One of the original big boys on the block still going strong
Dan Prince is speaking to Seamus Haji
We know that the WMC is more about profile and the party rather than business deals, is it the most important date on the dance calendar still?
“I first started going back in 1996 when it really was about new music and the love of music and yes, there was some actual business being done and a focal point being the Fontainebleau where you’d see everyone getting together. There was a real spirit of house music and it was basically a time of year that all of the industry and true house fans would descend upon Miami for some fun in the sun. There weren’t so many sub-genres of house and there were a lot more DJs playing really upfront music. You would hear the big tunes that were coming and if something was really big you’d know about it as several DJs would be playing the same track. This started to change around 2005 for me when I noticed a lot more Spring Breakers going to the WMC and the DJs were basically playing all their own records from the year gone by and not really showcasing exciting new music. It got commercial basically and DJs were playing safe. The last I went was 2007 and I had a great time and played at some cool parties but as for business the focus has shifted to ADE these days. I think the WMC is still important as it’s a great place to see people but it got messed up last year when it was split between the Ultra Dance festival & WMC dates. It became more about the money than the music.”
As thousands of next generation clubbers descend on the big events, do you feel the spirit of house music is being lost to a crowd looking for that instant anthem hit?
“Yes of course. The way house or dance music has been embraced by pop & urban artists in America has crossed the music over which is a good thing as America has finally embraced it on a broader level but it is a lot more commercial and people want instant gratification. I think it’s important to keep pushing new music. Even if it’s a “one for me, one for them scenario” where you play something they know then something they don’t. I know some DJs just play anthem after anthem but I can’t play like that. You have to try & keep a balance between pleasing the audience and yourself.”
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“Well I’ve also changed over the years but I think it’s been a natural progression. I started off in the mid-80’s with sound systems in London playing soul, funk, hip-hop, electro, go-go and early Garage. Then House music came along and I started to embrace it and got more into and as I’d grown up with black dance music and collecting records from Soul to Jazz, funk & Fusion I was drawn to US house & Garage and I was quite a purist. By the time I started playing abroad in bigger clubs and sometimes playing the whole night for 5 hours I naturally wanted to take people on a journey and keep myself interested so I got into bigger sounds from the likes of Danny Tenaglia & Angel Moraes so I may start with funkier stuff and take it tougher but then I may end the night with Basement Boys or Byron Stingily. I guess when Electro house stared coming out say 8 years ago I was drawn to it as I grew up with electro funk in the 80’s and I was probably one of the first UK house DJs to really embrace it in my sets & productions. The thing is there are so many sub-genres these days. Something that sounds like a house track to me be classed as a tech-house or progressive house track so maybe I have changed my sound but it’s only to keep myself inspired. For me it’s about the setting. If I’m playing to thousands of people then I’m going to play a big room sound and more deep-house and nu-disco in smaller venue. People may think I only play my own trax & remixes but I love playing tracks by other people. I’m a DJ first & foremost.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“Definitely. I think that went years ago. Those that were there at the time will remember some of the smaller parties that went on. I could be wrong but I don’t hear about those kind of parties now.”
What are your thoughts on the Dennis Ferrer ‘Mansion’ Miami club story – he was basically kicked off the decks for not playing commercial enough…
“Lol! That is so wrong. I’ve heard about some superstar DJs being take off the decks for that very reason in certain clubs in Russia but in Miami during the WMC is so not what it’s supposed to be about.”
With clubs and charts being dominated by dance music worldwide, shouldn’t we be rejoicing it’s success rather than being bitter with crossover?
“Exactly! This is music that came from oppressed minorities in America…blacks, gays, hispanics which led to the whole “Disco Sucks” backlash in the late 70’s so it’s a positive thing that it’s a global phenomena.”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
“Well I have to mention my own of course. Lol!”
Seamus Haji & Cevin Fisher “I Love The Music” (Strictly Rhythm) is climbing up the Beatport Charts. We’ve also done some exclusive “I Love Miami” versions for tastemaker DJs so hopefully it’ll get the support.
Seamus Haji & Nelski “Hey Boy Hey Girl” (Rising Music) is dropping just before Miami. It started off as a bootleg I did last Summer and then I covered it with Rising star Nelski.
Romain Curtis “Nandaya” (Original/Nelski Remix) – Been testing out for the last 2 months as an exclusive. Crowds go wild!
Storm Queen – Look Right Through – A deeper house cut that is probably on of this years finer moments.
EDX & Seamus Haji – Love Express – Full release coming soon on Big Love with original & remixes from Nelski & Romain Curtis
Madeon – Icarus – this is the 17 year old’s moment!
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“Yes. For all the reasons above as they know they can go to ADE to do actual business. If you’re based in America it’s fine but a lot of industry are in Europe so they go to ADE. WMC probably has a lot more DJs going these days. Especially the younger generation. It’s a great experience and most of them won’t sleep for days.”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“No. I’m too busy working. I think that it’s a good thing to do. It acknowledges people that aren’t crossover like Jamie Jones & Kerri Chandler winning best Deep House DJ act or Maya Janes Coles as best newcomer and isn’t just about the more commercial end of the spectrum.”
