Winter Music Conference returns to Miami for its 27th season from March 16-25. Largely regarded as the pre-eminent platform on the global music industry calendar for launching new dance music, technology and trends, WMC delivers 10 non-stop days of music programming in Miami Beach and Miami with performances all over South Florida. That’s two full weekends of parties and events — an additional five days more than last year’s event! Here are some of the top new dance talent that will be showcased at Winter Music Conference 2012.
Winter Music Conference returns to Miami for its 27th season from March 16-25. Largely regarded as the pre-eminent platform on the global music industry calendar for launching new dance music, technology and trends, WMC delivers 10 non-stop days of music programming in Miami Beach and Miami with performances all over South Florida. That’s two full weekends of parties and events — an additional five days more than last year’s event! Here are some of the top new dance talent that will be showcased at Winter Music Conference 2012.
Sasha Gradiva
One of the most influential and respected European female artists of contemporary pop music, Sasha Gradiva plays sold-out arenas abroad. MTV Russia even named her among their “Top 10 Artists on the Rise.” But it wasn’t until her unforgettable Grammys appearance (clad in a pink gown and a bizarre gun arm accessory) last month that Sasha Gradiva and her music came to the attention of the American dance floor. Her latest electrifying romp, “I’m on Fire,” displays the artist’s innovative electro-pop that combines thoughtful lyrics with ultra-energized choreography, all of which have become Gradiva’s trademark. Sasha will be performing on Saturday, March 17 at 10 p.m. at Bill’s Filling Station at 2209 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors with My Gay Radio and at 1 a.m. at Score at 727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Faith Michaels
Locals will recognize Faith Michaels from her weekly drag show at Aqua Night Club in Key West, but for those outside of Florida, she’s better known for her kinetic club anthems. Her latest, “Neva Eva Eva” is an oh-no-she-didn’t bitch track about living life on your own terms. Penned specifically for Michaels by the Miami-based producing duo, The Rhythm Rehab, the single is Michael’s follow?up to her controversial debut, “Fetish.” “Neva” has the same intensity and power of Fetish but has the added value of allowing fans to throw down fierce shade on the dance floor. Faith Michaels performs live at Wilton’s Bier Garden at 2245 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, March 17th, part of Aiden Solis Production’s “MyGayRadio.com Presents…” and at midnight at Boom, 2232 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.
LaLa
LaLa has been quoted as saying that Gaga, Ke$ha, Rihanna and the leading female artists on the scene today inspire her. However, most of her chart success has been with material that sounds more like Dido. “”I Miss You” and “Never Forget You,” produced by the remix/production team Maniacalm, both sounded more “White Flag” than “We Found Love.” That didn’t stop them from being Billboard charting hits. “Never” rose all the way to #5 on the Dance Radio Airplay charts. LaLa’s new single, “Who’s In My Mouth,” however, is a drastic 360° for the pint-sized dance diva. It’s as smart as Gaga, as sassy as Nicki Minaj, and as ferociously fierce as only LaLa can be. LaLa performs on Friday, March 23 at 5 p.m. at The Palace, 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach presented by Give Me A Beat Productions. She will also perform at 10 p.m. that same night at Wilton’s Bier Garden at 2245 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors and Boom, 2232 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors at midnight, as part of Aiden Solis Production’s “MyGayRadio.com Presents…”
Sariah
Sariah returns with “Glow (Kill The Lights)” an electrifying new dance ditty that follows “All About Sex,” her impressively produced, live-life-and-party-hard track from last summer. With remixes by Ray Roc and Valentin, “Glow” is the perfect addition to Sariah’s repertoire of urban dance pop that fans can get ready to, listen to on the way to the club, and dance to once there. Sariah’s often compared to Britney Spears, and while it’s understandable since they do share a similar sound, it’s also viable to compare her to Lady Gaga as both successfully bend current trends to their needs. Sariah will perform “Glow (Kill The Lights)” and selections from her upcoming album at Wilton’s Bier Garden at 2245 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, March 24th, part of Aiden Solis Production’s “MyGayRadio.com Presents…” and at midnight at Boom, 2232 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.
D Alexander
D Alexander’s latest disco romp, “Touch Me,” is a young man’s reflection of today’s gay dance floor and how one touch can lead to so much more. It is a marked departure from the electro-pop tracks he’s become known for. The out-artist says he wanted a more vintage disco sound for “Touch Me,” something that would have played on a vinyl record. Anyone remember those? The song’s underlying message is that though the dance floor is always evolving, its essence remains the same. That essence can best be described in one word: slutty. D. Alexander performs at Wilton’s Bier Garden, 2245 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m., part of Aiden Solis Production’s “MyGayRadio.com Presents…”. D. Alexander will also perform at Club Boom, 2232 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors later that night at midnight.
Nikki Exotika
Nikki Exotika defines her music as “MAGAGANEY”: Madonna, Gaga, and Britney all wrapped up into one. Her past releases, “Manwhore” and “Electric Touch,” remain gems of the dance floor for their electro-pop dance sound, with catchy lyrics that are provocative, inspirational, and a little on the dirty side. Her latest, “Secret Girl,” is a coming-out track, with Nikki Exotika revealing herself as a proud transwoman and inviting all to celebrate her fabulousness. Penned by the artist and produced by James Manno, it is a fun track that will have the manliest of men proclaiming themselves to be secret girls. For Nikki’s schedule of WMC performances, visit her site at A1230745.sites.myregisteredsite.com/NIKKIEXOTIKA
Emii
Pop-rocker Emii blew up on YouTube this month with the release of a super sexy music video for her club track, “Stilettos.” It’s the follow up to her Snoop Dogg collaborated smash “Mr. Romeo” and once again, she shows off some powerhouse vocals set against lively beats. Club boys will find it hard to resist Emii’s anthem celebrating 7? designer heels. “Stilettos” has just the right kick to become a dance floor favorite. For her schedule of performances, visit her web site at Emii.net
Taborah
With an arsenal of remixes from superstar US and Euro DJs like Paul Goodyear and the legendary Kenny Carpenter, Taborah’s “My Love For You” could shape up to be the smash dance hit this spring. It’s her third release with leading dance label, D1 Music. Last year, they paired her with Grammy-nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa on the remake of Renee Geyer’s 1981 dance classic, “Say I Love You.” Before that, she was teamed with R&B maestro Darryl D’Bonneau on the hands-in-the-air remake of the McFadden and Whitehead disco classic, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” If the third one is the charm, club goers should prepare for a real treat. For Taborah’s performance schedule, visit D1Music.biz
Winter Music Conference Week 2012 takes place March 16 to 25. For more information, and the full list of performers, visit Wintermusicconference.com
