Rob Roar reveals the the biggest bag of buzz tunes heading to Miami
Dan Prince is speaking to Rob Roar
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?
“
It def used to be and still has a holding, it’s a great way to get into that feel good summer vibe (whilst it’s pissing down at home!) and hang out with people you work with but don’t get too see too often. On a business level, the main conference for us is definitely the Amsterdam Dance Event. You get most of the dance industry all in one compact location, a bit like when the WMC was held at The Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami a few years back.”
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?
“That would all depend on the venue. It’s great to hear that big anthem dropped and to see the crowd go off in unison, although this would be some what boring if it was Anthem after Anthem! We’re lucky enough to be responsible for many of those big hands in the air records at Phonetic, alongside our cooler underground releases. The We Love Space terrace in Ibiza is testament to that, pushing the scene forwards with excellent DJ & set programming, DJ’s delivering driving tech’y and intelligent underground records with the odd ‘new anthem’ thrown in for good measure. A music policy our new Phonetic monthly residency at McQueen, Shoreditch and parties at Pacha London is based on.”
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“It’s our 10th Birthday this year, Phonetic is always evolving music wise, we love to deliver those big records that every one sings back to the DJ but at the same time it’s important to have the foundation building underground House Tracks, the ones where you just get your head down and dance. We have a great artist roster, these guys and myself travel the world DJ’ing at some amazing clubs, then are back into the studio incorporating the new sounds and styles they have heard into their new productions. This keeps everything nice and fresh. There is usually a 6 month cycle of new musical styles that come through.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“There are clubs that cater for whatever your into. If your in a venue and it’s not cool enough for you, your just simply in the wrong club. With about 50 parties per week, it won’t be hard to find exactly what you are looking for.”
What are your thoughts on the Dennis Ferrer ‘Mansion’ Miami club story – he was basically kicked off the decks for not playing commercial enough?
This is a major promoter/booker error. We all know Dennis is a serious class act, DJ & Producer wise, if he didn’t go down well in a club, it’s the clubs fault for booking him in the first place. If they want a commercial DJ, then book one!
With clubs and charts being dominated by dance music worldwide, shouldn’t we be rejoicing it’s success rather than being bitter with crossover?
“
It’s important to remember it’s the big chart hitters, that re-vitalise interest in Dance Music via Radio, TV, Compilations and the Public. Without some of these factors, there are many great producers who would find it hard to make a living and end up going for a full time Job in another industry, which would have a detrimental effect on the scene. It also helps to introduce a new generation to Dance Music. When you have the big crossover tracks, there’s a sort of rebellion on the underground scene. These producers work even harder to make kick ass House Tracks which in turn make the scene even more enjoyable and special.”
The party you looking forward to the most?
“Probably the Tenaglia soiree, be good to hear what Danny is up to.”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
Colorless ‘Tiny Piano’ . Our tip for one of the biggest records for 2012 Ibiza, Miami and festival wise. Early reactions are amongst the biggest we’ve seen on a track.
The new Max Linen ‘What We Say’. The follow up to The Soulshaker & Flashback. We can’t stop listening to it!
Robot Man (Michael Gray) ‘Ready For This’ The Marco Lys Remix.”
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“There has been a drop, at the same time it’s easy to run round for five days and only see a handful of people, lots of people still attend, you just need to track them down!”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“Pete Tong and the Crew have done an amazing job with IMS. I hadn’t originally attended as I fly back and forth from Ibiza all sumer and had recently attended Miami, yet everyone in the industry I’ve spoken to raves about how great it is. Sterling reports from everyone, I’ll def be attending this year!”
