The Winter Music Conference Log: Day Two

March 27, 2008 4:52 PM
by Marcos Colón [email]

Although the first day of Conference was a bit of a slow start, but a great one indeed, day two featured an intense thrashing of quality music, venues and a cast of characters that would put The Outsiders film to shame. The weather didn’t look as pleasant as it should at the start of the day, but in the end everything came together and the clear skies shone through, sans humidity, at the day parties attended by the Junkies. The first full day of Conference served as the true wake-up call for the weeklong event, and you can bet your ass that the Junkies were out in full force for it.

Shelborne: Sex on Wax, Canada Loves Miami

At this point in the day the weather may not have been the best, but those in the moderately sized crowd were still being troopers and nothing was going to get in the way of their party. Desyn Massiello, Omid 16 b and DJ Sneak were just a few of the DJ’s that provided the sound in a setting that was decked out in what seemed to be a tropical Chinese festival theme. Stick-on Canadian tats were donned on all the ladies naughty places, as the guidos were out in full force showing off their steroid infused physiques. These guys get a lot of flack and hate from the majority, but come on, what’s a good WMC party without one.

Everyone was definitely enjoying the music as hips swayed, arms waved and heads bobbed. It’s funny how these things are called pool parties, but who actually goes into the pool? The Shelborne has some interesting parties going on the rest of the week. Let’s see if some catch our attention.

Nikki Beach Club: Welcome to Miami

Imagine this: Mix the dripping sex appeal of Los Angeles’ Fashion week with the class and reputation of one of Miami’s most posh Venues; add a hint of the white gauzy Latin flavor and hard bodied bikini clad beauties that South Beach is famous for. Now - Mix in a who’s who of worlds best DJ’s walking past you, drink in hand, Camera crews in tow strolling through an ageless, race less culture of audiophiles Expressing the elation that only the this music can bring in countless languages, Singing out in one voice “THEY KNOW WHAT IS WHAT BUT THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT IS WHAT – WHAT THE FUCK” and add a soundtrack of Mind expanding up-tempo house through 8 speakers surrounding the white sand of Nikki Beach’s outside Lounge.

Now add about 600 of WMC hottest denizens, 3 Native American Inspired stage dancers, and 35 waiters at your beckon call, and you have a basic idea of what Welcome to Miami looks like.
The real reason everyone has traveled from around the world to be here? The Audio-fuck they are about to enjoy that only WMC can offer.

The Vagabond: 12th Annual Ovum Party

The best way to describe this experience, (not just a party) would be to take Anne Rice’s world of the Vampire Chronicles, mix in a (nearly) bad acid trip and the haunting emotional solitude of an insane asylum. The completely dark room, lit only by the occasion green strobe, or a red hued back wall saturating the closed eyed intensity of those completely engulfed by Winks dark set.

The room’s energy carried over to the visual aesthetic of those enjoying the music; with a certain cyber-punk appeal that could bring you straight down the rabbit hole, only seconds after you took the red pill. This relatively small room had the energy and subtle brooding of downbeat anxiety that accompanied every bass hit. The typical group setting of WMC was nearly non-existent transcending into an appreciation of the singular – either the hypnotic sensuality of a one on one silent couple dancing in unison or the obviously introspective spirit of expression dominated the dance floor. Ever wanted to know what its like to run down a dream into a nightmare, loving every second of the ride? You should have been at Vagabond.

SET: Danny Howell’s Dig Deeper

The posh club that’s used to seeing some of Miami’s economically finest, was turned into a true music head festive atmosphere. Danny Howell’s took over the venue, the party and everyone’s ears as a constant supply of tech house pumped out of the speakers, having the bass basically punch you in the chest. Familiar faces were in the crowd from day one’s festivities, as flailing arms were struck by the Star Wars-esque light display that was provided by the venue. It almost seemed like the empire was attacking.

Upstairs hosted Miami’s most underrated DJ, Stryke, who had his official album release party and kept the crowd dancing. Howell’s would pop in every now and then to say hi, but more importantly to use the men’s room, which is awkwardly located on the second floor behind the DJ booth. The Fire Marshall paid an unwelcome visit to the venue, causing the line to halt at the door. But what’s a good party at Conference without a visit from him?

The Pawn Shop Lounge: Danny Tenaglia Marathon

The Annual Marathon by house Legend Danny Tenaglia kicked off at Pawnshop at 11:00 pm on Wednesday and continues even as I write this, promising to run until dinner on the 27th. This WMC Staple since 94’ has always thrown great parties, and this year was no different. The Front Room, Main Room, and Backroom, were all packed to the brim with countless fans of the classic house that Tenaglia has been focusing on for 2 decades. House heads were full effect, dancing, cheering and blowing whistles along with Tenaglia’s beats.

The important part of the night however, was Tenaglia’s Big announcement. “Have any of you ever been to Ibiza? Well, tonight I can finally tell you all that I have signed a deal with Tommy Boy Records, and I will be returning to Space in Ibiza to play for all of you every week!”

[Article written in collaboration with Pete Tremblay]