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Miami Winter Music Conference 2002 Review

England in the middle of March is a cold dull time and summer seems a very long way off…. Across the other side of the Atlantic in Miami Florida it’s a completely different story. For one week only, the biggest week in the dance music calendar is taking place; the Miami Winter Music Conference (WMC).

One week of 24 hour parties, where the worlds biggest DJ’s come and play the biggest tunes for the coming year. Where friendships are formed and deals are sealed in one of the most glamorous cities in the world.

Having been involved in the scene for many years now I’ve been gagging to attend this for quite some time. When the opportunity arose for me to meet up with an old DJ partner (Nigel Newman), Becky and the www.PlayMusicMag.com crew, how could I resist?

When I arrived, I met up with friends and headed straight down to the fantastic Nikki beach for the Radio 1 launch party. WOW! I’ve always enjoyed clubbing outdoors since my early days of raving in fields but this was really something else. Surrounded by lush palm trees, sandy beaches, a pumping sound system and gorgeous women - this was it.

Pete Tong kicked off the proceedings followed by Danny Rampling both broadcast live to the world via the powerful medium of BBC Radio 1. The knowledge that millions of envious clubbers would be eagerly listening added to the electric party atmosphere.

That night legend, Frankie Knuckles and Derrick Carter played exclusive Miami tuned sets, alongside the disco don Robbie Rivera and those ‘Lazy boys’ X-Press 2 with their latest release getting a huge response.

With so many parties on it’s hard to choose which to attend as every day and night there are excellent line-ups. It’s definitely a case of ‘so many parties, so little time’. After a moments thought, next up was the Astralwerks party with Cassius, Daft Punk and the large fella himself Mr Fatboy Slim.

A disappointing set from Daft Punk, they seemed to be playing for themselves -not for masses. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo (GMDHC for short) hardly looked at the crowd during their slow and dull mix session.

In the back room things were going off as per the Norm (excuse the pun), with Fatboy taking control with some awesome tunes; Kylie vs. New Order’s track ‘Can’t Get Blue Monday Out Of My Head’, and the tune with the ‘Sexiest Man In Jamaica’ vocal both got massive reactions..

Another party we checked out was Eric Morillo’s Subliminal party, where, once again Fatboy took the roof off (reach for the lazers, nice one bruva! O.D), with Darren Emmerson also on top form but man of the moment was Eric ‘More’ Morillo. He absolutely stole the show with his trademark chunky filtered beats and disco grooves that kept the crowd thriving till the end (including Zoe Cook and Seb Fontaine).

One of the most legendary parties world wide is Danny Tenaglia’s mammoth set at Be Yourself @ Space. The typically Space venue was fully equip with Ibiza looking terrace, covered loosely by flags from every nationality.. This has to be seen to be believed, thousands of people everywhere in one club, dancing to the same DJ for nearly 24 hours! It’s the one party where everyone, who’s anyone is here. Clubbers and VIP’s in a cocktail of dance music lovers...

Ashley Beedle from X-Press 2 seemed to be enjoying himself to Danny‘s musical conquest, Pete Tong however was having difficulties getting in to the VIP area as they didn’t know who he was! We heard the security yelling "I don’t give a fuck who you are mate, if you haven’t got a wrist band your not coming in!" I don’t think it helped with people like me grinning widely and going "your Pete Tong ain’t you mate?" he he he.. Morillo seemed to be beaming after his wicked set, but Mr Coxy wasn’t feeling too sociable (maybe he was having an off day), as he didn’t seem to want to mingle in the crowd. He was later spotted raving on the speakers though! Deep Dish boys were also partying by the decks.

I was surprised to see a special visit from Yoko Ono (yep the widow of John Lennon), she’d turned up especially to hear some of Danny’s set. She was guarded like the crown jewels with a ring of security round her at all times.

We must of left around 10am and there was still a massive queue to get in?! His set finally finished around 8pm that evening! 20 hours after he started! If you get to Miami WMC next year or at all, this event is a must.

You like your music exclusive, upfront, fresh and bold, and if your looking for a classy, sexy alternative to other clubbing destinations, then this is the one. Gorgeous beaches with gorgeous party goers under gorgeous palm trees… wicked.

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