The boys from Down Home certainly have a sense of humor. Calling themselves “the UAE’s number one country duo (by default)" singers Mike Ulanski and Adam Showalter have already amassed an underground following that track the band to gigs like the Mother of the Nation Festival, Formula 1, JBR Street Beats and their weekly performance at the Firelake Grill. Their fans, who they affectionately call their “Down Homies” have been after the duo to release original music, and on July 4th the boys are coming through with their first single, Country Rich Dubai Poor.
“There is plenty of music about Dubai,” says Ulanski, “but it’s all about the yacht parties and shining skyscrapers. Those things are great, don’t get us wrong, but we wanted to write something that speaks to folks like us - people that have come to Dubai to work hard and make their lives a bit better.”
Decked out in cowboy boots and hats, Down Home delivers the most authentic country experience in Dubai, and the act is completely genuine. “I’m from a tiny rural town in Missouri, and Mike’s home is just a few miles from the Kentucky border,” says Showalter. “We grew up with country music in our lives. We want to offer Dubai a taste of our home and bring a smile to people’s faces. This can be such a serious city, and we think it’s important to have a little fun.”
Down Home gives a taste of Americana with country classics and southern-fried takes on pop favorites. The UAE’s only authentic American country act, Down Home is on a mission to bring the Americana sound to the region.
Legends like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash inspire Down Home’s setlist, fans tap their toes to Down Home’s twangy versions of pop-hits as well.
Mike Ulanski and Adam Showalter hail from the United States and have lived in the UAE 7 years. They perform at venues and festivals throughout the country including Formula 1, Mother of the Nation Festival, JBR Street Beats and Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival.