We're back with Part II of our WMC Retrospective. This time we caught up more of dance music's mover's and shakers to get their recap of the best and worst of Winter Music Conference 2004.
Read on...
How was WMC for you?
Very good, enjoyed, busy and the weather was somewhat cold.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Our 4th SAW.RECORDINGS party in Miami at Nerve was the one:) Great turn out and the vibe was just right. Hec and Lexicon Avenue rocked the house.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
It was not warm enough for me, a few weeks earlier than usual made a big difference.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
Watching Gabriel and Dresden using Ableton Live to perform their set was amazing.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
I kept hearing "Wow, so-and-so rocked the house!" and I missed them all...
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Air plane, Hotel, Airport, Studio, office, Ibiza, Mikonos, Sleepless days and nights......
- Kickdrum.Media, Ol' Skool Bastids, Studio Distribution
Brooklyn, New York / USA
How was WMC for you?
WMC 2004 was one of the best Conference weeks I've had in recent memory; I've been going to WMC for a dozen years. It had a much more relaxed, communal vibe this year, similar to the first years I went. It wasn't uncommon to bump into cool people from all over the place at parties. In fact, you never knew who you could be dancing next to - it might be a hot producer or remixer whose records you love - getting down to some great talent. Musically, it was quality all around this year - further proof that although the business may be down, there's no shortage of great music out there to be heard.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Honestly, the whole week was a highlight. While no one party or moment outshown the others, there were many highlights. From the time we got into Miami to the time we left, it was full of great music, great people, positive vibes and a reaffirmation why I'm in this business and community in the first place.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
If there were any lowlights, they would have to be that there's not enough time in the day to see everyone, hear everything, and go everywhere you want to go. I missed some parties I really wanted to be at, but that's how it goes! There's only 24 hours in a day...
Highlight track(s) of conference?
A new ep by Mike Owen on Katania Music. Some really nice gurgly but subtle acid...yum. Or a new remix of Chiapet's 'Westworld' on Yoshitoshi.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
7. The people that really stood out for me this year were not necessarily 'new' in my eyes but re-established and reinforced themselves as people that should be paid attention to and forces to be reckoned with in 2004.
Those people were:
1) Terry Francis. Terry set the pace everytime he played this year. From peak time rocking, early evening deepness, and afterhours magic, he made the same box of records sound completely different every single time he stepped to the decks.
2) Asad Rizvi. Not enough can be said about this musical genius. When his new single on SoCo Audio officially drops, look out...
3) Three. I may be biased here, but the man proved this year that he can hang toe to toe with the cream of the crop. He's one break away from becoming massive.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
1) Three & Terry Francis tag team at Tuesday morning afterhours at Cafeteria. World class. Both of them were in top form all week long, actually.
2) Steve Lawler following Three & Terry Francis. I'm not a Lawler fan at all, but after Three & Terry lifted the roof off, Steve had no choice but to deliver an inspiring set of chunky proper acid house flavored grooves. Who knew?!?
3) 112 Crew @ BED. Probably the the week's most cohesive night of music - three minds working as one. Well done.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
The most memorable moment of conference would have to be at BED, sipping champagne and talking high end hi-fi audio with my fellow Ol' Skool Bastid, Michael Mercer, and Jeff Mills.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Finally having the remixes I've done of Seamless Satori and Earth Deuley get a proper release, finishing off some original music, doing some travelling, and promoting good dance music.
How was WMC for you?
Really good but really chaotic and very hard work.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
I didn't go to many so I reckon playing the Space terrace during the Deep Dish party was my highlight. And getting to see Paris Hilton from close up at Dancestar was nice as well.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
I was very upset that a lot of people with passes didn't make it into my party at Bed due to some door shenanigans that I knew nothing about until afterwards, that was the only downer for me.
Highlight track(s) of conference?
My fave was the Ashley Beedle dub of Audio Bullys, and the track I heard most was the new Deep Dish single.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
112 Crew at Bed - I was exhausted and couldn't stay as long as I wanted to, but they were truly on it!
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
I only heard 112 Crew and Eric Morillo so it has to be those!
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
The Subliminal night - it's memorable because I woke up with some tequila induced injuries again.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Summer, Ibiza, travel, tequila and decorating my house.
Tour Manager - Subliminal Records
Weehawken, NJ, USA
How was WMC for you?
Best one so far. . . everything was perfect!!
