The full letter follows:
Winter Music Conference or Ultra Music Conference?
Hello Electronic Music lovers,
With WMC comes WMC Drama, the two just seem to go hand in hand. This year the big D is all about the two different Dates (WMC and Ultra) which are confusing the fcuk out of everyone and raising all sorts of questions... What is up with the 2 dates? What is really happening? What is the inside scoop? What is Club Space doing? When should we come to Miami? My father always had one answer for every question, when in doubt always chase the money and sure enough this is no exception so pay close attention because I am only explaining this once...
Uh-oh. The whole Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival separation has suddenly taken a ugly turn.
While there have been whispers and rumors as to why next year's conference is occurring separate from Ultra, nobody has really come out and said anything publicly.
But leave it to Club Space owner Louis Puig to speak up. He's never been shy about saying what's on his mind. (Remember when he had banners put up around the Park West district reminding city leaders that Space made downtown Miami what it is today?)
In an email sent out today and confirmed by Space as authentic, Puig slams Ultra's organizers for monopolizing the talent pool. "This year and once again, Ultra is trying to monopolize WMC by engaging exclusive contracts with all major DJs which will not allow them to perform at your favorite dance clubs."
He further explains, "What this means to the consumer is that you will no longer be able to enjoy your favorite DJ for extended sets after midnight at your favorite clubs, instead you will be forced to listen to them for a one hour set before midnight in a crowded field of dust, mud and ravers."
Puig adds that the conference used to be about free parties for DJs and people within industry, lamenting what the week of celebrating electronic music has become.
"[It] is about greed and money with Ultra and all the clubs fighting over talent, hotels charging 4 times what they are used to and agents and DJs banking on the demand. As the owner of Space, I like all the demand and the high prices as it allows us to raise our prices and make more money and Space will be packed regardless of what DJ is performing and what decision you make. In fact, the better Ultra does, the better we do as we are right across the street and at midnight everyone comes our way. However, as a 35 year supporter of Electronic Music I cannot consciously stand back and see this shit take place."
Puig seems aware that Space has sort of played the game the past few years. But what this means for the future of WMC and Ultra remains to be seen. We've heard personally from many nightclubs and promoters that they feel safer having their events fall around Ultra and forgoing the week of WMC. But could this letter swing things the other way?