THE MIAMI REPORT 2008 by Oscar P
"If WMC was dead!!!! Then Long Live WMC!!!!!"

It's a wrap! Winter Music Conference, in its 23rd year, attracting professionals from over 62 different countries held it's closing parties March 30th. There are countless reasons why people from all over the world return year after year for this event, the most outstanding one being that there is nothing else in the world like it. Currently, the music industry is engaged in a profound structural metamorphosis. CDR's, MP3's, download streams and other new technologies are forever changing the ways in which people create, buy, sell and listen to music. This year, like last, we tried new ways to connect our fanbase with WMC's audience and offer them more than just drinks, and parties. We again held some incredible events that also covered business. Ahh yes, business, which everyone claims never gets done in Miami. Well, I beg to differ, not only did we drink, dance, raise our hands up, but we also discussed, connected, and conducted real business with our first annual A&R Digital Summit which was held in between a fantastic line-up of events, DJ talent and artists. Never let it be said that Rome was built in a day, or by one man.

Tues Mar 25th - Baldeelox/ Centric All Access Pool Party @ South Seas Hotel

Presented by Pioneer Pro DJ, M8 Magazine, Media Services NYC, Say House, Sundae Philadelphia, New York 2 Ibiza, Open Bar Music, Feelin' Music, SSRadioUK, The Joint, Clubplanet, Traxsource, Robbi Promoter, WMC, 3 Degrees Global & Hard 8 Clothing

The kick off event attracted 400 plus people and kicked off @ 1pm. OK, so we didn’t start on time, but didn’t I just get done saying Rome wasn't built in a day?



Your host Darren Holland (Baldeelox, Open Bar) did the incredible, and captured imaginations by putting together one of the sickest line-ups in Miami. London, NY, LA, NJ, & Chicago were fully represented here. Oh we were all nervous about the weather, but that's the drama of pool and beach parties @ WMC, you never know what's going to happen... We had unbelievable weather after 2 ½ days of hard rain. The live performances were world class featuring - Amrick Channa (Celebrity Records), Daniel Thomas (Feelin' Music, UK), Ama Zedrey (Open Bar Music), and DJN f/ Rick Galactik (Open Bar Music). The DJ sets were without a doubt the only way to start the conference. Cory Soulfuzion (Centric Music), Jamie Thomas (Feelin Music), Davidson Ospina (Ospina Digital, Open Bar), Groove Junkies (MoreHouse Records), John Julius Knight (Reversoulmusic, Traxsource), Ed Boom (New Jersey Masteros), Tristan Ingram (Random, In Bed with Space), Doobie J (Citrus Sounds), Ed Dunn (dunnEASY, 3Degrees Global).

"To say that Miami was a success is an understatement. I went to Miami on a business level and conducted business. All goals were achieved and the brand is making an impact on the scene,” says Darren Holland. "The real success for me was the events my partners and I put on as we gathered a mass flock to attend and made some great new friends. I did not go to any big branded events as a deliberate effort to see if Miami works without having to go to a huge event and for me it did. Meeting and being around good people is what makes Miami and this year had nothing but that. I wish I could relive it again, oh boy!"

Rick Galactik of DJN adds, "WMC '08 was an awesome first-time experience for us. Although mostly work and no play, we accomplished quite a bit. We were able to lock down collaborations with Arnold Jarvis, Kenny Bobien, and Louie Vega including "Wheels Of Love" and "Take You Away" (Vega Records) coming later this year. Between shooting the video for our current single, we stopped by a few parties. The Shelter and Tommy Boy parties were great, but our live performances of "Feel For You" (Open Bar Music) at the Baldeelox/Say House parties were the highlight. Special thanx goes to Oscar P (Open Bar Music) for giving us the chance and opportunity for success."

"This was a very productive trip for us. We played at 7 events including the Baldeelox/Open Bar Records Party,and our MoHo in Sobe Party at the Shelborne where we previewed our forthcoming artist album "In The Zone".Every party we attended, and played at was dope! The weather cooperated, we saw old friends & fans, made some new ones, locked down some future gigs for our album tour, and got the green light to do a remix on the first single from Rhianna's new album. All in all I'd have to say that this was a great conference for Groove Junkies,and MoreHouse Records!" Evan Landes – Groove Junkies

SS Radio UK (World's biggest House Internet Radio) provided the Live Broadcast. So hit their site to hear what you missed out on. SSRADIOUK.COM

Wed Mar 26th Open Bar Music DJs - VIP Badge Pick Up @ South Seas Hotel In case you didn't know we provided VIP badges for everyone that signed on to the Miami mailing list. 2200 signed, and we gave them a little taste of WMC back in the day... when having a badge mattered and made us all feel like kings and queens. That's what Miami was all about back then, and it was much needed this year. We gave out 3000 badges total that week, which granted VIP access at all our events. South Seas Hotel was the site of open decks where visiting DJs got a chance to jump on and flex their skills while we sipped on mojitos, and nursed our mimosas. Among the DJs that shined, Tank Martinez (T&A), Christian Scott (Open Bar), Coll Selini & Chris Salman (Playectra) dropped some twisted tracks.

