Staying up until 6am updating the site and then waking up at 9:30 am is not the power move, but there is no way that I would miss breakfast with Miss Erika Jayne. The Californian fashion icon and A-list celebrity is set to launch her debut single "Rollercoaster" with a party at Setai on Friday. With remixes by Moto Blanco, Mark Knight, Eric Kupper, Mike Rizzo, Dave Pezzo, and DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious, the frisky number will quickly become a club staple. The breakfast at the Delano was for dance radio programmers and I gladly joined the bunch.
After breakfast, I headed to the conference hotel for the Marketing Music panel chaired by Lainie Copicotto. Lots of good advice was shared about everything from producing your own music to how to get people involved with the promotion of your career. The panelists were from diverse backgrounds and did a great job explaing various aspects of marketing.
While at the panel, I received a phone call that my Tiesto interview was moved up to 5pm, so I had to rush from the hotel (missing the NARAS reception) and hit the Setai. I had a few free minutes, I walked over to the Hotel Victor and enjoyed the DJ spinning for the GoGo party - a quite nice daytime event inside a lovely hotel.
Sitewriter Pete Kay met up with me at the Setai and we prepared to interview Tiesto. The everfabulous FunkyDumpling crew worked tirelessly to secure the interview so we were quite excited to see them as we entered the Setai. Tiesto is always a great interivew and we discussed his upcoming cd, touring plans and even the spoof video thats on YouTube. He revealed that he is touring with a 35 person crew including singer Jes, who will be opening his shows. A DJ tour of the magnitude will definitely be one to catch as it comes close to your home town.
After a quick bite and quick change, I headed back to the Hotel Victory for the Tommy Boy Sunset Sessions party. The party could not be more perfect - beautiful space, outside with a nice breeze, incredible music spun by Ultra Nate (and eventually Bob Sinclar), a great crowd and perfectly times. I danced, networked and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I swear that I saw Christopher Meloni (Law and Order - Special Victims Unit) - only with heavily airbrushed abs. The crowd was full of fun people - Benny Benassi, Asle, Billy Myers, Ohsha Kai, and Gladys Pizarro are just a few people that I chatted up. I managed to finagle a picture with Bob Sinclar even.
I didn't want to leave but the Club World Awards were about to start so I walked down to the Opium Garden with Cary Vance and the Promo Only crew. The vibe was a friend's basement and a group of friends hanging out for a kegger. Scumfrog hosted (sporting a funky wig) and the awards were presented to the winners as chosen by Club World Magazine. Musical entertainment was provided by Tracey K who sang her Fish Go Deep hit - "The Cure and the Cause." Look for a complete list of winners quite soon.
Walking up from Opium Garden, we popped in to 609 for the Trackworks party, A house DJ was spinning and I chatted up Speakerbox - a DJ trio who spins and plays music live - quite impressive. Ray Roc was holding court with a nice crowd enjoying the housey vibes.
We crossed over from Washington to Collins and heard a voice beckoning from a passing SUV. It was Ultra Nate and her DC Sugar possee, looking fierce as ever. In what could easily be described as "drive-by diva," we told her how amazing she was and how much we love her new "Grime, Silk, Thunder" cd that is coming out soon. Several fun photographs were taken and we (Dewight and I) remembered all the great memories we had spinning and dancing to Ultra Nate's classics - "Free," "Joy," "Found a Cure," and "Desire" just to name a few.
Next up was the Global Underground press event for the release of Taipei 32 mixed by Ali (of Deep DIsh.) Mynt Ultra Lounge is quite plush - reminiscent of Velvet Ultra Lounge in my hometown of Nashville. Beautiful couches, fancy light fixtures, glass refrigerators, friendly staff and fierce soundsystem (full sound at a volume level that isn't deafening) combine to make Mynt a definite on any clubgoers priority list. We got to interview Ali who spoke to us about his new GU cd, solo projects and upcoming tours. Watch for the interview in the next week or so.
A trek to Score was in the cards next for the Sister 8025 party. We arrived just in time to see Michael M's effervescent performance of "The Beat" and "Dear Diary." He is sounding better this year than he ever has. With his debut artist cd coming out, Michael has definitely perfected his live show - working his edgy nature and pleasing a grate ful crowd. We hung out for a while and chatted with Rich Pangillingan (The Riddler), Josh Harris, Reed McGowan, Kristy K, Drea, and more who were enjoying the show as well.
Walking up Lincoln, the final destination was Let the Singer Be Heard at Set. In its sixth year, the party organized by Barbara Tucker and Georgie Porgie feaures performances by our favorite artists - giving them the spotlight and not just the DJ/Producer. This show is about making the artist the star - not the Featured performer. Its hard to remember a full list of performers but coming to mind are Jason Walker, Pepper Mashay, Cassioware, Monique Bingham, Kenny Bobien, Diamond Temple (with the full band), Lee Genesis, Mitch Matlock, Ohsha Kai, Abby Shanna, Michelle Weeks, Ron Carroll, Darryl Dominay, Teresa Griffin.. and many more. Dawn Tallman ended the night with an emotionally charged acapella version of "You are Why." Looking incredible glamorous in all white, you could feel the sincerity and power in her lyrics of they song dedicated to fans of house music as well as Georgie and Barbara who organized/hosted the event. The performance ranks as one of the best I have ever been honored to expereience in the same class as DJs are Alive at IDMA 2006 and Jes at Billboard DMS 2006. Closing out the club at 5am, I can honestly the say the night was one of the best events I have ever attended in six years of WMC. If you were foolish enough to miss the event, make it a priority for next year.
