Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 213: The Right to Speak]

"The schedule for the Winter Music Conference is set. At 1:30 PM, you have to be at the electronic music producers' panel to speak, then you'll visit the WMC booth, attend the sound technology showcase, and finally observe the DJ technique demonstration at 5 PM. In the evening, you'll present an award at the VJ challenge." Teresa reported, packing the day full of engagements.

"Why so many?" Ryan frowned.

"They need you to be present. Besides, they mentioned you are the recipient of the Annual Award at tomorrow night's IDMA, so these activities are considered a trade-off," Teresa explained.

"If I don't go, do I lose the award?" Ryan asked.

"Not at all! They confirmed that even if you skip these events, the award will still be yours," Teresa replied.

"Order whatever you want for lunch; just make sure to get me a portion too," Ryan nodded, glancing at Daddario beside him.

"I already ordered for you, we already had lunch," Daddario assured him.

"Don't follow me this afternoon; it'll be crowded, and you might attract unwanted attention," Ryan suggested slowly.

"Okay," Daddario nodded.

Usually, at this hour, she would cling to him, but today she seemed pretty compliant.

...

At 1:30 PM, Ryan, Teresa, along with Calvin Harris, Diplo, Deadmau5, and several crew and security members, arrived at the venue with a large entourage.

In contrast to last year's lively atmosphere, this year's venue felt deserted, with many booths dismantled and not many attendees around.

They headed straight to the electronic music producers' workshop on the upper level. As a representative of the American electronic music scene, Ryan was the first to speak, discussing production concerns and the future direction of electronic music. After a year of producing, he was no longer the novice who had to search online for software tutorials; he had gained insights and experience. With his current reputation in the DJ community, his words were treated as gospel, and no one dared to refute him.

...

As he was leaving, Ryan saw Alex had made it to the venue too.

"I'm here as a representative of the Winter Music Conference, and I'll show you around for the next two days," Alex said with a furrowed brow.

This was Ryan's first time seeing Alex up close; he looked younger than expected, probably in his thirties, possessing an unremarkable face that one could easily lose in a crowd.

The frown was likely due to the music festival disaster. After such a mess, the ultra music festival had officially announced its cancellation, and the staff was already seeking new opportunities. Alex not only earned nothing but was also out of a job, so he couldn't be too happy.

"I'm currently working at the Winter Music Conference, so I at least have an income," he whispered.

"What do you have to do with the Winter Music Conference?" Ryan asked.

"Louis was the editor of my magazine years ago, and after researching electronic music for so long, he thought the U.S. needed an electronic music conference like ADE, which led to the creation of WMC. To draw in people for WMC, I came up with the idea of a large outdoor music festival, and that was when I met Russell when he was just a party organizer," Alex recounted.

"What other industry conferences like WMC are there?" Ryan probed further.

"The International Music Summit was established in Ibiza and is gaining more attention. It happens every May. Then there's ADE in Amsterdam, which is the largest in the industry backed by the local government. Rumor has it that ADE is considering announcing the top 100 DJs at the event."

"Tomorrowland in Belgium, although it's relatively new, is also growing rapidly," he continued. "In the U.S., the Electric Daisy Carnival is the biggest competitor to WMC. It's held in Las Vegas and has a long history. Even without the recent mishaps, its scale has already surpassed WMC this year."

"What's the origin of this festival?"

"It was started by a company called Insomniac, which isn't as big as Live Nation or AEG, but it ranks among the top."

Alex introduced many more details, and Ryan got a general understanding of the current landscape of electronic music festivals worldwide.

"Ryan, I think only you can revive the music festival in Florida," Alex added.

The reason he personally came over was indeed for this matter.

Considering the tourism industry was Florida's pillar and its physical entertainment business was flourishing, hosting a festival here was naturally advantageous. It could be deemed a market that couldn't be abandoned. However, after the disaster, the local populace would naturally harbor a strong dislike.

After thinking it over, it seemed Ryan was the most suitable candidate to lead the revival. He had stood out among DJs due to his performance during the incident, breaking free from the public stereotype.

Ryan exhibited hesitation: "Whoever hosts a festival in Miami now is asking for trouble."

"But that's the current situation; by next year, it may not be the same. Remember, those who died were just a bunch of addicts; similar incidents occurred in the UK, and the shows still went on," Alex argued.

Ultimately, he still could not let go of the festival opportunity.

"You have the draw, I have the experience. We could easily break away from WMC and do it ourselves," Alex added.

Ryan rejected that idea.

In his view, the significance of WMC was nearly on par with the festival. Just as the Grammys matter in the recording industry and the Oscars in the film industry, the International Dance Music Awards as part of WMC held essential authority within the field.

While electronic music was unlike the established closed industries, it was still an emerging product. More importantly, the U.S. didn't dominate; Europe was where the spotlight was. At this time, the countries developing well in the electronic music sphere were the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Spain, each looking down on the other.

This was an opportunity. In contrast, the Top 100 DJs were merely a selection column from a magazine.

To enhance the award's influence, it would take several years. Raising the award's prestige would require the whole industry's effort, which wouldn't be easy.

Moreover, whether or not WMC would agree would require careful consideration and multiple preparations.

...

In the evening, Alex helped Ryan secure a meeting with the founder of the Winter Music Conference, who was currently its manager. Louis Possenti was an old man dressed in a hippie style.

"Ryan and I discussed this afternoon about reviving the ultra music festival, but we need to change the name. Let's provisionally call it the 'Bad Room Music Festival.' Compared to the now-defunct Russell, Ryan is a more suitable partner; his public image is solid and clearly separated from those drug associations..." Alex rambled on.

Louis leaned back, looking at Ryan from across the table.

"You want to revive the festival?" she chuckled lightly, her voice raspy, clearly a long-time smoker.

"To be precise, we're looking to establish a new festival. Similar to the Ultra, it will also be a part of the Winter Music Conference."

"Oh really? Do you two think there aren't enough dead people already? Or Ryan, do you think there's money to be made selling Molly?" His cloudy eyes scanned Ryan and Alex back and forth.

"Fact is, the ultra music festival was a mistake from the start. There are already so many festivals; there's no need to interfere with these. Keep it simple and pure," Louis shook his head.

"Without the festival, the Winter Music Conference would only slowly die. Wanting things to be simple and pure isn't wrong, but ideals don't pay the bills," Ryan responded at that moment.

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm getting by; I don't eat much anyway," he dismissed nonchalantly.

...

A few minutes later, Ryan stepped out of the restaurant's private room.

"Ryan, that man is just an out-of-touch hippie! I'll go talk to him again; there's more to discuss," Alex chased after him.

"No need. It's just an industry conference; anyone can run it," Ryan displayed indifference.

"Are you sure you can handle it? This needs support from seasoned professionals. Louis was among the first to engage with electronic music," Alex reminded him.

Industry conferences were typically thankless endeavors; beyond Louis, there were hardly any capable individuals.

Yet Ryan had his own way of dealing with her.

"Just do as I say; announce the news to the public tomorrow," Ryan instructed.

*****

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