Pete Tong talks Miami ahead of the release of his new mix compilation alongside Groove Armada
There’s not much to say about Pete Tong that hasn’t been said before. Arguably the world’s biggest tastemaker and certainly one of the most influential man in dance music, Tong celebrated 20 years at Radio 1 and of the Essential Mix last year, and is now preparing himself for another frighteningly busy summer season, which kicks off with the Miami Winter Music and culminates with the Ibiza closing parties in September.
Here, we speak to the man himself about his memories of marathon sets from Danny Tenaglia, the secret to Jamie Jones’ success, and scoring a new short film for the Olympics…
You’ve been going to Miami for years now… musically, has everything changed or are there still some aspects of it that are very similar to how it was 20 years ago?
The emphasis has changed from 20 years ago. Then it was very much industry orientated. The majority of people from outside the city at the parties back then were connected to the business; DJs, producers, writers, promoters , performers , record company people. The clubbers were local. Now the emphasis is on major ticketed events and people travel from all over the world to be there, Ultra Festival, The SHM [Swedish House Mafia] shows, the pool parties etc... Although many of the artists would still say that Miami WMC / Ultra is great a place to showcase what they do to the USA, it’s now a well paid gig for the big acts.
I’m not saying it was better in the old days I'm just pointing out the evolution. Whilst going to see Danny Tenaglia do one of his marathon sets at the original Space will always be etched in my memory, I'm sure someone going to Ultra for the first time this year will collect a special memory too.
Do you think the Amsterdam Dance Event has supplanted Miami in terms of a forum for business? Or does Miami still have a part to play?
I think ADE is definitely seen as more of a business and trading forum for electronic music (like a MIDEM) and the IMS in Ibiza is seen as more business development, networking and educationally orientated. Miami WMC is like an ‘exhibition’ of the best DJs / brands and events.
What was your take on Ultra and WMC parting company in terms of dates last year? Do you think that 2012 will be better now that they’re back together, as it were?
Whilst I heard good things about the WMC week last year its a lot easier to navigate when they are together and better for the business overall and more manageable for Europeans.
Oscar G recently told me that if you want to find and play music that no-one else is playing you should go buy it rather than wait for promos, as no-one else buys music anymore…do you think there’s any truth in that?
Well it’s not true as Beatport is still doing rather well last I heard, so someone's buying. However the 'spirit' of what he is saying is spot on. Always keep looking for exciting music in different places and you will discover many gems and give your sets an edge. There are so many labels now not promo-ing and just putting music on sale. For the specialist labels putting music on Beatport IS the promo cycle.
Tell us about some of the highlight from your mix…
It’s a snapshot of the sounds I’m most excited about right now. Dirty, funky bassliness and killer melancholic melodies and vocals... the Luke Abbot into Delilah finale is pretty cool. I can hear that at Pacha this summer at 7am!
The mix kicks off with a remix from Jamie Jones, who had a quite incredible year in 2011. Why do you think the sound he champions has become as popular as it has over the last 12 months or so?
He always plays melodies and vocals, he's bought the girls back to the underground clubs and shown that there is another way to have a big moment in a room without all the clichés. It’s not music for stadiums but it’s been a breath of fresh air. Not as easy to get across in USA as in Europe but Miami is one of the cities where that sound is very welcome.
Is there anyone else waiting in the wings that you think will have a similarly outstanding 2012?
Maya Jane Coles goes from strength to strength. Subb-an and Bubba are getting very consistent. Disclosure are sounding hot and I have been very impressed with Eats Everything. His DJing skills are right up there with his groundbreaking productions. The man has charisma.
There’s an exclusive from Tong & Rogers on there… is production something you can see yourself getting more into as your career progresses?
Well I’m chipping away. For me it’s a brilliant creative outlet, I love making beats/ edits/ remixes and coming up with top line ideas. I’m not going to stop so let’s just enjoy the ride! We are also doing the score to a new short film for the Olympics right now which has been inspiring.
Do you have any specific goals for 2012 in terms of your own career?
I want to put out a few vocal tunes and get even more hands on in the studio. I want to start putting out acts on FFRR (the first Paper Crows album is due soon). I'm also involved in the Ibiza 123 festival and the expansion of the IMS beyond Ibiza; it’s going to be a very busy year.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
Ibiza 123 is a massive project so watch this space for further exciting announcements and additions to the Rock-Tronic festival which runs 1st, 2nd and 3rd July in Ibiza. I’m also about to start work on the SUMMER mix album All Gone Ibiza 2012… bring it on!!
