Weekender
Vocal Booth Vocal
The Story Of The
Of...
With... For...
For... With... Of... The Story Of The Vocal Booth Weekender ANDY WARD Cover photos: Andy Ward & Martin Clark Ward Andy Cover photos: Cover design: Andy Ward The Vocal Booth Weekender is an event that brings brings that an event is Weekender Booth Vocal The from lovers music hearted open like-minded, together the crowd matches diversity of The the globe. around thing that one there’s yet of the music, the diversity it all: soul. connects and has was started 10 years ago This community an inclusive and creating of mouth, grown by word year- that has people returning intimate atmosphere on-year. the day, of clubbing back in The vibe is reminiscent fresh and of DJs keeps the music yet the broad range is the glue that bonds this The love of music current. memories keep people family together and the shared coming back for more. The Story Of The Booth Vocal Weekender For... With... Of...
For... With... Of... The Story Of The Vocal Booth Weekender ANDY WARD
Cover photos: Andy Ward & Martin Clark & Ward Andy Cover photos: Cover Andy Ward design:
coming back for more. family together and the shared memories keep people family together and the shared current. The love of music is the glue that bonds this The love of music is current. yet the broad range of DJs keeps the music fresh and range of DJs keeps the music yet the broad The vibe is reminiscent of clubbing back in the day, in the day, of clubbing back The vibe is reminiscent on-year. on-year. intimate atmosphere that has people returning year- that has people returning intimate atmosphere grown by word of mouth, creating an inclusive and creating of mouth, grown by word This community was started 10 years ago and has was started 10 years ago This community
connects it all: soul. it all: soul. connects the diversity of the music, yet there’s one thing that one thing there’s yet of the music, the diversity around the globe. The diversity of the crowd matches matches crowd of the diversity The globe. the around together like-minded, open hearted music lovers from from lovers music hearted open like-minded, together The Vocal Booth Weekender is an event that brings brings that event an is Weekender Booth Vocal The Keywords: Community, like-minded, diversity, inclusive, supportive, openhearted, intimate.
The Vocal Booth Weekender is an event that brings together like-minded, open hearted music lovers from around the globe. The diversity of the crowd matches the diversity of the music, yet there’s one thing that connects it all: soul.
This community was started 10 years ago and has grown by word of mouth, creating an inclusive and intimate atmosphere that has people returning year-on-year.
The vibe is reminiscent of clubbing back in the day, yet the broad range of DJs keeps the music fresh and current. The love of music is the glue that bonds this family together and the shared memories keep people coming back for more.
Whether you want to relax by the pool, chill on the beach or rock the club till dawn, there will be people to connect, dance and laugh with and the friendships formed will be for life.
Sam Welsby This is a first edition print published in 2018
All rights reserved © Vicious Entertainment
Andy Ward asserts his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner
If you spot any errors or omissions, please send an email to make changes for any subsequent prints
[email protected] www.vocalboothweekender.com www.djandyward.net www.wardswebsites.com
Design by Andy Ward You are about to read a copy of this book, formatted specifically for reading on a device.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the book itself, please visit this link to see if any remain in stock. PURCHASE BOOK HERE.
Feel free to share this with anyone you think would appreciate it, preferably by asking them to download the VBW App and reading it there.
You may benefit by turning your phone on it’s side and zooming in a little for a better reading experience. For Michelle, Drew and Mikey
With love to Joan and Paul
To ‘The Boys’ listed in these pages who I never say “Thank You” to enough, all this because of you!
In loving memory of Sylvia, John & Big Den For... With... Of...
The Story of The Vocal Booth Weekender Andy Ward Birmingham Evening Mail feature, April 1997 Andy Ward was born in June 1970. Brought up in Birmingham, England, music had always been a big part of his life. It’s how he met many of his friends from an early age, through their mutual love for Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and everything in between. He left Grammar School after one year of A Levels at the age of 17 to be an Office Junior on a YTS for £40 per week. The academic life was not for him. He attended legendary All-dayers in various cities up and down the country as well as your typical Ritzy style clubs here and there and Soul Weekenders at the start of the Acid House movement. After learning stock control, accounts, making tea & coffee and all the ropes of office work, he found a second, more interesting career choice. Around 1988 he began work as an office-based Commercial Investigator, chasing bad debtors. It was here he met Michelle and eventually, in 1991, they became an item. In 1992 he purchased some decks and a small record collection off a friend and started to play at events in Birmingham, the most important being The Marco Polo Bar (Marco’s). A strong scene for quality House Music in the second city was already in place, Patrick Smoove being just one of a handful of amazing DJs flying the flag. Over time, the more soulful side of House emerged with Andy one of the leading lights. A 30 minute mix slot on Choice FM in ‘96 began his love for the radio. When he was given a presenter’s role it unearthed a love for the sound of his own voice. This never went away. It was around this time he became a ‘Professional DJ’, leaving his 9-5 and working full-time on promoting himself and Marco’s. Andy met Simon Phillips aka Schooly at Choice. Schooly had a REAL voice for radio as well as being a Soul/Hip Hop DJ with proper skills on toast. Schooly’s love for House blossomed alongside Andy’s radio shows and an unbreakable bond was forged. Andy started The Sunday Lockdown with Simon beside him in 1998 at a dodgy venue in Digbeth, Birmingham, called Nosey Parker’s. Despite happily talking on air, Andy was way too shy to talk on the mic in public. Simon was the man for that job from the very beginning. The two enjoyed playing deep, vocal house music and bumpy UK Garage to a very underground crowd. Vocal Booth parties began the following year in 1999. Chapters Jump to any page by tapping it below.
Introduction 9 VB2012 - Year Four 1 The Birth of The Booth 10 VB2013 - Year Five 2 Pressure Radio 11 Clash of the Titans 3 Ten Years of The Booth 12 VB2014 - Year Six 3a The Fact Sheet 13 VB2015 - Year Seven 3b The Class of 09 14 VB2016 - Year Eight 4 The Booth on the Move 15 Financing The Booth 5 VB2010 - Year Two 16 VB2017 - Year Nine 6 The Family 17 The Man Like Snoopy 7 Vocal Booth DJs 18 VB2018 - Year Ten 8 VB2011 - Year Three 19 VB Memoirs 8a Free Gifts 20 Vocal Booth Changed My Life 8b Gillman Audio 21 The End of The Booth? 22 The End of The Book Introduction
Introduction
Monday 28th May, 2018. I had an idea to see how much it would cost to get 100 books printed. It wasn’t that expensive. So here we are, many hours later with this bad boy in your sweaty little hands. My intention was to convey and share the many emotions and thoughts that the sheer mention of Vocal Booth brings. I wanted to try and capture in words and photos just how Vocal Booth has changed my life and the lives of those around me. I had no intention of making this about me... Vocal Booth is and will always be about us, and when I say ‘us’ I mean The Family. In these pages I hope to explain what The Family is, how it came about and everything in between. We’ve seen relationships blossom within The Family, marriages come and go as well as the odd controversy here and there. We’ve lost loved ones along the way and welcomed new bundles of joy into The Family, I don’t expect to cover all of that but I’ll give it a go. Two days into the first draft I sat at my computer and looked through all my folders, year by year, to remind myself of who played and when. It dawned on me that I had years’ worth of
11 Introduction content already written so I should utilise it, even if it did mean a lot of it was from my personal point of view and there was a lot of reference from others to myself. That kind of makes me feel uncomfortable but there’s no escaping it. I began by trying to condense too much information into too few words. It was at that point I realised, if I was going to do this, I may as well do it properly. I decided to leave all the photos and flyers for a separate publication to accompany this paperback... Keep the smiling faces for the glossy pages and the dirt and gossip for these. If I say so myself, that hardback photo book came out pretty special.... Go find it. A lot of things I cover in this book will make a lot more sense when you see the photos that go hand in hand and, more importantly, you will be amazed at some of the lineups you long since forgot about. I won’t be mentioning many of the headline DJs in this story unless it pops up for whatever reason, so again, I urge you to get yourself a copy of the photo book to put it all into perspective and be amazed at the calibre of artists one small party has been able to bring to Spain. Back to the matter at hand. You’ll be reading all of my opening words from the event programmes down the years as we prepared for the madness and I’ll also share my post-event reviews alongside any comments or stories shared by others. Due to the fact that The Family is always evolving with new members joining every year, a lot of content may feel like it’s repetition but I think it all paints the picture perfectly of how the event and our relationships have blossomed over time. There may be blanks in the memory bank (although it’s strange how,
12 Introduction once I started putting thoughts down, all the gaps eventually filled themselves) and some people may get a few facts twisted. One or two names are withheld to protect the identity of the innocent although not many, where would the fun be in that? I’m fully aware that the only people reading this may be VB Family who will be more than familiar with my tone of writing and so I do not feel the need to include some very obvious ‘lols’ here and there. I have NOT edited any of the comments or personal testimonies gathered down the years and so cannot be held accountable for the outright shocking spelling and grammar within. I think it makes it even more special. A major part of me hopes that this book remains long into the future and someone who has never been to a Vocal Booth event will find it one day and get a small insight into who we are and what we are about. This is just a small part of our legacy. Enjoy the journey.
Andy Ward, July 2018.
13 The Birth of The Booth
1 The Birth of The Booth
Vocal Booth started one Thursday night in April 1999 at the newly launched Ministry of Sound Bar in Birmingham. I was approached by the venue manager, local legend and former Wobble promoter Phil Gifford, to offer up a night of Pumping/ Soulful House that I was known for and that I’d shared many times down at the main MoS in London. I became promoter and resident DJ and was given a budget to provide a rotation of the UK’s finest purveyors of Soulful House in their respective cities. International headliners graced the decks alongside a core group of local DJs who would join me on rotation each week. It’s hard to convey the music landscape in Birmingham back then, Big Room Trance and banging noise was the main stay in most clubs so coming up with a name to convey exactly what you’d be getting “Vocal Goodness” made sense. As well as a refreshing music policy across all the week, the venue helped breath new life into Broad Street, a much needed escape from the commercial bars and clubs that lined the famous road. The launch night we had Terry Hunter as our headliner. It was
14 The Birth of The Booth packed out and I knew this was the start of something big. I won’t try to tell you much about the night or any subsequent nights because it was nearly twenty years ago and much of it is a blur. I wasn’t anywhere near as organised back then as I am today, so none of the artworks or line up details are available to me. I’m not even sure I have any photos of any night in all the time we were there. Names that spring to mind as playing on a regular basis that you’d recognise are; Patrick Smoove, Paul Groove, Adam Turner, Jamie Love, Slammin’ Boys, Craig Bartlett, Kiddo, Aaron Ross, Sam Holt, Chrissy T, Chris Williams, Rude Boy Rupert and Lee Wright. International guests included DJ Disciple, Dino & Terry and many more than I can’t drag from the depths of my memory. Vocal Booth became instrumental in continuing to spread great music to a faithful crowd that had already been with me for many years since Marco Polo’s and Choice FM boat parties. It has always been my philosophy to inspire as many people as possible on life’s journey and also to be inspired by all those I encounter along the way. On many occasions down the years I have given unknown DJs the chance to shine on the main stage. Through Vocal Booth I met up-and-coming DJs and gave them all a chance to appear and they have since become great friends and household names to many of The Family. After eighteen months or so the MoS Bar closed down. The initial excitement of a cool new spot soon faded and numbers dwindled across the entire week. VB moved to a new location, a small bar called Indi in
15 Flyer scans from Vocal Booth at Indi Bar, B’ham. 2001/2 The Birth of The Booth
Chinatown. I played every Friday with Ashleigh West, a friend I’d known since those early Birmingham days and Prestatyn Soul Weekenders. Ashleigh was already playing at the bar and so joining him there made total sense. At this time I was working in the studio pretty much on a daily basis with my production partner, Timmy Vegas. VB was a great testing ground for many of the new tracks we’d finish and enabled me to see what did and didn’t work. Although much of the nights themselves are a blur, I do have very specific memories of playing ‘Song for Sharma’ each week. One regular, a young girl called Bev Brown who had followed the music for many years, loved the tune. I can still picture this ‘leg kick’ she did when the breakdown ended. More memories are flooding back as I try to put everything into perspective. This is all relevant. It was whilst working at Indi that I had ‘the snip’, not long after Mikey’s first birthday (OK, that’s really not relevant at all but it’s weird how it just popped into my head) and around the same time I took Drew with me alone on holiday. We flew over to Benalmadena in Spain where my friend, Paul Groove, was living with his wife and son. Paul had taken over management of a club called The Castle and invited me over to spin. I had met Paul when he was in charge of a new night in Birmingham @ Bonds in June 1996, called ‘Release’. This was under the umbrella of Release the Pressure and we immediately became close friends. It was because of this new party that I gave my brand new Friday night radio show the name “Pre-Release Showcase”, with the intention of using my show on Choice as the hype for the night ahead, as well
17 The Birth of The Booth as bringing several guests into the studio whilst they were in Birmingham.
*Little known fact... in 2000, Timmy & I had produced a track under the guise of ‘Hall & Mercy’. Through Paul Groove we were able to press up and release a fair few copies of a white label called ‘Strings’, a reworking of the Derrick May classic. It did OK here and there and we thought no more of it.*
Fridays at Indi continued for a while until, in 2002, a new night started in B’ham called ‘Fuel’ @ Bobby Brown’s. I was asked to host and be resident in the second room (The Gold Room) playing Soulful vibes, and so VB was put on hold. Thinking about it, I am sure it must have been here that I coined the phrase “Soulful Nuggets.” Gold Room... Nuggets... Get it? My residency at Fuel carried on for some time and regular VB and Marco’s crew would be in attendance on a weekly basis. Skip to 2003. Myself, Michelle, Mikey and Drew (2 and 3 yrs old) relocated to the Costa Blanca, Spain and we began our new lives. At this point I was travelling back to Birmingham to play at Fuel every two weeks as well as playing around the UK sporadically. I also enjoyed my monthly residency for Soul Heaven down at The Ministry of Sound in London. What a time I was having! We had given up everything to escape the rat race and live in a beautiful, relatively unknown part of Spain, all alone away from any family or friends. We are not materialistic people in the slightest and just wanted the best start possible for our
18 The Birth of The Booth children. Extremely exciting but very tough times indeed on many levels lay ahead. In the beginning, I would go away pretty much every weekend to gigs and then come home to take care of the kids in the daytimes whilst Michelle had a full-time job working for the beautiful soul who had found us our house in Spain initially, Cathy Gallagher. Not long after we moved to Spain, Paul Groove followed me over from his home in Amsterdam. His venture a few years earlier on the Costa del Sol never really worked out and it’s fair to say his life had totally changed as he arrived with his new partner. Now firmly settled in Spain, in 2004 I approached a local FM station called TKO and applied to join them for a weekly show. I had a meeting with Chris Adams, the owner and Ian Rockford, head of music, at a restaurant on the beach close to where I live. They took me on straight away and ‘The Vocal Booth Radio Show’ was born. By this time I’d long since built my confidence up on the radio and had held down several residencies for Choice and Galaxy where I would have to present the show live on air and in front of heaving crowds, so this new appointment was a piece of the proverbial. It was at TKO I first met DJ Adz, a fellow Brummie with the enthusiasm of a meerkat on speed and an infectious zest for life. He also had a show on TKO. Immediately, Adz and I got tight and in turn Adz became good friends with Paul Groove through our mutual friendship and love for quality music. They were also a pair of ‘geezers’ which would prove to bite them in the ass eventually, but that’s a story for them to tell.
19 The Birth of The Booth
During 2003/4, those early TKO years, ‘Strings’ was given a new lease of life by a Danny Krivit edit. It got picked up by Defected Records and in January 2005 we had a Top 10 hit (Number 6) in the UK charts with Soul Central - Strings of Life/ Stronger on my Own. Off the back of this new exposure I was now able to travel the world as a major headline DJ to the likes of Asia, Russia, Australia and beyond. All the time this was going on, The Vocal Booth Radio Show was picking up momentum and we were able to stream the show online around the world and locally on the FM. When we moved to Spain, I was excited by the prospect of playing sweet, soulful music to the locals and creating a vibrant scene for quality House Music. That wasn’t why we came but it was always in the back of my mind. I couldn’t have got it any more wrong. This relatively unknown slice of paradise had absolutely no desire for anything that resembled music of Soul. If you were to walk around any of the major shopping centres though, you may find this surprising as many of the cooler shops were playing the latest Beach House compilations and the likes but in the clubs it was a totally different story. With me flying out of Murcia airport pretty much every week at this stage, I got talking to a guy behind the check-in counter for Iberia who realised I was a DJ from, believe it or not, the record box I would be checking in. It turned out Danny worked for a small bar in Murcia centre (Badulake) and he introduced me to the owner who invited me over to play, seeing as Strings had recently been a massive hit on Spanish radio. I did a couple of events with him, to be fair we had some fantastic parties on
20 The Birth of The Booth more than one occasion, mainly because I was playing pretty obvious and commercial House to the mainly student crowd, a mix of people from all across Europe. My appetite for doing the obvious was lost soon enough. Whilst in Murcia, around the corner a local DJ, Fidias Abellan, played. His music was the real deal. We got talking and I played once or twice for the owners of his bar (Mundaka Lounge) in the larger ‘Mundaka Club’ but it was the same story with the crowd - Wack. It was through going to listen to Fidias that I was introduced one night to Deep Josh, another local DJ and well known producer throughout Spain. Because I was getting decent money on my gigs outside of Spain, I wasn’t really interested in playing in any of the local, smaller venues and tbh I wasn’t impressed by the local crowds. Paul and Adz played at various venues in the region, Adz held down a few residencies here and there and Paul played at one spot in particular called Bushwacka’s on Cabo Roig strip. There, one of the punters he would meet was an old Wigan Casino regular called Dave Furze. Whilst he spun, Paul would regularly be accompanied by a quirky percussionist called Warren aka Snoopy. Snoopy was also a radio enthusiast who loved all things ‘soul’ and even had his own pirate radio station broadcasting from his house. He was, without doubt, a bit of an engineering genius in his own way when it came to sound, not only gadgets but also sound systems. He’d been all over the world in his days and had a story to tell to beat anyone else’s. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone but was definitely a character in his own right. To think back to some of the tales Snoopy used to share cracks me up, you’d never know just how
21 The Birth of The Booth much of them were true.
“Did I ever tell you about that time I was roadie for Michael Jackson?” He’d forget to add that it was an MJ Tribute act up the road in Villamartin. Having held down residencies for years in the UK, I simply had to try something of my own locally. I attempted a party at one bar in this area, Times Square, close to Orihuela Costa Town Hall. I pushed it hard with local radio and newspaper advertisements and called it ‘The Vocal Booth Gathering’, in the hope to attract the regulars who would ring in and message me during the radio show. Apart from the small crowd of friends we invited along on two occasions (the busier night being for Michelle’s Birthday party in Dec 2008) there wasn’t really much success in creating the network of people I’d have hoped for. At the final party I tried I got talking to an old BBC Radio DJ called Tony Poole. Tony would eventually become the ‘official electrician’ for VB and good friend, but I’m getting ahead of myself now.
22 Pressure Radio
2 Pressure Radio
Back in 2004, Internet Radio was becoming more and more popular and I was sending in guest mixes to various stations around the world as well as presenting the weekly show on TKO. I was introduced to Pressure by Carol Gold aka Groove Junkie Diva (GJD). I’d met GJD in another chat room and we immediately hit it off. She introduced me to the boss of Pressure, DJP. I loved the ability to be able to interact immediately with people at a time when I was feeling a little isolated and bored in my new surroundings. I recall being sat on the sofa in my new home, Michelle and the kids in bed, me heavily jet lagged from some far off gig. When not presenting my official TKO show I streamed mixes on Pressure and, despite having the weakest of internet speeds in Spain and sometimes only broadcasting to 3 or 4 people in the chat room, this was my new pastime. Sharing great music to my friends, getting blind drunk and telling people I love them every 20 minutes on the mic. Sound familiar? Eventually, we were able to broadcast simultaneously on TKO and Pressure and the Thursday night antics that were
23 Pressure Radio so important in the early days of VB came about. This new found technology, alongside healthy MySpace activity and a relatively new social media platform called Facebook meant that the network of music lovers in the chat grew. Some weeks there’d be upwards of thirty people in and many more hundreds downloading my podcasts. As I continued to promote myself more and more and enjoyed the limelight of a hit record I was able to create even more momentum. Due to the nature of the hot, new and mainly exclusive music I was sharing, I needed to make sure I talked through part of the tunes to prevent people recording and copying them for themselves, it was just the way it was back then and the reason for me talking so much on air. Honest. I was fully conscious that I may have been speaking too much for some of the fans of the music and so, in April ‘08, I decided to start up a mix series called ‘The Vocal Booth Club Sessions’, which broadcast on SSRadio. These mixes would be two hours of music with the shortest of intro so people could enjoy at their leisure without my stupid nonsense on the mic ruining it. Through these extremely popular podcasts more people would hear about VB. I have seventy of these mixes in total available online. It is important to note at this point, that it was actually the guys at SSRadio who initially came up with the microphone icon associated to VB when they put together the show logo. I had spent years on a professional station having to watch what I said and so having the opportunity to say and do as I pleased was the catalyst for some of the many messy sessions that would take place. Whilst still on TKO I did keep it pretty
24 Pressure Radio professional as it was FM and reaching many in the area but any extra shows I would do on Pressure would be large, to say the least. The hype for my shows grew and grew on a weekly basis. There are many individual stories of how those nutters found their way into the madhouse each week but the scenes and laughs we used to have really are impossible to convey. I’m not sure if it actually ever happened for real but we had a woman in France try an experiment one evening to cook a chicken in the dishwasher. You know, as you do. My connections in the music world meant I was able to bring the likes of Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega and Joey Negro into the chat room to rub shoulders with their fans. It’s hard to appreciate nowadays, with FB so popular and anyone available as friends pretty easily but back then it was a big thing to be able to communicate direct with these guys. Magical times indeed that had been running since around 2005. Then, one day in the Spring of 2009, I had an idea.
25 Ten Years of The Booth
3 Ten Years of The Booth
It’s at this point that I’ll go directly to the first programme we put together for that first ‘Family Gathering’.
2009 Programme Welcome Note “What to say, what to say? Well, for once, words fail me. I cannot thank you enough for putting your faith in me and joining us for what I know is the first of many such events, both here in Spain and around the rest of Europe. A special mention to each and every DJ & artist for making the commitment to this event and I am sure it will be one of the best they will have performed at. These guys have spent their own hard earned cash on getting here and performing for free, make sure you reward them by not letting them buy a drink all weekend. Pace yourself and try to be there as early as possible to show support to all DJs. We are on the brink of some historic parties and I couldn’t think of a nicer group of people to enjoy them with. The Weekender has opened up a whole series of possibilities to take things forward, most notably the birth of the Triple S Sessions (Sun, Sea, Soul) and the return of The Sunday Lockdown. Keep this programme
26 Ten Years of The Booth
safe in your room, full DJ sets will be posted up in the venues. Keep your membership card safe for future offers/discounts and be sure to join the elite group on Facebook for secret news on forthcoming events. Andy Ward - Fiestas BPM (Big People Music).
The Vocal Booth is... (Words from the Pressure Radio regulars) Pure class to my ears and takes me on a magical mystical journey everytime! - Emma Yeap Fantastic, super bad, tremendous, cool, ice cool, SICK, next man - Shaun Reynolds My friend, my home, my music!!! - Kaysee
The essential weekly stop off point and dose of the freshest vocal and soulful house music. Simple - Greg Dorban
The best way to end your summer. On the beach in Los Alcazares, can’t F-in wait - Adam WalkLate
A place of love and happiness where all your dreams become reality - JayCee Phunk
A chance for me to party all day and night with people who share the same musical love as me... “HOUSE MUSIC” - DJ Kid Creole
About meeting new people, hearing great sounds in the sunshine! It’s for the love of dance and for the love of house - Javid Iqbal
The ultimate party of all time ! - Jackie Soloman
27 Ten Years of The Booth
A gathering of soulful and deep house lovers. Young and old. New to the music. And veterans of the music. People attending will experience nothing but the best of soulful and deep house with venues second to none! - Nathan RG
A soulful Journey into your mind, body and soul - Bev Wehmer Clogging up my inbox - Vicki Brown
The reel sound of creative and high quality soulful house music, spearheaded by a DJ who shares his eclectic love of this music with a like minded social group of people and house heads. It has passed the test of time, long live the Vocal Booth - Sean Quinn
Great music, great people, great times! - Blackwax
Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow! wicked!!! - Maxine Bradshaw
A paradise haven to the elite top vocal and performing artists - Alison Wooliscroft
A family that shares the same love for music, that I do - Miles Numan
More tasty than KFC - L’il Joey
My weekly fix of the best combination of instant happiness, pleasure for my ears, inspiration for my hips - Ramon Lopez
3 hours of peace, quiet and ME time each & every Thursday evening !! - Michelle Ward
28 Ten Years of The Booth
Is an extraordinary experience transcending anticipation - Beats for the Body, Melodies for the Mind and a Soundtrack for the Soul! - Mishlinka
A burst of sunshine into the grey Dublin sky! - Simon Kelly
The most enjoyable, entertaining house music radio show on the internet. Where you can catch up on the latest tunes, and talk to like-minded people from all over the globe via the interactive chat. I love it!! - Rich’E’ Park Street.
