I am half Portuguese and half English. I was born in England in Torbay but grew up in the Algarve in Portugal until I was about 13 years old, where I then returned back to England. Home will always be Portugal for me which is why I love going back when I get the chance.
How did Koolwaters come about: ??
I used to promote a night called AzOz when I was in my late twenties. After wanting to move in a different musical direction to my then business partner, I decided to set-up again but this time on my own. I’d had the name Koolwaters in my head for a while at that point so it seemed the perfect time to make use of it.
KW has been going for 10 years – what is the secret to its success:
It’s difficult to pin point one reason because Koolwaters has been a constantly developing brand that tries to keep one hand in named stars, as well as bringing through new talent and music. We’ve never really stuck to one music policy on its own as our audience is continually changing depending on which country or city we’re touring in. Over the years we’ve done live shows, cds, festivals and arena tours but we’ve never lost sight of our original which is to be purveyors of good quality electronic music.
Three tracks that best sum up Koolwaters:
I want to include some new stuff here but think I’m going to go with some big classics from over the years.
‘Sasha – Xpander’, will forever be a big Koolwaters favourite.
Laurent Garnier – Man With The Red Face’ has brought the house down so many times over the years. Stunning record and perfect for those beaches parties!
‘Gat Decor – Passion’, a early classic but still very much a big big track!
If you could book any artist alive or dead to play KW who would it be:
As a promoter to work with Michael Jackson would have been amazing. For Koolwaters, hummm tough one but I think Underworld just steals that one.
How do you see the UK scene compared to the international stuff you do:
The UK has struggled over the last few years and the recession hasn’t helped a lot of the smaller/less profitable sides to the industry. But that said, there is a very healthy scene on UK soil right now and it’s great that we’ve so much dance music consuming the charts, playlists, tv channels etc. The international scene has always played a bigger part in my dj gigs and whilst there have been a few setbacks with clubs closing etc, the overall majority of international parties and tours are doing very strong. In my view dance music on a global scene is in a good place right now.
How did you hook up with Boy George:
George and I have been friends for many years now. We first met at Heaven in London and occasionally I’d run into him in and around London. Not long after I started to book him for my own club nights and some 12 years on we’re still good friends.
What’s your plans for 2011:
The biggest news for me in 2011 is that I’m going to be a dad! Which I’m extremely excited about!
On the DJ front, George and I have just launched our new record label ‘VG Records’. We launched the label through DJ Magazine by mixing their Christmas covermount CD. Our first release will be our single ‘Sunshine into our Life’ featuring Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx fame. We are also working with Skin (Skunkanansie), as well as a few other high profiled names for future tracks. Separately from the label I’ve just been selected by Sony to remix Joss Stone’s forthcoming single and I’ve a few more release scheduled with other labels like Kid Massive’s ‘Get Down’ for my new single ‘Escada’, as well as a couple on my own Koolwaters recording. I am also planning to get in the studio with Andy Moor and Jesse Voorn later in the year.
For Koolwaters we are continuing our 10th birthday tour across international waters like Canada, South America, Australia etc. We also are planning a special 10th birthday compilation album to celebrate our milestone.
Marc Vedo
Where are you from?
I am half Portuguese and half English. I was born in England in Torbay but grew up in the Algarve in Portugal until I was about 13 years old, where I then returned back to England. Home will always be Portugal for me which is why I love going back when I get the chance.
How did Koolwaters come about: ??
I used to promote a night called AzOz when I was in my late twenties. After wanting to move in a different musical direction to my then business partner, I decided to set-up again but this time on my own. I’d had the name Koolwaters in my head for a while at that point so it seemed the perfect time to make use of it.
KW has been going for 10 years – what is the secret to its success:
It’s difficult to pin point one reason because Koolwaters has been a constantly developing brand that tries to keep one hand in named stars, as well as bringing through new talent and music. We’ve never really stuck to one music policy on its own as our audience is continually changing depending on which country or city we’re touring in. Over the years we’ve done live shows, cds, festivals and arena tours but we’ve never lost sight of our original which is to be purveyors of good quality electronic music.
Three tracks that best sum up Koolwaters:
I want to include some new stuff here but think I’m going to go with some big classics from over the years.
‘Sasha – Xpander’, will forever be a big Koolwaters favourite.
Laurent Garnier – Man With The Red Face’ has brought the house down so many times over the years. Stunning record and perfect for those beaches parties!
‘Gat Decor – Passion’, a early classic but still very much a big big track!
If you could book any artist alive or dead to play KW who would it be:
As a promoter to work with Michael Jackson would have been amazing. For Koolwaters, hummm tough one but I think Underworld just steals that one.
How do you see the UK scene compared to the international stuff you do:
The UK has struggled over the last few years and the recession hasn’t helped a lot of the smaller/less profitable sides to the industry. But that said, there is a very healthy scene on UK soil right now and it’s great that we’ve so much dance music consuming the charts, playlists, tv channels etc. The international scene has always played a bigger part in my dj gigs and whilst there have been a few setbacks with clubs closing etc, the overall majority of international parties and tours are doing very strong. In my view dance music on a global scene is in a good place right now.
How did you hook up with Boy George:
George and I have been friends for many years now. We first met at Heaven in London and occasionally I’d run into him in and around London. Not long after I started to book him for my own club nights and some 12 years on we’re still good friends.
What’s your plans for 2011:
The biggest news for me in 2011 is that I’m going to be a dad! Which I’m extremely excited about!
On the DJ front, George and I have just launched our new record label ‘VG Records’. We launched the label through DJ Magazine by mixing their Christmas covermount CD. Our first release will be our single ‘Sunshine into our Life’ featuring Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx fame. We are also working with Skin (Skunkanansie), as well as a few other high profiled names for future tracks. Separately from the label I’ve just been selected by Sony to remix Joss Stone’s forthcoming single and I’ve a few more release scheduled with other labels like Kid Massive’s ‘Get Down’ for my new single ‘Escada’, as well as a couple on my own Koolwaters recording. I am also planning to get in the studio with Andy Moor and Jesse Voorn later in the year.
For Koolwaters we are continuing our 10th birthday tour across international waters like Canada, South America, Australia etc. We also are planning a special 10th birthday compilation album to celebrate our milestone.