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Sunday Night, Subliminal Sessions @ Crobar. . . gotta be. it was definitely the most vibe i've experienced in ages. what a show! say what you will about Puffy, but i was quite impressed with his Divided Souls album. i kept expecting more "Let's Get Up and Let's Get Ill," but instead got dirty, filthy house. . . i was very happily surprised. this years party had more of a rock n roll/hip hop edge to it. . .
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
It was a tie. . . not getting in the door to DH @ Bed because i had slept too late and the fire marshall had stopped letting people in, and not getting to the Space Terrace ONCE this WMC.
Highlight track(s) of conference?
This year was about the party. Everyone's holding out on their best stuff. . . it's going to be an interesting summer!!
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
Harry "Choo-Choo" Romero's album is gonna tear it up this year!! Audio Bully's are also working their asses off. . . Simon's MC'ing has definitely improved.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
1. Danny Tenaglia - Monday morning set @ Envy. oh man, for three hours i was dancing non-stop, which is quite a phenomenon for me nowadays.
2. Patrick Turner - Gourmet Recordings @ Blue Saturday night. great groovin'. . . sexy stoner house at it's finest. definitely a slow burner!!
3. Carl Cox @ Nikki Beach Wednesday. he could have played on a tin-can that night and it would've been infinitely better than what was on before him. a great end to the conference.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Standing on top of furniture with Felix da Housecat in the Crobar booth, both clutching bottles of champagne, riling the crowd up.
Also, everyone in the conference doing Dave Chapelle's "I'm Rick James, bitch!" Easily the quickest bonding method at WMC.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Slowly working towards world domination... New tour with Erick Morillo (who's releasing his artist album this year), Summer in Ibiza with Subliminal Sessions Wednesday Night Pacha Residency.
How was WMC for you?
Quite possibly the best yet. Chaotic, debaucherous, exhausting -- needless to say, a fantastic week!
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Darren Emerson at Privilege was a religious experience. Sander Kleinenberg on the Terrace at Space -- perfect setting, perfect sounds, haggard-looking crowd (myself included). And though I'm slightly biased, the Astralwerks event with The Chemical Brothers, Audio Bullys, Miss Kittin and Switch served as futher affirmation that I've got the best gig in the world.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Miami door policies. Whoever invented the "bottle service" concept needs to be severely beaten (preferably with a $700 bottle).
Highlight track(s) of conference?
It's by no means new but hearing Danny Howells drop a remix of The Stone Roses' "Fools Gold" was a euphoric 9 minutes and 53 seconds.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
Switch has been everywhere this year as a remixer but Dave's closing set at Mansion was an absolute stormer. New York promoters take heed and book this man!
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
1) Darren Emerson @ Privilege. Harder, darker, sweatier!
2) Danny Howells @ BED. Believe the hype! The man delivered all that was promised and more.
3) Three @ Cafeteria. Mornings were meant to start this way (completely cross-eyed in a pitch-black room with pounding beats rattling the skull).
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Chatting with Darren Emerson backstage at Mansion about his set the night before and trying to figure out why in the world I would have left such a slamming party. Darren kindly supplied me with the correct answer -- the lights came on. It was over.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
More records, more tours, more madness...just the usual, really.
SAW.RECORDINGS / Def Mix Productions
New York, NY USA
How was WMC for you?
This was my 16th year attending WMC and it was by far one of the best in my carreer.
What was your best party / highlight of conference?
Both SAW and DEF MIX parties were a huge success although alot of our friends didn't get into the SAW night due to over capacity at one point.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Having to stay at the Fountainbleu Hotel on 43rd street was a lowlight - I was suppose to stay at the Mercury Hotel but they cancelled my reservation after faxing me a confirmation and now I'm taking them to small claims court! I didn't attend any bad parties.
Highlight track(s) of conference?
Hearing Lexicon Avenue play their new remix of "KILLER" by SEAL brings back good memories.
New talent: DJs ? producers ? live acts that really stood out at conference?
I got to hear Lee Burridge for the 1st time at Nerve and I really enjoyed his set - very funky.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
Didn't get to hear that many DJ's to give you a top 3.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
n/a
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
DEF MIX / SAW RECORDINGS is preparing to start our residency at Pacha, Ibiza each and every Saturday begining June 19th and straight through September. SAW RECORDINGS is in negotiations with CHAB to sign his debut album which we hope to release in Sept. 04.
How was WMC for you?
