Winter Music Conference - I'm in Miami bitch!

After navigating through the huge Houston airport to catch my connecting flight, I arrived in Miami to see Dillon Francis, Krafty Kuts and a handful of other DJ’s waiting in front of me for taxi’s.  Every DJ worth his salt was in town to play to the masses who decend on the state for the spring break period at the end of March every year, many performing at the Ultra Music Festival - an electronic dance music extravaganza held over consecutive weekends.

Skyscrapers and cruise ships glistened in the marina as I taxied over the causeway to the oasis that is South Beach.  I was staying with friends Roger and Jamie who were launching their kiwi rum brand Stolen Rum, in a market 70 times bigger than NZ. They are close to securing a large distribution deal in Florida and have a short term lease at the infamous Flamingo Apartments looking back to city.  I stood on the deck to watch the sun set over millionaires row - where Lenny Kravitz and P Diddy have homes - as jet skis and motorboats darted on the bay below us.  I shrugged off the opportunity to join some friends for the final day of Ultra’s first installment, hoping I could catch the next weekend.  Instead settled for a pint of Guinesss and chicken wings down Lincoln Mall - comfort food in preparation for the big week ahead.

Next day I was in registering at the Winter Music Conference - the dance industry gathering held at Miami Convention Center. A very diverse, ethnic bunch of attendees probably given Miami’s proximity to South America and Europe. All types of studs, tattoos, hair colours, sizes - all sharing a passion for EDM (electronic dance music) and wanting to learn more about its growing relevance, along with commercial and artistic opportunities.  I wasn’t in Ponsonby anymore! Harrish was my name – they can never get it right in this country!

It wasn’t long until I was down to Collins Ave on South Beach to meet friends Nick and Tom and enjoy the first of the overpriced but authentic local mojitos. The strip of art deco behemoth hotels was impressive, the 1920’s charm still classic today. We ventured down to the pool party at The National where old Chicago-style house DJ’s Louie Vega and friends entertained a raucous crowd, none of whom looked like they were not born past 1980. We met a guy Gino from Chicago who seemed to be enjoying himself, pulling out some interesting dance moves while sweating profusely, confirming Miami as his annual winter escape. Nick D was in his element darting in and out of the crowd taking soundbites for his George FM breakfast show in Auckland.

From there it was to the neon glow of Ocean Beach Road where friendly waiters used every one liner in the book . Chumps like us were putty in their hands.  The night the proceeded can only be compared to the adventure off 'The Hangover' – a combination of checking out Aeroplane at SLS, Wall at the W for Guy Gerber, Story for who knows who - by now with a local lawyer in tow who looked like Rich Carey. We befriended a local gangster we referred to as Biggy Smalls before making it safely back to Nick's hotel in one piece. South Beach can be a crazy place!

Nick was flown over to host the Red Bull Music Academy Radio at the Dream Hotel.  It was was a hive of activity in the make shift studio in the lobby, which was broadcasting live from midday til 9pm each day, while pool parties took place on the hotel roof. Labels such as Skrillex's OSWLA's, A-Trak's Fools Gold, along with Skream, Boys Noise, Josh Wink all calling to say hi and have a chat to Nick.

There were loads of different events happening at clubs, pools and rooftops all over South Beach and Downtown - it was mind boggling all the festive options. From the trendy 'Get Lost' parties to the pretentious Nikki Beach to the hip-hop stylings of DJ Maseo from De La Soul. Brands like Sirius FM holding sponsored events on hotel lawns with Armin Van Buuren, to boat parties with Smog acts like 12th Planet. Swedish superstar producer Avicii even had his own hotel!

The Winter Music Conference was different from SXSW in that it was smaller and more niche conversations and panels - strictly about electronic music. As I understand it was one of the original catalysts for the industry being in Miami end of March, but it is now dwarfed by Ultra and the loads of side parties which have now taken focus. Although the speakers were world class, the attendees appeared amateur and up-and-coming, many looking for inspiration and networking opportunities, as I was. Most of the real business is surely done poolside, or in hotel lobbies of signature hotels like the Delano or the Raleigh.

