armada, Ultra and Toolroom. What do you think sets these collaborations apart, and how do they shape your approach to producing music?

I always make sure the tracks I send to labels fit their vibe. Interestingly, I didn’t create any of my released tracks with a specific label in mind. Instead, once the tracks were finished, I considered which labels they’d suit best, and that’s how I ended up releasing with them.

You've collaborated with various notable artists. How do these collaborations influence your creative process?

I like to kick things off with a coffee or tea and a casual chat, especially if it's my first session with someone I haven’t met before. It helps break the ice and set the tone. From there, it’s all about finding a vibe that everyone in the room connects with, then letting the creativity flow naturally and seeing where it takes us.

Your upcoming releases with major labels suggest an exciting 2025. Can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from your music in the coming year?

2025 is shaping up to be even bigger and better, with regular releases already lined up on some of the industry's most respected labels. I'm focusing on pushing boundaries with my sound and collaborating with incredible artists. You can expect a mix of high-energy tracks perfect for the dancefloor and some surprises that show a more experimental side. It's all about keeping the momentum going that I’ve built in 2024 and making 2025 a killer year!

Middle Eastern and Asian audiences have been key to your rise but on the other hand you have a significant number of listeners from South America. How does it feel to showcase your creativity across such a broad and diverse geographical spectrum?

It’s an incredible feeling to know my music resonates with people from every corner of the globe. The Middle East and Asia have been incredibly in my journey as I’m based here. It’s incredible to see my music reach as far as South America, I know there is a huge audience for electronic music there and I’d love to visit and play a show there one day.

Beyond the numbers and accolades, what personal achievements or moments in your career make you the proudest?

I think it’s the fact that I am able to provide for my family by doing what I love and what I am passionate about. I’ve worked a corporate 9-5 job in the past and that life I just wasn't me; I now look forward to working and being creative every single day.

Looking back at your journey so far, from notable performances to major label collaborations, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers aiming to reach global recognition?

The key to my career has been consistent dedication every single day. Whether it's working on music, performing a DJ set, or spending time in the studio, I’m always focused on moving forward. I’ve made it a priority to position myself to seize every opportunity, knowing that each one could lead to something greater. It’s been a slow and steady journey to get to where I am today, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, but I still feel like there’s so much more I want to achieve.