"We got the chance to network with DJs and producers from all over the planet. Networking with these guys could work out to swapping remix work and getting our sound to that part of the world. We got to meet vocalists we would like to work with as well as some solid advice in furthering our career," says Martinez.  "Spinning at the South Seas Hotel, the Adidas in-store as well as the President Hotel was a joy for us as we got to spin for our fans as well as our peers.  Each year, it gets better and better and there is no doubt that next year will be even bigger for Open Bar Music and Baldeelox, of which we are proud to be a part of."

Wed Mar 26th Adidas Originals, Miami Beach New York 2 Ibiza Say House Warm Up

DJs Darren Holland, Lee Jones, Tank Martinez, & The SSRadioUK Crew warmed up the crowds of VIP badge seekers who waited in line, and shopped until our reps showed up with the Golden Tickets. Adidas who continues to be one of our favorite brands in the world took care of us nicely. We also got to check out and play with the Pioneer DJM 700 Professional Mixer. The core of every professional DJ rig is the mixer. Whether you play at home, perform at the club or jumpstart the party, you need your mixer to perform flawlessly, be packed with features and built to fit perfectly into your DJ style. Hit up the website - www.PioneerDJ.com/DJM700

**Wed Mar 26th - New York 2 Ibiza/ Say House Miami @ Dek23

Presented by
Pioneer Pro DJ, M8 Magazine, Media Services NYC, Say House, Sundae Philadelphia, New York 2 Ibiza, Open Bar Music, The Joint, Clubplanet , WMC & fusicology.com

Several days leading into this event, the streets in Miami were lit a-buzz by coverage in the WMC issue of M8 Magazine featuring Louie Vega, Steve Lawler, Oscar P, TV Rock, Groove Junkies, D: Fuse, Carl Cox, Quentin Harris, Sander Van Doorn, Mark Knight, Angelo & Ingrosso. I can now say being seen in the company of several of my favorite DJs has been a career booster.... check the article here
OSCARP-m8-mag-miami-interview.pdf

By the time we arrived at DEK23 we were all amped. This was the first of our key signature events of the week, and it’s all we were thinking about all day. We had an insane DJ line-up with Ivan Robles, Puerto Rico, DJ Dove, NYC, Coll Selini, Holland, Davidson Ospina, NYC, Lee Jones, Sundae Philadelphia, Darren Holland London, and for the first time the super hot Jordan Rivera from Holland and myself.  This was and is the event when the key DJs from the collective partnerships get together, jam out and show Miami, and the industry how people should work together and prosper, everyone pushing each other, supporting each other. It was surreal. The Say House, and New York 2 Ibiza party brands were building all of 2007, and here we all were once again.

Live performances were fantastic. Ama doing "You Are My House" & DJN f/ Rick Galactik doing "Feel for You." They blew the roof off the venue. Nuff said! It amazed me how many people in the audience knew the words to these records. We had between 400 & 500 people through the door. That made me proud. Was that Carlos and Jessica crying in the corner.... ahhhh too many mojitos, but we were proud. It was a good night, and the start of a great week. After all it was only WED.

"I must say was the best one for me ever. All the hard work & late hours in the studio, preparing releases for the label, tons of emails all paid off there. Because the love, energy and support from people all around the world at the parties, meetings, and even in the street all made me feel like it was all worth it in the end,” states Ospina." Hanging out with friends, business associates this year made our relationships stronger than ever. At DEK23 for our New York 2 Ibiza/ Say House event, everyone showed support and partied all night, a total success. I could not have done it without OPEN BAR MUSIC & Media Services NYC. Thank you Guys."

“Miami, Miami, Miaaami. This was my first time over there but felt home since I put my first foot on land. Finally, talking face to face with all my people. Good for the future business," says Jordan Rivera. "I went to many events in places like Space Miami and others, but the best for me was on Wed @ DEK23. Not only because I was playing, but the vibes where incredible and on the dance floor... people were break dancing, tap dancing, daaamm.  You don't see this at a house event in Holland. I can’t wait to come back next year!”

Last but not least we hit up Chez Bubbles aka Steve B, for his comments. Bubbles please speak to the people!  “Ahhhhhh Miami, nice, that's what’s up.” A man of few words. 