Where my soulful family is!! - Deep Josh
That moment on the dance floor when everything is just right! Ya hear! - Richard Fenn
Absosexilicious - Rainy Payne
Awesomeness!!! - Gene Leone A family affair….beautiful people….beautiful music, sometimes a lock in.... quite often shocking..…but consistently rocking - Diana Waite.
3 Hours of escapism!!!! Pulling together the real house fans and industry names from across the globe - DJP
All I could ever wish for as a DJ. The Vocal Booth is the driving force behind all my creativity and is a major factor in much of my success - Andy Ward - I love the Vocal Booth.
29 Ten Years of The Booth
2009 Post-Event Report “Most people reading this blog will already know the history of the Vocal Booth. It has always been my dream to bring people to this lovely area to experience the music in these glorious surroundings, however my hectic schedule and time wasting on the XBox and Facebook has always put plans on the back burner. One day earlier this year, during a rather hyped up radio show (I think alcohol may have been involved) I announced ‘That was it… however or whenever possible The Vocal Booth WOULD be putting on a party in Spain for all the crew to join us’. As I thought about it more and more it occurred to me that it was 10 years since the brand launched, what better excuse and angle for a party!? As the weeks progressed more and more people expressed an interest, I was sure we’d get a small gathering of The Family together to have some fun in the sun, about 75 I thought. I could have never wished for the response we finally got. Putting things into place would be easy, or so I thought. I had the perfect location in mind in the perfect town, right on the beach with all the amenities any visitor could ask for. The Hotel 525 in Los Alcazares had an amazing function room on it’s roof overlooking a swimming pool and Jacuzzi with the Mar Menor in the distance. Unfortunately, the hotel manager didn’t have the vision to allow us to have the party there, in hindsight he did us a favour, it only holds around 75 people. Next, I approached a different venue I had played at the previous year, just down the road in Los Narejos. After a brief chat with the owner’s son, all was in place from June 09. Throughout the summer I popped back in to see the management, who kept assuring me there would be no issues at all, we could have the
30 Ten Years of The Booth venue for both nights at the beginning of October, a time when the season was over and the town was more or less deserted. I proceeded to contact all the members of The Family, consisting of DJs primarily off Pressure Radio that support me in the chat room every week, as well as a couple of others who’s music I support regularly. Everyone was well up for the party, so I put the line up together. As time drew near, I had the idea for the personalised membership cards, the lanyards, the programme, the T shirts, the limousine for the DJs, the daytime party at the San Antonio Restaurant, a basic but picturesque restaurant set at the end of a small pier on the shores of Los Narejos. I couldn’t go to print with anything until I had confirmed the finer points with the main venue, the finer points being finances. Of course, an event of this magnitude has costs, costs which I didn’t see fair asking the people visiting to cover. I knew how much these people had committed to already for flights and accommodation. I also knew how much my people would be drinking and how much profit the bar would make, so why shouldn’t the venue pay? When I mentioned these costs to the management, they seemed shocked and reluctant to pay a penny, bearing in mind I wasn’t even asking them for anything like my own DJ fee, I was surprised by this reaction. They told me they would have to find a sponsor and that I must wait. This was now 4 weeks to the event ! Numbers were growing daily of people that had confirmed flights. Hotel rooms were being allocated and villas and apartments filled, I knew we had a great party lined up but needed to get moving with promoting the event locally. I wasn’t expecting a great deal of local interest, as I have already pointed out, this area isn’t exactly the most musically educated , but with a selection of local DJs on the line up I knew the right people would make the effort once they knew about it. All the time people were getting
31 Ten Years of The Booth more and more excited in the chat room and I had to keep a brave face on the fact that we didn’t have a venue. Eventually after much bullshit with the first venue, I decided to cut my losses and approach the owners of Varazu. Convincing the management of Varazu that I could bring the numbers to the club I was talking about, and how much money the bar would make on drinks, was very difficult. To their credit, after a day of talking it over they agreed to put their faith in me, and we were in business. From 3 weeks before the event took place it was all systems go to get the flyers/posters/radio adverts and everything else produced and into place. Working closely with our designer the final draft for the flyer & poster was drawn up. I approached companies for the membership cards and started the ball rolling there. The weather decided to deliver the worst rainfall in decades, and anything else that could have happened to hold things up, did, so that the final week of the preparations and living with me was hell. In the end, the T-shirts arrived on the day of the pre-party, with the membership cards arriving a day late and 5 minutes before they were due to be handed out to everyone at the registration meeting, meaning all my organisation and planning to make things run smoothly went well and truly out of the window. Kicking off the pre-party on Thursday night, we started at Ronda 8, a small bar not far from the Hotel 525. I expected around 40 of the family to be with us that night, and the plan was to present the show live from there on the internet and have a few drinks in readiness for the weekend. I forgot just how excited many people were, and what ensued was nothing short of carnage. My suggestion for people to pace themselves clearly fell on deaf ears. We rocked through to the early hours with myself, DJ Euge, Greg Dorban, Blackwax & Kid Creole representing with sets. Each and
32 Ten Years of The Booth every person across the entire weekend more than delivered, and this warm up night was no exception. I couldn’t really pay much attention to the chat room, but I knew that the people ready to fly out the next day were well in their zone.
Friday
Spending the day poolside on the roof of the 525, I caught up with people as they arrived and drifted off in a daydream as to how things were going to go and to make sure I had all bases covered. Sound check @ 5pm was followed by registration @ 7pm. Why is it that things that should take 40 minutes always run over by double, just when you don’t need them to? Rush to the registration meeting, late, welcomed by over 100 smiling faces, all smiling except me, stressed out to the maximum. I thought I had a fool proof system in place to get everyone registered, collect their pass & VIP keyring, weekend programme and T shirts. It kind of went smoothly, with the help of Paul Groove and Mr ‘B-Roc’ Brown, although it most definitely could have been a lot better. Finish registration @ 7.45pm. By the time I had grabbed a quick bite to eat it was time to get Sarah Favoritizm from the villa she was staying in. Drove there way too fast, picked her up, drove her PAST the club to the hotel where a stretch limousine was waiting for her. Put her in the limo, followed the limo to the club, made sure all was go from 9pm for the live broadcast, raced back to the hotel to put the next set of people in the Limo (I think it was the Pressure family up next). I was also meant to be aided by Mr Paul Groove throughout all this, but he had overdone it a little and had to go have a lie down.. I had no such luxury for another hour, when I finally got to my hotel room I merely had time for a shower and then back to it. During all of this, people were
33 Ten Years of The Booth meant to be meeting at Sand Bar, where they would be placed onto a road train that would transport them the short distance to the club, something I thought people would appreciate as a nice surprise, however it was so much of a surprise no one knew about it !! Eventually I got to the club and was settled for the evening. It was great to see people making the effort to get there early and support the first few DJs. Sarah Favouritizm was followed by Miles Numan & Maik Pederson, then DJP & Braderz, Deep Josh & Phil Asher. In between handing out the remaining Membership cards and T shirts for everyone, I introduced each DJ to the decks, and Kaysee made a great performance to open the singers. Finally at 4am, I put on the headphones and proceeded to relax a little playing to an adoring crowd. It was one of the most emotional starts to a set I ever recall, I fought back the tears which I believe were a mixture of joy and relief that all the weeks of preparation seemed to have paid off. I don’t really remember much after my first record, apart from the crowd chanting my name somewhere in the middle.
Saturday
Woke up after 3 and half hours sleep @ 10am, to the club to grab the CDJs, grab the sound system at the same time as Phlash. Paul Groove dropped myself and the equipment to the San Antonio and proceeded to drive the hour to Alicante airport to get Phil onto his flight to Italy. Time to chill for a short while before getting back to the venue to start proceedings at 2pm, a lovely set opener by Alan O’Malley. Throughout the course of the day we were entertained by Dan Kelly, Schooly, Widenski and BKR, with
34 Ten Years of The Booth impromptu performances from Sofia Rubina & Rainy Payne. A strong closing set, as the sun went down in the hills, from Fidias Abellan ended what many have said was their favourite experience of the weekend, when you see the footage it’s not hard to see why. I even got the chance to enjoy a little dance with my wife & children. 8pm and it’s time to dismantle the equipment and set it back up at the club in time for Rich E.P & Simeon to go live to the world on Pressure, followed by Owen Taylor representing DeepCitySoul. After a quick shower and bite to eat I was back in time to welcome Paul Griff and then Paul Groove to the decks. Performances from Diana Waite and Michele Mcain (who battled on despite a real bad throat) brought the house down. A change to the programme then saw myself let off some steam on the decks, joined mid way in the booth by Sofia Rubina to perform the anthem for the weekend “Streets of the Sun”, before handing over to The Housebox all- stars. An otherwise perfect evening was marred by an incident involving a lost/stolen and then found camera, as well as the club finishing an hour early, meaning the Housebox guys cruelly had their sets cut short. We bid an emotional farewell to some of the family that had to leave that Sunday morning before heading to bed with very sore heads.
Sunday I spent most of the day in between my bed and the pool on the roof, trying to get some sleep, in vain. By the time I did get some sleep it was time to get ready for a special dinner I had arranged for 6pm, another little surprise that was actually a little too much of a surprise. Thankfully, we managed to get the word out and around 40 of us sat down for what proceeded to be a real great dinner
35 Ten Years of The Booth and I had the chance to catch up with some long time friends and share some hysterical anecdotes. No rest for the wicked. Back to Ronda 8 to set up for the after party. For whatever reason things didn’t go to plan, which meant I ended up getting really stressed and angry, but the show must go on, and some 2 and half hours of cable changing and mixer swapping meant we were finally ready to get under way with The Sunday Lockdown. Miloe, Adz, Si Sutton & Paul Groove all turned out great sets before myself and Schooly took over to finish things off. In hindsight, the music wasn’t as deep as I had envisaged it to be, but I truthfully think we all nailed it that night and a mass sing-a-long to some amazing underground tracks, followed by group photos brought the entire proceedings to a close. I gathered all the DJs and performers together on the mezzanine and they all enjoyed a little love between themselves, before another impromptu mic session, not only from the performers but from anyone that wanted to make themselves heard. This night was my favourite as it was the first time I really had the chance to relax the whole weekend.
On reflection, despite the whole weekend going relatively smoothly from on the surface and me bringing over 250 people to the area, there were a few things that obviously could have been better. I realise that, despite being Superhuman, I was not physically able to be Sound Engineer, Roadie, Admin, Chauffeur, Crowd Liaison Officer & Security. I clearly took on more than I could chew but the fact that everyone was so well behaved (if you can use that term for such a mature bunch of people) helped make my life a lot easier. By wanting to surprise people with one or two things meant that they weren’t fully aware of what was happening and also meant that I constantly was telling people “It’s all on the Fact
36 Ten Years of The Booth
Sheet”, this became a bit of a running joke after a while. The pre-parties and after party were indeed an after-thought, there were one or two people rather upset they were missing out on the final night, next time I won’t be keeping anything secret. One or two other minute details can and will be addressed for future events, but what is sure is that the foundations are well and truly in place for this event to be repeated at a later date. I will most definitely meet you by the speakers ! Too many people to mention for too many different things… everyone knows full well how grateful I am for all their support on this and I am fully aware of how much this meant to people. If you weren’t there, all the love and outpouring of emotions on facebook probably seems a bit sickening, but we don’t really care, because WE ARE FAMILY ! www.djandyward.net © Oct 2009 2009 Reactions
PAUL GRIFF Aaaaaaaah the memories. Best weekend I’ve ever had! I’ve never seen so many nice people in one place all buzzing about House music just as much as me. It’s given me even more drive to keep going! Thank you Andy, and to everyone who attended. Love you all!
DANNY LEWIS Well done Andy. Great to see it all come together. Hopefully we’ll be there next year.
RICHIE BARTHEZ It was the best weekend of my life and although this phrase has caused much upset at home! I will stick to my words. Fantastic
37 Ten Years of The Booth weather, people, music, atmosphere. Everything was just perfect! Made loads of new friends too. Andy deserves an award for how brilliant this weekend truly was. Thank you! xxx SIMEON Amazing wknd, thanks Andy. Still buzzin, so many top people, great weather and dope music. Can’t wait for next year! Love to all the VB Family! SOULKITTY Firstly thank you so much Andy. My god you worked so hard for us! Secondly thank you to all the DJ’s, I didn’t get to see all of you play…next time I’m going to bring pro plus with me! Finally,I loved every moment of the weekend. As Paul says its was great to be around so many nice like minded people who love House music as much as myself. I really hope this becomes an annual event,and Andy dont be afraid to ask for more help next time. If there is anything we can do to help we will. Love to all the Vocal Booth family xxx JACKIE SOLOMON Andy..i cannot thanku enough for the wkend……..trust me it was the best wkend ive had in a long time………….please please keep making these wkends happen……met some lovely people…..had the time of my life………..bring on nxt year……….WOW…… thanku everybody xx
FIDIAS Hi!!..i’m very impressed for the answer of everybody i will never could imagine that..thanks for the oportunity to share only one hour of me and of course for the all the fantasctic people who i add to my life last week..incredibleeee!!.. Hope to see u all soon!.. We are a family.
38 Ten Years of The Booth
BROTHER C …a week on, and I still feel like I’m flying after the most incredible, amazing, emotional and uplifting weekend – it’s so hard to put into words everything that I’ve experienced…so I’ll just say “Thank You”, otherwise I’ll run out of space! To the PressureRadio, my new-found Vocal Booth family, and most of all to the man Andy Ward…nuff, nuff, NUFF love to you all!!
NATHAN RG Andy, Thank you so so much, as an amazing weekend, glad I was able to catch all 4 days of crazyness!! Memories forever! Hope there is more to come JAYCEE PHUNK Such an amazing weekend filled with emotion and inspiration! In my eyes nothing went wrong at all no matter what Andy says each and every day braught the best people and the best music together. This weekend will always be up there as the weekend of my life. Bring on the next with my Vocal family
BLACKWAX Andy it was an honour and a pleasure to be invited to play. From concept to completion you worked hard and were a true professional. It is NEVER easy putting on a party let alone taking 250 folks to another country for 4 days and more! As I have said before myself and my family are here to help and we are more than geared up for next time! Big Props to you and all involved! FAMILY
MAXINE Andy ward Andy ward Andy ward….you are a super star..thank you so much for making all of our weekend so special …
39 Ten Years of The Booth
Reading the above bought tears to my eyes you really are one in a million…all of the hard thought that went in to it all…with such care and thought for everyone. I am so pleased to be a part of the VBFamily and i defo want to help next year maybe with admin… BIG Love to all the VocalBooth family xxx We are a family
MICHELLE WARD Simply amazing…well done we are all very proud of you x
VICKI BROWN Wow what a weekend, can’t believe it’s all over – fabulous setting, beautiful people, great music and lots of new friends. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Don’t do yourself a disservice though Andy by worrying about things that might have not gone to plan, whilst I’ve no doubt they were very stressful for you at the time they in no way marred the party – you only have to look at the Vocal Booth family’s status updates, photos and videos to realise that. You achieved something amazing that weekend and we’re all exceptionally grateful for your hard work. Your only problem is that now we want another party….. and I predict that there will be lots of offers of help to take the pressure off you so you can take time to enjoy your status as Daddy of the Vocal Booth. What’s more we can say… yeah, we were there when it all began….
SOULEMMA Andy…what can I say…The weekend was pure wickedness, it will go down in history as one of the best weekends ever! Isn’t it mad that there were so many things going on in the background – we were totally unaware I guess you could say that
40 Ten Years of The Booth we were in our own VB bubble. You made it happen and you should give yourself a massive pat on the back. I owe you a bottle of your favorite drink when I see you next. I am so proud to say that I was at the first one, I keep telling people what it was like – but to be frank – YOU HAD TO BE THERE TO BELIEVE! Love to all the VB family xxx OWEN DEEPCITYSOUL Everyone who was there will understand that there has never been a party quite like this. An emotional weekend. Breathtaking! Andy you rocked it. The whole experience made me fall in love with house music again and everyone who came along. Big up THE VOCAL BOOTH FAM!!
SHIZZLA First of all , a massive thank you to the macdaddy , Andy I told you only you could have pulled this off , and boy did you acheive everything you hoped it would be . It was without doubt the best event ive ever been to , and instilled the faith in me that this is why i came into this scene for . Amazingly emotional experience for everyone who happened to be there , and everybody soooo friendly.The VB family are the best , no question , and cant wait to do it all over again with them next year. Thank you once again Andy, a fantastic humble human being .
STUART well done andy everybody appreciates all the hard work you put in.we had a great weekend, everybody was friendly the music was great, saturday afternoon was excellent. even though im 56 i never felt out of place!! hope its going to happen again next year.
41 Ten Years of The Booth
ALAN O’ MALLEY I got a big shock to be asked by Andy to play on the Sat, so it was a great pleasure to do that, really enjoyed it. I’m so happy to be part of such an amazing group of people, so many im proud to know. My bro Darren and our mate Simon also had the times of there lives, and couldnt believe how friendly people were. The dj sets, live PA’s across the weekend blew me away, every set i heard, we ended up on the dancefloor. All is left to say massive thank you to Andy and the rest of the Ward family. To Paul Groove as well who had been running around all weekend helping out. I hope this is the start of something special and big, something we can all be part of forever.
VB Memoirs - Carol Gold (GJD) “VB 2009. I arrived, evening of the Thursday VB Radio show, poxy later than hoped flight so didn’t have time to eat, FOMO kicked in as I was so eager to put faces to all the dj names I had met online over the years that I had networked, bringing quality global djs to Pressure Radio. I did not expect to receive such an overwhelming welcome and good time, as people were just as eager to meet me, too ! I am no longer a seasoned drinker (I spent far too many nights in the 70’s/80’s calling “oh god” down the big white telephone) and had learned a good lesson that I am a lightweight where alcohol is concerned. In the excitement, I got carried away, (as I do, but only around a bit of cake these days) as so many lovely people were greeting me with drinks that I forgot that those Spanish measures are doubles ! I remember at one point, being really lairy (as I am a proper Jekyll in drink), leaning over the bar and snatching a bottle of liquor; I don’t know how I got it back to the villa. I recall, the
42 Ten Years of The Booth air hitting me on the walk of shame to the villa; legs collapsing, landing on the footpath tiles like Bambi, (but not as cute) being so puzzled as to why I couldn’t get up! I was aided by my dear hubby, staggering and falling down many times. At one point I laid on the tiles outside the Cop Shop and declared that I would be fine to stay there and pleaded to be left alone to sleep as I was comfy. My hubby, Phil, took some pics -which was kind of him - only a few of you have seen. I finally arrived back at the villa and had to be undressed and put to bed. The only positive to take from the mess is that it was the best sleep I have had for years and ever since, bar surgery anaesthesia. I did not get drunk for the rest of the weekend and never have since. Next day was the hangover from hell in 30 degree heat, with no groceries, no tea; (I am a tea addict)and having to walk to the supermarket; a feat like a Bear Grylls challenge. The fumes of the fish turned me green ! Sadly, I missed the Friday daytime events and only ventured out on the Saturday evening, teetotal and still feeling groggy. I perked up and was totally sober enough to witness Triin’s camera being snatched by one of the staff in the venue; I tried to hang on to the camera, having a full on tug- o-war fight with the camera strap with the guy but he was too strong and fled with the camera into the back room. Triin was our official photographer, so those pics of the whole event were priceless and the expensive camera, of course. A furore ensued as the guy was a very convincing liar and I was deemed to have been tripping off me nut (I wished, but it was dry as a bone in that venue apart from booze) and mistaken as to what I saw ! In the end, with much negotiation from Andy with the venue, the camera was handed back with some story or other that he had an identical camera and thought it was his, to try to diffuse it as some simple mistake - yeah right. I received a welcome apology
43 Ten Years of The Booth
from Wardy, albeit, at stupid o’clock in the morning. I hope my current health issues will allow me to attend the 10th Anniversary in 2018 but if not the memories I have of the first event will stay with me for life. - GJD
VB Memoirs - Suff Sakoor “He’s a little story that has stuck in my mind for the last 10 years. My introduction to Vocal Booth stems back 10 years. I got contacted by Andy to check out his show. So that Sunday (Thursday) I tuned in and Andy, knowing I was tuned in, he made me feel special (as he does for everyone) by playing the tune I produced ‘Mange Le Funk - I still Want You’ and introducing me over the airwaves and also announced that he would be putting an event in Spain of collective minds. I have never really been a an event guy, just a few festivals but I decided to go with the wife and my 1 year old son a cunning plan of bringing the in-laws( for in-house babysitting) So September (it was October, Suff) comes round we all head on the plane to San Javier ...Summer Holiday here we come. We arrived Saturday afternoon when I knew there was an event at Los Alcareaz which I wanted to check out and get my weekend passes. So we rushed everyone to the villa (20 miles away on a golf course) and then rushed back to park the car. I notice it seem a bit quiet around and wondered where all the tourist were? We carried on strolling down the promenade enjoing the views of Mar Menor at the same time I’m looking for where the event. In the distance I hear some loud music coming from a jetty and my father in-law starts asking me “where are we going ?” And I
44 Ten Years of The Booth
pointed “Do you hear that thumping? Well I’m sure that’s where we are supposed to be!” With a smile on my face because as we got nearer the music got louder and clear and I could hear “Feelin Love”- Soulsearcher being played ...Thats my jam! We had arrived, lovely restaurant by the sea playing Soulful Housemusic,What else could you ask for (Dj playing at the time later known to me was Fidias Abellán) with the added bonus of a live PA by Sofia Robina. It was fantastic afternoon even though I didn’t know anyone apart from Andy. (And he still didn’t have my pass lol!) That first moment captured the essence and vibe of VB for me and every party since always make me feel like a special punter. With hell of a lot of lovely like-minded people attending each year, There is always someone new to meet or hear and cant get over the amount of dj that pull out all the stops for their sets. As it is very rare to have tunes duplicated across the weekend...I love that So well done Wardy. You have continued to inspire me. As the saying goes “Vocal Booth changed my life!” - Suff Sakoor
VB Memoirs - Julie Byrne
“Chris, my partner, went to school with Andy, he was a close friend of ours. If I’m really honest I didn’t know what to expect boarding that plane in September 2009. Dawn and Sean Quinn were on that plane, not that I knew them then, but I believe they thought Chris had bought a librarian with him, nothing wrong with being a librarian! After a few drinks in we were standing in a queue for our lanyards and Chris set eyes on Michelle McCain and started singing her brand new song (that he was not supposed to have heard yet!) I could have died. She screeched “you’re singing
45 Ten Years of The Booth my song, you’re singing my song!!” Then he started to talk to her in a dodgy American accent, please, let the floor swallow me up! My first afternoon was spent chilling by the pool on top of the hotel nice and calm, sun shining, chilled sounds. Feeling relaxed ready to party. Fast forward to the club. The place was buzzing. A few drinks in and I was already up front and centre – who knew where Chris was? I was fine though, had a long chat with Michelle, still no sign of Chris, another drink in hand. Bladder bursting but through fear of missing out, I decided to skip the ladies considering the queue was snaking around the tables, so I got myself another drink and WOW up next Sofia Rubina standing on a table in the middle of the club in all her glory belting out her song – amazing, so where’s Chris, would loved to have shared that with him…two hours later, should I be worried?? Nah! Up front and centre again – next Diana Waite on stage – I’m thinking yeah I like it here. Before I know it Chris appears by my side – he is so p****d off, “Didn’t you wonder where I was?”, me in my head, “Um no!”. It turns out Chris had been thrown out by security because he was helping a photographer get her camera back. Apparently there was a similar camera which had been picked up by mistake. Total miscommunication. I spent most of that night soaking up the atmosphere and totally at home with these people I did not know but felt like I’d known forever. I think we all walked home bare foot that night but I might have imagined that too. We spent the afternoon (don’t ask me what afternoon) at a beach bar eating not so great paella but drinking great sangria by the jug and listening to Rainy Payne sublime voal renditions. Being snapped with Pat B, Andy and Rainy (got that picture). I witnessed a close up boob flash, a girl randomly jump in the sea and swim round the back of the jetty with her red maxi dress still on, how do I remember the colour?? A guy gave me
46 Ten Years of The Booth
his Stetson because he said it looked better on me, we can forgive him for being a Villa fan. Who was that guy? Still got that hat with my VB pin in it. Had a lovely chat with Andy Comarsh - VB friends for life. This was my VB inauguration - all about the love of music. I’ve made some amazing friends over these 10 years if not at VB Spain then at the Reunions. In one particular spot maybe 5 years ago (?) namely Warrington we met the Pinnocks and Mel, which led us to meet the Wrays, which in turn led us to meet Margo and Si which obviously meant meeting up with the two Brown’s UB and Sophie, Gill, Roly, Lisa, Jane, Alison, Farrah, Jade, Michael C, Dean, Natasha…need I go on? Our music family, my music family.
