News & Reviews

BASS: DJ Fresh, Goldie, Photek play Ultra Music Festival; WMC highlight events

Drum ‘n’ Bass fans are in for a major treat during this month’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami, where many of today’s premier talents are set to play including DJ Fresh (pictured left) and American DJs AK 1200 and Dieselboy performing under pseudonyms. The UMF is just one of many events happening in Miami Beach during the Winter Music Conference from Mar. 25 to 29. In addition to the long-awaited 23rd Annual International Dance Music Awards, there's a bevy of private parties, workshops on everything from technology, remixing and editing, chances to present your demos to major record label execs, and countless networking opportunities.

During Day 2 of the Ultra Music Festival on Friday, March 28, Fresh is performing with MC Ivory under the name Soundweapon. Meanwhile, another new group Planet of the Drums includes Americans AK1200 playing with Dara and Dieselboy with MC Messinian. Rounding off a fantastic DNB pool of talent are several longtime staples of the scene including Andy C with MC GQ, Goldie, Fabio, ShyFX, AdamF, Ed Rush & Optical, and Photek.

Also playing Day 2 of the UMF are many of the most talented names in Progressive House and Trance such as Underworld, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, MOBY, Californians DJ Dan and DJ Icey, and Sasha & John Digweed, among others. Tickets are $80 or free for those holding Winter Music Conference badges. The UMF happens at Bicentennial Park Miami beginning at 12 pm and lasting all day from March 28-29.

There are so many dance music parties and events happening during WMC week that are free to badge holders, it’s much more cost-effective to simply register as an attendee. Discounted pre-registration expires March 19, but you can sign up in person at the Mediterranean Ballroom of the host hotel, the Miami Beach Resort & Spa, beginning at 9 am on Tuesday, Mar. 25.

After registering, chill at the hotel’s pool where WMC & Club Sessions present the official launch party, featuring Miami’s best DJs spinning live on stage all day. Local talent including Cato K, Granite & Phunk, Nikolas and Juan E are among the many DJs who will be on the pool deck all day to kick off WMC Miami style.

At 10 pm that night, check out Living for the Nightlyfe at Opium Garden, located at 136 Collins Avenue, where DJ Heather, Fred Everything, Jay West, Olivier Desmet and Lawnchair Generals will play. Admission is $22 at the door, free for WMC Badgeholders.

On Wednesday, March 26 at 4 pm, don’t miss what’s always one of the year’s most hyped up events: the WMC DJ Spin Off, poolside at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa. Felix Sama and DJ Shortee will host a turntable brawl as DJs battle for first place in two categories -- beat matching and scratching.

Beginning at 8 pm on Thursday, March 27, the long-awaited 23rd Annual International Dance Music Awards happen at The Miami Beach Resort & Spa Poolside, where we’ll find out results from over 10,000 ballots cast for the most innovative and elite artists, DJs, producers, promoters, remixers, manufacturers, and labels in the business. The awards show will include live performances and presentations by the top players in the business.

After the IDMAs, an interesting party is happening for San Francisco’s Om Records, which will present OM: MIAMI 2008 at Y Ultralounge beginning at 10 pm. Talent performing includes Mark Farina, DJ Sneak, Tiefschwarz, Metro Area, Marques Wyatt, DJ Heather, Cobblestone Jazz, Rich Medina, Vikter Duplaix, Chuck Love featuring Four Feet, Hipp-e, Andy Caldwell, Mike Monday and Colette, among others. Admission is $40 or free to WMC Badgeholders. Y Ultralounge is located at 71 NW 14th Street in Miami.

Starting at 10 pm on Friday, March 28, DNB fans won’t want to miss the Viram 2008 Drum and Bass Showcase  at Soho Lounge, located at  175-193 NE 36th Street, in the Design District of Miami. DNB talent playing includes Andy C, Ed Rush, Optical, Goldie, Subfocus, Shimon, Red One, Chase & Status, Xample, Hive, Teebee, John B, Evol Intent, Vicious Circle, Plastician, Joe Nice, Rob Paine, Code305, Satori, Somejerk, SecondHand Smoke and many others. Admission is $25.00, free for WMC Badgeholders.

There’s a ton of other events happening throughout Miami during WMC week including private parties, workshops on everything from technology, remixing and editing, chances to present your demos to major record label execs, and countless networking opportunities. For the full WMC schedule as well as more information, check out the WMC website.

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