The conversation and discussion however was fantastic. Local hero Pit Bull's management spoke about how hard he works in the studio with 4/5am starts, that is now paying massive rewards as he is a true global star with in key markets Europe, South America and USA, featuring on some of the big pop and cross over dance hits in the last few years.  Legends Carl Cox and Danny Teneglia spoke about life as a travelling DJ - the pressures of travel on health and relationships, but how the love of the music has driven their career.  Laidback Luke and Sander Van Dorn speaking about their intricate production techniques. Dutch management and label bosses spoke with confidence about their clients and the European industry, confirming how influential the country is, hosting the other prominent industry gathering Amsterdam Dance Event in October.  DJ Irie from the Miami Heat spoke about his commercial partnerships, and how despises the growth of bedroom DJ's - undermining the art form he has taken 20 odd years to perfect.

I enjoyed the touring panels, with agents, managers and promoters discussing about how EDM artists are now going out on the road in the US like rock band once did, with tour buses full of crew and production.  Markus Schultz is taking his brand of trance to small US town's like Oklahoma City and Tuscon, many towns who don't even who don’t even possess any LED lights and lasers, but have a hungry crowd wanting the full blown dance experience. Other artists like Hardwell and Skrillex doing substantial arena runs across mainland Canada and US. It is estimated the potential market is only 18% developed in middle America, compared with that of 85% in Southern California, where big promoters like Insomniac hold the leading US festival 'Electric Daisy Carnival' for 300,000 people each June.

The conference ticket also included an invitation to the International Dance Music Awards, which were held in an art deco Colony Theatre on Lincoln Mall.  Krewella, Armen Van Buren, Hardwell. Tomorrowland were the big winners in what is a really popularity contest, but the votes don’t lie. Van Buuren alone picked up around 6 including Best Radio Podcast and Best DJ. Was great to see a number of the big players there accepting their awards and thanking the fans and industry. The night was hosted by DJ Irie and Daniel Glass of Glassnote Records who has taken the likes of Temper Trap and Mumford and Sons to the top of the indie rock world. The legacy award was presented to Nile Rogers from the 70's band Chic for his epic contribution to the dance community.

And it was Nile Rogers held the closing key note speech of the conference the following day. I wasn't all that familiar with his work, but it clear became when he recounted his career writing songs for Chic, David Bowie, Diana Ross and the B-52's what a legend he was! As he said he wrote the biggest tunes of these artist's career, along with his own song ‘La Freak’ which is the biggest selling single on Atlantic Records. He spoke about the inspiration behind this particular tune coming from getting locked out of Studio 54 one New Years Eve. 

He spoke about getting hit up by artists like Adam Lambert and Sam Sparrow on twitter, and how he was fresh out of the studio with Chase and Status. He was coy about his dealings with Daft Punk recording one of the most hotly anticipated albums in year, saying that they knocked on his door in New York and had the most memorable but natural recording experience. They even text him during his speech, confirming the relationship is on going. At the end of the his songwriting philosophy was simple - it came down to devising a formular to get bums on the d-floor.  He ended by jamming out a couple of his hits and had the crowd singing along. One of the most memorable and inspiring people I have ever been in the presence of.

I wasn’t going to be in Miami and miss out on Ultra Festival so made my way over early on the last day to hustle a ticket. Happened to meet a production crew member outside in Bayside who was happy to sort me a ticket, so enjoyed a couple cold beers at Hooters until his call came at 5pm.  I entered to catch Porter Robinson drop ‘Language’ throngs of fluro mayhem, and managed to catch up with Jane Hector and friend Alice from London in the Heineken lounge. Great viewing! 

Steve Aoki started his EDM set complete with cake throwing and champagne spraying. His remix of Kid Cudi's 'Pursuit of Happiness' provoked a huge singalong, the all-American crowd familiar with the hip hop anthem.  Hardwell was like an aerobics instructor, every track had a huge euphoric drop, his remix of 'Don’t You Worry Child' drawing huge cheers in anticipation for the swedish finale ahead.  

On the live stage Snoop Lion was testing out his new reggae numbers before Pretty Light's downbeat show, a contrast to the big room extravaganza happening on main stage.  I poked my head into Armin Van Buuren, with his disciples in a state of trance as the LED globes glowed on the roof top above them, every second person making love hearts with their hands. Shudder. Knife Party and Wolfgang ripped it up to throbbing crowd, showing the profile and popularity for a tougher heavier sound.

