Every release a dancefloor banger from Italy’s finest
Dan Prince is speaking to Matteo Esse
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?
“You are right, Miami is all about profile and party now so good for DJs and clubs rather than labels but of course still interesting to hear new music. And a nice break too! Who doesn’t like mojito in the sun? For me IMS Ibiza is fast becoming the new WMC and ADE is unquestionably the most important date on the dance calendar now tho’.”
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?
“I’m relatively new to WMC. My first time was in 2002 and I didn’t experienced Miami when house was house but yes I feel the original house spirit has changed quite a lot over the past years. Remember when THE Miami track was THE Miami track for everybody out there from DJs to labels and clubbers and that was heard all over WMC (Ultra Natè – Free) That’s very rarely happening now with house DJ’s having their own anthem hit, progressive house DJ’s having their own anthem hit and electro house DJ’s having their own anthem hit.
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“Not really. We got 3 labels to showcase different music styles. Ego is the main one focussed on radio friendly Club music, E2 is all about Mainstream and Hysterical is the Underground sister imprint for the best clubs and DJ’s. We tend to go Mainstream for the Italian local market with artists such as Alexandra Stan, Laidback Luke, Nadia Ali and Sophie Ellis-Bextor with the aim to develop different artists type careers via our partners worldwide from Australia to Israel, Brazil and South Africa. In-House roster including Analog People In A Digital World, DKS, Flanders, House Republic aka Richard Grey, Mephisto, Nari & Milani, Stereo Palma, Steve Smart and Yves Larock to name but a few.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“I don’t think it’s losing it’s trademark vibe but for sure Miami is not all about sexy house music only as it used to be. You can go out from a sexy house party such as Defected In The House and get in F*** Me I’m Famous the same day & night 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
“Ermmm…embarassing! I think resident DJ’s must know well the dancefloor and the audience they play for as well as club owners and promoters must truly know history and music played by the guest DJ’s they book. Not just believe the hype.”
With clubs and charts being dominated by dance music worldwide, shouldn’t we be rejoicing it’s success rather than being bitter with crossover?
“I like when dance meets pop without being too cheesy, I think that’s good to get pop ears into dance music. It’s just like major labels are into dance all of a sudden and I bet dance will be even more pop in the coming months with acts such as Avicii, Azari & III, Eric Prydz, Jacques Lu Cont and Madeon signed to Universal Music, EMI Music, Warner Music and Sony Music now.”
The party you looking forward to the most?
“All Gone Pete Tong Pool Party at Surfcomber Hotel on the 23rd with Pete Tong, Calvin Harris, Madeon, Nic Fanciulli and Seth Troxler.”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
“You can expect to hear Richard Grey and Nari & Milani feat. Alexandra Prince – Mas Que Nada, House Republic – Nuggetz and Analog People In A Digital World, Gramophonedzie & Ben Onono – Brassaholics (On The Floor) all over Miami but watch out for brand new from Bimbo Jones Fe Ida Corr – See U Later, Time Takers – Old Piano and Danny Dove – Entrada too.”
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“Yes, especially these last couple of years due to the different dates with the official WMC followed by the Miami parties week. Hopefully WMC organizers and Miami club owners will find out an agreement to just the one week for both the business and the party again next year as it used to be in the old glory days.”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“IMS is fast becoming the new WMC. Ibiza is the perfect hotspot for the industry and the end of May the perfect timing with the Opening Fiestas and the sun is shining too! Panels are always interesting as well as easy to hang out with your fave DJ’s and enjoy proper chats with key people in the business. Maybe a little bit too late in the calendar for labels to launch their Summer hits but definitely the place to be to hear THE Ibiza track of the Summer upfront. Definitely, we got an early bird registration this year and we look forward to seeing you by the Gran Hotel poolside…”
