Sharif D | tr

Sharif’s (born 02.06.1982) love for music spread’s back to his early childhood, growing up in the early 80’s he was exposed to the likes of the Cure, New Order and Bob Marley (thanks to his older siblings).
A confessed childhood band geek, Sharif’s introduction to playing music amongst other musicians was brought about with playing in the school band as a lead clarinetist. As his overall appreciation of music grew so did his knowledge and passion for classical music only to later move on to the saxophone where by he was exposed to a lot more jazz and funk. By having the exposure to jazz his whole musical outlook changed thanks to probably one of the most important trait’s that jazz has to offer, which is the freedom through improvisation.

After high school Sharif tried out for the Conservatorium of music on the saxophone after (only playing for a year) but alas he failed to be excepted. Taking the year off and being slightly disheartened he still decided to pursue a career in music yet not knowing exactly where. After a year of clubbing and hanging around music stores he grew a new passion for electronic and dance music. Yet it was the fusion of organic instrumentation and electronic music that really brought about a new excitement and passion for Sharif, which changed his whole outlook on music once again.

A self-taught keyboard player he purchased an EG-101 Roland synthesizer and a 4-track recorder where by he was now able to record his ideas and multi-layer instruments. Writing became the new passion (and still is) gradually building a rough array of songs and general ideas he decided to give music at an academic level another go, this time trying out for music production/ song writing course’s. This time he was lucky enough to succeed and was accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium, pursuing the Bachelor of Popular Music.
Creating a bunch of new friendships and musical contacts it was here where he met fellow band mate Enrique Garcia of Dope’n’Dusted. He shortly joined the duo and was producing and performing alongside Enrique and Patrick Brown where by his skills were used to bring D’n’D from bedroom producers into a ‘live electronic’ act. Where by having Sharif as the main performer integrating live sax and keyboard into the mix. Since these early days D’n’D has had a string of success with its brand of Latin/funky house. Three and a half years later after countless shows, touring, residencies, festivals (Good Vibrations 2006, 2007 and Summerfieldayz 07), single releases (Hussle ie Ministry of Sound), side projects and solo projects the boys still perform and write together yet pursue their own individual careers.



Sharif currently performs solo and otherwise (Dope’n’Dusted and new duo Cut’n’D) at his resident clubs i.e. the Met, Uber, the Family and Rush lounge among other various places. Although he loves performing he equally loves writing music and doesn’t intend to slow down yet.

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