The X-Mix legend prepares for the big one
“The truth is that in the 15 years I have been going I have done very little business there other than a little networking and a few interviews here and there. It’s more about meeting up with old friends, making new ones, great Cuban food and hearing dj’s you love. There’s always that excitement in the air that you will hear some dope new tracks that you can’t get out of your head…and then the hunt begins for those tracks! I still live for that.”
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?
“There’s definitely an energy about those “anthems” that can really take the crowd to the next level and when they’re done tastefully it’s a beautiful thing. I still remember the first time I heard “Big Love” in Miami and couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. I do however feel that there are a lot of clubbers coming to Miami searching for the big “throw everything in the pot” style anthems. To me, it sounds like house, pop-trance and electro vomitted in your face…..oh and make sure to throw in that cliche’ breathy female vocal for good measure. I think it just comes off sounding a bit desperate to make a “hit”.”
Have you had to change your musical direction in the last year?
“Over the last year I have really questioned where the music has been heading and have gone through some serious soul searching to figure out exactly what my own place is in all of this. I’ve felt the pressure to have to play more commercial in some clubs but that’s just not for me. I’ve been blessed to have been doing this successfully for 21 years now and at this point I will continue to do it playing the music that I love, without compromise! Yes there are gigs I’m not playing as a result but I’m also establishing very successful house nights in many cities. I have been doing my “Funk The House” night at King King in LA and it has been massively successful. It has been hitting capacity by 11:00 with lines around the block for most of the night. The vibe and energy have been magical and the crowd is an amazing mix of old school and new school clubbers on a mission to dance to quality funky house music all night long. The next one I am bringing in DJ Mes and J. Paul Getto just to set it over the top and am very excited about that.”
Is Miami losing it’s trademark cool and sexy house music vibe?
“Miami still has those parties with cool sexy house music but you have to seek it out.”
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 feel that if you are hired to play somewhere and there are going to be requirements then that should be established up front. My first regular gig in college was at a mainstream top 40 club on Friday nights and I was very grateful to have the job at the time. It was very understood that I was there to play whatever it took to keep the crowd happy and that was fine, I actually learned a lot from that gig. However, all I could think about was the underground gigs I had on Saturday nights which gave me the freedom to play what I really wanted to play. I swore I would work my ass of until one day I could be in a position to never have to compromise ever again. How insane would it be to go to a Prince concert and demand that he play “Shots”. Could you imagine? I do not know all the details of this Dennis Ferrer incident but I truly believe that as dj’s (unless stated otherwise) we are here to be leaders and visionaries and should be allowed to play music that inspires us and the crowd without any compromises!”
With clubs and charts being dominated by dance music worldwide, shouldn’t we be rejoicing it’s success rather than being bitter with crossover?
“Absolutely, it’s opened up doors for many people in this industry and I think it’s going to secure that dance music is here to stay. There are many talented artists doing amazing stuff that have crossed over and I celebrate that. On that note, did you hear that Nile Rogers from Chic is working with Daft Punk on their new album? Now that’s what I’m talking about! Disco is gonna get jacked in a seriously innovative and genius way!!!!!!!”
The party you looking forward to the most?
“I am really looking forward to the Guesthouse party on Saturday night at Love-Hate. Two years ago, DJ Sneak and I tag teamed for hours at this same event until they forced us to stop the music and it was legendary. I have been good friends with Sneak for years now and that energy really comes through when we are playing together. This year we are doing it again and there’s already a huge buzz on the night.”
What are your Buzz tracks for WMC 2012?
“DJ Mes and I recently got into the studio and the result is serious business. We finished a 3 track ep that is pure funk in a can! This ep is not even titled yet but I can tell you that we will be unleashing all 3 tracks at the Guesthouse party on Saturday night.”
Have you noticed a big dip in industry folk not attending these last couple of years?
“I’ve noticed that there are many industry people that used to go that now would rather take a vacation in places like Hawaii instead of being in the middle of the madness. The truth is that you can conduct business from anywhere in the world so you have to decide if you’re up for the full on experience of Miami or want a more relaxing vacation just chilling.”
What are your thoughts on the IMS in Ibiza? Will you be attending?
“I will not be attending this year and I am kicking myself for committing to gigs that weekend. I will attend next year for sure. IMS sounds like a proper conference to get work done and actually get some inspiration from some true legends in the scene. Nile Rogers from Chic is my childhood hero and he’s going to be speaking amongst other legends like Carl Cox and Luciano. Now this is a proper conference that I believe will be considered essential to attend in the years to come.”
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