DJ OF THE WEEK 3.14.11 SPECIAL EDITION: SATOSHI TOMIIE – EARTHQUAKE RELIEF INFO

The Winter Music Conference has ended, six days of networking and partying under the banner of Electronic music has come to a close. For all the DJs, industry professionals, and party people present, Miami was an oasis of beats and rhythms that all but sealed us from the outside world. Whether there for business or as a fan, the days and nites became one; the entire week was a break from reality.

Days into the conference news reached the sunny strip of Miami Beach that a major earthquake had struck Japan. Many were worried, many sent blessings and prayers up into the ethers, but the networking continued, the parties went on past dawn, the revelry did not cease.

The devestation that has ocured in Japan is beyond comprehension. Maybe we sensed that in Miami, maybe we didn’t want to see it for what it was so we delved deeper into the scene, the music, into our dancing. But alas, the last official WMC party came to a close in the wee hours of Monday morning, and reality was waiting.

Those that hadn’t already left began their exodus to the airport and their next destination; whether going home or to more business abroad, it is certain that at sometime during this day, whether it was in the hotel lobby or an airport waiting room, on the plane, or maybe, when finally home, sitting on the couch, watching the first bit of news in over a week, that many began to realize the magnitude of this catastrophe.

Bringing it even closer to home, is the fact that many of our Japanese industry friends, no wait, our industry family, are being directly affected by this. Satoshi Tomiie quickly comes to mind. The Japanese born DJ is a highly admired, respected, and loved figure, and not simply because of his skills behind the decks, but because he is a humble man and someone who supremely represents his people, his culture, and his country. Personally, my family will do what we can to contribute to the relief funds in hopes of helping the people of Japan, but I ask myself, what more could I do? I decided, as small a gesture as it may be in light of the massive scale of this event, that this week, we nominate Satoshi Tomiie as DJ of the Week. For the record, we are not saying Tomiie is hurt or missing. We do not know his status and can only pray that he is safe and sound. We just want to do whatever we can and this is our most humblest of efforts.

Tomiie is only the second DJ we’ve ever nominated for DJOTW more than once (Todd Terry being the 1st just last week), and besides being someone who would surely deserve it under normal circumstances, if we can bring attention to this matter and make it easier for people to contribute to the relief efforts, then its doubly worth it.

To my fellow party people who were in Miami for WMC, who come back to this solemn reality, I ask that you remember that feeling of togetherness and oneness you felt with your fellow man when lost in that sea of sound on the dance floor and that you direct that love and energy to Japan and its people. We had our time in the sun, now lets help those who are facing their darkest hour.

One love!

HOW CAN YOU HELP:

Save The Children: Mobilising to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Call 1800 76 00 11 or visit http://www.savethechildren.org.au

Red Cross: Donors can contribute to the relief efforts by calling 800-733-27677 or visiting http://www.redcross.org. Each text message is a $10 donation to the Red Cross, which will be added to the donors’ next cellphone bill.

Mercy Corps: Mercy Corp has not sent its own team to Japan but it set up a donation fund for its partner, Peace Winds Japan, and its emergency assistance on the ground. To make a donation, call 888-747-7440 or visit http://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan.

Medical Teams International: Medical Teams International is also on alert and staying closely in touch with its nine partners along the coast and in Japan. To donate to Medical Teams International, visit http://www.medicalteams.org.

World Vision Canada: World Vision is among the first organisations to begin relief work by distributing emergency supplies and sending highly-trained staff to assess and respond to the most urgent needs. To donate, visit http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/Pacific-Tsunami.aspx

Medecins Sans Frontiers: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 60 countries. MSF workers are already on ground in Japan, assessing the situation. For more visit http://www.msf.org/msf/donations/donations_home.cfm

DFAT: Assistance helpline: +61 2 6261 3305. DFAT hotline for Australians concerned about family and friends: 1300 555 135. Visit http://www.dfat.gov.au/