From 18 to 22 March Miami will host the 18th Winter Music Conference (Winter Music Conference 2003). This year, WMC will bring together more than 7,200 music-industry professionals from around the world. The event is expected to include leading artists, DJs, promoters, label managers, music-equipment specialists, music critics, representatives of the press, radio and television, and other professionals whose work is directly connected with the music industry. DJs and artists from more than 60 countries will present the world’s musical achievements in Miami’s clubs and concert venues over five days and nights. WMC will provide unknown producers and DJs with an opportunity to showcase their work and sign contracts with leading labels from around the world. The conference’s exhibition hall (WMC Exhibit Hall) will present the latest developments in music equipment, software, music publishing, and concert-venue design. For 18 years, WMC has helped establish contacts among people working in the music business through thematic seminars and discussions. During this time, the conference has become a platform for generating new ideas, resolving urgent problems, and supporting the growth of the music industry.
As part of the conference, the annual International Dance Music Awards will be held on 20 March. The ceremony’s prizes will go to people whose work contributed to the development of dance music in 2002. You can vote for the nominees on the conference’s official website, wintermusicconference.com.
The most significant event held as part of the conference will be the fifth annual Ultra Music Festival. This time, it will take place at Bayfront Park in Miami on 22 March. More than 100 DJs and producers will present their mixes and live acts across eight stages. Dance performers, a light and laser show, video installations on a giant LCD screen, a VIP area, and much more are being promised by the organizers this year. Among the participants in this event are Drum’n’Bass/Jungle DJs, producers, and MCs: Adam F, Dieselboy, AK1200, Ed Rush, Optical, Andy C, Bad Company, Total Science, Baron, Shy FX, SS, Teebee, Bailey, High Contrast, Influx Datum, Lemon D, Dillinja, MC Rhymetyme, MC Dynamite and others.
Fans of Drum’n’Bass music will be particularly interested in a party called Something Sick, hosted by the label DSCI4. It will take place at the Vanilla Bar club in Miami Beach on 18 March. The following will take part in the event: Trace, Black Sun Empire, SKC, Andy C, Red One, Shimon, Chris.SU, Crossfire, Paul B, Concord Dawn, Rob F, Negative, Ed Rush, Optical, Fierce, Matrix, Dylan, Loxy, Ink, Keaton, C4C, Hive, Kemal, Fresh, Bailey, Marcus Intalex, Tech Itch, Skynet, Karl K, Jaeson Kennedy, Ryme Tyme.
On 22 March, Miami Beach’s Cristal Night Club will host a joint party by the labels RAM Records, Virus and Evilbase, with the following participants: Andy C, Ed Rush, Optical, Fresh, Moving Fusion, Matrix, Red One, Fierce, Shimon, MC Ryme Tyme, GQ.
You can find additional information about events, seminars, hotels, tickets, and accreditations on the conference’s official website, wintermusicconference.com.
SPbDnB Team, St Petersburg, 10 February 2003