Listen to my WMC Top Pics on my new Podcast





**Fri Mar 28th - Azucar Digital A&R Summit @ President Hotel
Presented by Azucar Digital
Pioneer Pro DJ, M8 Magazine, Media Services NYC

This was a special special event. The key thing was to have an intimate setting and to be able to sit, discuss, meet, talk, plan, and use our minds in creative ways to talk about work through the connections being made.
We set up the pool area as the quiet area, so that if you wanted to go and talk business, all you had to do was take them to the back, with drinks under the palm trees. We really didn’t know how well it would work, and next year we are making it bigger because this was again a special event. Representatives from several of the labels distributed by Azucar Digital, as well as a few outside labels and artists were on board: Performances Ivan Robles - Selektor Music (Puerto Rico), Mikey Gallagher - Shanghai Sessions (China, UK), Craig Mitchell - Slanted Black (NYC), Blackliquid - Blackliquid Music (LA), Johnny House-in - Open Bar Music, Cinema (Colombia), Neil Carr, Matt Sims, Dave Jemison - SSRadioUK (London), Marco Petralia - Open Bar Music (Germany), DJ Premium One - Open Bar Music (Turkey), Adam Auburn - Large Music, Open Bar Music (USA). Thompsonic's Keith Thompson (Break 4 Love fame) who destroyed the house with a live version of Third World's "Now That We Found Love."



Pop-in appearances by Groove Junkies - MoreHouse Records and on hand for meetings through out the day were Baldeelox Records - Darren Holland (London), Azucar Digital co-owner - Carlos Ortiz (NYC)  Ospina Digital's

Davidson Ospina (NYC), The Joint's Jessica Bendig (NYC) and an array of companies like Blazen Media, Play FM, Danger, and Red Spark Audio who are a hot new company to watch out for. Recently they released Ara vs Winehouse remake of "Rehab" which is being played by some of the top DJs in the world, and is on Beatport 's top downloads.



Big shout outs to Jason Klein (Monster Taxi), Vocalist's Dihann Moore, Vicky Martin (Azuli), Markie Gee (TuneRooms), Daniel Park (P3N), Tee Alford (Funky People), Claribel Cuevas (Sony ATV Publishing) and the Soulful Bros.

"Great year again” says Doobie J of Citrus Sound. "The Baldeelox & Centric Pool Party opened the week up for me, one of the best poolside atmosphere's I'd ever experienced.  Just being in the line-up with inspirations such as Groove Junkies and Ron Carroll was an honor. The networking session on Friday @ The President Hotel was a particularly productive afternoon, meeting and discussing the industry with fellow label reps and artists was good. “In times of rapid technological change, I'm finding pooling resources and adapting to tougher market conditions vital.”

Adds Ike Ngwaba (Blackliquid Music). "This year was a great year for Blackliquid and The Blackliquid Music Team. The Media Services/ Azucar/ Open Bar Family were in full force with slamming tunes, great performances and a beautiful vibe. Baldeelox Records  & Centric Records did a wicked pool party… trust me I got the phone calls. Open Bar Music and Ospina Digital rocked Dek23 and the Digital Summit at The President Hotel was a great place to be as well as to perform. With a host of top quality labels and some killer cuts, a good exchange of quality music was made with the easiest of feelings whilst eagerly awaiting what the rest of 2008 has to offer. Being able to make a contribution to this scene is a great feeling to have. Many thanks for making it happen."

Shanghai Sessions' Mikey Gallagher chimes in "Miami for me this year was one of the best years I've been there. I was DJing and in attendance at the Digital A&R summit at the President Hotel where I did a lot of business for my label Shanghai Sessions. It gave me a chance to meet new singers, artists and producers who attended. It was great to be hanging out with good people and to actually get some good business deals in place. Roll on WMC 2009!"

Sat Mar 29th - Happy Hour @ The President Hotel

Once again we were @ the President, the place where no one wants to leave from. lol. It's that type of vibe. This was Jessica Bendig aka Lady J thehousekeeper's sioree for The Joint where relaxation was key along with great music by Dave Gandy/Substance, Tank Martinez/ T & A, Open Bar, Mr. Sternstein/ Open Bar, and DJ Dug aka BIG Dug/ The Joint.

This picked up right where the Friday one left off at 3:30 AM the night prior. We even had a surprise appearance by Philly sensation THE Baraness Von So So Def herself, who kept the night moving again into the wee hours of the morning. Since no one wanted to leave, and we didn’t want to kick them out, we kept it rolling HOUSE style.