VB Memoirs - Maxine Bradshaw
“What can I say ? The 1st Vocal booth blew my mind, I danced the whole weekend away, it was the weekend that kept giving the DJs, the PAs, the venues, the friendships. Year after year it’s given me everything I need and more from a weekender and I can’t wait to do it all again for the 10 anniversary. love the way that Andy keeps it fresh ,giving fresh blood a chance. Sunday is the day time festival feeling for me and now the Monday lockdown...When I first heard about the VB weekender back in 2009 I really didn’t know what to expect for a mere 10 Euros and a weekender in the sunshine. I started to feel the excitement whilst listening to the V Booth Radio Whow on SSRadio and in 2009 soulful house music was going from strength to strength. Its what I need in my life, it was a no brainier for me to book my flights and hotel it was also at a time when I just started to use Facebook more and contacting with like minded music friends also attending the 1st VB. On the flight over I started to see faces I had contacted with
47 Ten Years of The Booth and everyone was so friendly from the moment I knew I was going to have a weekend to remember. When we arrived at Murcia airport I started to feel the buzz, the Birmingham flight came in at the same time and it was pure jokes from that moment on. We dropped our luggage at the 525 Boutique hotel I was thinking OMG and can remember saying to my friend YES Yes I think I’ve found the weekender I’ve been looking for .We headed up to the roof top terrace where there was a jacuzzi and more Birmingham/ London VBs none of us knew what to expect but straight away there was a lovely family feeling, one of those were everyone just fits in. After collecting our VB passes the Music journey just went on and on, all the DJs and PAs were so much more then I was expecting, I didnt stop dancing from that moment in you could only find me front & centre. I can’t forget to mention the VB Anthem that always transports me back to those moments, ‘Andy Ward & Sofia Rubina - Streets of the Sun’. Thanks VB for all the magical music memories you’ve given me, roll on 2018 10th anniversary, you know where to find me!
48 The Fact Sheet
3a The Fact Sheet
This is the infamous fact sheet. This was sent out prior to that first event and you have to remember that I was dealing mainly with my friends, so a lot of the stuff was tongue in cheek.
Weather
All being well, we will have clear blue skies for the entire time you are here in Spain. Although temperatures can and do hit 25 degrees C and higher, it is worth pointing out that mornings and evenings are considerably cooler. I’m only really mentioning this, as I personally hate getting caught when the weather changes. For the Saturday afternoon party, especially, make sure you have something to throw on once the sun has set. Should it rain on the Saturday, alternative plans may have to be made (although we will be extremely unlucky if it does rain). It’s worth pointing out that I may be totally wrong and you’ll think it’s tropical all weekend, anything is better than the UK and beyond, right?
Flights
49 The Fact Sheet
Something worth pointing out, even if it just saves one of you money. The budget airlines are money grabbing b*stards, with most companies now you have to check in online, at least 4 hours before you are due to leave. I forgot to do that on my recent flight to Birmingham. This cost me £40 for a boarding pass to be printed at the airport. I also then left my boarding pass for the return flight on the desk in my hotel, costing me another £40 at the airport. Maybe I’m just a fool, but make sure you don’t make the same mistakes. Also, they are VERY stringent about size and weight of hand luggage… any excuse to squeeze more money out of you.
Airport Transfers
Those travelling from Alicante, I will be contacting you all direct to arrange your transfers. Anyone that can drive, it may be worthwhile hiring a car, the route is so simple from Alicante and prices are approximately the same price as the transfer costs… worth thinking about until I am in touch. People arriving into Murcia, I will have someone at the airport to meet you and co ordinate you into groups. There will be a few of you on the same flights, so we will throw you all in taxis, the hotel and villas are literally 5 minutes drive from the airport and will cost approximately 7 euros. If you end up alone at the airport, simply ask for Hotel 525 Los Alcazares (pronounced Al- Cath-Arez)
Money
Many of you are seasoned travellers and know all there is to know,
50 The Fact Sheet but for anyone not so.. I suggest the following:
Don’t change money at the airport, the exchange rate is poor, do it before hand. The area isn’t that touristy, so don’t expect to be able to easily change money/travellers cheques. You can use your bank-card to withdraw money from cash points out of your English accounts. All of the shops and restaurants accept credit cards but you will need photo ID, even with chip & PIN cards
Accommodation
Those staying in the Hotel 525 and have reserved rooms with me, please check the accompanying list. If I have made any mistakes let me know immediately. Now the hotel has seen we are serious about the bookings, they have confirmed that you can all pay on arrival, so there is no need to contact me about paying deposits. Those staying in Villas will have all the information you need on the area in them. I don’t know where you are all staying, although I am sure that you are also quite close to the Hotel 525. Everywhere is within walking distance and providing you are not doing a weekly shop for 10 people, I’m sure you’ll manage just fine.
Local Amenities
The Beach is a short walk from the Hotel 525. Come out of the 525, turn right and right again thru the plaza. This plaza has restaurants, bars and supermarkets, everything you need for your stay. There are numerous English owned pubs here, I recommend
51 The Fact Sheet you try the small tapas bar next to the supermarket for some local cuisine, as well as the restaurant directly in front and to the right of the hotel entrance. For the ladies and emergency clothes shopping, see the info on ‘Further afield’.
Venues
The main venue, Varazu, is not far at all from the hotel, there will be exact details on how to get there when you arrive. Saturday afternoon’s party is walking distance, a lovely 15-20 minute walk along the promenade, although I have a feeling it will be too far for some of you. I suggest anyone not up to walking grabs a taxi, it will cost about 5 euros.
IMPORTANT – Varazu operates a strict NO DRUGS policy. Anyone found with drugs on them will be immediately removed and banned for the whole weekend, and maybe even handed over to the police. You will also be risking the parties getting cancelled, the owner was very clear on this point. So it is my duty to tell you, because I know it is possible to get drugs in this area, I would hate for any of you to get caught with some. I’m sure you understood exactly the two things I just pointed out!!
Pre-Party & After-Party
Ronda 8 is a lovely little bar, 200 metres from the Hotel 525. Stand with your back to the hotel and turn left. Walk a short distance and across the road is a Chinese restaurant. At the end of this building on the main road is the bar. On Thursday evening,
52 The Fact Sheet from 8pm (Spanish time !), the music will commence. I will be presenting the show live from 9pm and I would love for you all to come and make it one to remember. For those arriving Friday, you’ll be buzzing your tiny little asses off hearing us all going crazy. We also have some of the guest DJs playing to get you in the mood for the forthcoming festivities. On Sunday, there are still over 60 people staying, so we will be finishing off with a bang till the last man/woman stands.
Further Afield
If you are staying for longer than the weekend and would like to explore, here are my suggestions: Cartagena (carta-heyna) – 15 minutes south along the motorway, a beautiful place to visit for an afternoon. There is also a huge shopping complex just outside the city for all the shopaholics. Murcia (mur-theeya) – 35 minutes inland along the motorway, another beautiful, vibrant city that is worth visiting if you have time. Torrevieja (toray-vieka) – tbh, nothing really worth seeing here. Alicante – a typical large city, at the risk of offending my local friends I am not sure there is anything really worth visiting here for a day, although I am sure someone will advise if I am wrong. Dos Mares (dos mar-ez) Shopping Centre – this is 5 minutes in a cab and has some nice stores in if you fancy somewhere different to go. Just grab a cab from the Hotel. Rather than list everything else, just do a search of the area on line. What am I, Thompson Holidays ? The whole of the Mar Menor is a lovely place, it must be… I live here!
Registration
53 The Fact Sheet
Meet in the first floor bar of the Hotel 525 at these times:
Thursday 1st Oct – 19:00 hrs Friday 2nd Oct – 19:00 hrs
Technical issues permitting, we will be broadcasting live all weekend on Pressure and recording all the sets. I’m also (hopefully) going to get plenty of video footage edited into a special commemorative DVD, if there is anyone that feels up to the task of being cameraman and has a tasty video camera, let me know. I just want to say how very excited I am at the prospect of where this event could lead. I have done my very best to make sure every angle is covered, yet as you know sometimes things happen that catch you off guard. If there are any hiccups please bear with us… although I really am not sure what could go wrong. It’s not like I’m going to be drinking much. See you soon… meet you by the speakers! I’ll try not to cry and make long speeches. I can’t promise anything though. I’m genuinely choked over the support you guys give me. It might be a good idea to print this out and bring along with you.
The Fact Sheet is still sent out to the many Virgins that join us every year, it has evolved ever so slightly to reflect the change of surroundings. I’m still not sure how many people bother to read it.
54 The Class of 09 - Year One
3b The Class of 09 - Year One
ABI BATTERTON BABY J DEEP JOSH ADAM KHARAS BEN WALLEN DENNIS VAN DER VALL ADAM WALKLATE BEV WEHMER DIANA WAITE ADELE BREDEN BKR DJ ADZ ADRIAN LOPEZ MOLINA BORJA LIDON CARRION DJ BEE ALAN OMALLEY BRADLEY IZZARD DJ EUGE ALEX KHARAS CARYS-IONA LANT DJ KEBRA ALEXANDRA WILSON CATHY CALLAGHER DJ KID CREOLE ALICIA GARRE GARCIA CESAR DAVID LOPEZ DJ SIMEON ALLISON WOOLLISCROFT CHRIS HEWITT DJ WIDENSKI ALVARO VILLA CHRIS MCLEAN DJP AMANDA CHAPPELL CHRISTIANA EVA LEWIS DORIS KELLER AMANDA REED CHRISTIANE BUECHLI DWIGHT EZRON ANA BELEN GONZALEZ CHRISTINA QUEST ELODIE MORIN ANA PORTES CHUSA ROMERA EMILIE REDON ANDREA BROOK CLARA VILLAROEL EMMA YEAP ANDRES HERNANDEZ CLAUDIA GUARINO ENRIQUE PEREZ ANIORTE CERECINOS DAN KELLY ESMERALDA CLARES ANDY COMARSH DANIEL CAMACHO FABIAN GARCIA BROTONS ANDY WARD DANNY BROWN FABIENNE RITER ANITA MITRA DARREN OMALLEY FELICIA BERCHER ANNA SOWERBUTTS DAVE TAIT FER NANDO ANNI PENALVA ORTIZ DAVID GROOVE FERNANDO ESCALONA ANTONE DOUGLAS DAWN HARDY (QUINN) VICENTE ANTONIO HYDER DEBBIE KHARAS FIDIAS ABELLAN ARON GILLESPIE DEBBIE MOUSELL PARTRIDGE FOAD KHAN ASUN JUAN BERNA DEBRA HYMOS GARY WHITNEY
55 The Class of 09 - Year One
GEMMA SMITH MICHELE ROBINSON SARAH DENIER GREG DORBAN MIGUEL ANGEL PEREZ SARAH FOOTE GROOVEJUNKIEVIDA FERNANDEZ SEAN QUINN HELIS TONISE MIGUEL LUZENA VIDAL SERGIO CERRATO ISABEL CAMBRONERA MILES NUMAN SHAUN REYNOLDS JACKIE QUINSEE MILOE SI SUTTON JACKIE SOLOMON MIRIAM MARTINEZ SILVIA ZARAGOZA JAI SPENCE NADIA GRIFFITHS SIMON GASKELL JAIME FOXTON NATHAN RYAN-GREALISH SIMON KELLY JAMES BECKFORD NIKKI TAIT SIMON PHILLIPS JAMES CLELLAND OLIVIA STEINER SOFIA RUBINA JAMES UPTON OWEN TAYLOR SOPHIE LINEHAN JAMIE FOXTON PANCHO VALCARCEL GARCIA SOUL KITTY JAN WATCHORN PAT BEDEAU STEPHANIE SCHMID JAVID IQBAL PAUL BAXTER STEVE HANLEY JAY ASHBY PAUL GAUGHAN STEVE REED JENNY MARKEY PAUL GRIFF STEVE SOULFIRED JO ASHBY PAUL GROOVE STUART MCCALL JOANNA NAVARRO PAUL HENRY SUFF SAFOOR JOLI LEONAITE PAUL WAITE TARIQ KHAN JON WARE PENNY EARL THE SHIZZLA JOSEPH GILL PHIL ASHER TOMAS PALENCIAS JULIE BYRNE PHIL PINCHERA TONY QUESADA KATY SAFOOR PHILLIP GILL TONY SHIZZLA LAURA LITTLEFORD PHILLIP GOODCHILD TRACEY PEARCE LAUREN WILSON RAFA EL MURCIANO TRIIN KOKK LEWIS LITTLEFORD RAFAEL BERBEL LOPEZ VANESA ESPANA LIBERTAD MEDINA RAINY PAYNE VICKI BROWN LINAH HASHWEH RAMON LOPEZ VIVIANA GUASTALLA LUCA FAVI RANI SAMBI WENDY MCCALL LUIS HIDALGO REBECCA DOWEN YOLANDA BOGADA ROMERO LUISA SAEZ PEREZ RENATO MITRA LUISMA SANCHEZ RICH’E’ PARK STREET LYNDSEY ALLEN RICHIE BARTEZ LYNDSEY GILLESPIE ROB WATCHORN MANOLO PARRA ROLAND KASPAR MARTA FONTES SABINA TERUEL MARTINEZ MARTIN DEARIE SANDRA BOE-KENYON MAXINE BRADSHAW SANDRO WERDER MICHELE MCCAIN SARAH BURGESS
56 The Booth on the Move
4 The Booth on the Move
Despite all the wonderful scenes for the opening event and the unreal feedback, I didn’t feel confident to deal with the venue owners in Los Alcazares again. This sent me on a tour of the local area, in the search of prospective new venues. Campoamor is some 8km from my front door and is on the route I used to jog along with my mate Dave. Dave Tait was a fellow expat I befriended in the school yard in the early years of us arriving in Spain, his daughter was the same age as my son. Over time we played football on the same team and became good friends enjoying the odd night out together. Michelle and Dave’s wife, Nicola, also became good friends. The Taits are amongst the few people to have attended every VB in Spain and Dave will, as the story progresses, prove to be an invaluable member of the organisation. Whilst out on a run one day I passed The Hotel Montepiedra, Club Xairo and Jardines del Mar. Something lit up inside my head and I made a mental note to pop back another time to investigate further.
57 The Booth on the Move
Campoamor
La Dehesa de Campoamor, Alicante, is a village in the very south of the Costa Blanca, bordering on the Costa Calida. The climate is probably the best in Spain, and there being no heavy industry anywhere near this area it is considered by The World Health Organisation to be one of the healthiest places in the world to live (the reason I moved here). Campoamor village itself is very “Spanish”. It is a blend of high rise apartment blocks, all with fantastically kept gardens, and hundreds of beautiful villas in and around the protected pine forested area. There are several restaurants, a Pizza House, Ice cream parlour, supermarket, chemist and a very good gift shop. A few minutes walk in the opposite direction from El Mirador takes you up to the Costa de Orihuela “Strip” commonly known as Cabo Roig. Here you will find numerous, bars, cafes, clubs, etc. This area is a hive of activity until well into the early hours, and is in complete contrast to the quiet, laid back village just the other side of the bay. A short taxi ride of approx. €5 euro will get you there. www.vocalboothweekender.com © 2010
Hotel Montepiedra
The Hotel Montepiedra, or The Monte as it is lovingly referred to, is situated pretty much in the centre of Campoamor. On reflection, it seems like it was put on this earth purely to play host to VB. A family run hotel with just 64 rooms around a
58 The Booth on the Move large pool within the pine trees of the area. In the Spring of 2010 I met with the manageress, Mati Medina, who deliberated my ideas of taking over the whole hotel one weekend in September, solely using all the rooms for VB Family. After a few initial concerns, Mati’s Brother and Father received all the right answers to their questions and we were on. The Monte opened it’s doors exclusively to us in 2010 and has been our home ever since. After a few teething problems with room allocations in the early years, regular guests at the hotel enjoy the same room at each event and are on first name terms with most of the staff, many are even known to visit the area outside of VB dates just to say Hi and enjoy a cold drink by THAT pool. Year on year, services and relationships improve at The Monte and, despite it being ready for somewhat of an update generally, it is ideal for us and our needs. Club Xairo
When we first came to Campoamor, Club Xairo was a large, smelly throwback to the 80s with an awful sound system you wouldn’t want to play bingo through. Hidden behind it’s unassuming front doors and cascading down the stairs into one cavernous space, it has taken us some time to get to where we are today with the venue and management. Down the years, frustration upon frustration and let down after let down, it hasn’t been smooth sailing dealing with Xairo from the off. Huge differences in work ethics teamed up with the Spanish approach
59 The Booth on the Move to matters has sometimes caused issues, however it is fair to say that all the staff, particularly the door crew and their people behind the scenes, have been nothing short of spectacular. With only a short window of opportunity for the guys who rent the club to make any money each summer season, it has been a long process but it has been a joy to watch the club evolve every year. Throughout the course of my post-event reviews you’ll learn a lot more about Xairo.
Palmera Aparthotel
Considering it is where the majority of VB Family stay year after year, it is weird to think that there will be many who have never stepped foot inside the Palmera apartments. A ‘leisurely’ stroll along the beach to where The Monte & Xairo is, The Palmera is the perfect set up for a short weekend or your week’s holiday. Self-catering apartments not too dissimilar to the chalet’s at a Southport Weekender, around a large pool right on the cliff’s edge. Many would never dream of staying anywhere else. Each year we are allocated up to 80 rooms in a hotel that houses many more, which means there are also members of the general public staying alongside VB Family. I can’t even start to think about what goes on with the room antics here and the legendary walks back from the club as the sun rises. Again, it hasn’t all been plain sailing dealing with various changes in management at The Palmera but recent years have seen the relationship a happy and healthy one.
60 The Booth on the Move
Jardines del Mar
If you’ve never been then you probably wouldn’t know what or where Jardines del Mar is. Set pretty much behind Club Xairo, Jardines plays host to luxurious white four poster sun beds & loungers and a modern, oblong pool with colourful lights and water jets, Paradise! I explained to the owner what I had intended, four days of daytime pool parties followed by night time action in the club next door. The owner made all the right noises and we were set. Just a few weeks before the 2010 event, greed got the better of the management and they decided to tell me they had given the venue to a paying wedding booking of a few hundred people. I chuckle to myself when I think how the owners must kick themselves every September when they see what the event has grown into and the money they undoubtedly have lost down the years. Their greed was our saviour. It’s impossible to now imagine the pool parties anywhere other than The Monte.
61 VB2010 - Year Two
5 VB2010 - Year Two
With the venues and dates confirmed, tickets went on sale for our second event and it was clear people were just as excited to attend as the first one. The line up consisted pretty much of all the DJs who had attended in 09 with a few extra headliners pulled in. These were not ‘random’ DJs, they were artists who had a strong connection to myself or The VB Fam and who were happy to be involved at a fraction of their going rate. This would be the blueprint for all subsequent events. No DJs booked to pull in the crowds, they were all hand picked because of their VB connections. Paul Groove became the official driver of the event in year two, collecting headliners from both Alicante and Murcia airports for me whilst I remained on site to oversee everything else. Unfortunately, my only other hope of free help, DJ Adz, went missing due to, shall we say, working away for a bit. To help with registration I drafted in a woman that Michelle knew from running a local bar, I didn’t really know her too well myself. Suella Campbell gave out the wristbands with her kids and she had a friend called Claire to help. Both ladies would also make
62 VB2010 - Year Two sure that everyone had bands on as they entered the club of an evening. On the door of The Monte I employed a friend called Richie to make sure everyone that entered had a band as they came and went. I was confident that we wouldn’t need too many door staff, either at the hotel or in the club, as we would be pretty much self-policed seeing as I knew most people attending. Even though I tried hard for several months, with radio advertising and features in the local newspapers courtesy of Tony Poole, there was pretty much zero interest for the event locally, apart from one or two key people who have been every year since. This really didn’t concern me in the slightest, seeing as Cabo Roig was well known for being a typical, boozy kind of tourist trap for holidaymakers and expats living here and that definitely was not my target audience. I’m thinking hard here but I can’t picture myself on TKO at this point so I think the station must have closed down by then.
The Early VB Sound System
Remember that nutter percussionist I told you about before, Snoopy? Well the first year in Los Alcazares he loaned me some speakers and an amp for the pier party and so I went back to him in the hope he could provide me with something a little more substantial for the pool and club in 2010. He managed to pull together the biggest mismatch of equipment you’ve ever seen for an event alongside my own DJ gear. He provided monitor speakers with Gaffer tape fashioned into handles, faulty
63 VB2010 - Year Two speakers, the list goes on. At the end of each session we would have to move the decks from the pool area to the club and back again the following day. It was way too much work for just the two of us but we somehow managed! I found this on my computer, I didn’t realise it existed. It makes me smile and extremely sad at the same time.
VB2010 CHECK LIST FOR SNOOPY
THU: 11am - SET UP SOUND SYSTEM @ MONTEPIEDRA 6pm - MUSIC STARTS 9pm - LIVE BROADCAST BEGINS I only need you to set up the system for me, I can then pack it all down/secure it myself at the end of the night so you are free to leave whenever you want.
FRI: 1PM - SET UP SOUND POOLSIDE 2PM - SET UP SOUND XAIRO, FINE TWEAK HOUSE SYSTEM 8PM - SOUND CHECK XAIRO NATASHA 9PM - POOLSIDE ENDS, CDJS TO XAIRO, SOUND CHECK After the 2pm sound check, you are free to go home and relax until 9pm. Once the club is up and running I am happy for you to head home until midnight or so.
SAT: 11.30AM - SET SOUND UP POOLSIDE 12 NOON - RADIO SHOW GOES LIVE (VERY VERY QUIET)
64 VB2010 - Year Two
10PM - TAKE CDJs & MIXER TO XAIRO From 12 noon all should be fine, so I recommend you relax and pop home for a while at some point. I will need you to set up club at 10pm. Again you have couple hours to go relax if need be.
SUN 10AM - SET UP SOUND @ JARDINES 11pm - Open Xairo with their mixer and CDJs, then at midnight take my equipment round. Sunday is an easy day, once the sound is set up u are free all day until 11pm. At all times, I will be with you to help you move/lift etc. There are plenty bodies to help if we need them. MON
Music set up at 2pm Jardines. Myself and everyone else will handle the breakdown of the system.
We initially set up the speakers under the covered terrace area of the hotel, it was during the course of the weekend I had the idea to move the equipment closer to the pool, under the shade of the pergolas, where it has remained to this day. As it got hotter mid-afternoon and the sun started falling, it would be relentless and burn into the back of the DJs, no matter how many times we would move the umbrellas trying to shade them. That first set up wasn’t pretty but it worked and it worked more than well enough, providing us with some of the best vibes we have ever had since VB began, both poolside and in the club. It’s hard to imagine how we did what we did, with what we did. Say that after a few 43s Management at Xairo promised me a collaboration with Red
65 VB2010 - Year Two
Bull. They’d get loads of free drinks to sell and I’d get loads of free gifts to hand out as well as decorations for both the club and pool area plus a really cool DJ booth. As the event approached I asked when they would show up. Mañaña, Mañaña was always the reply. Even across the main weekend, we were still waiting for sun loungers, umbrellas and much more to arrive. They never did. Oh, I lie. We did get one small light box with a Red Bull logo on that we taped to the railing next to the DJ booth in the club for all the photos. Hysterical. This was to be the first of many unfulfilled promises from the club for years to follow.
