Starting ADE a day early was an excellent decision, allowing delegates to register and plan meetings before the true madness begins. Familiar faces gathered for a toast at the opening ceremonies, celebrating the debut of photographer Krijn Van Noordwijk's incredible new book 'DJ." Discussing his motivation, Krijn described DJs as "today's rock and rolls stars." The result of two years photographing DJs from around the world, his book shows a different side of DJs, one that we don't often see - bare and expressive with emotions coming through in an unguarded, seemingly natural way. Krijn's photos are used to publicize ADE and its very easy to see why. Check out the DJ book website for more ordering information. This book is the ultimate coffee table book / holiday gift for any dance music lover or dj.
Tonights events include a battle of the "armadas" - Groove Armada headlining at Panama and the Armada Music show at Paradiso. A bout of reserved jet lag reared its ugly head so I took a little disco nap. Waking up at midnight, I headed down to Paradiso to check out Armin and the crew. Unfortunately, for me, the event was sold out and the club was not honoring guest lists (thanks anyways) or ADE bracelets. Oh well.
One thing I have learned from years of conferences is that the best times and the best music is often heard when you don't follow "a plan." This was the case as I met up with Dave Dresden, Lainie Copicotto and Agostin Carollo who all met the same fate. After a nice chat with Dave about his upcoming release and touring; Lainie, Agostin and I walked up to the square to get some frites. For us Americans, frites are french fries that have been double friend to extra crispy and topped with either mayonnaise or ketchup.
Over this decadant treat, Agostin whipped out his Ipod and played his newest releases. One of them a production with Annette Strean (of Venus Hum) under the name Spankox caught out attention as a cross between Heart's "These Dreams" and "I Will Survive." I smell a hit and managed to book an interview with Agostin tomorrow to discuss this along with his just released Elvis cd. More to come about this tomorrow.
Walking back to my hotel, I stopped by Escape and found a room packed with youngsters grooving at the Digidance party. I didn't bother to ask the DJs name - as I looked around and saw a room of people dancing and having a good time. There was a party vibe and when he dropped a white label with the grooves of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" that seemed to be a peak.
If there is one thing to be learned from tonight's events, its not always about going to see the superstar dj at the most exclusive venue, a good dj and a good crowd always makes for a great night.
Best response of the day:
"So what's exciting you these days?"
"Just being in business" - Phil Cheeseman, Strictly Rhythm
Useful swag:
Earproof, a company that produces custom in-ear protection and monitor solutions, provided a pair of earplugs to all delegates in the ADE bag. With a week of clubbing and parties ahead of us, these will definitely com in handy. For more information, check out the Earproof Website.
Buzz:
Delegates are talking about the Tonium Pacemaker. We first highlighted this PSP styled DJing device in our WMC wrapup and it seems like they have really caused a stir her in the Netherlands. We look forward to getting our hands on and reviewing one of these units in the very near future.
First day song picks:
Daniel Heathcliff - "Never Slow Down"
Lock n Load & Jochen Miller - "Manoir"
Bassmonkeys - "Here's Where the Story Ends"
Phonat - "Learn to Recycle"
Chuckie - "Let the Bass Kick"
Arduini & Pagany featuring Vale Ducros "- Show Me How Good"
Jay Sean - "Ride It"
Wamdue Project - "Forgiveness"