I look forward to it all year long and then you really cant wait for all the madness to end.
What was the best party / highlight of conference?
Best party: Sunday night "everybody loves the great outdoors" on the space terrace featuring Sander Kleinenberg with special guest Tom Novy. This was also the world exclusive premiere of the new pioneer DVJ-X1 which I was very curious and excited to check out. It definitely inspired me. "This-is-not-miami" 'wink wink'.
Highlight: The Dancestar awards! Presenting the final award of the evening with Dave Navarro wearing higher heels than me!
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Ultra (should have been the best)
Highlight track(s) of conference?
During Sasha and Nick Warren's set on the G.U. boat party which included some of sasha's new productions, other faves included: Way Out West, Barry Jamieson and Peter Martin to name a few...
New talent: DJs producers live acts that really stood out at conference?
Matthew dekay, peter martin, & pioneer's new dvj-x1
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
Sasha (G.U. boat) Sander Kleinenberg (Space) Nick Warren (nerve), and James Holden (Nerve)
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
Sunday night/monday: roughly 9am, the "everybody" signs came out, Tiesto and gang joined the terrace, Louis (owner of Space) became our personal bartender pouring shots and pinky stirring the ice in after refusing to let us drink warm patron, Sander dancing on the tables, while Stef and the Dutch crew slowly lost the plot. 'Exit stage left' dropping us into a long taxicab journey which included Sander vs Myself in a block rockin' beat boxing match off (damn those Chemical Bros keychains), leaving Sander back at the hotel to pass out in bed with Stef. (Light weights) to the 'rubba' boat (G.U. party) with Emma and Simone.. I'll leave the rest to the press ;)
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Touring all over the world this summer to places like Greece, Cyprus, London, Amsterdam and Asia...
How was WMC for you?
It was a long strange trip... ok, that's me being grateful to the dead. It's kind of how I expected it to be, I suppose after four or five years of the WMC it becomes a sort of expected mold of one's life, especially if involved in the 'scene'. Overall however, it was good. I made a bunch of new connection, repaired a few old ones, and re-ignited a few associations from the past as well. It was for me, a business trip with a wild side.
What was the best party / highlight of conference?
I don't think I can choose just one best party or one highlight, there are a few...
* Plexi Pool Party - Had a great time justhanging out with a lot of familiar faces who come to many of our parties... and hanging out with a few artists that we adore like Lee Burridge andInfusion! Not to mention, a pleasure to finally meet James Zabiela who is just a class act.
* Hanging out with the NYC posse of artistsduring the course of the WMC - Roger Sanchez, The Xclusive ProductionsCrew, Peter Bailey, Mike Macaluso, Mac C, Ali Geramian, Matt & Pankajof Trendroid/Brick City, Hisham, Greg (Urban), Serge Devant, Astro&Glyde, Steve Porter-Rico Porter-House Porter... just Steve Porter, Eli Wilkie (Mr.Tuesday), Chris Fortier, Lloyd Alvarez, John Dill, 112, and on and on andon and on...
* Lights Out - Steve Lawler's party which we had theopportunity and pleasure to help promote and be a part of. That was just an unreal night, talk about vibe, energy, you get the idea... man did he out-do himself this time! Afterhours at Cafeteria and then at the Creek pool was fun too.
* Joia - Big props toLloyd Alvarez for a really cool afterhours spot... despite the lowered musicbecause of the neighbors, still had a blast.
* Having Mimosa's one early AM at a hotel Ialways forget the name of on 11th and Collins
* Sasha and John Digweed at Mansion - Wow. Oh, P. Diddy was standing right nextto me out of nowhere... so I looked to my friend Brandie and said 'HeyBrandie, check it out... its Puffy!' and we both just started laughinghysterically for some unknown reason, big props to P Diddy for checkingout John and Sasha though... what a night.
Highlight: The Dancestar awards! Presenting the final award of the evening with Dave Navarro wearing higher heels than me!
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
The flight home... or should I say the missed flight home. :-\
Highlight track(s) of conference?
"Aimless Dame" - Astro&Glyde's original and Randall Jones' ill re-mix... yes favoritism... yes its really that good. Look for the double pack soon released on Bedrock. Thanks John!
"Rhumba Magic", it's by Matt & Pankaj of Brick City / Trendroid...
New talent: DJs producers live acts that really stood out at conference?