VB2010 Programme Welcome Note
“As I wrote the welcome note to last year’s event, I really had no idea just how special it was going to turn out. What started out as plans for a few of us to get together became a gathering of people that forged strong, life long friendships, with a set of parties that were talked about for weeks on end. At the start of this year’s festivities, with almost double the amount of people attending, I am so very grateful to you for once more putting your faith in me and returning for more amazing times. Looking at the line-up, it is so very easy for me to take for granted the sheer quality of the DJs we bring to you. Internationally acclaimed producers and DJs in their own right, but more importantly - each and every headline DJ is a personal friend of mine for many years, and I cannot express how truly honoured I am to have them all commit to this event... I know they will love it. A special mention must go out to the support DJs too. A fine group of boys (& girls) that represent our sound with pride around the
66 VB2010 - Year Two
world. Try to make the effort to catch as many of their sets as you can, you WILL be impressed. To the new members of “The Family”, try to get to know as many people outside of your clique as possible. We pride ourselves on being a friendly bunch that leave the pretentiousness at the door and focus purely on the good vibes. As the Vocal Booth Weekender continues to grow, we will focus solely on the intimate vibe and the family atmosphere and I hope you love every second of your experience. There are way too many people to mention and I am worried about forgetting anyone, so I will just say “Thank You” to every person who has helped make this dream a reality. From design work to DJs, sound equipment to venue owners, local press to foreign hype, hotels to transport… there has been a ridiculous amount of hard work gone into this whole event and there is no way I could do it without them. I am a bit of a sensitive soul and I never want anybody to think that I don’t appreciate every tiny thing that you all do for me! I truly love you for making this happen. I will TRY to keep the speeches to a minimum and the tears inside… but I’m not promising anything. I hope you enjoy your little gifts, use your key ring coin in the shopping trolleys at the supermarkets and wear your tattoo with pride the whole weekend - Andy Ward. Fiestas BPM (Big People Music) 2010.
Trying to recall key moments from VB2010 is difficult. As you’d expect, VB memories are somewhat hazy as one year blends into another. For me though, I will always remember the amazing scenes as Grant Nelson closed out Club Xairo, dancing
67 VB2010 - Year Two on top of the flimsy table and then on top of Snoopy’s speakers, everyone still rocking away at 7am expecting him to go arse over tit any second. That wonderful Sunday we had at Jardines del Mar for the first Clash of the Titans event. Another memory is Pugwash almost getting arrested on Monday evening for not turning the music off when he’d been told to by the Guardia. Joke tings. That first year in Campoamor every DJ that played received an exclusive Basketball Jersey as a Thank You. That would be a recurring theme each year. I sourced manufacturers in Asia and had the VB logo on top of a basketball and FAMILY adorned across the chest. Some of the DJs were slightly optimistic with the sizes they asked for and so their tops were hilariously too small. There were wonderful scenes as we all wore our vests with pride that Saturday afternoon, pool side and the crowd applauded the DJs for their efforts. I have an incredible photo of Mikey on my shoulders with Schooly and Smoovey in the shot as well as Adam Turner and Richie Barthez. I proceeded to jump in the pool with Mikey still on my shoulders. The guy in charge of all the artwork was Paul Griff, a fellow DJ and promoter that had booked me previously in the midlands and enjoyed my shows on Galaxy. Griff became a big part of the weekly shows in the chat room and, thankfully, the main man for all the early artwork for VBW. To get a true glimpse of what an amazing job he did, you really need to see the photo book that accompanies this paperback. In 2010 we had a healthy turnout from the Spanish contingent with people joining us from Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona and
68 VB2010 - Year Two
Valencia. Others travelled from all over the world, we had around 350 attend in total. Tickets were still relatively cheap at just £35. This covered all DJ costs and the promotional items we gave out plus helped fund the vests for the ‘headliner’ DJs. We stuck with the winning formula of a Thursday night live broadcast on Pressure and extended the weekend to include a Monday pool party at Jardines. Despite being a really pretty venue, we were plagued with sound complaints the entire time at Jardines Del Mar. That, and the management’s decision to cancel the pool parties at short notice, meant we would never use the venue again. To continue the story in depth, I pull in my post-event review from the newly published Vocal booth Weekender site.
Vocal Booth Weekender 2010 Report
“As I start this note, it’s Friday morning, a week after many people arrived for what is undoubtedly one of THE parties of the year. If the Thursday night was anything to go by, I knew that all the hard work and stress in the run up to the event was going to be worth it, and my promises of a great time looked set to be met. At some point in the future I will release a video diary I made in the run up to the event, with some highs and lows documented. Of course there will also be the official video that is still to be edited, alongside the official photo gallery. I will have all of these ready for you as soon as humanly possible, please bear with us. So to the party. I sent a mail out to the DJs playing poolside of The Montepiedra about a week before it all kicked off. I specifically asked them not to play anything too hyper and to not let what was meant to be some background music turn into a “Rave”.
69 VB2010 - Year Two
Who was I kidding ? There was absolutely no way to contain people’s excitement and the video clips people are putting on line pay testament to that. I stood back and observed the mayhem and just smiled to myself, like a father watching his kids go crazy in their brand new clothes in a field of mud. The sequence of events for the whole weekend are still a bit sketchy. The music continued and people partied… HARD ! I enjoyed meeting people I had been talking to on line in the run up to the event and I also enjoyed seeing people’s joy at reading their name in the program, these little things cannot be described and probably insignificant to anyone that didn’t come, but to now be part of the Family means the world to many of you. As last year, I tried to be the soldier and managed to be there to introduce every DJ (bar 2) to the decks on the microphone, even if I did sound awful. I’m dreading listening back to some of the tripe I was shouting in the club at times. Each morning at 7am, myself and Snoopy remained to pack the gear down, that man is a machine and has definitely embedded himself in many people’s hearts. We Love You, Snoopy! The Saturday afternoon party went as well, if not better than I had hoped, seeing the photos and the smiles of all the DJs in their BasketBall vests was one of the highlights for me, as well as getting to have some fun in the pool with my kids. Saturday night. As expected the club was VERY slow in getting going, people were HURT. Ha ha, I keep getting flash backs to some of the madness that happened the whole weekend long, as I’m sure you do. The undoubted highlight of the weekend? Grant Nelson’s performance. Enough said ! Sunday’s session at Jardines del Mar was awesome. I loved sitting back and allowing Snoopy host the Clash of the Titans, and what a job they all did. I regret not assigning the judging to a few
70 VB2010 - Year Two people as was originally planned, but I was just so dead beat that I honestly couldn’t do it. All the contestants did amazing and that feature will definitely be returning for the future. Now, the whole theme of that day was meant to be laid back grooves while people recuperated from the previous nights’ partying, somewhere that plan got flipped and again the music turned into a bit of a club session. I spent the WHOLE day asking the DJs to turn the music down as we were constantly under threat of having the party stopped. In the end I just gave up as my batteries were well depleted. I admitted defeat and went for a lie down in my room around sunset, which many others seemed to do also. Sunday Lockdown was another of the highlights of the weekend for me, mock dance challenges and some amazing music helped me let off some steam and really put me on Cloud 9. My favourite night by far. Monday was another great day and finished the whole thing in fine style, and what other way to end but with the Police actually coming and shutting the whole thing down by waving the handcuffs in Pugwash’s face unless he ended, priceles! The Vocal Booth Weekender came, saw and conquered !!! There are so many great things that happened this weekend, I am sure that you all have hundreds of funny tales to share over the forthcoming weeks, and more that will come back to you in time. I know I don’t have to, but here are my observations as to a few things that will be different next time.
Hotel Montepiedra 2010: They just weren’t prepared for what was about to happen, next time there will be more staff on hand to get us all served quicker. Musically, the poolside music was too much house, too much of
71 VB2010 - Year Two the time. I had wanted a more diverse musical spectrum, but I will say that I stood back and watched and while every DJ did a great job and the crowd loved every second of it, next year the music will be a lot more subdued poolside. In addition, we will also have a higher quality sound set up, meaning more clarity with less volume. Furthermore, the schedule was just too much for people to keep up, so next time I think there needs to be more ‘downtime’ in between poolside and club times.
Club Xairo 2010: I was very impressed with the staff at the venue, the door men were polite and courteous and thanks to YOU guys, they didn’t need to be seen as intimidating or overbearing and that is something many commented on. The club is very old and while it looked ok in the dark, the photos show just how rough it is, ha ha… next year we will sort that out. The sound system, whilst amazing on the dancefloor, was a little loud for some people on the periphery of the floor and at the bar. With some fine tuning and added decor this can and will be addressed for next time. The club weren’t prepared for how much you all drank of certain things and this is a learning curve for them, next year again this is easily addressed. The upstairs chill out area will have the bar manned next year, as well as a downstairs second room being open for alternate DJs/music. On reflection VB2010 went as well as it could have done and the preparation before hand was all worth it. I want to personally thank Snoopy, Suella, Claire, Richie and Paul Groove for all their help across the weekend. Next year the team will be expanded to make all our lives easier and to make sure you people have just
72 VB2010 - Year Two
as much fun! As you read this, plans are already under way to confirm the dates for 2011. I know you are all eager to get booked up ASAP, but please be patient. Which reminds me, while I have your attention. EVERYONE has commented on the friendly atmosphere of the event, that’s what the FAMILY is all about. Future events need to be just like this, so PLEASE think about who you invite along next time, we don’t want/need big groups of lads and I may even have to restrict the buying of passes to Family members only, so you are responsible for everyone in your party. If anyone has any suggestions on this, feel free to hit me up. I also am still interested to hear any suggestions you may have on how to take this forward although as I think you know, I’m already one step ahead of you. Ha ha One Love people… you inspire me… Thank you !!! Andy Ward - www.vocalboothweekender. com © 2010
VB Memoirs - DJ Pugwash
“My most obvious memory of VBW is back to 2010 and my first VB. Sunday. We had moved location to Jardines del Mar. That particular day had been the hottest so far, so along with being persuaded to try the dreaded liquor 43 by DJP & Rainy Paine, I remember feeling I had a touch of sunstroke sitting out all day in the sun with my bald head. After watching Andy Comarsh win the first Clash Of the Titans, everyone was in high spirits. Got to big up Comarsh for playing the killer R&B classic “You are My Starship” by the way.
73 VB2010 - Year Two
MONDAY
The sun was setting and I was to be the DJ to close out the evening at Jardines del Mar. After a bit of faffing from the previous DJ who had a Traktor setup, I prepared for my set, after being upset with myself with bringing the wrong headphones, (I had left my DJ headphones at the hotel) I started playing, I first noticed there was quite a lot of people just standing, not moving but seemed to be watching my every move, I reckon I was a bit nervous and soon shrugged it off.
THE FIRST ENCOUNTER:
I first noticed the Spanish policeman talking to one of the bar staff at the back of the venue, didn’t really think much about it.
THE SECOND ENCOUNTER:
The next time I saw the same policeman he was walking towards me speaking in Spanish, I made some kind of sign language that I didn’t understand what he was saying, I think that’s when Andy Ward came bowling over, looking a bit stressed telling me to turn the volume down, which I did, I was then told the locals had been complaining for a while and as it was now dark we had to be respectful. I was happy to comply to Andy’s directions. In retrospect I only turned the volume down a couple of notches thinking that would be OK, “I was the last DJ”I thought to myself.
CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND: After I thought everything had been settled I turned the volume
74 VB2010 - Year Two
back up, only a little, next thing I see our friend, a very angry looking policeman shouting in Spanish I’m guessing “I TOLD YOU TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN” he also had one hand on his holstered side-arm and in the other waving a pair of handcuffs!! I then proceed to shit myself and had flash backs of the movie Midnight Express!! I thought “better turn the volume down mate”. The policeman gave me a look of next time your in the back of the van senor. Now once the cop had turned away, for some “only god knows” reason, I picked up the microphone and started to cuss the policeman out with some Jamaican slang like “No Bull Bwoy Shutting Down The Dance When I’m On The Set” or something similar. What a Muppet I am. I did get a massive laugh and round of applause though. I played about two more tracks with the volume so low Mishlinka had her head in the speakers to catch a vibe. It was all over, Andy, Snoopy and myself started putting the equipment away, and Andy turned to me and said “I thought you was going to play more Soulful?” After all that, that’s what he says? I blame the 43 and mild sun stroke.
VB Memoirs - Dean & Natasha Jacobs
We love House music and we love home. VB is both! The first time we arrived at VB in 2010 we were welcomed like old friends, and from that time till now it’s still the same on arrival… almost as though you’ve been travelling for a year and have finally returned HOME to see all your mates. Outside of that week in mid September, it almost feels like a year long event as we see/party with/visit/dance with/support and meet up with so many VBers. Recently we have been cherry-picking the events we go to, but
75 VB2010 - Year Two
one thing we always book in is VB as we are assured a wide range of excellent music, fantastic people to knock about with and guaranteed vibes whether it’s around the pool, in the Pressure room or at either of the clubs… a majority of our favourite DJ sets/clubbing experiences of all time have come at VB. We won’t go on too much as I’m certain what we think about VB is echoed throughout this whole book but I will say this… Vocal Booth Weekender is our House Music Home from Home. Keep on keeping on “Pandy” and the VB Family, all our love.
2010 Reactions (names not available)
I’m still on cloud 9. Couldn’t quite grasp what all the fuss was about when people were going on about last year, so pleased I got to see it for myself in person. I have never met so many genuinely nice people in one place. Roll on next year.
Well hells bells. I was near to tears looking at all the wonderful pictures. Andy’s message has completely thrown me over the edge whilst trying to hold it together at work this afternoon. Next year can we do it twice? 12 months seems far to far away : ) Magic moments : ) x
So many people have said so many beautiful and positive things about the Weekender, and rightly so - but I think one thing’s been missed slightly - to all the VB newbies that came, laughed, discovered the delights of the “43”, danced and partied through the days and nights, I want to say a big Thank You for adding to what was already the best musical Family...you guys all blended into the mayhem so well!! :o)
76 VB2010 - Year Two
You have created a beautiful thing here Mr Ward. Let’s not spoil it. Reminds me of the film The Beach LOL!! Anyway, thank you so much for letting me be part of it. Big Love
Missing you all already. Consoling myself with a jug of sangria! We laughed so much all week my sides are still hurting. Good Times and Memories!! xx
Last weekend was truly incredible - I’m so glad people got so many photos as I was too busy having fun to take any decent ones. Can’t wait to listen back to all the mixes. I’m still buzzing from the madness xx Roll on 2011 x
Thanks Andy, for making this event possible by bringing together this large family, this family of smooth and soulful house, for us to dance, enjoy, cry and get to know more, surely there was something not at the level estubo but for me it was perfect, thanks ...again for you made me mourn with all the feeling of good ...music and good example of all who were there, thank you very much again and a thousand times more, I just hope that I will soon pass the time until the year comes, a greeting friend and we are in contact. What can I say apart from my jaw still aches from laughing so much! Brilliant :-)
Most amazing time ever, thank you to everyone especially Mr Ward for making it happen. I am there for definite next year x
That was the BEST thank you for the Music, The Vibe and The People LOVE to One and All
Back home, tired but happy, after an unforgettable and amazing
77 VB2010 - Year Two weekend with Vocal Booth Family. Thanks to all
I’ve been trying to think of words that truly describe what happened at the weekend..... it’s almost impossible!. What I will say is that I feel privileged to have met so many beautiful people, so many talented Dj’s & listened to what is without doubt some of the best music on the planet. Andy you are an inspiration, thank you...... And now to bed
Wicked Wkend.. Gr8 music, vibe & people. Massive thanks to Andy & all involved..... Roll on VB 2011 xx
What an amazing last few days!! VOCAL BOOTH was one of the best experiences of my life and I’ve met so many new friends, all together for the love of music. From what I do remember, I’ll never forget! big up to everyone !! luv , peace and housebeats.
What an amazing time! I’m no longer a VB virgin and having had a good taste of it this year, I’m def back next year! Thanks soooo much Mr Ward x
Vocal Booth Family - much love to all. What an amazing weekend, A special big thank you to Andy Ward and his team for making one of the best weekends of my life - inspirational and a memory that will live with me forever. Phenomenal weekend!!! amazing crowd, amazing vibe amazing music.....lets do it alllll again next year!!! ;-))))) xx
Best extended weekend ever!!! Thank you to all that made it so special :) see you next year!!
78 VB2010 - Year Two
MANY MANY HUGE MASSIVE THANKS TO ANDY AND ALL INVOLVED AT THE VOCAL BOOTH WEEKENDER!!!
Had a quality time and cant wait for the next one!!!! (I’m a little gutted its all over.....)
Had an amazing wkend, met some great people and can’t wait for next year!!!
Grant Nelson - Mad props to everybody that played and performed but most of all to you lot! Not only real music lovers, but a bloody nice bunch of people too! :) Amazing weekend, a music lovers wish come true for me. Thanks to all the DJ’s you were all fantastic. Good seeing everyone again. First Vocal Booth experience...Amazing, thats all i can say
Thanks everyone for making this the best weekend ever heres to next year!!! had a fantastic time with all you guys! What a quality wkend! deafo will be there next year..x
The Vocal Booth weekender was undoubtedly one of, if not, THE best weekend of my life. So much love, so much laughs, so many passionate and genuinely nice people. Andy Ward you superseded the last one and i look forward on how you plan on topping it next year.
It is a testament to Andy Ward that he pulled together such an amazing group of artists, dancers and all round beautiful people to create possibly the best weekender experience ever. Mad love and Respect.
79 VB2010 - Year Two
Atmosphere was amazing!!! club fantastic, poolside...yummy!! music, awesome!!!!!!!!was just so well done Andy!! cant wait for next years, thanks for having usXXXXx
Natasha Watts - Thank you Andy for asking me to be a part of such a wonderful event ...... my foot bottom is battered and broke but lord have mercy what a weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love to all for such a laugh x
Well what can I say sir...... What a fantastic weekender you put on for us all. You did a sterling job maestro and I salute you. You said you wanted to give something back to the people, well I feel you gave a lot more than you may know. The music was on point from every DJ (including yourself), and the fact that they all played their own style of music and were all home grown Dj’s, bar Hippie Torrales ( truly amazing set), made it a very special weekender. Every Dj’s set told a different story and forced me to dance in ways I never knew before (lol). Big up all the Dj’s involved you worked your shocks off. I’ve got to say compared to Southport, Vocal Booth won hands down (and I’ve attended a mere 5 SPs in my time). You’ve started something special with VB and it’s going to be difficult for you to keep it small and intimate but try to because it works, and it works fantastic. Unfortunately, I’m away traveling next year and so won’t be able to attend VB 2011 (gutted!), but, I shall bless you with my presence come 2012. BTW, the crowd were fantastic, the women amazing and I thank you all for sharing a great/ spiritual weekend.
Vocal Booth is truly something special for special people. Lets keep it that way!
80 VB2010 - Year Two
What an awesome weekend with the most amazing people . Was fantastic to be part of it once again. Physically and mentally shattered but was worth it for every single moment.Fantastic sets from all dj’s involved but biggest props going out to you Andy for putting on this wonderful event....long may it continue... Peace and love to all the VB family.
Well done and very many THANX for yet another BLINDING weekender. I wasn’t sure that a bigger event could top the intimate and loved up vibe of 2009s inaugural event but the vibe was just as intimate and loved up. We had such a great time: every day was fantastic but my favourite night was the Sunday Lockdown complete with classic choons and line dancing! I’m quite sad to have missed some of the DJ sets (thank heavens for the set recordings) but even I needed to get a little rest. Having said that I think I held up pretty well, even when the Cops came knockin’ with handcuffs, which nearly turned into the “Monday Lockdown” lol. Big love to you and the crew.
81 The Family
6 The Family
At this point we need to focus on the people that make VB so special. I’m sure I wasn’t the first promoter to refer to his crowd as ‘Family’ but I don’t recall anyone doing so back when gave the title to the nutters in the chat room, now it seems like every event and it’s people are Family. There is no denying though, you mention Family to any UK soulful house head and I am fairly sure I know who or what they’ll think of. The fun we used to have those Thursday nights on Pressure is hard to describe. Some found Pressure by random searches, many were there who followed me as a DJ or Producer, not many of my close friends used the chat. Pressure’s listenership went from strength to strength, thanks to a strong line up of talent across all days and timezones and it became the true backbone of the VB Family. One small example of how The Family Foundations were put in place. Paul Groove had a son with a woman called Dawn many years before, unfortunately (or fortunately I’m sure they’ll both say) they parted company but of course stayed in
82 The Family touch. Sean, Dawn’s new partner, was a big Soulful House fan and, if I remember right, Paul sorted them both out a guest list to come see me play at Soul Heaven one time. That was how Sean & Dawn Quinn became integral members of The Family and remained with us ever since. The Family is awash with connections like this and why those early days were so special. Putting faces to names that I’d been chatting to for years in 2009 was wonderful and bonds were made that could not be broken. The first gathering consisted of people I’d known for many years from Birmingham and new ‘fans’ of the radio show from all around the UK. Chris Hewitt was a guy I’d gone to senior school with almost 25+ years prior, obviously Schooly and Dan Kelly were there, good friends from Choice/Galaxy FM (Schooly flew in from living in Dubai specifically to be at the event). Michelle’s bestie, Sarah Burgess was there in support, as was one or two of our other friends locally. Remember Dave Furze, the Wigan Casino regular who used to go listen to Paul play? Turned out that his girlfriend worked with Michelle and so they came along that first night in 09 also. Rob Farrell (a lad who I’d ‘played out with’ on the streets of Aston as an eight year old kid) came along when it turned out a couple he knew were coming after finding me on the radio and who coincidentally had a property up the road. Mental. There were other people who I’d met playing for Soul Heaven in London and other parties up and down the country. A small contingent from Ireland were in attendance, as was a DJ/promoter I’d played regularly for in Estonia, Widenski, with one or two of his friends. It was Widenski that had introduced me to Sophia Rubina in Tallin a
83 The Family couple of years prior and who brought along Triin who would become our official photographer. Other friends/promoters/DJs included a crew from Switzerland and a large portion of people I’d never met from Spain who were brought along by Ramon Lopez of Balearic Soul and his crew from Housebox. This was a promotion/bunch of DJs from the Alicante region who brought along around 40 or so of their friends to support. Through the Housebox guys, over time more and more Spanish would attend the parties. We have seen approximately 2,500 people come and go down the years. Due to the timing, not many can boast they have attended every event in Spain but a handful can. In 2018 we commemorate that achievement. Many others have been with us since 2010 and not missed one weekender since and these people are just as important to The Family, although the fact of the matter is, those that were there from Day Dot and have remained ever since will always be in an elite bunch. It doesn’t make them any more special than everyone else but it does, really. Every single person that attends VB is a valued member of The Family, the more you put in, the more you get out. Year after year we see Virgins (do I need to state that we call people who haven’t been before “Virgins”?) turn up to see whether the reality is as good as the legend and more often than not, it is. VB is a party put on FOR The Family, WITH The Family and is OF The Family. I came up with the slogan in 2011 after having it tattood on my arm. Every step of the way we have made decisions together that have gotten us to where we are today. Like any large Family, ours is not without the odd disagreement.
