Sleep deprivation was in full effect Sunday. I was determined to make
it to the conference hotel for the Music, Politics and Social Awareness
panel. I am glad it did as it was really motivational. People in the
electronic dance music world are working together to help the world -
whether its helping the poor, raising money to build environmentally
sustainable eco villages in Africa, helping fight AIDS and ignorance, or
legislating for a better future. There was also some really good quotes
(see below.)
We adjourned to poolside where we enjoy a nice lunch and enjoyed live
performances by master turntablists. What these guys (and gals) do with
vinyl is exceptional. They aren't playing music - they are creating
music through scratches and moves that generate a whole new musical
language.
The next goal was the closing Mixology party at Nicky Beach, but walking down Collins, I was distracted by my favorite stores - Benetton, Sisley, Armani Exchange, Zara. By the time we made it down to Nicky Beach, there was a line around the parking lot and the fire marshalls were there - enforcing a one person in / one person out rule.
That was my cue to head back to the hotel and take a nap. Waking up, I was craving Chinese - so I hit Som Yum Gai (I am not kidding - that's the restaurant name.)
A quick change and I was ready out for the evening. First stop was the Star 69 party at Y Ultra lounge. Local DJ (and old friend) Michael Tank drove us down and pulling up I was blown away. Just opening a few months back, the $30 million dollar club was already making waves. I have never been to a club like this before. Two outdoor spaces, three dance rooms, incredible architecture, a million dallar Chihuly glass chandelier, a wall of Onyx, beautiful furniture .. The soundsystem was had an incredibly full sound without being overpowering. Also impressive was the staff. The club is truly upscale with a staffmember every 10 feet, willing to assist with whatevery you need.
Drink prices were surprisingly reasonable with a bottle of Volvic water costing $5 where other places had cheaper bottled water for $8-$12. I sampled a new pepperment water called Icio. Bottled in a flask shapped bottle, the water was incredibly refreshing. I hope Icio is available here in Nashville soon.
I was enjoying a fierce set by the Starkillers outside when I saw a beeline of people heading inside. Kristine W walked out and performed a unique set. She started with electronic jazz songs from her upcoming jazz cd and segued into uptempo tracks from her upcoming dance album. She sounded incredible and played saxophone and guitar in addition to singing. How can you not love Kristine W? After her set, the resident DJ debuted Tracy Young's mix of "The Boss." Of course, this single is under wraps as the Tony Moran produced "Walkaway" is the next to be released.
BY this time, it was close to 3am and as much as I wanted to head over to Mansion for the Hed Kandi party, my body started shutting down. Literally. My legs quit wanting to walk. My mind started to pop up blue screens. My speech was becoming labored. I went back to my hotel and slept for 8 hours - the most sleep I had all week.
