EDMbiz Returns for a Successful 5th Year

EDMbiz never fails to have a jam-packed agenda with juicy topics. Looking at the schedule this year, topics like the state of dance music and drugs in dance music were not new to the agenda. There were also exciting additions like photographing dance music, women in dance music, and the resurgence of trance. As per usual, EDMbiz mixed things up by involving high level influencers from the business side as well as the artistic side to take part in open discussion and education. It was also incredible to see sections like the hackathon for aspiring business people to sell their ideas, as well as the A+R competition to give aspiring producers a chance for a breakthrough moment. Having level-upped on their game this year, the conference switched from The Cosmopolitan to Caesar’s Palace with a much bigger space. With multiple talks going on at the same time, I wished that I was able to split myself into three bodies to cover all bases along with showroom with incredible vendors like Freedom Ravewear, Grooveo, and Ticketfly.

The conference kicked off with an engaging, entertaining, and somewhat hilarious discussion of “What’s In A Name?” Jason Bentley moderated as Matthew Adell (MetaPop), Phil Blane (Robot Picnic), Raymond Leon Roker (URB Magazine/Goldenvoice/Coachella), Rich Thomas (Insomniac), Tobias Ekman (Live Nation), and Tommie Sunshine discussed the term “EDM”. Apparently, there was internal discussion of dropping the name EDMbiz and calling the event something else, taking out the term, “EDM,” that has taken on a somewhat negative connotation over the years. Some had no problem with the term at all, because EDM originally meant electronic dance music, which technically can be the umbrella term of all types of dance music. Somewhere along the line it had transformed into a more commercial term meaning something along the lines of mainstage, generic, banger shit. After much back and forth, the panel did not come to a conclusion of whether or not to drop the term. It was brought up that EDM would possibly one day be called DM (dance music) or just M (music), which I thought was hysterical. At the end of the day, dance music is dance music, regardless of what you call it.

It was quite impressive to see the passionate team over at CAA take the stage this year. Each and every person on stage was extremely passionate about what they do and their artists as well. There was a sense of camaraderie along with modesty. With such hunger, drive, and passion, it’s no wonder they have been able to sign and support some of the biggest names in the industry like Ferry Corsten, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Paul van Dyk, and The Chainsmokers.

Pasquale Rotella was definitely at the top of my list of must sees. We constantly hear so much of the man, the myth, the legend, but rarely get to go beyond catching him on stage for a quick speech or bumping into him at an event. His good friend Jason Strauss (Tao Group) joined him on stage for this intimate keynote, and we got to hear stories of Insomniac’s beginnings — the blood, sweat, and tears he put into hosting some of his earlier festivals, to literally getting shot at. We also got a glimpse into his brain as to why he chose to partner up with Live Nation over other companies that offered him so much more financially, to how he fell in love with Holly at Jason’s club. This was definitely a keynote to remember, and one of the most packed ones throughout the conference.

Another notable keynote was Armin Van Buuren’s. Having taken the throne of #1 DJ in the world multiple times, Armin opened up about the pressure that came along with the heavy title. He admitted to not knowing how to deal with the fame, success, and packed main stages while still staying modest with his achieved status. Having hired a coach to keep him level headed, Armin extended open arms and ears to other artists like Hardwell who was to face the same type of pressure after him. It was comforting to see a role model for so many sit up there and talk about the burden of anxiety, pressure, and conflict that comes with success and fame in the industry.

Laidback Luke also spoke on a similar subject during his fireside chat. Being someone with one of the most zen attitudes I’ve ever met, Luke told us about how negative comments do hurt. His talk drew in a room filled with producers seeking his expertise and advice on how to deal with pressure, criticism, and a crazy life as a producer and DJ. Luke educated us on how to do our best for everything within our control, and letting the rest be. This was probably one of my favorite sections of the conference, as it felt the most intimate, relatable, and real. Luke’s philosophy was not only targeted towards producers, but to all of us who face stress, deadlines and criticism.

Another feel good moment was seeing Pasquale present the check for over $119,941 from this year’s EDC Week Charity Auction to The Shade Tree of Las Vegas. The Shade Tree is a non-profit organization assisting homeless women and their children with shelter. Through Insomniac’s Charitable Giving Initiative, $1 from each EDC Vegas ticket sold was also donated to 3 organizations which included, the Emergency Medicine Resident Research Fund, the Injured Police Officer’s Fund, and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Closing out the event was the 5th annual artist panel, including Alison Wonderland, Bad Boy Bill, Laidback Luke, Ookay, and Paul Oakenfold. Although much more tame than last year’s heated debate between 3LAU and Z-Trip on the topic of “DJing,” it was nothing less than entertaining. The best part was when Paul Oakenfold busted out his Perfectomundo tequila towards the end of the conference and invited everyone up to have a taste. He was literally pouring shots of tequila into the mouths of artists, fans and attendees. If there is something we know for a fact, it is that Paul knows how to party! That concluded another epic year at EDMbiz, filled with debates, legendary artists, newcomers, industry education, intimate conversations, and tequila. Now we will just have to hang tight and see if next year we will be attending EDMbiz for the 6th year, or a newly named event called “Dance Music Conference,” “Music Conference,” or just “Conference”.