84 The Family
Friendships have broken down through the years and people who were once singing the praises of VB and considered themselves strong Family members now criticize what we are about and make up lies to turn others against us. It is funny (for want of a better word) to watch from afar. I see it all and unfortunately people feel the need to tell me all. I do try to not get caught up in such nonsense and remain as diplomatic as possible. As long as it does not affect the general ‘vibe’ of things, then it’s not really any of my concern. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I have had my fallouts down the years, mainly with DJs. Blatant lies when people let me down last minute, when I always knew they wouldn’t be attending (I have this annoying tendancy to always read these signs), differences of opinions, egos or whatever you want to call it have caused more than a choice word cast in the direction of people who’s attitudes don’t fall in line with the ethos of The Family. On several occasions I have bitten my tongue. Believe it or not I have never let my own feelings get in the way of how someone is treated at VB. Diva Demands on when or where DJs get to play or other such nonsense are just a couple of things I contend with as promoter. It’s a bit of a running joke just how abrupt I can be online with people but believe me, you cannot start to get your head around the shit I’ve had to deal with down the years and at what point my line gets crossed. One well known DJ, after he spoke on camera about what a wonderful event it was and what an amazing person I was, totally cut off all contact with me after I told him I was giving him a break from the lineup one year. This, coming from a
85 The Family friend of over 15 years!? We have not spoken ever since. It does genuinely break my heart to see how people’s attitude can go from such a strong place of love to such negativity in a short space of time. Once a VB friendship becomes sour it unfortunately seems to be the end of people attending and we have seen a few of those down the years. I’ve lost count of the e-mails I’ve received from people asking that I ban their exes from attending, demands that I block people from the VB Facebook page, have photos deleted from our history, this list goes on. I feel like Jeremy Kyle sometimes. We even had one person get a huge ‘Family’ tattoo and then (for reasons I’m still actually none the wiser about) seemed to fall out of love with VB and had the tattoo covered over! Fortunately though, the positive stories far outweigh those few jokers in the pack. There have only really been one or two outright poisonous people trying to tarnish the strong name we have created for ourselves and pretty much everyone knows the score anyway. I’ve only ever had to outright tell one person that they could no longer attend VB parties as their attitude was too poisonous for our happy-go-lucky frame of mind. I’ve had a couple of phone calls to one or two people who were clearly offending a lot of others and politely asked them to reign it in. I mentioned tattoos, there are more and more people adorned with the mark of the Booth and again this makes me incredibly proud. Pets have been named after us, tunes have been dedicated to us. The Family legacy will live on forever and has made it’s mark in people’s lives just as important as those legendary clubs
86 The Family were to those before us in NYC, Chicago, London and beyond. The Vocal Booth Weekender may not be around forever but The Family legacy and all it has achieved most definitely will be, you’ll read testimonies throughout the book that back this up. It would not be right to mention specific names but there have been several key members down the years and key towns and cities that have become an integral part of how The Fam has grown. North, South, East and West, all come together under the Spanish sky as one. It is this reason that there has never been any major incident in all the time we’ve done VBW.
VB Memoirs - Rob Farrell
“I’ve Known Andy for nearly 40 years, probably longer than anybody as we grew up together in quite a peaceful little town called Aston. I attended many of his different parties throughout the years and we’ve also raved together with Michelle, who went on to become his soul mate, wife and the mother of their two “amazing” children! After Andy and Michelle left the UK for a change of life in Spain, Vocal Booth Weekender was born, so after came The Family. Andy really only puts parties on for the love of getting his friends together, who would have thought that it would become what it is today! It’s been going on for 10 years and the momentum & popularity has and Is...just growing more & more massive by the year! The words FOR... WITH... OF... THE FAMILY are the most fittings words to an event I have ever known. I’m so glad & honoured to be a part of something that is so dear to my friend’s heart, as what is dear to him is truly dear to me! I love the Wards with all my heart. Thank you all for being you and may we grow and love together for ever more.
87 The Family
Staff
We have enjoyed pretty much the same core group of help since we relocated to Campoamor. Palmera Apartments have had a few changes in personel during the time but fortunately it has been pretty easy dealing with whoever is in charge there. As a family run hotel, The Monte is owned by the father, Vicente and is overseen by his daughter Mati and his two sons Javi and Tico. On the desk it has been mainly Asun and Anna alongside various night staff. The kitchen staff pretty much remain throughout all the years we have been there, as have many of the favourite waiters and waitresses we all know and love. From time to time, I may bump into one of the cleaners in the local supermarket who give me that excited hand clap and say “Not long to go now”, such is the love for The Fam. Club Xairo is rented by the same people that were there from the beginning and the management keep themselves pretty much hidden. The security of the club also are pretty much the same as we’ve always had and many of the doorstaff are actual Police or Guardia Civil by day, I wonder how many people knew that? One key figure at Xairo and Shumara/Farandula (ran by the same people) is Fran alongside José Maria who eventually started working the door of The Monte for us. Management are Rafa & Salva with Javi lurking in the wings. Suella would take over as my official driver from Paul when we ‘went on holiday’. Dave Tait stepped up and became in charge of registration and wristbands in 2011 alongside Drew as she got older. Dave would also be on hand at the door of Xairo to make
88 The Family sure no one was trying to take the piss. All of those guys have been invaluable ever since. Michelle was in charge of drinking and getting everyone excited and it was my job to welcome everyone along with a big smile and a hug and the occasional foul-mouthed rant at anyone who upset me on the spur of the moment (quickly followed by an apology, smile and big hug). For such a small group of people, we have it well and truly under control, control being a word that people used to joke about a lot in the early years seeing as I was always trying to do everything myself, for fear of anyone getting anything wrong. Over the years, this need to be so hands on faded, thanks to the wonderful people I have around me. Without doubt though, someone always flicks a switch at the wrong time and gets it in the neck each year.
89 Vocal Booth DJs
7 Vocal Booth DJs
That first year in 2009 almost every DJ who attended, bar a couple, wouldn’t be offended if I referred to them as up and coming. Some had achieved success in their own areas or had a small following through their mixes and shows but the majority were not household names. This would change over the years. There are untold success stories within these soldiers. Guys that were ready to hang up the headphones were given a chance to play at VB and have never looked back since, their souls energised by the love and appreciation of The Family. I have other tales of how VB has literally SAVED people’s lives. The inspiration that this group of DJs provides each other on an annual basis is another part of what makes our event so crucially different on so many levels to anything else. The first two years, pretty much everyone played for free. No one had an issue with this, they were having a holiday in the sun and getting to play to a crowd of appreciative music lovers. Win, win! As we progressed year on year and I booked more DJs to play alongside the support DJs I was faced with a dilemma. I found it awkward that some guys were being paid and others
90 Vocal Booth DJs weren’t. There was no way that I could realistically pay everyone to play and, seeing as most of the crowd was made up of DJs, there was no way I could offer them all free passes to play. I had two choices; 1. Give all the sets to the DJs who were being paid to play (the headliners) which would mean a couple of sets over the weekend for everyone or 2. Ask the support DJs if they were happy to play for free and be given the stage to make a name for themselves. I remembered my days at Winter Music Conference in Miami (WMC). I was lucky enough to play for some of the best parties out there and didn’t get paid. None of ‘us’ on that level did. So I took this reference as my method to deal with VB DJs as long as they were fully aware of their options. For many years that was how we handled it. As the years progressed and DJs were getting better known some started asking for money to play. Fair enough, but they were asking for money that simply wasn’t there. By this stage there was no shortage of DJs queuing up but I always wanted to remain loyal to those that had been with us from the beginning. Unfortunately a few fell by the wayside as their idea of their worth wasn’t in line with how I saw it and they felt they were more important than the bigger picture. I am sure these people thought I was taking the piss out of them but as you’ll find out, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Slowly but surely, as I tweaked budgets and ticket prices increased year on year, I have been able to pay everyone on the main weekend but there are still a large portion of DJs that appear during the week, not only for free but also paying for their event ticket.
91 Vocal Booth DJs
There are many instances where people will say that this is not the best way to operate, especially from a DJ’s point of view but as long as the situation is clearly pointed out from the start and I’m not sitting on bundles of cash at the expense of the people who help create the event, this is the only way we continue to offer the platform for people to join the lineup. It is worth pointing out that almost all our headliners have played for reduced fees down the years. It helps having friends in high places and an event people are keen to play at. When thinking of VB Success Stories, I am hesitant to mention anyone in particular due to the sheer number of DJs who have appeared and who have made an impact. Stand out sets are very subjective but there is no denying that several of our residents have provided some of the very best sets there have been. We’ve seen fledgling DJs flourish onto the worldwide stage and appear at some of the biggest events both as headliners themselves and as world renowned producers. With one event a year it is a very slow process giving all support DJs the chance to appear at various times throughout the event but we have done our best and it has been very satisfying to watch once nervous DJs inside The Pressure Cooker blossom and grow to fill the poolside booth and even, on the odd occasion where possible, into Club Xairo. In recent years I have gone as far as banning DJs from using controllers poolside and in the club to force these new DJs to master the art of playing on standard club equipment and this has helped inspire them onto bigger and better things. We take pride in the music played by our DJs and the reactions
92 Vocal Booth DJs we get to the podcasts after the event are testament to that. Quality, timeless music across the soulful spectrum. Having the same DJs back again and again means every person understands what is required by them at any given time of the day in any particular venue and as long as the guys and girls realise that the event is bigger than any one person they will always be part of our residents and they might even get paid one day. He says. DJs plan months in advance to find the right tunes and still get just as nervous as the first time they played. The states some people have been in before their sets is priceless. Some cope by not drinking all weekend until they’ve played, others by getting absolutely wankered right before they go on. We get headliners state how nerve racking it is to play, as they are fully aware just how much the crowd knows and loves their music, worldwide superstars panicking about how they are going to follow one of the residents because they’ve just annihilated the Dance. Brilliant. Being a VB DJ is a badge of honour all our crew wear with pride wherever they may be and we will always be in their debt for their services to the cause.
Did You Know?
Only three DJs have played at every event in Spain!
1. Paul Griff 2. Blackwax 3. Miloe 4. Well, I guess it’s four, with me.
93 VB2011 - Year Three
8 VB2011 - Year Three
This was a year for lots of firsts. With all the positives of the previous year in our new home, getting the hotels and club to agree on a return event in Campoamor was easy. Now we had a winning formula it was time to tweak it, ever so slightly. My aim was to reward every DJ that came to party with us the chance to play. A collaboration with PioneerDJ meant we were loaned extra equipment, enabling us to put DJs poolside of the Palmera. This was more of a pain to coordinate than it was a benefit to the event so it never happened again. We invited people to play as part of The Pressure live broadcasts. Music featured as a second room inside the hotel from Friday through until Monday. We also held a workshop in reception with a Pioneer representative, showcasing new kit and software. We enjoyed this partnership a few times before they moved onto bigger and better events as their new products became even bigger than they already were. Club Xairo informed me that Red Bull WOULD come good with their promise this year and we’d even be given a pool side DJ Booth in the form of a VW Beetle as well as pool side decor in
94 VB2011 - Year Three the form of tables, sun loungers and parasols. This pleased me. To compliment this new pool side look I had some banners and logos made to hang in the club alongside some extra decoration we paid for. The now legendary white stars and lycra hung in place and gave some much needed distraction from the club’s tired look. Snoopy was back on the firm with his unique mismatch of speakers for around the pool and a heavier system for the club. We were ready to rock and roll. Inspiration for the line up that year were memories of amazing trips to WMC in the late 90s where I had gotten to know many of the UK heads. This was the first year I was able to call on many of my friends who I’d worked with down the years and who I felt were instrumental in building the Soulful House Movement up and down the UK. All original Vocal Booth crew that had played in Birmingham were summonsed. I always remembered one MAW party in Miami where I was waiting in line to get in and saw something that stayed with me for years after. Looking as cool as you like, some of the scene’s biggest DJs all arrived in unison to the front door of the venue, down on Ocean Drive. Kenny Dope, Todd Terry, Johnny D & Nicky P were just a couple of names that I recall off the top of my head. Why did they stand out? They all wore these super- cool personalised Baseball Jerseys. With so many of my friends from those trips now attending VB this was my time to bring that same idea here.
95 VB2011 - Year Three
VB2011 Programme Welcome Note
“Our busiest event to date has all the ingredients in place for it to be the best yet. With three nights of truly world-class line ups that any major club would be proud of, I pinch myself once again and realise that this is not a dream. If you build it, they will come is the classic quote from the ‘Field of Dreams’ movie, and was always going to be the inspiration for this year’s theme. From the intimate and yet so very emotional opening year in Los Alcazares to the non-stop madness of the 2010 Weekender, the Vocal Booth has now become a force to be reckoned with on the soulful house scene. Last year we opened our doors to new Family members who fitted in with ease and have since become amongst our strongest supporters. The last twelve months have seen numerous people adorn themselves with permanent gestures of their love for the VBW in the form of tattoos… is there any deeper way to pledge allegiance to something? This blows my mind and I am forever grateful to you all. So here we are, once again preparing to meet a whole new group of Family members who in turn thrust themselves head long into the fun. The new designs of the membership cards mean it is easy to spot people you may chat to regularly on-line, be sure to make the effort and speak to as many people you don’t know as possible, it will make your experience so much brighter. The Vocal Booth Weekender started off in 2009 and, in hindsight, seemed very much about me. A group of people coming together to help celebrate 10 years of my parties and radio shows. Through that event and subsequent reunions, life long friendships have been formed. We have come a long way since then and it is now most definitely about US. WE are a group of people that
96 VB2011 - Year Three appreciate wonderful music and wonderful people and no longer have to compromise either, here in our Utopia. I would estimate that 80% of you are my friends or people I have met along the way, meaning that there is a level of respect amongst us very rare today. Together, we have created something so very, very special and between us we can take this long into the future. Remember to be thoughtful of everyone around you at all times and rest assured, whether we have 50 people or 500 each year, the VBW is here to stay! Too much love goes out to too many people, all of whom know how very grateful I am for all their help in the run up to the event and throughout the course of the weekend. To the superstar DJs who have all contributed in their own way and the support DJs too, to Snoopy for the awesome sound system, Paul Griff for what seems like 8 months of constant pressure from me and the breath taking work he has produced on this programme and all your free gifts. To DJP and everyone at Pressure Radio for the jokes every Thursday night and the running of the station here in Spain. To the staff at all the hotels for their patience and friendliness, to Julie for her thankless task of transporting all the ravers. To Widenski, Suella and the girls for making sure everything runs smoothly as well as the other drivers, lifters and helpers. Last but not least I have to thank my wonderful wife, Michelle, who continues to be my rock through thick and thin and puts up with my mood swings and moments of insanity. Together, with Drew and Mikey, we make an unbreakable team. Just by being here to read this, you and I also continue as a team and I cannot wait to hit that dance floor with you. I love you ! Andy Ward - “Living life for my Family. Loving life with my Family”, Fiestas BPM 2011 (Big People Music)
97 VB2011 - Year Three
All manner of things went wrong that first year we worked with Pioneer. The DJ gear almost never turned up in time, arriving at literally the very last minute. When we started on the Thursday afternoon nothing had arrived from Red Bull and despite being assured it would be turning up at any moment, it never surfaced throughout the whole of the event. I was livid. Despite all the set backs with the equipment and decor, we kicked off Thursday evening around The Monte and boy, it was big! No decor, a couple of speakers and a whole heap of new Family members were the recipe for another magical opening evening in this story. Saturday afternoon, a few hours before he was meant to arrive, I received a phone call from Grant Nelson saying that he was bed ridden and couldn’t fly. I had to find a quiet corner as I burst into tears. I couldn’t contain the tears when I shared the news to all the DJs in the basement as I handed out their baseball jerseys, my heart was literally broken. It would take me over a year to talk to Grant again and tell him how I’d been furious at him ever since, we smoothed it over and he’s been back to play again and is returning for VB2018. Thankfully, there have not been any last minute hiccups on that scale ever since. Tickets were £59.50 in 2011 and we had just over 500 people attend. More key people joined The Family who brought their crews along and would return every year after. With such a boost in numbers it was time to try something else new. We utilised the downstairs room in Club Xairo on Friday and Saturday. Hosted by our Spanish friends, the brief was to provide a mellower alternative to the main room. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the DJs got the vibe totally wrong, playing way ‘too fast’ and
98 VB2011 - Year Three
‘too hard’ for a second room and it never worked the way I intended. Due to differences of opinion between certain DJs and the Housebox guys not prepared to play anywhere other than the main room this was to be the last year we worked with them and many of our Spanish regulars from those early years never came back after 2011. Other key moments? Schooly missed that year as his daughter had just been born. I wore a T Shirt with his face on for The Sunday Lockdown to let him know he was still part of the occasion. Club Sonos (Shumara) opened it’s doors as we hosted parties on Monday and extended the event so the closing party was now on Tuesday evening down there. 2011 saw the official launch of the VBW website thanks to my good friend Renato in Switzerland. It was the many hours of changing and designing I put into this website with his help that started me down the path of full time website design and I’d also started trying my hand at graphics for the event to help Griff with some of the workload, seeing as he was the worst at keeping to any kind of a deadline. Unfortunately, that new website was where I put my original event review and reactions from The Fam. The site has changed about five times since then, I have not been able to locate my post-event review or any reactions. I would like to mention that this was the year a young Mikey Ward took to the decks as one of the Titan contestants, aged just 9 years of age. People assumed it was a given he would win but there’s no such thing as favouritism with The VB Family and he ended up coming (fairly) second. I broke my heart as did many others in the crowd as he played with such confidence. He
99 VB2011 - Year Three would progress, year on year until... Well, read on to find out. VB Memoirs - Nick Reede aka Big Nick
“My first VB is burned into my memory, it was debaucherous, violent and utterly superb. Jimmy Ellis and I have been good friends for many years, DJing and partying together and he had decided to come back to the UK from Brisbane for a while. I had started DJing again and he kept banging on about this party in Spain which he said, would change my life. Coincidentally I’d met a number of people on the scene , Pete Oakden, Craig Smith, Ricky Reid and Mishlinka the previous year at Southport, again through Jim and had heard a lot about VB I didn’t take much persuading to go. An old school friend and a girl I was seeing at the time really wanted to go too so in September 2011 we flew in to Murcia for our first Vocal Booth Weekender. I was sharing a room with Jimmy and a very man flu ridden Gary Ward. That year the daytime DJ’s had been split between Palmera and the Monte so to be pretty frank we chilled a lot of time down at the Palmera round the pool. I was introduced to the beginnings of what would be the WMRU (West Midlands Rave Unit) and smiled the biggest smile to the chilled out sounds from the poolside. On reflection it was a bad idea to send Ricky ahead to get our VB tickets… I hadn’t met Andy yet and Ricky was on one, we had been drinking all day. I remember a very confusing phone call about a very pissed off Andy because none of us had bothered to read the newsletter (an annual gauntlet for all VB virgins). Eventually like extracting wincles from driftwood….we arrived at the Monte….I will never forget it, Paul Griff was playing and it was going off poolside, he was followed by a wonderful emotional set from Ricky culminating in a disco version of War – The World Is A Ghetto and my love for this event was set in stone.
100 VB2011 - Year Three
I only missed one VB after that, when Victoria’s dad was pretty ill. I was asked to DJ, I played the Pressure Room then was moved to poolside where I found my groove with all the other fantastic poolside players. The daytimes became my church and the nightimes in Xairo became the stuff of legends. Friends were made, many many friends, and bonds were cemented. Emotional times. The balloon release after 2017 Clash Of The Titans was a particularly moving moment for me, having just lost my dad to cancer. VB kept my love of dance music alive, it moved me into all directions and has been a musical education from the skills of all the DJ’s who play and the variety of styles and genres. You cant really describe VB in words…you just have to go. “
101 Free Gifts
8a Free Gifts
I always wanted to be able to offer some kind of giveaway to show appreciation to people for spending their hard earned money and trusting in me. From the first year right through until today, I have tried to find useful and thoughtful items that many can put away and treasure as limited edition keepsakes from our days together. It was thanks to Dave @ Southport Weekender that I was given a connection in China to source the wristbands and lanyards using the same company they used. I also continue to use the same people to order the various items we give out today. Hopefully, the free gifts have meant as much to the people receiving them as they have to me and are kept safe and sound, out of harm’s way. They’ll never be worth much financially because they only cost pennies to source but sentimentally some of them must be priceless. Knowing how many gifts to order and how much of the budget would be available becomes harder each year as people leave it later and later to get tickets. Ordering from China means I need to place it by mid August. Some of the years we had lots
102 Free Gifts to spend on gifts, other years there was next to nothing. Again, you can see all of the wonderful items from down the years in the photo book.
103 Gillman Audio
8b Gillman Audio
Phil Gill, or Gillman as he is known, is someone I met through my radio show on Choice FM. A regular listener and contributor to the phone-ins since around 1997, he even made me some jingles for my show that I used on a weekly basis. When Schooly and I used to open Sunday Lockdown he was always one of, if not the first in there. As years progressed he remained loyal to my shows and of course, made that first trip to Spain in 2009. I was approached by Phil, poolside at VB2011. He put a suggestion my way. Let him bring a sound system across from the UK to do the event justice. After much deliberation and number crunching I agreed it could work and decided to ‘let him have a crack’. When I read my opening words in the programme for 2012 it is clear that I didn’t want to make too much of a thing about this new sound system because, truth be told, I didn’t have a clue what to expect. In hindsight I obviously had nothing to worry about. Gillman Audio and VBW are a match made in heaven. Phil bent over backwards for us the first few years to make sure it happened. He provided the sound and labour for
104 Gillman Audio a heavily subsidised fee (I’m even sure at his expense) and has looked after us ever since. We never forget the amazing vibes we had before THAT system arrived but now, without it, the event would never be VBW as we know it.
More from The Gillman
As a child I was surrounded by music, and Public Address (PA) Systems. I had my own record player and tape deck (Reel to Reel) at the age of 6. My Dad was heavily into Jazz Music and had the best Hifi he could afford. I was lucky to get the hand-me-downs as he upgraded from time to time. I did pay for them out of my paper round money, by working for things I learnt the true value of them. I also played the trumpet. Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich and the boxed sets of vinyl “Music for your pleasure” by Readers Digest were the things we had to listen to, whether we liked it or not. On reflection these influences all helped grow my ears into tools I love to use on daily basis when listening to things. Working with my father at various conventions I would help install PA systems into football stadiums and other venues like the original Birmingham Bingley Hall, Dudley Town Hall etc. I loved the smell of solder and watching things being built and or repaired. As a teen ager I was known for my “Radio repairs.” I would ask anyone for old electronic items, I would spend hours unsoldering components from the circuit boards and reusing old bits to fix other things. I was a keen hobbyist. I could go on and on about all the many influences that give me the passion and interest in all things related to sound, maybe I will write my own book one day. Since 2012 I have been supplying the sound systems for VB, each
105 Gillman Audio year we try our best to tweak things to deliver clean sound through the event and by delivering good quality podcast recordings for all to enjoy, post event. A few years ago, I was introduced to the owner and main man “Andy FOX” at OPUS Audio based in Cornwall. From that moment on the world of sound has become as one-way street for me. The only way is forward you can never go back relating to sound quality. Andy Fox was a sound engineer that travelled the world with bands renting in equipment from all different suppliers, he simply got fed up of renting equipment that made greats Artist and Musicians sound bad. So, he designed his own systems, Amplifiers, Crossovers and Loud speaker systems to fix the problem he had experienced. All the systems at Vocal Booth are based on systems from OPUS Audio. I am lucky to have access to all the latest developments and test facilities at the OPUS factory. We audition every piece of the audio chain even down to the mains cables! If you don’t test A to B, B to A how do you know if things can sound better? A sound system should simply make quiet things louder, it shouldn’t colour or change the Audio in any way. At Opus Audio the focus is primarily on quality and purity in sound of their products. You may hear me talk about a system being transparent, it’s great if the MUSIC is good and the quality of the files being played are also high resolution, in that case you see me smiling and listening to all the detail, conversely you may see me without a smile, that’s normally when I’m having some diesel (poor quality) being played through the system, it happens, and you hear it straight away. Why? Because it’s transparent - how a sound system should be. At Vocal Booth we bring approximately 23 Square meters of Audio related equipment to the event in total. The systems vary based on location from 2, 3 and 4-way systems.
