"So You Wanna Be a DJ Part 16?" WMC

Winter music conference is around the corner yet again. Should you go?
wmc
Winter Music Conference, in its 24th year, is regarded as the singular networking event in the dance music industry, attracting professionals from over 70 different countries. With its high concentration of top international artists, DJs and industry professionals, WMC permeates the international press and is thereby one of the most publicized events in the business. Every aspect of the industry is represented including the top technological innovators, artists, DJs, producers, radio and video programmers, retailers, distributors, audio manufacturers and many more. There are countless reasons why people from all over the world return year after year for this event, the most outstanding one being that there is nothing else in the world like it.

Here is another point of view. Just my humble opinion,everyone has an opinion, they are just like assholes.
Before we get into it, lets talk about the spirit past of wmc........
This has become a bit of a joke. In many ways it is important and good things happen, but at the rate Miami is going with the prices, this is becoming a ridiculously expensive timesuck. It is great to see the Djs showcasing their new material, though many of them play for practically free, clubowners/promoters making a bloody fortune. Who can blame them, it is seasonal after all, however last year was dismal and more and more people say they won't bother next year.Now, with this recession it really will be interesting. It is so expensive to stay in a hotel now that unless you share with 50 in a room, it seems impossible for the fan. Not too mention the chaos of getting into a club. Last year I did not go out once, I was so knackered from doing press and working, but that was fine with me, I can't stand the claustrophobic clubs. ( lets pray there is never a fire!)I hope there is the old spirit that I miss there, I hardly see anyone I know now, it's all business. I used to always have a crazy night there, a drinking hole for the dj/producers.....but now that drinking hole has dried up and only ghosts remain. I have gone for over 10 years, this may be my last time. We will see. WMC I miss you.I miss what this used to be all about.
As for those really wanting to know the benefits of registering, there are some.... I did some great panels and will do the same this year(BMI publishing) these are valuable so long as there are true speakers on the panel who know what they are going on about. I love doing these as they can be educational and fun. The truth is there are many opportunities out there, you never know who you will bump into, but if you are new in the biz getting a meeting is nearly impossible.....still I am glad to be there, but if I did not have any shows, you bet your socks I would not blink if I wasn't.I go for the fans, to perform for them, I hate to see them ripped off with these prices, is nothing sacred anymore!!! Anyway, here is some more info for you, but go to the site for the whole picture......

This from wmc

Industry Development

Currently, the music industry is engaged in a profound structural metamorphosis. CDR's, MP3's, download streams and other new technologies are forever changing the ways in which people create, buy, sell and listen to music. Such matters are among the many debated at Winter Music Conference. The WMC program brings together informed professionals to present new ideas, discuss industry issues, and build new inroads for business development. Meetings and seminars focus on topics such as market strategies, artist development, copyrighting, publishing, writing contracts, artist management, distribution, radio, promotion, Internet retailing, and the media, just to name a few. With more than 30 important meetings and seminars on the agenda, WMC will continue its mission to provide a decisive global platform for resolving the current challenges and stimulating new industry growth and revenue.

Artists, DJs and Events

One of the most exciting aspects of Winter Music Conference is the convergence of industry executives, press and A&R reps, as well as artists and DJs of all levels bumping heads on the dance floors and rubbing elbows at the bar, while enjoying their favorite DJs spinning on the decks. The level of exposure WMC provides for artists and DJs is invaluable. WMC offers endless opportunities for DJs and artists to network and have their music heard by an international audience of music industry professionals. The Demo Listening Workshops, CD compilation, DJ & performance stages, DJ Spin Off and a host of other performance events, showcases and release parties throughout the week, provide limitless opportunities for innovative DJs and artists to break out of the box. Venues throughout Miami feature a non-stop schedule of nighttime events showcasing legendary artists and DJs from all over the world. WMC also presents the International Dance Music Awards, revered as the premier annual awards event for the dance and electronic music industry. Ultra Music Festival, the largest music festival of its kind in the U.S., is the official closing event for WMC. Nowhere other than WMC will you experience such diverse and unique talents gathered together to share one week of exclusive music industry events.

Hope this helps, luv n bass, DJ RAP

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