How does one prepare for the Winter Music Conference? Walk across the continental U.S. from West Coast to East Coast wearing the same pair of shoes? Feet don’t fail me now. Three more glorious days to go. Three hours of sleep last night and I feel…..perfectly fine? Call it an adrenaline rush, call it a WMC high, call it Red Bull!

Double-checking my agenda for the day an updated e-mail read as follows, “We found a great spot to conduct Ferry Corsten interviews – the Belvedere Vodka Music Lounge (hosted by Sirius Radio) at the W Hotel. Please arrive early there is complimentary food and drinks served with private tables.”

BMF Media in conjunction with Sirius Satellite Radio reserved one of the bungalows at the posh, contemporary W Hotel on Collins. Upon my arrival I was told to get myself a drink and make myself comfortable for now. That was easy. The bungalow was an ideal tropical oasis complete with mini dipping pool, rotating platters of gourmet sandwiches and deserts, and a Belvedere Vodka bar. An A-list of electronic dance music artists mingled and networked. Okay, so they were eating, drinking and being merry. Tommy Lee and Joel Zimmerman (a.k.a. Deadmau5) was even recognizable without his character mouse head, and sporting a Space Invaders neck tattoo, played with the oversized diamonds. DJ Rap and both Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland of The Crystal Method were there. My interview with Ferry on the balcony of one of the hotel rooms was brief and pleasant. I told him he had a “nice guy” reputation. He was okay with that.

Just down the street, Alize Oasis hosted live music, spa service and cocktails. There were performances from the likes of Macy Gray and Japanese Popstars. The up-and-coming Lolene, with accompanied dancers and stylish stage presence, is a poppy, clever, club-worthy female version of her music label counterpart David Guetta. I see great things already happening for her. DJ Rap and a few others from the previous party wandered down to check it out as well.

Day 1 of the Ultra Music Festival was the second to my last stop of the day. It was the usual, overwhelming feast of tantalization for all of the senses. From the larger than life Jumbotrons and pyrotechnics at the Ultra Main Stage to the variety of breakthrough artists who were so grateful to garner a spot on the coveted Ultra bill, the event culminates something for everyone. There were so many hot spots in every sense of the word. David Guetta owned the main stage with his unofficial “love” medley of “The World is Mine,” “Show Me Love,” “Love is Gone,” and “When Love Takes Over.” The scattered stage and tent areas throughout the grounds hosted equally impressive genres from drum ‘n’ bass to house with massively dedicated and non-pervasive crowds at all areas. I was amazed just how the tradition of this event has grown.

My last stop of the day (night and into the morning) was Paul van Dyk at Space. Sander van Doorn took to the booth prior bringing the crowd alive with Find Yourself. Later, Paul brought a bone-chilling sing along with Home. Electro house was pumping in another room, Groove Armada dropped their classic Superstylin, the Toolroom Knights area hosted the elusive D. Ramirez. Ramirez rounded out his set with Downpipe leading the crowd singing, “I’m gonna make your hands shake,” shaking their hands high in the air.

The music at Club Space Miami is legendary. Equally so is the sunrise on the terrace which keeps the fans coming back and which keeps them staying until the end.

Words and images: Kathy Vitkus