As the night drew on I made my way over to Swedish House Mafia finale. Alesso who is being groomed as the new Swedish hope warmed things up. Tongy came on stage to hype the crowd before the curtain dropped to show a three leveled LED wall, with the DJ's stuck like flies in a glowing fly trap in the middle. The main stage was bottled necked with trees and fencing as the crowd surged forward, but the vista of tall buildings around was a spectacle to behold. The production was unreal with fireworks loaded to the hilt, detonated in time with all the big tunes and drops. I left before the finale encores to catch my lift home arriving at South Beach as the remaining shells fell on the no doubt emotional crowd.  They’ll be back I'm sure.

My overall thoughts of EDM in the US.  The scene doesn’t feel as natural or organic as say Ibiza, with its rustic and cool European stylings, and respected, familiar history and culture. But it might not be a matter of time til the US make EDM their own, just as Rock and Roll - with its Jack Daniels and Fender Stratocasters - became a national institution. Time will tell! The appetite and the potential audience is mind-bogglingly huge. In the mean time it made me excited and proud to be playing a small part in a market with huge scaleability and media coverage, global superstar artists in the making and a burgeoning, sustainable festival market.

As the douche bags and bikini-bound chicks left town, I stayed on for an extra day to catch up on emails, washing and enjoy a quieter dinner in Espanola Way.  Experiencing the energy and pace of Miami Music Week and all its offerings aas a bit overwhelming first time around, but now I know the lay of the land will definitely be back. Maybe next time I will be poolside at the Delano, and even doing some big deals done over a couple of mojitos, paid for by some powerful agent :)

Thanks Miami – see you again...bitch!

SXSW - Keep Austin Weird!

Hamish - March 2013

First stop of the year’s travels was SXSW, held in Austin every March. I had attended on a whim as a wide eyed music entrepreneur back in 2007.  Inspiration and contacts gained has since helped turned R&V from a one day party with kiwi reggae bands into a multi genre showcase, before morphing further into a three day international extravaganza. Back then I was fortunate enough to see acts like Amy Winehouse, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon, meet NZ and international booking agents and hear the founder of then-current online hit My Space speak about the world of social media.  What inspiration and opportunities will come from this time 6 years later I thought as I taxied across down direct from the most memorable kiwi summer weather in recent times.

The festival has a three-pronged focus – Interactive, Film and Music, and arguably the center of all things creative as northern spring pokes its head out of the winter covers.  Most popular now it seems is the Interactive part with 28k registered guests - up 9k from 2011 year. Many come to hear the latest on digital marketing strategies, online startups and technologies such as 3D printing and Google Glasses.  From key note speaker Al Gore speaking about the future and how to confront it, Shaquille O’Neil on tech start-up investment, to discussions revolving around buzz words like ‘Big Data’ and ‘Serendipity’ all while geeks furiously tweet and Storify news and trends to their outlying colleagues and industries.

I arrived as the film sessions began and kicked off the week by watching a new documentary ‘Download’ about the rise and fall of music website Napster - which kicked off the online file sharing and peer to peer communication we are now so familiar with today. Other premiers taking place in town included Spring Breakers with Texan actress Selena Gomez jetting in and out. Lots of high profile actors and directors were in town showcasing their indie flicks at what has become a prominent shop window for distributors and media alike. Having dinner next to us that night was Joseph Gordan-Levitt and Tony Danza of 'Who's the Boss' fame. Other celebrities in town included Jared Leto, Mark Cuban and manager Scooter Braun who was showcasing his new pop star – Tori Kelly.  Austin has become a central haven for high profile lifestylers, with locals Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock leading the flock of residents now calling home to what is America’s fastest growing city. With cheap warehouse space and central access to both coasts, many tech companies such as Samsung and Apple are now using this liberal city as a pivotal commerce hub. 

But it is the bands and music that many people come to see and hear.  The world music industry descends onto the Texas capital city as the infamous Sixth Street, consisting of dive bar after dive bar which along with pretty much every carpark, rooftop and warehouse is overtaken by a crude PA, staging and music set up.  Agents, media and promoters alike all mingle and chin-stroke, trying to discover and develop the latest talent for the coming year/s magazine covers, festivals and radio playlists. It really does live up to its name as the Live Music Capital of the World and almost summer time feel while the rest of the country is snow and cold. However, bright blue days are taken over by chilly nights as the fringes of winter and summer meet under the mid-Texan sky.

