In its 28th consecutive year, Winter Music Conference remains one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. A pivotal platform for the advancement of the dance industry, WMC attracts thousands of artists and music industry executives, and over…
In its 28th consecutive year, Winter Music Conference remains one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. A pivotal platform for the advancement of the dance industry, WMC attracts thousands of artists and music industry executives, and over 100,000 house music fans to Miami’s South Beach each year.
“It’s a chance to preview the club tracks that will be heating up dance floors in spring and summer,” says Peter McLean, president of the gay independent dance label, D1Music. He’ll be attending the conference with his artist Shara Strand who is presenting her debut single, “Jekyll or Hyde” at George Coronado’s showcase at The Palace on Saturday, March 23.
The performance will be Strand’s final stop on her three-month nationwide club tour. She performed “Jekyll or Hyde” in Chicago, San Diego, and Seattle, all as a build up to her Miami show. “There will be nothing more exciting than performing my track at the biggest dance music conference in the United States,” she says.
In addition to offering an opportunity for artists and labels to introduce their new tracks, Strand views Winter Music Conference as a chance to network.
“I’m hoping to meet the people who create, promote, and love dance music,” she continues. “I want to truly immerse myself in the dance culture and introduce myself as a strong emerging artist.”
Bex, another emerging artist who rose to prominence last year with her club hit, “Life of the Party”, is also excited for the prime face-time WMC offers. “I finally get to meet a bunch of the people I worked with on the first record, but have never met in person,” she echoes. Bex will debut her sophomore track, “What You Are”, produced by Mike Rizzo and Mr. Mig, at Winter Music Conference. “I can’t wait to meet the DJs and remixers and give them big ‘what a sick mix you did’ hugs!”
Winter Music Conference is also a learning opportunity for Bex. She plans to attend many of the week’s seminars. “I have a nerdy side, and I’m really looking forward to the panels. I want to soak in what’s new and happening in the industry so I can use it to make even stronger music for my fans.
“Music is evolving so rapidly, it’s essential for artists to keep ears open for new sounds, techniques and tastes,” she says.
Keeping up with trends is why many dance artists return to WMC year-after-year. This will be Sariah’s third pilgrimage to the conference. “I think it is important to attend WMC every year,” she says. “I always leave the conference feeling more motivated and excited than before I came!”
Sariah’s using the week to promote her new single, “Kill the Lights”, a song she calls her best one yet. “My team and I have put our blood, sweat, and tears into this track. I really believe it raises the bar for dance music.”
She echoes the sentiments of other artists by saying Winter Music Conference is a fantastic opportunity for musicians, artists, executive, and other industry individuals to meet, collaborate, and inspire each other. “But I’m going to Miami with one goal in my mind. To make “Kill the Lights” a summer anthem that plays on the dance floor, on the beach, and on everyone’s phone.”
Winter Music Conference takes place March 15 – 24, 2013 at Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information, go to WinterMusicConference.com.
