WMC2010 WRAP-UP: HOUSE MUSIC ALL DAY AND NITE LONG

The Winter Music Conference is many things for many people but, one thing is certain, every year after the last song has played there emerges one genre that clearly stood out among the many. I am no official representative or spokesperson for the WMC, but I must say, this year House music, in particular, the deep and lovely soulful variety, shun the brightest.

The first night I arrived, I immediately went out and had the pleasure of seeing Timmy Regisford play to a packed house. Being a Timmy party, you expect it to be deep; little did I know, that the deep grooves I heard there that nite would only get deeper and echo throughout the conference! What followed over the next few days was simply an experience I will never forget. From the spiritually funkdified grooves of the Libation Party with DJ Sabine and Ian Friday, to the party rocking grooves at the Get It In party, where among others Kenny Dope and Peppe Citarella blessed the crowd, and the soul sounds at the House Goddess party, it was truly House Music all night, and day long.

From big names such as Louie Vega, Jellybean Benitez, and Timmy Regisford to the incredible turnout of homegrown DJ’s such as Eddie Boom, David Sabat, Calvin Morgan, and let’s not forget the cats from overseas, like Black Coffee, it seemed all were spinning a thick set full of deep soulful grooves. The soulful House sound was pouring forth from every turntable, from every club, lounge, or hotel lobby. No other genre came close.

Trance, Electronica, Drum and Bass, even other forms of House such as Electro and Tech House were heard, but nowhere near as prevalent as that deep booming House sound.

Of course, one can say my perception is based on the parties I attended, which I tried to keep as diverse as possible. But, all one truly needs to do is look at some of the biggest hits not only this season but over the last few, such as Dennis Ferrer’s “Hey Hey” and you just might see how this year’s WMC was destined to be a House spectacular. Additionally, I asked many of my interview subjects their thoughts and overwhelmingly many were feeling the same thing.

Regardless, of what genre shun the most, for next year it will undoubtedly be another genre that shines, the point of the Winter Music Conference is for the entire dance music community, all genres, all forms, all everything to come together and celebrate, and that’s one thing that will never change!