Winter Music Conference 2002 [Back to HOME page]

The last week in March has passed and the delegates have departed. The pool decks and rooftops no longer resonate with house beats and the South Florida cell towers are breathing a sigh of relief. Conference week has come and gone and it's time to take stock in all that happened and what was gained and lost at WMC 2002. Although the conference itself is the "excuse" people use for assembling in Miami, its attendance (or lack there of) was even more sparse than usual. With DJs, producers, label executives and other industry people spending big money to bring their operations to Miami for the week, it is becoming increasingly unclear what the future holds for the WMC.

As usual, everything was not perfect. Sasha and Digweed kicked off their Delta Heavy tour in forgettable style and many of the big names found themselves overbooked, overindulgent and under rested; as bad sets and bad programming were on full display. The door staffs at Miami clubs (although markedly better than last year) still have a lot to learn about how customers should be treated. Add to that the volume of events, many of which were DEAD and annoyances like paying $15 dollars for a drink and $45 dollars for admission; obviously not everything was ideal on South Beach. But if you show up with a good attitude and a pocket full of money, the networking and partying scene at WMC, cannot be beat.

As for what happened in the clubs, 2002 confirmed another banner conference. Danny Tenaglia played his traditional marathon (this year it lasted 20 hours) at Space, but was, according to some, upstaged by Deep Dish, who spun an equally epic set at the same venue a night later. Subliminal Sessions gathered Mr. Morillo and his crew, along with Fatboy Slim, Darren Emerson and Yousef, while the World of Drum + Bass party featured everyone from LTJ Bukem to Andy C and Dieselboy. Carl Cox, Mark Lewis and Behrouz tore up Crobar and Pete Moss, Mark Farina and King Britt dropped deep at various spots. Oakie, Tall Paul, Bad Boy Bill and Seb Fontaine kept the trance heads happy, while down the street, Tronic Treatment presented techno heaven, with Billy Nasty, Marco Carola and the amazing Misstress Barbara. Add Pete Tong, DJ Dan, Donald Glaude, Stanton Warriors, DJ Craze, Tiesto, Max Graham and Swayzak at various yacht/ pool / private parties and the massive Ultrafest and Miami Beach had 4 days of banging' like no other place on earth.

Sleep deprivation, dehydration and temporary deafness aside, this was another fantastic conference week. Perfect weather (80+ everyday), wonderful hospitality from the people of Miami and friendships cemented over drinks poolside, make WMC something that every fan of electronic music should attend at least once. See you all on the beach next March!!!