A lot of the day conference action takes place at the Austin Convention Center, taking up 2 square blocks at the bottom of town. From noon each day (very acceptable music industry hours) a series of panels are held discussing everything from future of record labels to how to make money off live touring. Key note speakers dazzle and inspire the audience.  Stevie Nicks recollected times when her and fellow Fleetwood Mac singer Christine McVeigh led the way for woman in a male dominated rock and roll work, and how she listens to current artists like Katy Perry for inspiration.  Record mogul Clive Davis played an out take from Whitney Houston’s early demos of her smash hit ‘I wanna dance with some body’, and how he had been concerned about her drug taking just prior to her death. Dave Grohl was the keynote speaker enthralled about music as his religion and how hard he worked in Nirvana and Foo Fighters to become one of the greatest musicians alive.

Grohl and his motley crew of Sound City Players were together for a one off concert on the Thursday night and were the hottest ticket in town. Featuring Stevie Nicks, John Fogarty, Rick Springfield and other legendary rockers this 3 hour marathon enthralled the invite only crowd at Stubbs amphitheatre.  Legends like Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Vampire Weekend and also performed over the week, with the long snaking line for entry kept fueled by pulled pork tacos for sale from local vendors.

Free parties which take place across the city require pre registering RSVP online to secure your place. Uber brands such as Vice, Spotify, Myspace, Red Bull are all jumping on the band wagon (‘scuse the pun) to showcase to their products to a diverse and very savvy audience.  Acts Passion Pit, Public Enemy and TEED all selling their souls to perform for the corporate dollar – par for the course in this modern world where record sales continue to decline in the wake of online file sharing.

Food in Austin is a big attraction, as many deals are done over steaming piles of BBQ meat and all the trimings. Unfortunately just missed out on the famous Franklins BBQ which see queues around the block from 8am, but I did manage to commandeer a table at Stubbs to enjoy smokey brisket, succulent ribs and pulled pork with sides of coleslaw and beans, all washed down with local IPA’s. Fancy new mexican and thai fusion restaurants like Sway and La Condesa are popping up alongside food-truck trailer-parks, drawing foodies the world over to Austin.

Secret shows were all the rage as the town buzzed with which high profile artist would be popping up when and where. Justin Timberlake launched his new album in conjunction with My Space (a company he has shares in).  The genius that is Prince performed to 300 people with Tribe Called Quest in support.  Rumours of Daft Punk showcase were unfounded however, as huge posters of the new album appearing all over town led everyone astray. The big crowd to watch local Texan Solange Knowles performed her new indie material were also disappointed there wasn’t an appearance by famous older sister Beyonce, or even brother in law Jay-Z coming out to join.

The stand out act for me was Haim - 3 sisters from Los Angeles performing a vintage rock sound not unlike Fleetwood Mac or Wilson Philips.  Macklemore who performed at the festival last year as a new comer, performed his number one single ‘ Thrift Shop’ with swagger of the success he is now enjoying. Ex-pat kiwi and now Londoner Willy Moon was a modern day Elvis shaking and crooning at around 10 shows over the week. Jake Bugg also bought his grumpy country ramblings to a willing music press, all without once cracking a smile or engaging in conversation.

The music festival now also has a big EDM focus, mimicking the current trend in the US today.  New wonder kids Baauer, Disclosure, Rudimental and Flume performing numerous sets – all strut their stuff in a traditionally rock and roll and country-dominated musical landscape. Deadmau5 and Richie Hawtin closed the interactive sessions, giving a panel on the intricacies of their technical creations. Veteran DJ’s like Paul Oakenfold and Derrick Carter also kept the town's late nightclubs bouncing ‘til the early hours.

SXSW is about networking, building contacts and following up on opportunities. My one meeting with Skrillex’s agent Lee Anderson was postponed before meeting him later that night backstage at a showcase.  I also spent a bit of time with Torsten from RBMA and Chris Goss from Hospital Records – two brands that have aligned with the festival. I met with up and coming music label bosses Luke from UFK and Danny from Smog. Not many kiwis in attendance although spent time with Sam and Mark from Serato, Tom Sahs from Honey Claws and Cary Caldwell and his partner Charni Sikh, who have prominent event management roles with the festival.  Other kiwis chasing the inspiration included Tommy Bates from Contagion keeping his finger on the digital pulse and Kate Eltringham from Spaient Nitro joining the throngs of UK agency focus descending on Austin to keep in touch with the latest trends.