(I honestly didn't get a chance to see much new talent, none at all actually, short of Moguai. L - It was just that hectic, I didn't make 60% of the gigs I wanted to check out)
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
IMHO -
John Digweed - Mansion
Steve Lawler - State
Desyn Masiello - The low key afterhours party in someone's high rise apartment outside Miami Beach ; )
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
1) The P.Diddy thing I mentioned up before... bling bling kid.
2) Ending up at some dude's apartment with a view of the bay with Desyn, Demi from Deeper Substance, and some of my friends. Funny thing is, its about 9am and I'm sitting across the table from this guy... Desyn is to my right, Demi is DJing and about 7 people are dancing in the living room. Desyn and I are talking about bookings in NYC when the guy across goes... "Who are you?" I briefly explain who I am and he bugs out, "Steve, it's Lee from Thrive!" Holy crap, we've been trying to meet all conference but couldn't due to the normal WMC madness... and there he was right in front of my face in someones pad for afterhours. What's the chances?
What's coming up next for you in 2004? Foundation - Our vision of throwing a Friday night again in NYC... to ally and bring together promoters, artists, media, and labels... to promote electronic music, to educate, to push and create a great vibe... and to have a lot of fun.
Astro&Glyde / Bedrock / Inevitable / Spirit NYC / SLR
New York City
How was WMC for you?
Each time we go down there we get a little more done. One thing I loved is that all my New York boys are doing so well right now. Mad props to my yo-yos. And amazingly enough we actually got some sleep this year because we got down there way early. Once the parties started for us though the sleeping of course slowed down, but this was the first year I came home with a tan.
What was the best party / highlight of conference?
That's always a bad question because I'm going to name our best gig (which was at Nerve opening for Bedrock/Digweed by the way). Everyone was so cool, from Digweed to the owner John Cowan. My other favorite event this year was hanging out at our friend Diego's rented condo on Wednesday. Couches, decks, close friends, nothing's better.
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
The worst part is always going home. And this year it was coming home to about a foot of snow over three days. They should make the conference one week in each January, February, March.
Highlight track(s) of conference?
i agree with james, hearing randall's mix of "aimless dame" at the bedrock party was just a legendary moment for me. danny t's sets at club envy. man, danny at wmc, he is just the man. he takes the dopest and most interesting of all genres and blends them into a flawless night (or day) of music. even his flaws are cool live.
New talent: DJs producers live acts that really stood out at conference?
there was some guy playing really really cool deep kind of progressive stuff at the creek hotel on saturday, but, even though he was playing dope stuff but when i tried to chill with him he was all "too cool for school" so now i'm not going to mention him, at least not his name. ha, it pays to be nice. bill, dennis, hisham, matt, randall, benke, james as always...
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
danny, randall, lawler
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
same answer
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
we're going for gold this year. we've been practicing and competing in lots of locals and invitationals, but i really think this year we'll beat russia.
How was WMC for you?
Almost stayed home to work. So glad i didn't!
What was the best party / highlight of conference?
Highlights - Tommie Sunshine watching the dance floor and proclaiming 2004 as the year acid house finally broke in the states! That and dancing to "LCD Sound System - Yeah".
What was the worst party / lowlight of conference?
Only lowlight was missing other friends parties...mainly Ovum, Plus 8 / Minus and Harvey.
Highlight track(s) of conference?
Martini Bros - Love the Machine *Robag w. mix*, Spektrum - Kinda New *tiefschwartz* mix, My Robot Friend - Why don't you call me back? *matmos mix* ....ummm and Man With Guitar was huge, too.
New talent: DJs producers live acts that really stood out at conference?
Ken Gibson a.k.a. dubLoner/ Premature Wig/ Reverse Commuter. The 112 Crew have arrived.
Best Set: Who delivered the Top 3 sets of conference?
Standouts i heard were Dennis Rogers, all at Hallucination outdid themselves (especially Garth and Q Burns tagging) and Asad Risvi for putting some house in tech-house.
Most memorable (funny or otherwise) experience from conference.
The 2nd Decks Benedict after-hours (the one @ Cafeteria) was like WMC days of yore --- classic clubbing. Attending this party was a giant wizard dancing all over with hat, beard, magic staff...the whole nine yards. All i could see was his hat bobbing around and then the staff getting pumped in the air .... for hours.
What's coming up next for you in 2004?
Switching home base from Florida to NYC in June. The next set of releases on Hallucination Limited. Focusing Djing and my own music more than usual this year.