106 Gillman Audio
Each frequency band has its own discreet amplifier per channel. POOLSIDE we use what we can, an OPUS CS system. This is a 3-way system.We use 4 x OPUS HD (High Definition) amplifiers for the main system, 1 for HF (high frequency), 1 for MID and 2 for Bass. We then give the DJs 1000w of Stereo full-range DJ monitors via a separate Amp. OPUS Audio HD amplifiers run cold even in the heat of Spain after being on all day. The system doesn’t warm up changing sound morning noon and night. HOW is that possible? It’s simple, when you know how, keep the amps the same temperature ALL the time and guess what? The sound doesn’t change! Opus use a centrifugal fan that delivers a high flow rate at all times in the centre of their design. This is one of the factors that ensures the consistency in sound no matter what the ambient temperature is. The poolside system is made up of the following configuration: Tops 1000watts, Mid 2500 watts, Bass 5000 watts. In total the system pool side is only 8500 watts RMS. We don’t need a gazillion watts of power with Opus Audio systems, due to the efficiency of the way things work. At full tilt the system only consumes 5-6 amps of 240v Ac voltage, which is a testament to the system’s overall efficiency. We never run full tilt as it would simply be too loud if we did. What looks good on paper often does not stack up when the human ear is involved, which after all is the only important measuring tool. We do our utmost to ensure things sound as they should, even going to the extent of making sure all speaker cables are connected one way to ensure the grain of copper faces the speaker. Signal always travels faster with the grain! We believe in attention to all the small details that help make an overall difference to what you hear. See you by the speakers. GILLMAN
107 VB2012 - Year Four
9 VB2012 - Year Four
This was big tings! With the new sound system being shipped in from the UK, revenue needed to go up. Tickets were now £70, with regulars and DJs given discounts to £50. Despite pushing discount codes hard for everyone to use, only a handful of people used them, so I soon stopped that idea. I could no longer rely on the club to come good with their empty promises so I enlisted the help of a local club decorator who spruced up Xairo. A spanking new sound system all around was complimented by full poolside decor. We covered over the gap in the pergolas where the DJs played, to stop the blazing sunshine that had plagued us the previous years. Everything felt really grown up. It was the year of the Olympics so we went with that theme for the artwork and the lineup was stepped up a notch once more. Not only that, we extended the whole event to include music for seven days, Thursday to Thursday, as more and more people were booking the hotels for longer. Thinking of other angles, I came up with the concept of introducing some kind of theme night on Sunday in the club
108 VB2012 - Year Four and, after consulting everyone on Facebook, it was agreed that Sundays would now be known as White Night. Plans changed for the midweek action as we tried to keep everything in house at The Monte and put music on in the downstairs function room, known as The Basement. Recent members of The Family may be surprised to know there is a function room downstairs of The Montepiedra. The programme, for the first time, featured words from some of The VB Family on their VB Experiences and we extended the Pressure broadcasts until Wednesday afternoon in the newly titled Pressure Cooker, giving us the chance to offer even more DJs the chance to appear at the event. VB2012 Programme Welcome Note
“Welcome Home! 2012 has been a massive sporting year and what better direction for this year’s theme ? After the success of Spain in the football, it seems fitting that Team GB did so well in the Olympics. Here we are at the start of another momentous occasion ourselves ! The Family continues to grow, attend ANY event, anywhere around the world and you will always find the happiest people in there are VB Family members. What an accolade ! Despite the constant financial worries the world over, every September we provide the opportunity for you to leave your cares behind and lose yourselves in the music and atmosphere of the Weekender. To all our friends attending for the first time, please get to know as many people as you can, I guarantee you will make friends here for life. I hope you enjoy the extra touches this year, from the extra
109 VB2012 - Year Four
visual production to the killer sound system, the all-new Pressure Cooker to the Basement Sessions, the VB continues to evolve and create the perfect event for you in moving forward. This is the 4th introduction to a Vocal Booth Weekender I have had to write, every time I am filled with a sense of honour and disbelief at what we have created. Respect to each and every one of you for making this happen. Too many people to thank individually, too many DJs to talk about one by one. Once again I am sure you know how much I appreciate everything it is you do to realise this dream ! You deserve a medal !! - Andy Ward. For… With… Of… The Family !
My Vocal Booth Experience - Nigel Bevan (Programme Notes)
“How time flies, twelve months since our first Vocal Booth experience. Sitting here, writing, I find it hard to remember any nervous emotions prior to attending. Our excitement was initially due to the fact that this would be our first holiday together. We were looking forward to enjoying the sunshine, beach, music and parties. Not knowing what to expect we took it in our stride. Arriving at the Montepiedra Hotel and walking through the reception towards the pool, we could hear the music. Opening the doors and stepping into the bright sunshine we entered another dimension. Instantly feeling the love and being welcomed with open arms and big smiles. Feeling a real sense of familiarity and belonging with like-minded souls and music lovers. A rush of excitement traveled through us, we giggled, we had arrived, and it was our musical utopia. Dancing and splashing in the pool we were so happy. It wasn’t long before we met our very first friend, swimming to us on his inflatable ring. His manner was one
110 VB2012 - Year Four of beauty and he left us feeling pretty good about ourselves and thinking what a lovely lad. Needless to say, we found out later that it was Mikey Ward, a real chip off the old block. The DJ’s were awesome, providing us with the best musical experiences we had heard in a long time. The poolside provided us with the ultimate soundtrack, backdrop and atmosphere dancing in the sunshine, we felt truly blessed. With the music came new bonds and friendships, which have continued to grow. Meeting amazing people and characters have left an imprint on our hearts. To the wonderful waiters who were stars in their own right and on the final day gave us what we wanted...... a dance and believe me Ricky Gervais had nothing on this guy. The last day we ventured to the Palmera, with fellow VB Family chilling, soaking up the last rays of sunshine before returning home. An invitation to stay for food and wine with Sahara and Funmi was like the last supper. The best food we had eaten, ten of us and a couple from Liverpool who were on holiday. For days the woman had noticed people wearing the same bracelets and after a couple of drinks she asked “you are all lovely people, are you in a cult?” After the laughter stopped, we explained about the Vocal Booth Weekender and our love for House Music. She would never forget that evening and like us, she had been embraced by the love and warmth of the family. The sense of freedom and belonging we both felt was beautiful. Surrounded by such positive energies and vibrations really does make for a holiday in paradise. If only life was like this, every day filled with love, acceptance, understanding, laughter, joy and the music. Thanks Andy for the work you put into this you have welcomed us with such warmth and generosity we truly do feel part of the Vocal Booth Family.....Respect, One Love and Blessings to You All - Nigel & Victoria
111 VB2012 - Year Four
My Vocal Booth Experience - Jeff Garcia (Programme Notes)
“We were recently at The King Street All-Dayer in Birmingham the tickets were £9, there was a jerk chicken BBQ, fantastic house music being played by great DJs, brilliant live vocalists and above all LOTS of FRIENDS. If you had told us a few years ago that was what we would be doing we would never have believed you. You see, by some fluke or twist of fate, we discovered a whole new world of great people, perfect music, fun times and we love it. The internet is a huge place, so how we found Pressureradio and Andy Ward’s Vocal Booth Radio Show is a bit hazy but once we did, we were hooked. Then when we found out there was a party - The Vocal Booth Weekender - only just down the road from Jules’ house in Spain, the only sensible thing to do was to go. We had loved house music for many years.. regularly clubbing in Ibiza, London, Nottingham & Birmingham from 1997-2003 but a really awful Defected Night in London put us off and we had decided that was it for us we could no longer find what we wanted. But Andy Ward and all the Pressure Radio DJs played Our House Music – Soulful, Deep, Joyful and Uplifting. Two years ago we went to Spain with a couple of friends who we know are good, fun party people and walked into the unknown, we know the area and we knew the weather would be great and the drinks large but would we fit in? Hahaha would we fit in ?? Folks that go to Vocal Booth Weekender are just the same as us!! PEOPLE THAT LOVE TO PARTY AND LOVE GOOD MUSIC! The atmosphere was supposed to be “taking it easy” on the first evening for the live radio broadcast, far from it, everyone was up
112 VB2012 - Year Four
for it and the party started. Fantastic House music tune after tune, people smiling, dancing, hugging and getting to know each other in the beautiful surroundings of The Montepiedra poolside. The whole weekend was like this, DJs spinning wonderful sounds to a really appreciative audience. Nightclub Xairo is fantastic, large and airy with a banging sound system, filled with the best house heads you could ever wish to meet and make friends with. The Vocal Booth Weekender is something special, a small piece of house heaven under the sun, a place you can kick back, relax and really feel at home whatever your creed, colour or gender just so long as you love House Music. Now at our third VBW, and by hook or by crook we will make it there every year because we feel part of a FAMILY, part of a little bit of MAGIC that happens once a year, with all our friends we have met through this lovely, crazy party. Last night we were in a pub in Birmingham with a dozen or more friends all of whom we have met because of VBW. You can’t beat it. Life moves on at a pace and sometimes things go one way or another but sometimes you just find something that feels right, that is what VBW is to Jules and I, a place that we fit and that fits us perfectly. It’s made us more happy than anything has for many years. Thank You So Very Much Vocal Booth Family. LOVE & HAPPINESS. Jeff & Jules xxxxxx
My Vocal Booth Experience - Sar Watage (Programme Notes)
“The last 12 months since we met pool side have for most, been crammed with ups and downs. The riots of last summer that seemed to shake our wonderful country to the core while the London Olympics once again drew everyone close together. A year of births, marriages, separations, ill-health you name it
113 VB2012 - Year Four we had it. One thing’s for sure though we’re all still here and still strong, no matter what the last 12 month has thrown our way. For me the one and only constant in my life has been music. For me its constant reminder of better times has enabled me to look forward. One event that springs to mind as I write is a sun filled day last year. A day spent sorting through CDs, folders filled with soulful house, club classics, broken beats, one folder simply labelled 4 AM onwards. An entire afternoon taken up listening to music and revelling in the memories it brought. A day spent writing out labels and playlists of my favourite tracks. One folder labelled up, narrowed down and added to, finally zipped up and in my case ready for the following day. Music to wake up to, music to drift into sleep to, music to recover to and wonderful music to lift my spirits as the drugs corse through my veins with their size nine steel toe capped boots. An event that would come and go, leaving in its wake a changed life, a broken career and a new beginning. That day spent with music was the day before. The day before I was to go into hospital. Booked in for an operation that was to save my life. Get rid of the illness that had plagued me for months and start again with good health. The weeks that followed are jumbled into a cloud of medication and pain relief. Saturday mornings with brother C, with Millo, Frank and Pugs. Thursday evenings with The family, with jokes and chat that if recorded would, I’m sure be noted down under sublime yet completely ridiculous. Pressure radio you guys have a lots to answer for. Weeks reading Emails and texts. Receiving calls, cards and visits. Heart warming and sincere messages of encouragement to get well. Weeks filled with laughter and hope, looking forward to
114 VB2012 - Year Four
seeing familiar faces again. The end part of the summer of 2011 was spent congratulating myself on my progress back to health. Plans put in place and tickets booked to sit poolside once more. I’ve been fortunate, blessed and humbled to have met some of the best people that life can offer owing to the joining together of people that this event brings. I’ve been blessed to share a good few hands in the air and eyes wide shut moments with people I now (and will always) consider Family. My weekend this year marks my new start. My new beginning and new life. The decision finally made to end my career and take on new challenges made it’s been a bench mark for me. When planning a future it’s been a mark in the diary. An ‘I’ll do that before Vocal Booth’, or ‘after Vocal Booth’. Here’s to The Vocal Booth Family and all that we share! One love! X - Sar Watage
And so to the event. Seeing as he’d now been relieved of sound man duties, I thought it only right to give the honour of opening up the event to Snoopy. He shared some great music before a performance from myself and Timmy Vegas, live on Pressure. Stuff of legends. Actually, that’s a total lie. I don’t remember anything about that first year’s broadcast. In fact, it was the following year’s broadcast with Timmy that really sticks in my mind. I had convinced myself whilst thinking back to 2012 that Timmy hadn’t actually come for some reason but seeing him on the photos proves he was there. There is a classic image of us all enjoying the sounds of Graeme Park poolside, looking to the front in unison, whilst Timmy seems to be hailing down the aliens from above, oblivious to the party going on behind him.
115 VB2012 - Year Four
Overall it was an extremely messy event and as I put these thoughts down it’s all falling into place. Timmy ‘Fucking’ Vegas. It was the first time many of the Family were to meet Timmy and I am sure it’s a memory that will stay with them forever. This was the year I booked a flight for Richard Earnshaw to arrive on Saturday but in my wisdom put him down to play in the club on Friday night and didn’t even realise until the Friday. It’s the year Marcus Enochson totally missed his poolside set due to over indulgence the night before. This is the year I famously had to cry off home when I was meant to be playing by myself all Tuesday night. I was literally a broken man from exhaustion. I can’t start to tell you how disappointed I was to miss that opportunity but everyone took great pride in taking the piss out of me for a good while afterwards. I learnt my lesson that year. I didn’t really. It was a very big year. Monday afternoon poolside in 2012 was handed over to the West Midlands Rave Unit (WMRU) and what a day that was. It was the start of a love affair with the boys formerly known as Uber, for many of The Fam. We ended the event on Thursday night with live broadcast and awards ceremony poolside and then took the action back downstairs for the final time until the early hours.
Vocal Booth Weekender 2012 Report
“Vocal Booth Weekender 2012 is gone. Long live VB2012!
I really want to put some personal words down about the Vocal
116 VB2012 - Year Four
Booth Weekender, not from a DJ or promoter perspective but just my own experience. The VBW dominates my year. Every day I am thinking of ways to surprise and delight the Family that attend and make it the best experience possible… so to try to distance myself from that aspect is nigh on impossible, but I’ll give it a go. I really have no idea where to begin. Many of the Family will already know all there is to know about anything I could say about the event, seeing as it was us, as a unit, that created it. On reflection, each year I find myself drawn more to the new people who attend the event to make them feel as at home as possible, which means that unfortunately I don’t get to sit and talk with the original crew as much as I would like. You all know I love you still. This year, being a whole 7 days of partying, definitely took its toll on me. Much of the main weekend, for me, is a blur. That is no exaggeration. The amazing music during the days blends into the total obscurity of the nights in the club. I was there to enjoy myself as much as the next person and I definitely did that! Seeing Mikey do his thing on the Sunday was one of the proudest moments of my life and I can’t wait to watch it back as soon as we sort the many hours worth of footage out. After he finished, bless him, he sharply retired to the hotel room and slept. He felt the pressure ! I am also in the process of preparing the equal amount of club and pool sets for podcasts. Wow, too many things to mention in reality, so many special moments, so many hysterical moments, so many drunken moments. I got a good 7/8 hours sleep each night across the event yet still woke up totally exhausted every morning. Eventually on the Tuesday I hit a brick wall. Throughout the whole week I stay on site at the Montepiedra but I had to be brought home on Tuesday,
117 VB2012 - Year Four
I had never experienced exhaustion like it before. My body was shutting down and I needed some TLC from the wife. I felt sorry for letting the people down who had looked forward to this night of me playing alone, but there will be other occasions. That was the only negative of the whole event for me. After that, for the rest of the week, I think I had one vodka and one can of cider. I must have been bad ! Back to promoter mode. This year was definitely the biggest and the best. The monster poolside system was hardly tested to its full capacity and was loved by all, while a few tweaks for inside the club for future events should give us the same quality of sound (working with something like Xairo is always going to be a challenge). The Pressure Cooker room worked as well as I had hoped and has big scope for the future. Elsewhere, the Basement area of the hotel also worked well although with more tweaks here and there, sound system and production wise we are onto on overall winner. Numbers wise, it was definitely the busiest yet, although it is hard to imagine where all the people were. Consider it a tag team, with many taking turns to feel the pain and miss whole nights due to burn out. Despite being into the fourth year, lessons are always being learnt meaning every year can only get better. Who knows, next year we might even get every DJ that is booked to turn up for their set !? The relaxed vibe of the event means that there will always be a few rough edges but in my eyes that is what is so special about it. Every DJ performed above and beyond what was expected and my vision of the whole thing was totally satisfied. Almost, lol. I just want to say thanks again to everyone that attended, it really is a team effort, a Family Affair. Together, we are an unbeatable force to be reckoned with. I genuinely do get a little embarrassed
118 VB2012 - Year Four
at the amount of praise I am given for the VBW when I feel we all deserve the praise. As I said on one of the many thousand emails or fact sheets before the event, I’m just steering the ship, we are all working hard to power it ! I will get around to collating all of the amazing reviews, words of love, stories from the virgins etc for publication on the website which will get a revamp in the coming months, seeing as I have nothing to fiddle with now every day. Apart from myself. Remember, as the hype grows every year, so the need to go underground with the promotion is needed. The VB is not an event put on to cash in on your love for all things great, so we will never get to a point where there are too many people or the calibre of people attending is compromised ! For this reason, please be sure to read all the mails you get from the VB mailing list, there will be changes made there shortly that you need to be looking out for to stay in the loop.
2012 Reactions
SNOOPY When you look back at all that has been created over the last four years the outcome is a testament to your own greatness. ANDY. Superb day and nights that bring love and harmony to all who attend. May it be so for many years to come. and I’ll try be up to it health wise next year. God bless you, and the v.b family. SNOOPZ,xx Loadsa love .
JEFF & JULES It was great seeing you relax more and enjoy what you/we have created. Whenever that much entertainment is provided over 5 days and 4 venues something will throw a spanner in the works
119 VB2012 - Year Four but everyone pulls together to fill in or lend a hand. That is the beauty of the Vocal Booth, no stress, just get on with it with a smile on your face. You should be very proud to have pulled together so many GOOD people Andy, may we run for many years to come becuase as I said to you it keeps getting better and better. Best two weeks of our lives without doubt. xxx Much Love Brother xxx PAUL GROOVE WOW!!!What a week was had by all once again….well done wardy for all the work you put in leading up to,during and after “the do”. Was 7 days too much??I dont think so(even though i missed my set on sunday night!!)everybody seemed to get through it, (with various degrees of pain) Anyway,big up the Fam!! see ya’ll in 2013……….. FRANK AINSWORTH A few years ago I read a book called “The Celestine Phrophecy”. It tells the story of a complete spiritual culture of humans on earth. A concept I try to live by, basically connecting with and surrounding oneself with postive people enabling a feeling of euphoria. It was a book from the underground passed around from hand to hand, friend to friend and by word of mouth. I had my doubts as to whether we could ever attain this state completely (maybe but not in my lifetime). Anyway I was invited by Andy a few years back to attend a little get together to celebrate his 10 years of Vocal Booth (illness prevented me from attending) but when I eventually made it in 2011 I felt the positivity and love from friends old and new. At last I had found my Utopia. It was all I needed, it couldn’t have been any better … HOW WRONG WAS I … Walking through the doors of The Monty on Friday evening I immediately felt the love, the
120 VB2012 - Year Four warmth, the positivity. Wave after wave, It blew me away! It was overwhelming, so much so I had to retreat to my room before my heart burst and my soul floated to the heavens. Euphoric indeed! This is the place where the ‘Prophecy’ comes true (well for me anyway). An event from the underground, growing from word of mouth, from friend to friend to friends for life. The next eleven months and three weeks will feel like a week and the week after that will feel like LIFE ITSELF … BRING IT ON!
IAIN WILLIS Once again some of the guys above put the VB experience far better than my literary skills could.. All I can say us WHAT A F##kin WEEKEND lol..absolutely gutted I gotta wait another year to do it all again..respect to Wardy and all involved
TONY QUESADA It was perfect!, Although I have to do a little critique to improve in the coming years is that on Friday at the club xairo the music was very loud and upset, not so much on Saturday, but the sound quality was very good!!, and another thing I noticed is that in the vast majority of club djs including you andy, lol, is that there is a tendency to electro, I think it would be a factor to take into account for the next year. Everything else is great!, Music pool, the decoration, the new location of the radio, waiters, etc …..
DANNY WOOD Well I am now wondering why it took me till the 4th year to break my VB cherry as it were. Such a great location and such fantastic people and the music was generally spot on all the way through – what could be better!!
121 VB2012 - Year Four
Cant wait till next year!! Thanks so much Andy
DYLAN Quite simply brilliant, the people, the music, the sound system, the weather….everything was perfect for me. Mind is too hazy to write a proper review and to be honest I don’t think this event needs one, everyone there knows what it’s all about, I will however mention some bits that stood out for me personally. All the poolside sets but especially A Deeper Groove, Soul Renegades, Bones, Mikey Ward, Clash Of The Titans (Giddy’s opening track had me crying with laughter) and Mr Miggs. These were the highlights but as I say I think pretty much everyone that played poolside got it just right and there was a lovely eclectic mix of stuff from many of the DJ’s. Special mention however must go to The West Midlands Rave Unit (love the t-shirts btw), these boys SMASHED it and the Monday session was the highlight of the whole event for me, tune after tune after flipping TUNE! As I said before the event, one of the things I was looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones and that was certainly the case, too many lovely people to mention them all individually but you know who you are, special mention to Joey and his lovely wife Kerry who looked after me for the whole week and made me feel so welcome from the minute I met them, two very special people indeed. Sam & Sue for the big big laughs we had on the Monday, that sangria was awesome……although it wasn’t until the Tuesday you told me what was actually in it…hahaha, DJ Roly for getting me home one night…..remember. It was also brilliant to spend some quality time with Craig, Ricky, Neil, Phil etc, people who I only normally see for a couple of hours at best whilst they’re DJing, I have to say that just sitting around and talking about music and other stuff to these guys (and many
122 VB2012 - Year Four
others) was another big highlight for me. By the way Ricky Reid, you are a legend mate, did you get caner of the weekend…if not, why not?….you were EVERYWHERE….hahaha!Lastly a huge thanks to Andy for making this happen, your enthusiasm and belief in what makes a truly special event is infectious mate, also the team behind him….thank you all so much. So, VB2012 was my first time as part of ‘The Family’ ….it certainly won’t be my last, see you all in September 2013 if not before.
CHRIS & LYN When I try and describe the Vibe and what its like to be there the people the smiles the music its hard for them to understand how unique it is and what an amazing event you have created. We call it “The happiest place on earth” and we truly believe it. Thanks for creating the family long may it continue. VB Memoirs - Garth Blader
“VB2012 was my first time going to this event and I had some information fed to me courtesy of the FB Vocal Booth group, Neil Maclean (Pugwash) and Pressure radio chatroom. When I arrived at Murcia from Luton I remember meeting another guy who was waiting to get picked up by Andy. We had a little chat about VB and the Montepiedra then I went on my way, because I was in my ‘I want to explore the terrain’ mode. When I eventually got to the Monty I walked into a fantastic atmosphere where everybody was happy, what a great positive vibe. I spotted that same bloke whom I was chatting to at the airport. This time he was in shorts just partying away… I later found out it was the one and only Wookie… a stalwart of the UKG scene… how privileged did I feel?
123 VB2012 - Year Four
While I stood there for a minute just taking it all in, someone approached me just out of the blue and asked if I was ok. (Cary- Anne Hornsey), I replied “Yes thanks, just trying to see if I can spot my friend Pugwash.” Next minute she appeared with Pugwash in tow and my thoughts were ‘does everyone know each other or something?’ The whole weekend was absolutely fantastic and I particularly remember the ‘Titans clash’ and the brilliant presenting which was done by Snoopy. I think at this point that I had 2013 planned in my head. Just a small example of the family that Andy Ward has created, with the Vocal Booth concept.
124 VB2013 - Year Five
10 VB2013 - Year Five
Reading back over these few pages doesn’t really give a sense of the intensity that VBW was building within the soulful house circuit. Suncebeat in Croatia was getting bigger and bigger. It had started in 2010, the year after our first party in Spain, and is an event I have a lot of love for. The promoters are of course the legendary Southport Weekender but the people behind the venue itself are very close friends of ours from Birmingham, who themselves had left to make a new life for themselves in Croatia at the same time we moved to Spain. The reason I mention this is that more and more events were popping up on the soulful house landscape every year with huge line ups. I was worried that we’d start losing people to these massive occasions yet we continued to go from strength to strength alongside these giants, thanks to our faithful Family. In 2013, celebrating our 5th year, I felt that even more stops needed pulling out. Our headliner, Dawn Tallman had excited many and the DJ line up was just as mouth-watering. I had ordered in a large LED screen to feature behind the DJ which
125 VB2013 - Year Five no one knew about, this little secret ate away at me all summer as I was dying to let everyone know. One day, I received an email from Dawn stating that her good friend, Josh Milan, was travelling along with her in support. What ensued next was some frantic emails trying to see if there was any way I could get him to perform. We struck up a deal he agreed on and I went about promoting him as attending. Just a few weeks before the event took place it seemed that the deal was no longer any good for him and so it was with great regret and embarrassment I had to announce a change of plan. Fortunately, Nathan Adams was more than happy to take his place and I didn’t receive any complaints about Josh’s no show, so all was well in the end. In the run up to the event it was apparent that we had more and more people travelling from more places so I asked that anyone from a different country bring a flag to represent themselves. No one did apart from Paul ‘n Pippa Riley who travelled all the way from Australia, bless them. I also handed over all of Friday poolside to the remaining Spanish DJs to show them respect for sticking with us down the years and asked that they make some effort to transform the booth to reflect this Spanish representation on the day. Nothing was done. I had a slight dig at them in the post-event review but it’s just another example of how, sometimes, things just aren’t as important to some as it is to myself as far as VB is concerned. Who knows why exactly, but 2013 would prove to be our busiest year to date with around 600 people attending.
