Spotted: DJs unwind at South Beach’s W Hotel during Miami Music Week
Hidden away in the northern corner of South Beach is the W Hotel, where Sol Republic, Motorola, Trident, and SiriusXM teamed for an intimate day of drinking, music, and fun during Miami Music Week. Hosted in the afternoons of Wednesday to Friday, the Moto Music Lounge played host to the who’s who of dance music. Secluded in its undisturbed corner, major DJs strolled in for their rare minutes of rest and conversation — with industry folks and peers alike. Some gave interviews, others stepped to the decks, and most managed to catch a quick breather over drinks and candid conversations. Below, we bring you the highlights, a look at what DJs do when cameras, fans, and the insanity of Miami Music Week are not engulfing them.
Michael Phelps Stops By EDM World
Michael Phelps, with an endorsement deal with Sol Republic, managed to stop by to hang out with the dance music world. Seen earlier swimming with Steve Aoki in the pool, he posed for pictures with the artists in the community. While sipping on drinks, Phelps and the artists made their introductions and swapped short vignettes of their lives. A fleeting and unique scene to behold; Phelps soon jetted to Vegas for a bachelor party.
A-List DJs Perform Intimate Sets
While not every DJ may hit your auditory sweet spots, it was cool to see the small crowd enjoy intimate sets by major DJs who usually only play for the thousands. Even cooler? When unexpected friends get on the decks to split the spotlight and spin what they like and enjoy, rather than crowd-pleasers. From Tiesto to Mr. Van Buuren, the day was no short on star power, yet remained steadfastly personal.
Around the Clock Dynamite Star Power
Whoa. There were none of the usual mobs – only because there were too much star power per square foot. DJs flowed in and out of the section, some from interviews to sets to the VIP backstage where they recounted stories about their Miami experience, music, and sets. Approachable and personal, most DJs took the time to shake a new hand, to smile for a new camera, and begin a random conversation.
A Community For the Love of Music
This was a community here for the music. Sol Republic had headphones for trial. DJs littered the crowd and met with fans and peers alike, while enjoying the music of their peers. In a new dance music world where every party was seemingly hassled by the fire marshall for overcapacity, this was the most enjoyable time, by far.
Photo Credit: Gustavo Caballero and Ryan Troy
Categories: Music