RS: What inspired the 7 Degrees of Separation panel?
MP: This panel was borne out of conversation I had with Aurelia Entertainment's Lainie Copicotto. We were having dinner and one thing led to another. Before we knew it, the panel was born. And Lainie is moderating it. The premise of the panel is simple enough but oh-so-important: The artist. The DJ. The label executive. The manager. The booking agent. The promoter. The club owner. Each one is dependent on the other. Each is an integral piece of the clubland puzzle. Each individual truly affects the futures of all the players-- which, if you think about it, is all of our futures. Is it time for a music revolution? You be the judge.
RS: Speaking of music revolution - where do you see dance music in the US going?
MP: This is a tough one. I don't believe its heading in any one direction, actually. Instead, as in the past few years, there will be something for everyone. That said, I do see trance-infused music becoming more mainstream, more accepted by the masses. Labels like Robbins and Ultra have much success in this area. I also believe soulful house music will make a huge comeback--we may even see R&B artists stepping up to the plate in this area (just like they did in the '70s). And then there's the whole disco-punk scene, with acts like Electric Six, Basement Jaxx, the Rapture and Peaches proving that club music can indeed rock!
RS: And one last personal question - what's in your CD player right now?
MP: A few CDs: Mary J. Blige's "Love & Life," Basement Jaxx's "Kish Kash," Paul van Dyk's "Reflections," Joss Stone's "The Soul Sessions," Stigmato Inc.'s "Reality Check," Ananda Project's "Morning Light," Rosalia de Souza's "Garota Moderna," Pat Benatar's "Go," Peaches' "Fatherfucker," the
Rapture's "Echoes," Mark Farina's "Air Farina" and "Ultra.Dance 04."
For complete listings of events and registration information – go to http://www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/dance/2003/index.jsp
