The panels today were very well attended and quite educational. The keynote interview with Paul Van Dyk by Gary Smith was exceptional. After achieving the top spot on the DJ List and spinning a late set the night before at the DJ Party in the UK, Paul was quite lively and shared unique insights to his musical influences (Smiths / New Order), the changing role of Discjockey to Music Jockey (he now spins with three laptops - FinalScratch and Abelton - "It's not the material you use, its waht you do with it), striving to be unique everytime ("within hours of each set, complete playlists of my sets are posted on messageboards, and his worst job ever (sorting screws.)
I found it surprising that Paul has never downloaded a song on the internet and relied on his wife because he "can't figure it out." Most interesting was his view of ringtones, calling them a "misuse of music," taking 10 seconds from a song is "not music." When asked about creating music specifically for ringtones, he referred to the creation of the "crazy frog bullsh**." Talking with his management, I have secured an interview with Paul Van Dyk next week - so look for an in depth Paul Van Dyk interview on the site very soon.
"European USA Connections" was my first ever ADE panel. Along with comoderator Jackie McCloy, lawyer Jonathan Ai, promoter Brad le Beau, manager Michael Schweiger, DJ Times editor Jim Tremayne and producer/artist/DJ Stonebridge, we gave an introduction to the US market to the quite full panel room. At first I was a bit nervous, but its amazing how comfortable I can feel with a microphone in my hand <grin.>
Nighttime parties:
Celebrating it's millionth download, Beatport.com hosted a wonderful dinner at the Mansion. Music by Tom de Neef was the perfect accompaniment for a delicious meal enjoyed by a full house
Cineac was the location for the debut Tokyo Presents party. I arrived early and watched the room fill up with a set spun by an unidentified DJ. Mike Van Loon came on next and built the energy even more filling up the dancefloor with his masterful mixing and song selection. A unique troop of sexy geisha girls and giant plants set the mood and people were definitely up for it.
I ran by Escape but the long line and really loud music made me think twice about entering the club. I am sure that I missed an incredible set from Paul Van Dyk but I met up with some friends and wanted to hear something completely different. I was led to Paradiso where the main floor was packed with people dancing to rare grooves, jazzy soul and funk. The visuals were quite uniqued - synced animations of George Bush and Michael Jackson. Watching the booth, I saw two VJs on different laptops animating each caricature manually to say different things and make different facial expressions. We can all make jokes about what Bush and Jackson have in common so I will just say that unique interaction enhanced the mood.
We headed upstairs for a performance by Rich Medina. Known for his weekly sets at APT in New York, Rich and his crew blended live DJing, laptop production, vocals and percussion to create a distinct sound. Rich jumped from turntables to laptop to rhythmic rapping showcasing his multitude of skills. I will definitely be tracking down his debut album.
Walking down the road, I listened to the different music emanating from the different bars. Songs included Mylo vs Miami Sound Machine "Dr. Pressure," Neneh Cherry "Buffalo Stance," Madonna "Hung Up," and Tiesto "Flight 643." Can you tell how much I love Amsterdam?
Great quotes:
"The music industry is fabulously intransigent with accepting technology." - Gary Smith regarding ringtones
"If you're chasing fun, it never comes to you. If you you find fun, cherish it!" - MC Vika Kova regarding partyhopping
"I am Dawn Tallman, see my face." - Dawn Tallman responding about faceless artists who sing on producer driven records
"With dance music playing in every store, every restaurant and every cab, Amsterdam is a great host for the Amsterdam Dance Event." - DJ Ron in daily newsletter
Buzz Records:
Sherrie Lea "Spellbound" (22 Green Mix)
White Label record sampling "Say Say Say"
Svenson "The Devil's LSD"