126 VB2013 - Year Five
Balloon Release
2013 was the first year we did the balloon release. It was coordinated to help raise funds for a charity set up by a lady called Dawn Green. Dawn was introduced to The Family as a friend of Michelle’s, we’d known her for some time here in Spain. Diagnosed with a rare form of Cancer and having gained lots of media attention for her fight to get to the root of her illness, she became a popular member of The Family both here in Spain and back in the UK. We shared the logo of her charity in 2012’s Programme. Dawn’s health deteriorated in 2013 and as the event approached it was thought that it may very well be her last VBW. I asked if she would like to take part in the Titans and she agreed. All was in place until she took a turn for the worse and it was clear she wouldn’t be able to attend. This was super last minute, as the programmes had already been printed with a few words in from Dawn. With the help of several key people and a very hysterical (grown men in Mankinis) and emotional afternoon poolside on the Sunday, over three thousand pounds was collected and put towards Dawn’s charity. Despite missing out on her chance to be a Titan that year, Dawn’s health improved and she battled on, partying whenever and wherever she could until she lost her fight in 2016. The balloons became a pivotal and poignant moment across the weekend for many years after until, in 2018, it was decided we would no longer do it for both environmental reasons and because some of The Fam, when asked in a poll, decided they’d rather not.
127 VB2013 - Year Five
The balloons were also released that year to give solace to another young lady who had attended the event in the past, Tilly Floss. Tilly was a friend to many of the London Fam and had taken a turn for the worse in her battle with cancer. Her partner, Brian aka Doctor J, was scheduled to play in the Pressure Cooker midweek but stayed home to comfort her. In a very emotional change to the lineup, I decided that we would broadcast live video from the poolside, with a prerecorded set Brian put together of her favourite tunes. They all watched back in the UK as we danced for Tilly and waved on the live stream. A few days later she would be gone.
VB2013 Programme Welcome Note
“Happy Anniversary ! Five events in, it goes without saying our affair gets stronger by the day. Without you in my life, things just wouldn’t be the same. I love you ! OK, so now I got that off my chest, it’s time to welcome all new Family members into the fold. Prepare yourself for one of THE most intense clubbing experiences of your year. Every member of the Family is keen to get to know you, go out of your way to strike up a conversation with anyone as you wait for a drink or rest your tired legs… you are about to meet a new friend for life ! Our 5th Vocal Booth Weekender gives thanks and praise to the guys that helped create this musical paradise, as we hand over the most prized time slots to some of the finest unsung talent out there. Thanks to the VB, musical connections have been formed, from studio collaborations to full-on DJ partnerships, I am proud to put this line-up of talent head to head with any major club
128 VB2013 - Year Five
night and know they would hold their own. It is brilliant to see so many non-VB parties taking place throughout the year which now have a new lease of life, thanks to the VB Family and their support. Long may this continue ! Remember it’s a team effort and if done right, there is no reason why we all can’t enjoy the great vibes that feed us for the few month in between our official gatherings. Preparing these words each year is such a joy as I picture you sitting there reading them, excited at all that lies ahead of you for the coming days. Remember to pace yourself and drink plenty of water in between the dangerously large measures of spirits. Thank you, thank you, thank you ! If you are with us all week, remember our Anniversary Luncheon is on Thu 19th Sept in Los Alcazares. Coaches leave from outside the Montepiedra at 2pm. Tickets are priced at 30 Euro (including travel) and are available from reception - Andy Ward
My Vocal Booth Experience - Dawn Green (Programme Notes)
“A year or so ago, had someone asked me the question “ What does family mean to you?” My response would have consisted of the usual, all be it valid response, “Oh you know, my beautiful girls, my poor old dad, my brothers and sister and of course my amazing friends who are often more like family to me than “real” family. Fast forward to this year and now I feel blessed to include the Vocal Booth Family members as some of the most genuine, caring, soul cleansing people a girl could ever wish to meet, and a feeling of belonging, love and support that only the Vocal Booth family know how to instil. Im sure as most of you know from Facebook and from meeting
129 VB2013 - Year Five
me personally, that I’m officially ‘One in a million’, and if you have met me, this will not come as a surprise! Five years ago I was diagnosed with a rare cancer and given just 3 months to live and despite subsequently loosing the majority of my abdominal organs (I wont go into the gory details and bring you down), I have been truly blessed to have gained such overwhelming support and admiration from so many of you beautiful, crazy, loveable people! I have been kindly invited to promote my little charity here, in the hope that it may raise some vital funds for the cause that is extremely close to my heart, a charity some of you have already kindly supported throughout the last year, and, a charity that is run solely with my own fair hands, with lots of hard work and dedication, and a sprinkle of love and passion for good measure! Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for welcoming me into The Family with open arms and making me feel safe and loved through some extremely stormy days! One final request, if you see me looking tired or flagging slightly, offer me a gentle hug and some encouragement (or a drink! ;)) so I can get up and continue the party! My aim this year, regardless of any cancer trying to spoil my fun is simply this, Im here to make memories, breathe-taking, belly laughing, smile cracking memories with some of the most wonderful people I know... Who is with me???
My Vocal Booth Experience - Mishlinka (Programme Notes)
“The Vocal Booth Weekender - an annual date in the calendar filed under “Essential” whose approach is marked by how many PAYDAYS left, literally. Having been to many other weekenders, I attended the first in 2009 at a difficult time in my life and have
130 VB2013 - Year Five
forged some lasting friendships there; and each VBW since then a few more have found their way into my heart. It would be difficult to imagine no VBW in the calendar - what event could replace it? Whoever said “Music is the language of the Soul” got that right !!!!!
My Vocal Booth Experience - Dawn Quinn (Programme Notes)
“Where do I start, I have always loved disco & soul from the age of 17 where I used to go to The Goldmine Canvey Island, Caister Weekender and Soul all-dayers . Then house came along and I would go out raving (LOL) at the weekends and they wouldn’t come round fast enough. Then life went past and I had my 2nd child and you know work and family life takes over a little and I missed my music and the way it made me feel. Then in 2006 I met my husband Sean and he used to DJ and loved his music. We spoke about music and we liked a lot of the same stuff. We started to listen to a radio station in Spain which Paul Groove played on a Saturday night which introduced us to Pressure Radio and Andy Ward’s show on a Thursday night. So now we had a Saturday and a Thursday evening to listen to music we both loved. I would always think to myself where is there a place we could go for people our age who loved our kind of music. In 2009 Andy said about doing a weekender in Spain and so we went and 200 like-minded people arrived at Los Alcazares. It was the best 4 days we had in forever I think. People where just lovely, music was amazing and we were dancing in the streets of the sun... In the last 4 years I have met so many wonderful people and it gets better each year, meeting up with friends from going to the VBW, not just at VB but from getting invites to their homes,
131 VB2013 - Year Five
parties and meeting up in London, Leicester and Birmingham. Now year 5 approaches and that feeling of excitement is starting to gather pace and how do you explain this as an emotion? A reaction, a passion, the excitement and the sensation in which It brings ? This always brings a smile to my face and such sweet memories. So I will see each and every one of you by the pool starting Thursday evening and finishing the following Friday. A massive thank you to Andy for bringing us altogether for the love of house.
Vocal Booth Weekender 2013 Report
“I literally just spent an hour writing a load of words about VB2013, only to delete them. It’s nothing I haven’t said before about the event really, so I’m going to start again and list a few of my highlights (and low moments) whilst I listen to the lovely poolside set from DJ 2Tall. It all kicked off for me on Thursday night when I finally felt all was in place for me to have my first beer and play my first tune. Taking over from some great vibes from Jeff, 2Tall, Snoopy and Sean Quinn, I felt the weight of the event fall from my shoulders as my first tune played. Eventually going live on Pressure after 30 seconds panicking my computer wasn’t working, the Kaysee opening jingle was met with a cheer from the crowd which really made me beam inside… this, indeed, was a shout out to my people, only this time they were all with me and it felt really good. I get emotional just thinking about it. Anyway, you can hear what happened next from the recording of the night… the vibe was nothing short of electric and I went to bed a happy man. The next morning I woke bright and early to find out where my bastard programmes were. Basically, the hotel’s new website had
132 VB2013 - Year Five the incorrect postcode on it (nothing to do with WardsWebsites), which I in turn passed on to the couriers which meant they were delivered to an entirely different part of Spain. I was ASSURED they would be delivered first thing on Saturday, something I wasn’t happy about but I thought would HAVE to do. I continued to welcome the Family, old and new to the event and the Friday went exactly as I expected. I was a little disappointed that not one of the Spanish DJs had done as I suggested and made an effort to dress up the pool area with some Spanish colours, seeing as it was their takeover day. Of course, I let it be known but didn’t dwell on the fact.. you can only do so much for people ! Registration went as well as could be expected, the late rush on tickets meant that we were closer to 600 people physically being present and there were one or two mistakes on my part, sorry to anyone who missed out on a card and a massive thanks to Dave Tait and Drew for being so cool under pressure. Finally, after a rather stressful day it was time for me to get a bite to eat, shower and hit the club. I had been so excited for so long about the new LED screen we brought in this year for the event as well as the new poolside decor and lighting. On the grand scheme of things it’s just a screen and some lights, but they gave a new dimension to the venue and I was really happy everyone loved them. I started the opening set in Xairo and loved every second of it. It was great to see so many people in the club so early, whooping and whistling as the bass filtered out. During my set I had a few tears of joy/relief that I thought I got away with until the cameraman stuck his light on me. Tosser. The rest of the night is somewhat a blur, one of the highlights of course being Atjazz and Ross on bass guitar mashing up the place. I can’t wait to hear the recording. Friday was the busiest it has ever been for us in Xairo,
133 VB2013 - Year Five we couldn’t have got more in and it definitely confirms the fact that 600 is a good cut-off point from here on in. Saturday morning, wow, seems so long ago now. Another early rise in the hope of finding programmes in reception, when we finally got through to the delivery plant my heart-felt like it had been ripped out when I was told the programmes wouldn’t arrive until Monday. I was really upset, especially as there was a lot of important information I didn’t want people to miss out on.. it also meant I found myself introducing all the DJs on the mic over the course of the event, one of the things I explicitly did not want to be doing this year. Anyway, Saturday was a great day and went exactly as I had expected although I was surprised there were not more people poolside throughout the day. Quick change, into Xairo to set the lighting up for the Pressure boys. Having Gillman in charge of recording all the audio was one less thing for me to worry about this year and definitely helped with my stress levels. I was always curious as to what the turnout in the club would be on the Saturday night, seeing as the Pressure DJs aren’t necessarily household names to a lot of the new-comers (plus the missing programmes fiasco) but I was relieved to see a packed dance floor and everyone getting to down to some amazing sets from the lads… they definitely represented themselves well. Two great performances from Nathan Adams and Dawn Tallman made the night a great one for all concerned, I’m not ashamed to say I ducked out not long after DJP took to the decks… I needed some sleep. Sunday morning I woke feeling rather sick, sick with nerves. Opening up was Kev Beadle who did exactly what I knew he would, setting the stage for young Mikey Ward to do his thing. I cannot start to tell you how nervous Mikey was, especially as he had prepared the final 20 minutes of the hour-long set to be beat
134 VB2013 - Year Five matched. People made an effort to come see him perform and I watched with pride as he once again shared all his own selections with the crowd who lapped it up, singing and dancing to every track. I genuinely had zero input in his song choices, something which makes me even more proud of him. As he was about to start his first mix into a house track I could see he had a problem. I popped into the booth, told him to just let the track finish and to try again on the next one. He nailed the final three mixes. It was a big set, even if I am a little biased ! The rest of the day was a little too hectic for me to enjoy, lots of things to co-ordinate to make sure the balloon release went well, the live PA from Dawn, collating the scores from the missing judges for the Titans etc.. obviously all appeared to go smoothly but I need to watch/listen back to it myself to really appreciate the day for what it was. I got a lot of great feedback for Sunday though so I know people loved it. Sunday night, another white night, was tremendous and all the music was on point. It was great to see Spoony again after so long and to hear his brilliant set. I think Schooly and I did a good set.. I can’t remember a thing, again something to catch up on when listening back to the podcasts. I don’t remember getting back to my hotel, then again it was 10 days ago so that’s to be expected ! Monday morning is a blur, again too much time wasted on the phone chasing programmes. A recovery session around the pool saw great music and as the sun set and people moved downstairs, the vibe of the event changed to the mid-week atmosphere I really love. Dave Storm was a little nervous about playing but he nailed it in the basement and really enjoyed his set. Thanks to more tweaking from Phil and a little sound insulation, the sound in the basement this year was a lot better and we think next year we’ll have it even better still.
135 VB2013 - Year Five
Tuesday I disappeared over to Murcia with Blackwax, Brother C and Miloe as they spent a few hours in the studio with Deep Josh to get some much appreciated information on mixing and studio tips. On the night I came home and gave Michelle a night out while I slept in my own bed and rested my brain. It was just what I needed. Wednesday, the programmes finally turned up, better late than never and as explained previously, I will be bringing them across to the reunion in November and Birmingham in December for anyone that wants a souvenir. You can view the 2013 Programme, in the meantime, on-line (thanks to DeanJay at Fly Creative for this). Thursday’s meal over in Los Alcazares was great and the coach journey coordinated well, it gives me more of an incentive to try other things in the future on the final days. The farewell party was another beautiful thing and sent most people home happy as we partied under the stars for the final time. As you can tell, I started rushing over points towards the back- end of the week, I just wanted to get my thoughts down now before I forgot. On the whole, VB2013 was the most successful yet although I don’t think I will fully appreciate that until I have heard all the sets and watched back some of the key moments on the video rebroadcasts. I am the most happy with the DJs and 99% of them “followed the script” and provided the soundtrack exactly as I envisaged it. A couple of gripes.. People were a lot better with their smoking habits this year with more and people respecting my request to hold it down, but a note to the few people I saw hiding their ‘tings from me as I walked past.. I personally don’t give a damn, but if you are ignorant enough to think hiding it from me is going to stop everyone within a 10 metre radius smelling what you’re
136 VB2013 - Year Five up to, then you’re more stupid than I thought and deserve to get carted away by the man ! I also can’t believe a few people can’t organise something as simple as a table tennis match, when all the hard work has been done for them. KMT (kiss my teeth)… but that’s just me being grumpy old me… allow me. There are a whole host of people to thank for making VB2013 happen, I have thanked everyone already face to face but in no particular order respect to: Paul Griff, Tony Poole, Paul Baxter, Gareth Wiseman, Barry Neaves, Sharon Dobinson, Dave Tait, Drew and Mikey, Michelle Ward of course, Gillman Audio, Paul Groove, all the staff at all the hotels we used, Julie at Flamenca Holidays, Club Xairo, DJP and Pressure, San Antonio restaurant, Howells Transport, DB audio, Diego and Elena, BB Balloons, Snoopy, Pilar, all the DJs and of course YOU for attending ! Sincere apologies to anyone I may have missed. A couple of my other highlights were:
• Mikey’s set • Thursday night with Timmy • Sunday with Schooly • Seeing Lloyd Bevan’s face when I gave him a little gift • Seeing how happy Doobie J was after his set and everyone going crazy for him • Knowing that Tilly Floss (in hindsight) was enjoying watching and listening to Doctor J’s set on the webcam, days before she passed away, moments after she received her lanyard and wristband in the post. Sweet dreams. x
137 VB2013 - Year Five
2013 Reactions
PATRICK BLAKE Andy, hats off to you and backroom staff for another great VB in the sun. I had great reservations if my ankle could take the 10 days but it did! The poolside system was great, same goes for the club and basement Was good to meet old and new faces, the virgins slotted in seamlessly like they were old hands! I totally enjoyed myTitan runout, something for me to cherish! Well done to Karen. So looking forward to next year. As the VB slogan says For. With. Of. The Family! 100%
DYLAN MACE Great review Andy, I can only imagine how much work you put into this event, for my comment I’m simply going to re-post what I wrote the day I came back…plus a bit….. Words cannot do justice to how I feel about this event, it is so special, right from the Thursday night you could feel the love and see everyone, smiling, laughing & dancing. I met old friends & made new ones, the music was amazing, an education in fact, and then there’s the sound system, I said it last year and I’ll say it again, it is INCREDIBLE, Phil….you do such an amazing job and your attention to detail and genuine passion for what you do blows me away! I can’t mention (or tag everyone) but a few special mentions are definitely in order, firstly my adopted Bournemouth/Cambridge family who I loved spending so much time with. Secondly, the WMRU…..jeez! How good are these guys, seriously! Proper talent from start to finish! Soul Renegades…..Wowsa! Neil Pierce in the club on Sunday…..smashed it!
138 VB2013 - Year Five
Mad Matts!….just ridiculous! A Deeper Groove….beautiful selection! I’m scratching the surface here, the music from everyone was brilliant, and the tempo was bang on for nearly every session I heard. I also loved the laughs I had with everyone, especially Schooly….you’re a legend mate and it was really nice to have some down time with you too. I could go on & on (and on) about all the wonderful people I talked to, danced with & laughed with but you all know who you are and I can’t wait to see you again next year, if not before. Almost lastly, thank you so much for those that came and supported me when I played in the Pressure Cooker on Tuesday night, I was bricking it beforehand, loved it all and felt exhausted afterwards, having Dawn Tallman in the room dancing away and singing was just amazing! And really lastly, thank you thank you thank you Andy Ward for making this all possible…..you are a genius for what you’ve created, I love it SO SO MUCH! It’s the…. Best event I’ve EVER been to. Best sound system I’ve EVER heard. Best session of music (Saturday) I’ve EVER heard. Best people. Best music. Best weather. Can’t wait to do it all again next year x
DAMIAN SQUIRE The vocal booth has become a pilgrimage for me n the mrs (3yrs n counting) is without doubt the best thing that has happened to me from a music perspective in the last 20years and is truly
139 VB2013 - Year Five
a spiritual thang. I have to say that Andy is probably the most generous person I have met on the music scene and am blown away by how real he keeps it. Giving djs the opportunity to contribute in what is notoriously a cold industry, im sure there are plenty of djs that ha e experienced the cold shoulder or clicks that are hard to break into, but with Andy its about sharing in the music we love so much and allowing people to share in this. Vb = no vip, no attitudes no judgment just like minded souls that with out this event would seldom meet. I brought a virgin along this year you all probably met claire white and rember trying to explain the family vibe I guess its something you have to feel for yourself. Claire did and is of course family for life, its just what vb does to you. I have had the privilege of dancing, chatting, and rubbing shoulder s with some of the most genuine , inspirational and wonderful people I have met in life and thats all down to vbw. ANDY AND CREW THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO AND PLEASE KEEP ON KEEPING ON GOD BLESS. YOU xx
VB Memoirs - Tanja Neaves
“Talking about this really does make me smile. I had only been dating my husband Barry for a few months when he showed me a video clip of The Vocal Booth Weekender and asked if I wanted to go with him and straight away it was a hell yes! VB2013 was our first holiday together and really a test drive to see if we had a future together. I will always remember standing at the check in desk at the Monti feeling nervous and excited at the same time when I were greeted with a huge hug and smile from Gaynor who I hadn’t met before, I remember thinking how fab is this place, it’s already bursting with positive energies and genuinely nice people
140 VB2013 - Year Five and I’ve not even unpacked my suitcase yet. Barry and I had an amazing first holiday together at VB13 not just because Barry is an amazing person it was also the fantastic music and the atmosphere of the place,where smiling is infectious because you had landed in a haven for house music and the beautiful gathering of talented artists,friends and their families who all represent the true meaning of friendship and family. Barry and I have made life time friends who we love and adore, we attend events to support each and everyone of them whenever we can. It is fair to say that Vocal Booth has played a big part in our lives because of the music and the amazing friends who love and support us. The last VB Summer Ball, now this is one of my favourite memories of Vocal Booth because it demonstrated the power of how surrounding yourself with people who have nothing but love and positive vibes for each other gives immense impact in your life. Everyone knew but me that Barry was going to propose to me that night, I will never forget how my favourite track started playing ( Kings of tomorrow, Could It Be) Trackia looking all dapper in his suit started calling attention over the mic as I’m stood on the dance floor . Next thing I knew I were surrounded by VB family and Barry down on one knee, I bloody love that man! I have some stunning photos and a video of the proposel which is an amazing memory to have captured. Yes I am the woman who got married to one of the mankini men from VB13! 2015, Barry and I got married on Rasta Beach in Antigua, in the autumn we had a wedding party for family and friends. It was an absolutely epic night,the vibrations of positive energy that was felt in the room was electrifying I could really feel the love and the champagne! We had our very own intimate Vocal Booth party, a
141 VB2013 - Year Five
VIP event, it felt euphoric! I remember feeling overwhelmed and blessed that so many people had travelled far and wide to attend our celebrations, even Vocal booth family that we had only Known a short while had travelled miles to join us and everyone showed genuine kindness to my son Kyle who was 12 at the time. What a night we had, talented artist’s Andy Ward, Blackwax, Traxia and Niel Pinnock played their sets on top form, I loved the fact that I had my son Kyle experienced how great music brings great people together and that he got to meet so many inspirational people. My love and respect for Vocal Booth is so big that I even had my ankle branded with a Vocal Booth logo! From the bottom of my heart I am truly thankful to Andy and Michelle for Vocal Booth not only do they work hard and play hard but they both continue to show their love and support for others outside of Vocal Booth. To the amazing friends I have made on my Vocal booth journey, thank you for being pretty darn fabulous! My soulmate and best friend Barry, I love that we have our own Vocal Booth story and I love you. House Music is a feeling in your soul, being a part of The Vocal booth Family means you are part of something wonderful, it means you will be loved and respected for the rest of your life. Namaste - Tanja
VB Memoirs - Barry Neaves
“Back in 2013, I booked my visit to Vocal Booth weekender, as both a listener, and as a DJ with a slot in the Pressure Cooker. It was also my first holiday with Tanja! I was getting very excited coming up to the event, but there was some trepidation. I had not “played out” since 2000, and I had not even used CDJs!! Through the build-up on the Facebook group, and right up to
142 VB2013 - Year Five arriving at the Monte and being greeted by everyone, we were made to feel welcome and that we were part of the family. I had been listening to some VB radio shows for a couple of years and had dialled into a request show with Andy one Friday a few years before! He even remembered me! The opening night with Andy and Timmy was amazing and we all had such a laugh as we started getting to know everyone, and we smashed our way through the night – maybe a little too hard! But both Thursday night and Friday I managed to get through unscathed! However, Saturday, the hardware did not work for me. My CDs wouldn’t play and my panic increased. Colin Williams was on hand to calm me and get me back on track showing me how to use the USBs! Then my first song started to play (Maurice Joshua Ft Meechie – For the love of you), and I was slowly able to relax, a few songs in and the music started flow and I started enjoying the music again! The whole weekend went past in a blur and we both had the most amazing of times. Since returning from the event, I have got my passion for the music back. I have been purchasing some old school gems (1990’s) for my 1200’s on discogs , but also invested in a pair of XDJ1000s and often filling my basket on Traxsource. September 2018 will be my fourth visit to Vocal Booth and very much looking forward to what the week will bring! VB is now very much in our life. I asked Andy if I could use the Summer Ball to propose to Tanja, and had a great bunch of people around us partying as I popped the question! We’ve been to a number of VB events since then, both in the UK and Spain and it continues to be a part of our lives. A highlight definitely has to be having Steve (AKA Blackwax), Traks (AKA Mr cSp), Neil Pinnock and Andy Ward all playing at our wedding party! Thank you Andy & Michelle! Barry Neaves
143 Clash of the Titans
11 Clash of the Titans
The Clash of the Titans has been running since 2010 and is one of the biggest success stories of VBW. During early days of the VB Radio Show there would regularly be lots of friendly slanging between key members of The Fam. Andy Comarsh was someone I’d known for many years off the Birmingham clubbing scene and he was always very vocal in his appreciation of great tunes and his taste in music. In the run up to the second event, after everyone had gotten to know each other face to face the year before, this banter increased to the point that it actually became aggressively competitive. I suggested that, to settle it once and for all, we should have a ‘soundclash’ at VB2010 to see who was indeed, the best. I then proceeded to take a few of those that were the most vocal in their passion and added one or two others for that first Clash at Jardines del Mar. The spectacle was filled with hysterics, cheers, great vibes and some awesome costumes. It was hosted, shambolically, by Snoopy but that was also part of the charm. Famous memories of Gillman struggling to operate the CDJs (he says it was because the sun was in his eyes) and Andy Comarsh trying to squeeze
144 Clash of the Titans into Ashleigh West’s basketball vest. Judging was meant to be handled by others but, as you will have read in the 2010 review, I was simply too exhausted to sort it at the time so had to judge for myself based on what I perceived to be the best tunes and the biggest crowd reaction. Amongst much friendly controversy, Andy Comarsh was crowned Titan Champion that year and we have never heard the last of it since. Down the years, The Titans has brought so much fun to the event and has been the inspiration for many to continue on to become ‘proper’ DJs, I say proper because the one stipulation when allowing people to take part is that they have never played to a crowd before. The whole purpose, after that first event, was to allow non-DJs to feel the fear and excitement of playing to a crowd at a serious music event. I wouldn’t like to say we were the first to come up with the idea but I cannot think of anywhere else that allowed the main stage to be handed over to the people in this way. It happens more and more elsewhere now. The original Titans competition was later in the day but after realising that it did kind of spoil the flow of the Sunday, we brought it forward to 2pm. This works amazing now, anyone that doesn’t really want to be a part of it can have a lie in and arrive later for when the ‘real’ DJs start, however anyone that has been involved in this Sunday afternoon vibe-fest will agree it’s a must-see part of VBW. One of my favourite Titans moments was when my close friend and Godfather to the kids, Giddy, totally lost all his confidence and bravado when it was his time to step up. Priceless memories, each and every year. In 2017, in Birmingham, we had an all day party and allowed
145 Clash of the Titans all winners of The Titans to partake in one final competition to see who would be crowned THE Titan of Titans. It was a great day and night, with many children in attendance and in true Family style, all contestants agreed that there should be no winner to avoid any upset. Got to love them all for that!