There was a small but loyal presence of six kiwi bands at the NZ showcase at Bracken Park.  Current local heros Six60 were playing everywhere from a morning TV station to the high profile Doritos stage, with Pharrell Williams popped his head in prior to show. Ex-pat and now Echo Park resident Bradley Carter’s NO playing 9 times across the weekend, all after a long 2 day drive from LA across the desert to Austin. NZ dubstep export Truth, on route to Miami were playing three sets a night at local night clubs. In all it did feel the NZ camp lacked a big super star in the vein of Naked and Famous. Ladyhawke or Kimbra to really draw the press or hype in what is a crowded and competitive market.

As Saturday night came to a close Sixth Avenue was full to the brim as many out of towners from nearby Dallas and Houston arrived to join the party.  Buskers and street performers kept the streets alive with make-shift blues bands and percussion ensembles gathering or passing by. With my head pounding from the sound of brostep coming out of the local clubs and afterparties, I trudged wearily towards the airport for my 6.30am flight, spotting Six60 and Haim in customs on their way to their next port of call. I hadn’t quite played 9 gigs as they had but I had seen dozens of gigs, pressed a lot of industry flesh, ate a lot of BBQ flesh and was full of musical inspiration. See you next time Austin! Stay weird!

Hamish - March 2013

Global Gathering 2012

Late last month I was invited up to Global Gathering in the UK.  Given it is one of the signature dance events in the world, it was a great chance to check a number of potential R&V acts in one place.

Global Gathering, UK

Held over a disused WW2 airfield in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the 2 day festival is spread over 7 stages. Big dance brands like UKF, Bassculture, Toolroom Records and God’s Kitchen host mammoth productions under gigantic marquee tents. A middle class crowd from around the Midlands who were there for one reason. Let’s ‘av it loud and propa yeah?

Taking the lead from the memorable Justice LIVE show, the duo were perched high above a stack of space broken cassette tapes, complete with live vocalist appearing in cat suit from various parts of the stage. Bass thundered from the bins as the lighting show dance overhead, in sync with the melody. Performing edited versions of their repertoire, my favourite was a two-step version of their smash hit Promises. Probably the closest thing to Daft Punk right now and on a more relevant bass heavy dance tip. Can’t wait to see them at R&V Soundcheck in October.

Netsky LIVE was also there showcasing his brand new show, on the back of new album ‘2’. MC Script plays host without too much overpowering yippity yip. Switching between MPC, laptop and even vocoder, Boris bounces around between like a man possessed, obviously enthralled in the creativity of a live performance of his sound. The new drummer is a true player, slapping the electronic drum kits to create the signature liquid sound Hospital signings are known for. The tent was filled to the brim, surely a sign that this act is becoming a main stage act in the very near future. See him at R&V X!

Above and Beyond often top lists for the most popular and highest paid dance acts, performing to thousands of people across the world and fronting DJ mags so was interested to see their show. Performing in front of a giant curtain of LED they banged out a slightly less cheesy form of hard trance, complete with euphoric messages .  Highlight was the perfectly timed Porter Robinson’s Language. A tune of the summer for me for sure!

Porter Robinson's epic - Language

Caught Nic Fanculli on the way out play a deep remix of Strings of Life. Although it was a chilly English summer’s evening I couldn’t help but dream of being exported to a warm Ibizian terrace. More on this to come! Jamie Jones was on next but it was time to boost. 

Had been a long day in the wellies so we back to the local BnB The Three Way – interesting name - and caught up with Graphix from Hospital Records stable. He is eager to get down under to R&V he was put in place by his agent, who encouraged him to wade through the mountain of demos and get their album out before hitting the road down under! Expect big things from this talent duo!

Fred V and Graphix - watch this space!

The weekend was capped off by a visit to my great Aunty Hazell and Uncle Ron. Sunday Roast Chicken with boiled spuds, mushy peas and gravy. Custard, ice Cream and blueberries for desert. A perfect end for a memorable bass-filled festival weekend. Ooh right Guvn’nor!