We were treated to a listen of the upcoming Paul Van Dyk's artist album. Musically, there was a definite transition to the album, starting a bit on the pop side with female vocal tracks (could it be the Sugababes) and gradually getting techier and then trancier. The production was clean and the songs - even the instrumental tracks - were hooky and memorable.
Then came the interview. I've noticed a change in Paul's tone since the last cd. Where there used to be a somber tone to Paul's personality, it seems as though travel has given him a more optimistic tone. Talking to him, you notice how expressive his eyes are when communicating his ideas and thoughts. The vibe was remarkably casual and Paul was open to discussing just about everything we asked about his new artist album. Look for the interview to be posted here in the next few weeks.
As much as I wanted to stay in that fabulous suite at the Sagamore, it was time to change and head to the International Dance Music Awards back at the host hotel. In the past (and at the panel,) I have made the point that artists need to dress and present themselves as artist. As a member of the press, I try to do the same - wearing a suitable outfit for a nighttime awards ceremony.
Arriving back at the Miami Beach resort, we discovered that the awards show has been moved from poolside to the 18th floor due to wind and weather. While this was an incredibly intelligent decision, logistics weren't fully in place leading to packed elevators and a crammed room. The front part of the room was roped off for presenters and nominees leaving everyone else packed in the back of the room. Many kudos to host (and longtime dance music pioneer) Daniel Glass for encouraging the audience to move forward onto the center floor and front area. Daniel aimed to make the award show more "inclusive rather than exclusive."
The award shows went really smoothly with presenters in place and many of the winners in the audience. Dead space and silence that had plagued previous years was virtually nonexistant with PromoOnly produced video clips and montages nearly perfectly synced for the entire show. I heard a few people mention the odd choices for performers. In a celebration of dance music, it seemed oDd to feature two turntable sets and only one live vocalist. Granted it was the legendary GrandMaster Flash who opened the show and Chris Willis who sang his international dance hit with DAvid Guetta "Love Don't Let Me Go," but there seemed to be an absence of at least one diva or female performing on stage. With so many incredible vocalists in the audiences - Kimberley Locke, Kristine W, Danielle Bollinger, Amuka (Sheila Brody) - it seemed odd that none performed. As the IDMA improves every year, I think it could be spun into a much bigger event - almost like a GRammy Awards calibre ceremony. Imagine if an outside event producer was hired to take the event to the next level, that would be hot.
After the awards show, I headed up to the Promo Only Penthouse for their annual party. Wow - that party was hot. Just about every American dance artist was in attendance - off the top of my head - Lucas Prata, Kristine W, Kimberley Locke, Jenn Cunetta, Billie Myers, Danielle Bollinger, Nemesis, Jenna Drey, Alyson, Debbie Loeb, Kaci, Sarah Atereth, Peter Luts, Darude, Erika Jayne, Trixie Reiss, Mon-A-Q, Mona Chatterjee, Ron Perkov, and Kristy K. Producers and remixers in attendance included Josh Harris, Rich P, Albert Castillo, Peter Presta, Mike Rizzo and Andy & the Lamboy. With an open bar and great music, the time seemed to fly by.
We hopped into a cab and head up to Nikki Beach for the Juicy party which was insane. We made it just in time for one of the most memorable experiences of the week - Richard Vission dropping his white label mix of Guns and Roses "Sweet Child of Mine." I had heard this track a few times during the week but hearing it in this room set off explosions. As much as I was enjoying the Juicy party, I had to leave - it was simply too crowded. I knew the party was sold out via presales as I had never seen Nicki Beach so packed. Hopefully, the Juicy party will be an annual event.
Walking up Collins, I was debating where to go next. I ran into a group going to Score and since I had never been, I figured what the heck. Several people from the IDMA afterparty were enjoying a fun tribal set. I danced a bit before the show started with Andrea Carnell. I had never seen Andrea before and was quite impressed by her live vocals and dancing. It's kind of ironic that her hit song is "Malfunction" considering the wardrobe malfunction that had taken place. Jason Antone and Ohsha Kai both performed new songs. Pepper Mashay talked frankly to the crowd encouraging us to call the hotel owners and tell them to lower the damn prices! Georgie Porgie closed the show with an energetic performance of "I Beleive." I am starting to think conference is not really a conference unless you have seen Pepper Mashay talk frankly, Georgie jump on stage and Barbara Tucker sing "Most Precious Love."
Songs of the day:
Guns n Roses "Sweet Child Of Mine" (Richard Vission Mix)
Christina Aguilera "Candyman" (Offer Nissim Mix)
Katherine McPhee "Over It" (Funk Generation aka Mike Rizzo and Chico)
Jacinta "Can't Keep It a Secret"
