It's 2:45am as I write this update from the first full day of International DJ Expo and Promo Only Summer Sessions.
Daytime Panels
Writers Mike Stier and Ben Norman attended seminars of the IDJ Expo (watch for their wrapups) and I attended the Internet Radio panel in the PO Summer Sessions. I was struck by the diversity of programmers on the panel - from the big corporation (AOL) and major international (Goom) to the smaller independents (Energy 98 and B91.) One of the few things that everyone had in common was the distaste for the unfair collection rates by SoundExchange (as compared to terrestrial radio.)
Internet radio stations often have a lot more freedom in programming though they still use research. One programmer stressed the difference between dance radio and club music - "At the club, there is a vibe. You can scream and shout to the worst records. The next day on the radio, you hear the song and you realize it's a bad record."
Some other great quotes from the panel:
"You can never get hurt by hits you don't play." - John Parker (B91/Promo Only Promotions)
"Latins love freestyle, GLBT love their divas. Know your audience and program accordingly." - Manny Esparaza (Fusion Radio Chicago)
"We are designed to make very little money." - Mike Oaks (Energy 98)
"We get everything, because we're AOL." - Thomas Chau (AOL Radio)
Evening Parties
The Promo Only Cocktail Party was broadcast live on Sirius XM BPM with sets from The Riddler, DJ Leony, Cato K, Tony Arzadon and Johnny Budz. The Foundation room was packed with the best American dance artists, DJs and labels - with a seeming parade of top level talent. On hand were Travvie Mccoy, Uffie, Judy Torres, Kaci Battaglia, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone (N Sync), Blake Lewis, Auburn, Jes, Chris Willis, Sylvia Tosun, Jessica Jarrell, Twiins, Kerima, Mon a Q, Jaclyn Ducati, Julissa Veloz, Matt Darey, Sophie Cruz, Oh Snap, Jenna Drey, Disco Fries and many more. Watch for pictures in the next week.
The Sea To Sun hosted a quite posh private after party in one of the higher level penthouse suites. Sylvia Tosun was the ultimate hostess - providing an open bar, roving waiters carrying delicious food, awesome music and even guest presents (nice tshirts and CDs) for the select invited crowd. Standing outside on the balcony, I was chatting with mixshow DJ Orion and paused to realize how amazing the party and atmosphere was.
Buzz Records
DJ Gregory "Block Party" (Alvaro 2010 Bootleg Mix) - Imagine a Spanish house flavored jam crossed with a game show theme.
Afrojack "Take Over Control" - Pumping new track from the Dirty Dutchman featuring the vocals of Eva Simon, the singer of buzz record "Silly Boy" - which is getting released on Robbins Entertainment.
Nari & Milani and Cristian Marchi ft. Luciana-"I Got My Eye On You"(Chuckie Mix) - Heard this at the cocktail party and saw people going nuts for it.
Starshell "Supalova" - Debut single from Mary J Blige's dance pop protege. Riddler dropped a hot mix with a cool breakdown - need to find this record for my sets.
Mon A Q "How Long" - Cover version of the 1975 Ace classic from the singer of "Stay in Love." Mixes by Lenny B, DJ Volume and Dark Intenisty are quite strong.
Sylvia Tosun - [i]Above All[/i] EP - Five new songs from the glamorous songstress, can you imagine anything more heavenly?