Tuesday, January 8th was International Women's Day and in celebration the first panel was 'Women in Electronic Music' hosted by Barbara Tucker with a strong lineup that included artists, publicists, and benefit organizations. The stories that the women shared were embraced by audience (probably 75% women.) Between Barbara Tucker and Robin S on the panel and Dawn Tallman in the front row, it almost felt like church. Lauren Segal of NextAid spoke to the power of what we can do as a community. We are big fans of Next-Aid and how they bring positive changes to Africa through the charitable giving of the electronic music world. Issues such as body image, power struggle, casting couch, longevity, genre choices and stereotypes were handled in a quite frank and provocative yet education manner.
A few select quotes:
"If you don't know the business, that's where the scars are from. A scar turns into a tattoo and then you show it off." - Barbara Tucker
"My dream was that NextAid would be the new LiveAid for the electronic music world." - Lauren Segal
"I am still living my dream - turning 50. I am called the chick who sings dance, but what every I sing, it is coming from the guy." - Robin S
"Whatever you put on the album, people expect to hear that when you sing live." - Kristine W "I have two phones for that (social networking). My dog has 500 followers on twitter." - Laura Mejia Cruz
"Your network is your net worth, your net worth is your network." - Barbara Tucker
"I sleep really well at night. I even snore." - Robin S
Party Time
I got off to a rocky start, hitting the Babalu for the History of music and fashion only to find out that it had been canceled. The Sennheiser listening stand at the Clevelander was quite nice - the new HD25 headphone sounds incredible (with the Adidas cross brand). The earcups are comfortable, very insulating and best of all - every piece is replaceable in case you break it. I wouldn't mind a pair of those for myself.
The Future Classics party at the Clevelander was the major attraction for the daytime pool parties. The Basement Boys and Crystal Waters were celebration their 20 years anniversary. The vibe was off the hook with a fun mix of spring breakers, euros, industry people dancing and having a good time. The sound full and embracing but not too loud. The house vibe was perfect and I danced to Neal Kirkland (don't know how he can have full dreads in this heat) and Quentin Harris (sexy thumping house from a sexy DJ.) If I didn't have to run to dinner, I would have stayed all night.
Dinner
WMC is great for reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Billboard Club Chart promoter Bobby Shaw took a few of us out for an amazing Chinese dinner. I sat next to circuit superstar Joe Gauthreaux and Billboard Chart Manager Gordon Murray. At the other end of the table was Dave Dresden, Rod Carrillo and a few other amazing DJs. We shared stories and even some tips. IT was amazing for me to get to spend time with Joe as we have played the same city on the same night at different clubs - but never run into each other. I first met him back in 1999 in New Orleans and I am so impressed with how he has progressed in the gay circuit world.
After dinner, we (writer Brent Bussey and I) had quite a nice chat with Dave Dresden about the reunion of Gabriel and Dresden as well as the future / where things are going. It was quite an amazing chat so watch for it here on the site.
Music to watch for:
William Narraine (aka Double You) "If I Could Fall"
Creep (Lauren Flax and Lauren Diller) featuring Romy (from XX) "Days"
Ella (the Latvian superstar) and Tito Torres "Walk Me By"
Alexander Technique & Innabell "All For You"
