Senior Vice President David Waxman speaks ahead of the big one
“It depends on your perspective. WMC itself is still a great conference, but all of the events surrounding it make it more of a celebration of the music and still one of the best weeks of the year. Despite not doing the same type of business that was done about a decade ago, I still love the parties so I look forward to going every year. It’s like an annual industry reunion.”
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?
“WMC used to be about the 1 or 2 parties a night, for 5 nights and in those 10 parties, there would be a small handful of WMC anthems that would become the hits for the upcoming year. However, the music and the culture evolved, as well as the way we listen and discover new music, so its just a different experience now. Although harder to find, the hits are still there and the real anthems can now be found when DJs across a variety of genres can work a specific track into their set.”
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“I haven’t changed my direction, I’ve only broadened my sights.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“It’s still there at the right parties, usually during the day and poolside.”
What are your thoughts on the Dennis Ferrer ‘Mansion’ Miami club story – he was basically kicked off the decks for not playing commercial enough…
“I don’t know much about it, but I do know that it’s not just DJs that are known for specific sounds. Clubs and events have them too and unfortunately sometimes the DJ and the event just don’t mix.”
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 used to think it might be the days of disco all over again, but instead of burning their disco records in the chicago stadium like what was done “the day disco died” in 1979, people would be burning their ipods. However, I embrace the popularity because some really creative and complex music has been produced from incredible musicians who might not have focused their talent on electronic music if this movement hadn’t begun.”
The party you looking forward to the most in Miami?
“Too many to mention Dan!”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
“My picks are all across the board…
Chris Lake “Stand Alone”
Steve Aoki “Steve Jobs”
Kaskade and Skrillex “Lick It”
DJ Muggs feat Dizzie Rascal “Snap yo Neck”
MNDR “Number One in Heaven” Azari and III remix
Wolfgang Gartner “Redline”
Congorock “Agarta”
Pixel Cheese “Elva”
Alex Gaudino “Chinatown”
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“Not at all, only a dip in the business itself being done while there.”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“Great refreshing new conference that has a lot of potential. I’m not attending this year, bu Ultra will be supporting and sponsoring.”
www.ultrarecords.com