Following the success of the past 3 editions in Holland, Dance Fair will emerge onto the island of Ibiza where of course every summer dance music professionals are spending most of their days. It’s the perfect opportunity for Dance Fair to make its debut internationally and accustom its guest to a fresher way of thinking and understanding the industry and accessing new merchandise for various types of usage. Between the 24th and 25th of September, in an open air exhibition, the old Ibiza zoo in Benimusa Park will host this year’s Dance Fair Ibiza gathering an international audience. We spoke to Dance Fair owner Norman Soares on the idea behind the concept, why the move to Ibiza and what to expect this year.
Could you explain, in short, why somebody who is pursuing a career in the dance industry should come to Dancefair Ibiza?
Well, I think that Dancefair is one of the few events in the world where the professional industry gathers to help out anyone that pursuits a career in the electronic music industry. You always get to know lots of people in the field who all have loads of experience. And of course there is sun. Utterly hot people. Beer. And Tapas.
Do you have any recent examples of underground DJ/producers who owe the kick-start in their career to Dancefair?
Dutch guys like Rob Hes got contracted by Gabriel Ananda for instance at Dancefair 2012. Derick Banks releases at Defected now, a label where he dropped a demo back in the 2013 edition, Jack Zwarts got his first album release during a meet up with Deep Sense Records in that same year. I can go on and on.
On what basis are the guest speakers invited for the event?
For the love of music and because they understand that without the up- and coming producers and DJs that buy their tracks and tickets to their events, they wouldn’t be where they are right now.
How do you find the balance in choosing between artists whom exist on such different parts of the dance scene? (Like DJ Sneak and Shlomi Aber one day, and Paul van Dyk and Laidback Luke on the other.)
Frankly, I don’t see and feel it as balancing between two worlds. I know many artists of the underground scene and many from the more commercial side. This is because I worked as a producer and music lover in one world, but made my money as a percussionist in the other before it really got outta hand there. Still, I didn’t feel like I was being torn apart or something, hahah! I’m grateful that I have seen both sides and learned so much from that. Eventually, I think that experience benefits the Dancefair concept as a whole, not thinking in boxes.
For us, only one thing counts: Does the person that is giving a workshop or attending a panel has a musical heritage or really has something to say where Producers and DJs could learn and benefit from? IMO all four possess that each in there own way.
What are the biggest differences between Dancefair and that other similar big event IMS?
IMS is an event where the industry meets up, doing bizz with each other with a focus on ‘how can I enhance my entrepreneurship in the industry.’ Most of the visitors at Dancefair are the new wave of artists and starting entrepreneurs in the industry who just want to learn and become inspired.
On a personal note: which speaker did you find most inspirational in the history of the event?
Mike Monday with his classes on the problems/obstacles you encounter not running your life properly next to making music. That is the reason why many of us fail or ‘not getting there.’ He had a four seminar program at last years edition where he amongst many things what happens in your in your brain during a creative process and gave tools how you can ‘create’ momentum whenever you need. Incredible.
Can you tell us a bit on who will be playing during the Dancefair party?
On the 24th Shlomi Aber, Unders, Camiel Daamen, Michel Cleis, new rising Spanish artist Bjones and some I can’t reveal yet.
Which artist couldn’t you book for this year’s edition but would you really like to see in the next?
Richie Hawtin. We were close..
Which artists in the house/deep house scene do you have high hopes for in breaking through in 2015?
I’m a little coloured I have to admit in that one, but I have to say Camiel Daamen. He has been part of Dancefair from the start and is so passionate about his music and his positive vibe is so enlightening. People forget that being humble, kind and being utterly positive is the most important gateway to success. And he understands and lives that like no other. Lately he is releasing on the right labels and I wish him all the luck to break through fully in 2015.
Program:
Future Music/Point Blank Stage
15:30 – 16:15 In the Studio with.. Ushuaia presents.. Javier Ferrer.. Electronic live performance
16:30 – 17:15 In the Studio with.. UNER
17:30 – 18:15 In the Studio with.. Michel Cleis
18:30 – 19:15 In the Studio with.. Darius Syrossian
19:30 – 20:15 In the Studio with.. Shlomi Aber
20:30 – 21:15 In the Studio with.. Gabriel & Castellon
Mixmag
16:15 – 17:00 Where do they get inspired of? Cristian Varela, Dale Howard, ONNO, Chus & Ceballos
17:15 – 18:00 Artist talk with Sneak, Shlomi Aber and Marco Bailey
18:15 – 19:00 Mgmt panel: How to stand out as an artist? Kal Juhgroo, Alex Jukes, Alex Montoya,
19:15 – 20:00 Ibiza panel with Grego O’halloran, Steve Hulme (Pacha), David Vincent (Sankeys), UNER
16:00 – 16:45 Ibiza radio stations with Anna Tur (Global Radio), Igor Marijuán (Ibiza Sonica)
17:00 – 17:45 How to Social Media on Ibiza with Olivier Guynet, social media people from Pacha and more…
18:00 – 18:45 Entrepreneurship and health by Sebastiaan Hooft
19:00 -19:45 Ibiza residents: David Moreno, Remo, Manu Gonzalez, Angel Linde
Mixing & Mastering
15:30 – 16:15 Mixing Bass & Kicks with Henry Samiento
16:30 – 17:15 Vocal Recording
17:30 – 18:15 Mastering the Mastering Process with Henry Samiento
18:30 – 19:15 Flamingo Studios / Pro Audio
16:00 – 17:00 Carlos Pulido & Lopezhouse
17:00 – 18:00 Xavier Arak
18:00 – 19:00 B Jones
19:00 – 20:00 Secret guest
20:00 – 22:00 Secret guest
22:00 – 23:00 Secret guest
