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BUENOS NOCHES IN BUENOS AIRES

Author: Nikki Wright
Monday, December 12, 2005
It was very exciting to be back in Buenos Aires for the second South American Music Conference. After being lucky enough to attend the first conference, I had a better idea of what to expect and how to get stuck in and learn more about the scene in South America. I also couldn't wait to tuck into some Argentinean steak!

The conference was in a different venue this year and there were a number of small stands representing local companies such as record shops, radio stations and magazines. This is an area that will undoubtedly develop as more companies from South America and beyond get involved with the event. I met two journalists from Brazil and Mexico, who I immediately hit it off with and it was great to talk to them, as I also learned a lot about the scene in their countries.

The panels were well attended and thought out, although due to regulations they were only allowed a certain amount of seating this year, which meant not everyone could sit and listen. The seminars brought together local and international DJs and music industry professionals to discuss topics such as technology & equipment, record labels, music downloads, communication media and electronic music, audio visual design and producers and recording studios. Dero was one of the South American DJs to take part, saying 'The conference in South America is very important because it empowers a local scene that is needing that kind of push to develop its true potential.

'There are several South American DJs and producers that, when given the proper international opportunities, have become world-class superstars. An event like this should be the local kick starter, and all the international players are needed and will greatly benefit by giving and getting wonderful experiences.'

And this was a sentiment felt by every South American I spoke to. They are so passionate about what they are doing that you can't help feeling the same way. South America has become an important destination for some of the biggest names in dance music to play with some of the best clubs on the world such as Mint in Buenos Aires, Gotica in Lima, D-Edge in Sao Paulo. There is also a lot of up and coming talent who have had their tracks signed to international labels and are getting more recognition. Dero is one such talent who's track, Illusion, was signed to Subliminal Records (USA) and has been championed by Pete Tong on his Radio 1 show. Other examples are Silver City on 2020 Vision (UK), London 909 on Yoshitoshi (USA), Diego Rok on Luxury Grooves (Spain) and Gustavo Lamas on Kompakt (Germany). These are exciting times, and it is only a matter of time before more new talent is discovered. The SAMC will be the catalyst for this happen.

After speaking to so many people and soaking up all the new information, my head was ready for the party on Saturday!

There were two massive warehouse style rooms with high ceilings that gave the impression of an industrial feel. The first was the green room which was the tech house and techno room. It had two massive screens either side of the DJ booth, with joggers on running machines in front of images of roads round Buenos Aires making it look like they were running along the road. I have definitely never seen that before and it looked really cool! There were also LED displays in front of booth so you always knew which DJ you were dancing to. DJs gracing the decks were Ritchie Hawtin, Mistress Barbara, Tom Stephan and DJ Dero to name but a few.

Their other room was the red room, which had 2 large screens projecting the DJ's image and elaborate visuals. Behind the DJ, in the booth, was an amazing light box with hundreds of bulbs that projected wording and images in time with the music. DJs wowing the crowd in this room were the likes of Judge Jules, Ferry Corsten and Christopher Lawrence, with the finale being Tiesto. There was also a smaller room called the pavilion, which was where the conferen
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