Meet Usama Douglah AKA HBB, Producer and DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with HBB and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HBB, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I traveled to the United States in 2009 and enrolled at the University of Southern California to pursue a degree in civil engineering, which marked the beginning of my journey into the center of music. But it wasn’t until I experimented with a friend’s mixer in 2016 that I realized I had a natural knack for making catchy songs. I started experimenting with rhythms and sounds after being influenced by legendary musicians like Solomun, unintentionally setting the stage for an incredible musical journey.

I love establishing deep connections with people through my music and moving them on dance floors. That’s something that makes me feel very alive and present.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am blessed to have two careers which I love and enjoy dearly. I am a senior project manager for a big Industrial Real Estate Developer managing construction projects. At the same time I have my musical career which gives me a balance to my day job.

I stand out in the DJing world for my refusal to follow genre conventions. My performances are energetic musical journeys that skillfully combine tracks from progressive, minimal/tech and organic genres. My earlier releases have been in the minimal and tech house genres, however, I plan to release an organic EP this year that incorporates my Middle Eastern background.

I also stand out for my capacity to establish deep connection with my audience. Every concert turns into a participatory event in which the crowd is a key player in creating the musical story. I collaborate with live musicians such as drummers and violinists sometimes to provide my audience with an immersive and unique experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the Venice boardwalk to to check it out and have some food and drinks in that area during the day. May be even walk around Santa Monica too.

On Wednesdays, my favorite spot to go to is Clinic Wednesdays if I am up for a mid week party with great DJs and music.

On weekends, downtown LA is full of incredible warehouse parties all over that provide a fun experience.

Downtown rooftops such as the Perch and La Cabra have incredible food, drinks and ambiance.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this to all my friends and the people that have pushed me and supported me to get to where I am. Without them none of this would be possible. I would like to also give a shoutout to all the promoters in LA who gave me a chance to do what I love and let me share my sound and energy,

Website: djhbb.com

Instagram: @dj_hbb

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usamadouglah/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usamadouglah

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dj_hbb

Image Credits
Many Castro Alexey One Love