Dubai’s homegrown music community took centerstage at JBR when Bla Bla Dubai’s Backroom hosted the fourth edition of Sennheiser’s Sunset Soirée, drawing its biggest turnout yet with more than 100 artists, engineers, and vocalists filling the venue. The gathering turned the midweek evening into a lively showcase of sound experimentation, collaboration, and genre-spanning performances.
Instead of leading with the competition element, the night opened with musicians exploring Sennheiser and Neumann’s latest live-performance gear. Attendees rotated through stations featuring microphones, capsules, and interfaces built for everything from delicate vocal tones to heavy instrumentation. The experience allowed artists to try equipment such as the Neumann capsule lineup, the EW-D range, the MCM miniature clip mic system, and the MT 48 audio interface.
Once the performances began, shortlisted musicians delivered styles that moved from rock and metal to Latino, Arabic, house, and Indian music—an eclectic display that reflected the range of talent now shaping the UAE’s creative scene. The audience later rated each act through a digital poll, with solo performer Riri earning the top score and taking home a Sennheiser Evolution Wireless Digital Microphone System along with a custom mic voucher from Dr. Head.
For many performers, the value of the evening extended beyond the stage. Conversations unfolded across the room as artists compared experiences, shared career paths, and found new points of connection. The event’s network-driven atmosphere has become one of its defining features, drawing both first-timers and long-time supporters.
Ryan Burr, Head of Technical Sales & Application Engineering at Sennheiser Middle East, said, “This fourth season of the Sunset Soirée goes beyond showcasing audio technology—it sparks creativity and elevates the artistry behind every performance. It’s not just about presenting cutting-edge equipment; it’s about cultivating a space where musicians can connect, experiment, and unlock the full potential of their craft, empowering them to shape their own sonic identity. Our thanks to the early registrants who performed during the evening and hearty congratulations to Riri for being polled the most popular performance of the evening by the attendees.”
Industry partners also reflected on the event’s impact. Alice Macaluso, Audio Brand Manager at Venuetech, shared, “As long-term partners of Sennheiser, we’re honoured to be part of Sunset Soirée—an experience that continues to evolve and inspire. This event offers an outstanding platform for empowering musicians to explore the power of audio technology in live performance. It’s exciting to contribute to an event that consistently pushes the boundaries of sound and creativity.”
Melody House’s Marketing Manager, Marina Kyvernitis, noted, “We’re incredibly proud to support Sunset Soirée Season 4. The event is a true celebration of collaboration between musicians and industry professionals. It inspires the local music community and provides a space for artists to connect, learn, and grow together. We’ve partnered with Sennheiser on this initiative from the beginning and are delighted to continue our support.”
From BarCoe Studio, Founder & Managing Director Sean BarCoe said, “The Sunset Soiree was yet another memorable evening. At BarCoe Studio, we’re proud to partner with Sennheiser Middle East on this event and many other initiatives, united by our shared passion for nurturing and elevating musical talent across the region.”
The Fridge Warehouse echoed the enthusiasm through its Marketing & Business Development Manager, Ivo Lemmerlijn: “At The Fridge, we share Sennheiser’s vision for delivering top-tier audio experiences and championing local talent through vibrant live performance platforms. We are thrilled to support this dynamic event. After attending and supporting last year’s edition, we’re excited to deepen our collaboration with Sennheiser, with multiple events planned at The Fridge Warehouse this coming season.”
Among the crowd was first-time attendee Franz Peters from What Matters Most band, who said, “It was really a treat overall. I loved the selection of artists and the musical variety. Sound technicians, stage and equipment were really the best I’ve seen so far in UAE—hats off! I also enjoyed the treatment of the artists, from free food & drinks to how you managed performances.”
This year’s winner, Riri, also expressed her experience: “As for this year’s Sunset Soirée, I genuinely loved every minute. It was my second year attending, and the event was beautifully executed from the equipment and venue to the organisation. I’m deeply grateful to the teams at Sennheiser, Neumann, Barco, Melody House, The Fridge, and Dr. Head for creating a space where artists can connect, network, and grow. It’s an honour to be part of such an inspiring experience, and I look forward to attending year after year.”
Mig Cardamone, Sales Director of Sennheiser Middle East, added, “Sunset Soirée for Musicians is dedicated to building a vibrant community where artists can discover, grow, and innovate together. We’re passionate about equipping musicians with the tools they need to elevate their sound and amplify their creative vision. At the core of this commitment is our belief in the transformative power of music and our mission to support every artist striving to harness that potential.”
Sennheiser Middle East thanked its partners, performers, and supporters for contributing to the event’s success, with this season blending live contests, expert interaction, and community-driven creativity throughout the night.
