We came, we partied and then, we slowly recovered from Winter Music Conference 2004. Another year of parties, debauchery & business. Find out from these dance music industry insiders what it was like, what parties were hot, new artists to look for and which artists delivered the goods this year. Read on...
How was WMC for you?
WMC was a bit more relaxed this year. Very nice.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Best Party overall was Lights Out Party: Steve Lawler. Well done top to bottom. And the visuals [by TribeTrix]....WOW!
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Worst Party was one that I wouldnt attend, hopefully.
Highlight track(s) of conference? Havanafunk's "Bakiri Ban", Lee-Cabrera's "Polaroid", and our own "Rumba Magic" did the work.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference? Infusion always stands out, except when sitting down i guess.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference? Darren Emerson at Privilege, Lexicon Avenue at Saw/Nerve, Lawler at Lights Out were the best sets for me.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Most memorable experience - discovering my new favorite drink, rum & cranberry at the Radio 1 party.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Concentrating on some new sounds as Brick City with Matt Edwards, working with our new dj agency, Most Wanted Global, and with our new management company, Think Fink Inc. Oh yea, and big pimpin' of course.
DJ / Producer / Underwater Records Label Boss
Essex, UK
How was WMC for you?
Good, did some really good meetings and in general did a lot of business. There were some good parties too.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Our Underwater party was wicked, it was better than anyone expected I think.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
None, really. The Defected party was too busy.
Highlight track(s) of conference? Mutiny's 'Dem Girls' on Underwater - it features Sweetie Irie on vocals and will be massive... Plus Robert Owens' "Longing" and Greg Churchill's "Body Slam" - both on Underwater.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
Didn't really see any... Mutiny really rocked it out there. We've got their album coming out on the label later this year so definitely look out for them.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference? Josh Wink at his Ovum party, Christian Smith at the Tronic party at Privilege banging techno and Timmy Deluxe at the Underwater party.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
It was all well behaved with me , have seen some strange pictures since though...
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
I've got the Underwater Episode 3 compilation set to be released in June - I've mixed one cd and Paul Jackson the other - you should really look out for him this year... He's a masisve talent waiting to blow up. And I'm putting the finishing touches to my artist album, it's going to be out in September hopefully - it's not what people are going to expect from me...
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
the dancefloor during Subliminal
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Everything leading up to Carl Cox at the closing party at Nikki Beach
Highlight track(s) of conference?
*just* the 5 seconds of opening bassline from that White Stripes track
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference? Audio Bullies, but only 1 song at a time please.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference? Danny Tenaglia night 2 (I was at them both), everything was pretty flat, but i had fun anyway :)
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
In mid conversation, Sinead stood up pointing at the dancefloor at Nikki and shouting "Sparklers!". Text message battles between the dancefloor and the DJ booth at Subliminal... and touching Puffy.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Ibeeeetha i think. Oh, and my rhythmism residency ;)
URB / HX / out.com / Satellite Records / Ultra
New York, New York USA
How was WMC for you?
I was in Miami for WMC for the weekend, and from what I saw I am very happy. I got to play a sunset DJ set at Ultra Music Festival, at the VIP Ultra Beach Stage. It was great to see all the different types of people showing up at Ultra, attending a dance event like it was a pop/ mainstream concert.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
For me, the best party was Ultra. The main amphitheatre was packed, and it was mind-blowing to see all those people and the laser light show.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Not that it was a lowlight of the conference, but all the people getting mangled/ messed up and partying irresponsibly. With sound systems being as loud as they were during conference, I got this natural high, this buzz. I'm not preaching that people don't have a right to do as they will when attending these events, but honey, keep it down low. And yes, I'm talking to you. There's enough heat in Miami as is.
Highlight track(s) of conference? Mr. G "Reason EP" on Rescue Ofra Haza "Love Song (M.I.K.E. re-mix) on Club Elite Count Drake "Men Without Hats" on White
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference? Infusion Gabriel & Dresden Junkie XL
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
I wasn't able to see so many sets, so I will leave this one blank.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Hanging out with Kip Kouri at Ultra. he's a riot. 'nuff said.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
I'm playing at the "Good Vibrations" party Sunday, April 4 at the Bowery Bar here in NYC. The next week, I am flying out to Las Vegas to DJ at Ice Meta-Club on April 08. I’m also planning my own party somewhere in the East Village for this Spring.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference? Steve Porter on the rooftop at Pure, Zabiela & Luke Fair on the Ultra boat party
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Leaving someone's hotel after eating laced brownies and almost crawling from the Hallucination party to my bed (literally)
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
my new album coming out april 20, 2004 called "Fade Records presents Audio Tour". A new single called "Despegue" and finally the release of my 1st track "Losing Wait" is getting its release.