"WMC Miami 2008 as always came with a lot of surprises,” says JOHNNY HOUSE-IN  (Cinema Club, Bogota Colombia). "For the first time we did a Colombian party in the new club in Miami downtown "Spazio Nero and, we had the club packed and that was amazing, also 3 more parties Bedroom Muzik & friends from DJ Wady label, Studio Mar at the Marseilles Hotel, and the A&R Summit, is always good to see again my people from New York, Oscar, Carlos, Jess, Davidson, T&A, Ivan Robles.  I am really happy because my latest released "In The Name Of House" went # 17 on Beatport house chart and a lot of people recognized the track when I DJ. At the President Hotel I played my up coming new release on Open Bar Music "Bogota Sensations" and I saw a great reaction. I have to say that Shelborne party "Sex on Wax" was amazing, Desyn Masiello rocks!!! Thanks to all the people that made possible all this great experiences!!"

Adds Keith Thompson (Thompsonic Music), "This year was very productive. It was partying with a purpose, especially the Open Bar/ Media Services events.  Great parties with fun loving people also focused on networking and creating future business.  I don't always enjoy my time at the WMC club nights. I also haven't gone to the actual conference in years. Instead I usually go to key parties and promote new material while supporting others. But this year I enjoyed the King St. party, and the A&R Summit held by Media Services, their yacht party with Lee Jones' Sundae Philadelphia, and the Purple Music party. Big things will be happening because of the connections made in Miami this year. Indeed.”

"Once again Lady J & Oscar P have made herding cats look easy! This year was my seventh year at Winter Music and each year seems better than the last. Miami gives us the chance to network with some new
talent, see some old friends and, leave equipment all over Miami Beach. I can't wait to see what Open Bar / The Joint has in mind for next year..... I guess it really doesn't matter cause I'm in!!! Much Love" DJ Dug

Presented by
Pioneer Pro DJ, M8 Magazine, Sundae Philadelphia, Worship Records,
Media Services NYC, The Joint, Open Bar Music, Clubplanet , WMC & fusicology.com

In what was to be our closing bash, which came along with Coast Guard watch, and under-cover DEA agents who also happened to love house music, I am left with little words. "WE DID IT!" Another of our signature parties attracted over 700 people, and it was our first boat party, but sadly though it may be our last, but never say never. Even the drama of searches, and FL laws of on open water could not detour the masses for this showcase. King Britt, Rich Medina & Josh Wink (Philadelphia), Lars Behrenroth (LA),  Oscar P  &  Davidson Ospina (NYC), Alex Almeida (Sydney),  Benn Hopkins (Brisbane), Lee Jones, Sean Thomas, Rob Paine, DJ Dirty, Lee Mayjahs and Byron the Intern (Philadelphia).


OK, OK this boy works hard...I think its time to drop the intern off his name. lol…. but then again how many interns get to rock with a line up like this and hold their own. Great sets all around. The boat was sold out, and if we were selling tickets would have no doubt made a killing. Yes, it’s a free event, a way to say thank you for all the support leading into this thing of ours. La Cosa Nostra. This is House. Lee Jones sporting his new Miami hipster look rocked one of the best sets I have ever heard, and I've heard a lot. Britt was amazing, and Josh Wink made a special appearance. Lee Mayjahs, Dirty, Rob Paine dropping those sick azz dub house tracks, and Alex Almeida who gave us the now famous Pioneer 700 demo, wink wink.....You Tube baby...Its Crispy! 

“Todd Terry, and Roland Clarke were in the house!” says vocalist Ama Zedry. "Miami was cool for me, as it was my first time (virgin alert). Got to go to a lot of different parties my favourites being New York 2 Ibiza, Say House, MN2S, Baldeelox, Club Azuli, Kinky Malinki, Toolroom Records and now Sundae Philadelphia. I was also performed alongside Oscar P and The Open Bar Music crew, absolutely wicked!  Blinding parties!! Really fantastic, underground good-hearted people. Just what is needed on the scene. Yes, I managed to meet a lot of DJs, producers, promoters, great to meet so many music minded people all in one place. I am definitely going to be back next year."

Adds Oscar P, that’s me "I want to thank everyone who was involved. I dropped one of my best sets ever @ Sundae. I want to thank Davidson Ospina for his patience and ability to let me shine. This is why I love you. To all my partners, Jessica, Mr. Ortiz, Lee Jones, Darren Holland, I love you all, Pioneer Pro DJ, M8 Magazine, Adidas, Sundae Philadelphia, The Joint, Baldeelox, New York 2 Ibiza, Open Bar Music, Groove Junkies, SSRadioUK, & Clubplanet, Never let it be said once again that Rome was built in a day or by one man. I also want to thank all the cats that missed these historical events.....Long live the republic!!!!!

 

MIAMI 2008 PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON
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