The Livid video controller was on display and demonstrated by the Dubspot crew. With a wooden frame contrasting an outerworldly look, the Livid controller and software seemed to be breaking new ground. The Dubspot school, which holds classes to train DJs and VJs, was also on the cutting edge - formalizing a program of mentorship so that future talent acquires the skills to be professional dj/vj entertainers. Over in the cabanas we salivated over other tech toys - the Traktor soundcard, Serato with video capabilities, Numarks new digital software controller, Roland's video mixers - our head was spinning with the amount we could have blown in just a couple of minutes. A lot of business cards exchanged hands so we hope to get our hands on the cool new gear to review for y'all.
Next up, I headed back to the Armani Exchange Music Lounge to watch the debut performance of Lady Gaga. The fiesty burlesque performer, who has ties to the Scissor Sisters, blends a electropunk sensibility with pure pop singing/songwriting. Witness the mirrorball leotard and heck even the IPOD belt buckle of the DJ, there is some serious future styling going on here. "Just Dance" is the lead single and "Paparazzi" stands out as a gorgeous radio hit. Imagine Robyn crossed with Paris Hilton - edgy electropop about true life club experiences - written and SUNG live by Lady Gaga. We can already predict that PopJustice (as well as the dance community) will be championing Lady Gaga upon release..
After a quick change and meal from Subway (conveniently located next door to our hotel), we were off to the International Dance Music Awards. As nominees for Best Dance Music Website, we were honored to sit in the front area and chat with lots of other fellow nominees. The Europeans definitely dominated the awards - with Paul Van Dyk and David Guetta winning multiple awards. The show itself was the smoothest run (and flowing) IDMA production I have ever seen. All of the performances were top notch - Paul Van Dyk and Rea Garvey with full band, American Idol star Blake Lewis doing a live medley with D&B wunderkind KJ Sawka, veteran diva Crystal Waters doing a medley as an intro to her new single (which we are aching to play as well as that electro mix of "100% Pure Love") and Chris Willis who powerfully sang the international crossover smash "Love is Gone."