146 Clash of the Titans
TITAN CONTESTANTS
2010: 2013: 2016:
Captain’ Comarsh Karen Griffith Maverick Nasa (winner), (winner), Soulkitty, (winner), Rob Farrell, Charlie Barr, Linda Mishlinka, Soulemma, Kirsty Knowles, Chris Fraser, Joanne Hill, Adam Kharas, Saunders, Anton de Joanne Plank, Michael Phil Gill Meyer, Patrick Blake Timms
2011: 2014: 2017:
Mikey Ward, Chelsea Katy Sakoor, Agata S, Sian Lloyd (winner), Jay, Cheryl Pierce Karla Salter, Jarrod Stephen Norwood, (winner), Mark Meikle, Griff (winner), Kofee Kerrie Davies, Lyn Ana Portes Sanchez, Povey, Johnny El Saunders, Ross Purcell, Fer nando Kevin Pearcy
2015: 2018: 2012: Jansch Greatrix, Paul Gary Solomon, Suella Ben Pitt, Paul Gaughan LeSueur, Chrissy Campbell, Audrey aka Giddy, Michelle Millard (winner), Lisa Harris, Andrea McCue, Villiers, Leah Donato, Attenborough, Hailey Lee Oldham, Dean Ainsworth, Broadbent, Sister C & Errol iMedia Julie Brough (winner) Dawn Quinn
147 VB2014 - Year Six
12 VB2014 - Year Six
By the time we got to VB2014, I was getting better at artwork creation and understanding the difference between print and web work. It was at this point I decided to take the plunge and do all the design work myself. The theme was nautical to coincide with the first Catamaran party we were putting on, the Thursday after the main event for the many Family that remained to wind down after the madness. By this time, even though the official event was only 7 days, many would hang around for 10 days or more. The main thing I remember about this year is how worried I was that numbers were way down on the amazing attendance the September before. As you’ll read, it was proper squeaky bum time that whole summer. Despite the low sales, there was still lots to look forward to and a new decoration firm on board was to prove another huge success, we have remained with WowDeco ever since. I’m not always sure how the final numbers are going to be looking when I submit the programme for print, we usually still need a couple of hundred tickets to be sold to break even. It’s clear
148 VB2014 - Year Six to me from reading the opening words just how bad things were looking and I was trying to assure anyone that may have been worried when it looked so thin on the ground, another example of how I needn’t have worried. 2014 was the year we lost Frankie Knuckles and I included a photo of him on the first page of the programme out of love and respect for a man we all owed so much to.
VB2014 Programme Welcome Note
“The 6th Vocal booth Weekender sees, without doubt, the biggest selection of world class DJs we have had to date and promises to be our most memorable yet. After the incredible turnout in 2013 with over 600 attending, we continue to welcome new members into the Family who are ready to enjoy one of the biggest weekends of their year. The world continues to baffle us with its incredible natural disasters, political unrest and deadly viruses, so each September as you walk through the doors of the Montepiedra hotel you can almost feel the weight of all responsibility lift from your shoulders, here all you need to worry about is pacing yourself to see as much of the event as possible and make as many new friends as you can. It is a well known fact that The Vocal Booth Family are amongst the best group of people in clubland and you will make friends for life here. One or two of our regular crew could not make it this year. We have weddings, moving house and new babies to thank for that. Nevertheless, we continue to party hard in their absence and are grateful for the extra space at the bar. As the years come and go, many of us lose loved ones along the way. These words pay
149 VB2014 - Year Six
tribute to all the special people we have said goodbye to in the last twelve months and we party hard in celebration of their lives. Rest in peace ! I hope you enjoy the extra decoration throughout the event this year and look forward to the change of direction for the mid- week, after hours action. Keeping the fun in the all-new Pressure Cooker means an improved sound and more intimate atmosphere. Please be sure to keep the noise to indoors and make the most of these late night vibes. VB2014 has all the ingredients for one of the events you will attend this year. You get out of it what you put it, so give it your all and get ready to reap the rewards. Respect to each and every one of you with a special mention to ‘The class of ’09’ as well as those who look forward to our amazing Catamaran Party on the closing day. I hope this year’s free gifts come in handy and are a daily reminder of the fun times you had - Andy Ward
My Vocal Booth Experience - G Massive (Programme Notes)
“VBW is my go-to event of the year. It all started for me in 2009. I’d moved to London from Indonesia and was working some really big hours when one night I somehow stumbled across the Vocal Booth Radio show. From the moment I started listening I was hooked. I remember immediately calling my DJ friends, saying “have you heard this guy? You’ve gotta hear this guy! He’s really playing our kinda music”. When later in the year Andy started inviting people to come join him for a weekender in Spain I just knew that this was an event I had to be at. I really had an
150 VB2014 - Year Six innate sense that I was about to discover something really special. I’ve been a dance floor lover as far back as I can remember. I grew up in country Australia in the 70’s and our childhood Saturday nights were spent travelling to bush dances in country halls – something that really has become a thing of the past. I remember being an early lover of jazz and disco but with no real way of accessing too much of that kind of music. In the early 80’s I taught myself to rock’n’roll jive by slow-moing old Elvis movies on video tape. My dear old Aunts then taught me basic ballroom steps in their living rooms for a nostalgic bit of fun on Saturday nights. In the 90’s I dabbled in swing dance for a while before really finally tapping into the house music scene from the late 90’s onwards. Since then I’ve been very lucky enough to have experienced many dance floors around the world but there’s just something really magical about Vocal Booth. A really unique experience. A place where quality people and quality music come together for one short week to relax and celebrate life. From the moment you are picked up at the airport till the moment you leave you feel like your true soul has finally found a home. When people ask me where I am going on holidays I tell them that I go to a niche little party in Spain for people you really love their music. A place where the real cream of DJ talent play uplifting, vocal, soulful house music. A place where people from all walks of life meet, laugh and become great friends. Inevitably I get asked the usual questions; about what type of music is played there and what type of people go and what’s the scene like and I tell people it’s something you really can’t explain. You really just have to go. Every few years I move country and now, even though I live in Kazakhstan, I know that come September I’ll be at Vocal Booth
151 VB2014 - Year Six
Weekender - and my friends will be there too… and you don’t need to look too far to find me… I’m the happiest guy on the dance floor, dead centre under the mirror ball.
My Vocal Booth Experience - Sister C (Programme Notes)
“How lucky am I? I have to say, I was a little surprised to be asked to write a few words for the programme - what could I possibly say that hadn’t already been said time over? I thought about it for a few moments more, and actually felt quite honoured to be able to share my thoughts with you looking back at the last six years. I’ll tell you why in a second, but firstly, if you’re taking the time to read this, thank you, on behalf of everyone that helps make the time you spend here really extraordinary - because you share in a truly wonderful, common theme... you care, you love and you share, and frankly there just isn’t enough of that good stuff in all of our busy lives. The fantastic music that we appreciate as a collective is the lynchpin to these emotions and the effects are far wider reaching. I’m truly thankful to be able to say that this is the 6th year I’ve had the pleasure to represent at the Vocal Booth Weekender, it started out as a long weekend but has now become an annual holiday. I can’t tell you how lucky that makes me feel, on so many levels, and that’s mostly down to you - each and every one of you that cares enough to keep coming back... to invite good friends that you know will love what we all love, to want to share the good vibes, laughter and the chance to have a “rockin’ good time”! Those that know will surely agree that listening to the most eclectic and mind blowing house music in the sun with your best mates, family, however you want to define them, is just the
152 VB2014 - Year Six
best thing you could possibly offer to your own soul. I know this because I’ve had time to reflect and I can’t quite imagine not being able to enjoy this year after year. I remember the first year so clearly, when the gathering was a tidy little affair of like-minded people, how few actually knew each other in person, or face to face. I think it’s safe to say we do now!! After the initial anticipation it was pretty obvious this was going to be special, there was something about that first year...despite the lack of sleep the energy from the whole experience had me buzzing for weeks after....and no, there were no drugs involved! It really was incredible and little did I know that most of the people I met that year and spent time with are closer to my heart than I ever thought possible. I care about them like I do my own blood family. Six years on and I continue to feel the same excitement, counting down the weeks and days until we’re en route...so yes, I’d say I’m pretty lucky, blessed even, to share some quality time with you, the sounds I know you hear too, laughing our whistles off and enjoying the escapism from everyday life. If you’re new to VB and all that it has to offer, I hope you too will experience even just a fraction of what I have. There’s only one thing left to say; enjoy and go dance.....Wooo-hoooooo....!!
My Vocal Booth Experience - Jan Scurr
“Oh. My. God” I thought, as I watched my daughter stagger in the front door. “What’s happened”, I asked her, only, to be met with a blank stare. Her face was white and drawn, huge bags under her eyes and hair that looked like it could do with a good seeing to. She was, however, sporting the most enormous grin I’ve ever seen. “Nothing’s happened”, she whispered…..”I’ve been to
153 VB2014 - Year Six
Vocal Booth”. That was my introduction to the phenomenon that is VB. Over the next week, I learned from Claire and Charles just what a Vocal Booth Weekender was all about and it didn’t take much persuading from them to get me to go along a couple of years later. I had absolutely no idea what was in store so set off with them as a complete and utter virgin, not too excited, just pleased to be away on holiday for a week. WROOOOONG! We went straight to the Monte to be met with smiling faces, lots of hello’s from complete strangers to me and a drink thrust into my hand by someone vaguely familiar…..and the noise! Laughing, music, chat…”welcome, Mum” and made to feel right at home immediately. And that’s how it was for the rest of the week. I’ve never felt so comfortable with such a large group of people and it’s true….strangers are just friends you’ve never met. And here they all were! One of the things which most surprised me was that with 500 people in one place, drinking and dancing solidly all day and evening, there was not a scrap of trouble. All there for one thing – to enjoy the music and their friends. After a fabulously devastating week, having met the most incredibly friendly people, made lots of new friends and dancing my socks off, I promised to go back again….and I did! When we eventually got back home after that first week, I caught sight of myself in the mirror as I came in. “Oh. My. God” I thought, “what’s happened”. Then I was the one with the big grin…. “Everything’s happened” I whispered….”I’ve been to Vocal Booth!”
Vocal Booth Weekender 2014 Report
“VB2014 is over. Long Live VB2014. A contender for the best
154 VB2014 - Year Six one yet in many people’s eyes. I tend to agree. Here are a few ‘unofficial’ thoughts from myself regarding the event. The amount of emotion pouring out on the Facebook Group is testament to what an amazing social event this has become. Built solely around the solid foundations of unbeatable soul music (house, funk, soul, boogie etc), it has now evolved (in my eyes at least) into something much more. It has become a life-enriching opportunity to share laughter on another level in near exotic surroundings with some of the nicest people you could ever wish to cross paths with. I lost count of the amount of people who took time out over the week to come and thank me personally for helping to change their lives. I know this sounds a little over the top but to quote a friend that I’ve known for 15+ years (one of the original Vocal Booth sisters from back in 1999):
“Previous VBs have passed me by and the comments by everyone after each VB have always made me think – “Ah, come on it cant be that good !!” but after being there this year, I can truthfully say, hand on heart, IT REALLY IS THAT GOOD!!!! I had an awesome time with some great people I already knew and made some new friends along the way !!! Already looking forward to next year when I might have learned to pace myself (who am I kidding) Pass us a bottle of 43 will ya!!!! xxx - Bev Brown”
The planning of every event starts as soon as the last one finishes, with a strong idea in my mind of which DJs will return and which new talent I want to introduce to the Family. This year’s line up was the biggest yet in terms of new names, every artist hand-picked for their sound which would work perfectly in the
155 VB2014 - Year Six surroundings. Not one DJ gets booked for their “pulling power”. The event sells itself. I’ll put my residents against many headliners and know they’d do just as good a job. The start of the year, from February, when tickets went on sale, was as hectic as ever. The main hotel was getting booked up at rapid speed for people staying a week or more and tickets were flying out. Then they started to slow down towards the middle of the year and I started to get a little concerned. Regulars were contacting me to give me reasons why they couldn’t attend and I was worried that the many, many other events happening around the UK and abroad were indeed going to have a big impact on the VB. As the months came and went and tickets limped along, I stuck true to my philosophy of full transparency regarding ticket sales and let it be known we were slightly down on numbers. One of my pet hates is promoters falsifying their figures only to be left with egg on their faces when the time of the event comes. I wondered if it was a wrong move to take so many people to Ibiza with us in the summer, many of whom didn’t come to the main event. It was a very tough run up to VB2014. I had committed myself to a massive budget and it looked doubtful I would be covering costs. No one wants that ! Still, no compromises were made, either in line up, production costs or free gifts. Michelle and I had a long chat and we decided we’d take one on the chin this year. To be honest, there was no other option. As it turned out, a late flurry of ticket sales meant that, although I’d worked the entire year for next-to-no financial rewards, it all came good in the end with just short of 500 people attending. Normally, I’d be over the moon about that number and as it turns out, it feels like it’s the optimum number attending to maintain that intimate vibe but still be busy enough of a night in the club. Weirdly, despite some MASSIVE artists appearing in the day, the
156 VB2014 - Year Six poolside still never seemed THAT busy at any one time !? One phrase that sprung to mind earlier in the summer at one event I attended was “Quality over Quantity”. Give me a ‘small’ group of people, all with the same vested interest in maintaining a positive vibe for the collective benefit, any day ! A few years ago if you had told me I would be able to bring 500 people to a relatively unknown part of Spain to have the best time of their lives I would have jumped at that chance. On reflection, this year’s event was as close to perfect as it could be and my faith/belief/inspiration for all things VB is right back up there. The VBW has never been about profit for me but typically the one year I thought I could see something of substance at the end for all the stress I put in turned out to be the biggest emotional reward I could have wished for. That’s more than good enough for me ! Too many highlights to pick one out, too many fantastic DJ sets to mention. I’m still physically exhausted from over 10 days of chatting, pacing up and down, late nights and early mornings. I didn’t drink so much during the days this year due to having to deal with lots of things but when I did drink, then I DRANK. Sunday Lockdown saw me let off steam in a big way and I paid the price for the rest of the week. I didn’t touch a drop again until Wednesday. My memory of the main weekend is somewhat of a blur, I know I had a good time and enjoyed some downtime with friends and DJs alike, I just don’t recall much of it. There was a lot of drama in the background with the local authority this year and sound complaints. Although people had said I seemed the most relaxed this year, really I had more nonsense to deal with than ever. I definitely couldn’t have coped if it wasn’t for the help of Phil Gill and his amazing dedication to the sound, last one to turn off at night, first one to fire up
157 VB2014 - Year Six the DJ to begin the day. Also, Dave Tait handled the registration perfectly alongside José helping to keep an eye on the door. As well, of course, as the staff of both the Montepiedra and Club Xairo for their friendly nature and attitude-free service. A new decoration company pulled out ALL the stops to transform all areas, including a lovely new Pressure Cooker. I had a lot more help this year from Michelle, Drew and Mikey which made it feel even MORE like a Family affair. The majority of DJ pick-ups were handled by Julie & Warwick at Flamenca this year making life A LOT easier, alongside Paul Groove who got to enjoy much more of the event this year with less of a workload. Everything just came together to make it close to perfect for almost everyone. People are already booking time off work for next year and I know that many of those that couldn’t make it this year will be back in 2015. As new events come and go around the world, then of course people want to try new things. I rest easy in the fact, now, that TRUE VB Family remain so for life and will always be here with us every September. That is why the event began and that’s why it will continue, of this I have no doubts ! Every year is a learning curve and I am already way too excited for next year as there are a couple of new elements to throw into the mix. I should be resting… no chance of that ! The Catamaran Party on the final day went just as I had planned, with 96 people enjoying a very civilised stroll around the narrow streets of Cartagena before boarding a fantastic vessel for 5 hours. BIG plans are already under way for VB2015 which will incorporate… actually, I’ll leave it at that for now. I have a debrief with the Hotel & Club this week and will be releasing an official “Thank You” newsletter afterwards. I still feel very muddy as I finish this, the grey clouds and thunderstorms
158 VB2014 - Year Six building above me as I type bring on, finally, some respite from one of the hottest summers I recall here. These are the rains we expected before VB. They won’t last long - Andy Ward
159 VB2015 - Year Seven
13 VB2015 - Year Seven
With the need to keep the event as interesting as possible every year, 2015 saw even more elements added into the mix. After the success of the previous years’ Catamaran party, I was confident to repeat the exercise again. Remember I mentioned a while back, until you have to deal with the Spanish on any kind of business level it really is hard to appreciate ‘their ways’? Well, it’s a very sweeping generalisation but one I stand by. Once I’d confirmed it was safe to work with the boat people, we went back for more. The idea was to put on two parties, one after the other and whilst that went on those not on the boats could enjoy a beach party at a cool venue near Murcia Airport called Thai Beach Club. I’d played at the venue several times and had a residency throughout the summer that year and was really excited about this added dimension on the Monday afternoon. Another thing I was excited about was a great idea put to me by Paul Griff. Instead of the normal A5 size, I put together a full sized newspaper for the event programme. It came out great but wasn’t cheap. I’ve still got a box of them in my garage if anyone
160 VB2015 - Year Seven needs one as a keepsake. Looking through the programme I am reminded that this was the year several of the Family got married and also the year several babies were born. Not long after VB2014 my dad passed away and so it was great to have my brother along that year to release balloons in Big Den’s memory. The second room of Club Xairo was used as we tried, again, to give a different music policy down there, this time with Sweet Soul Music on Friday and Saturday. The closing party was always intended to be in Shumara but as the week progressed I felt that everyone’s energy was fading. I went round gauging how everyone would feel about moving the party from Shumara to the pool and instead of finishing at 3am, seeing how long we could carry on poolside for? Everyone was up for the idea and that year we lasted, I believe, until around 1am before the police came to shut us down. We now close the event every year like this at midnight.
VB2015 Programme Welcome Note
“Hello you! Feels good, right? If this is your first time here, we welcome you with open arms to THE VOCAL BOOTH WEEKENDER 2015. One of the recurring comments I always get from people , both before and after is “I just love how I can be myself !” Never a more true word could be spoken about an event and a group of people that hold no prejudice, and wish no one harm. Here you are amongst like-minded souls, all with a vested interest in the event WE have created and the people that attend. These last
161 VB2015 - Year Seven
twelve months have torn huge junks out of many of our worlds but they have also brought us so much joy. As the years come and go we seem to be hearing more and more of illness and heartache and the world is still a crazy place where sometimes you don’t feel safe just yards from your own front door. If you read this with health worries, money issues, if you’ve got ninety-nine problems I promise you, having a good time this weekend ain’t one ! Jump in the pool & wash your cares away while you are here with Family and friends, because right here, right now all that matters is making the best of VB2015 you possibly can. Within the pages of your special programme you will find words from some of our treasured Family Members as well as more details about specific features we’re bringing you this year. With all my heart, I hope every second of the coming days bring you love, laughter and the best music you could ever wish to hear. It’s a bold claim but: There really is NO PLACE LIKE VB. From a personal point of view, nothing brings me more joy than spending quality time with REAL people, both of which we have in abundance here. Let yourself go, take the odd photo and video for sure but spend as much time as possible enjoying any embarrassing moments rather than filming them. I Love ya ! Andy Ward
My Vocal Booth Experience - Debra Rochelle (Programme Notes)
“My VB experience started in 2009 with a phone call from Mishlinka, she told me about a radio show she had been listening to, they were having some club nights in Spain, it was House music, was I coming? At that point in my life I heard ‘away’ and ‘Spain’, that was enough. I rocked up that weekend with enough stress
162 VB2015 - Year Seven on me to have fractured my ankle through sleep walking, and a really horrible attitude. I’ll admit it, I’m not the most sociable of people, but that weekend I met some super nice people who probably thought I was a miserable cow. I am however proud to say that I was there for the very first VB weekender, you know the one when it really was just a weekend. What was evident was that this group of people loved music, were super inclusive, knew how to party and just wanted to have a good time. 2010 I rocked up but spent all day laying around the pool soaking up the sun and the daytime music … from a deckchair. I was heard many a time shouting for people to ‘move out of my sun’. However, it was impossible not to feel the happy vibe of the event and even though all I wanted to do was sit apart, I had a great time. I laughed my head off when Charles (Brother C) threatened to put flight socks on me because I hadn’t moved for a week. Soooo, it took me until 2012 to have lost my issues, some of my attitude and really embrace VB culture. I danced myself dizzy at the pool, left when Xairo kicked us out and even ended up in people’s rooms after the club much to some peoples amusement at my turnaround. Tiredness is a weird part of VB, I can only describe it as feeling missing and I don’t even drink; I don’t know how you lot cope with the excess of being there, and being worse for wear from the liquor. Respect! In the programme last year Andy wrote ‘Welcome Home’. If you are a regular I am sure you loved reading that and knew exactly what it meant. We all have busy lives but I know that for many VB is a, if not the highlight. The night before we travel there I feel like a kid at Christmas, excited with the anticipation of the magic of it all. I love the feeling of walking into the foyer of the Montepiedra Hotel for the first time. For me it’s a mix of familiarity with the surroundings, the staff who welcome us
163 VB2015 - Year Seven
back, anticipation of knowing what’s to come, looking forward to seeing people. Aaah I’ve got goose bumps. As with most things, you can do Vocal Booth any way you want, but you will be surrounded by fun, friendly people who will just want to know and involve you. I suggest you get involved because VB is best enjoyed whilst dancing and sharing a joke amongst other people. I should know, I’ve tried it the other way. Enjoy your 2015 Vocal Booth, I will x - Debra Rochelle
My Vocal Booth Experience - Dylan Mace (Programme Notes)
“Back in 2012 a friend of mine, Danny Wood, asked me if I would like to come to Vocal Booth as he had space in his apartment, I hadn’t had a holiday for four years due to personal circumstances so jumped at the chance. On arrival I was instantly struck by how friendly everyone was, and when coupled with incredible music played on an incredible sound system, then add amazing weather...what more do you want? I came back from my first event with a head full of the best memories, a shed load of new friends and a smile on my face that stayed there for about a month, I knew I was hooked. This year will be my 4th year running and I can never foresee a point where I wouldn’t come back, my 10 year old Daughter is already asking how long I will be going for as she wants to come when she’s old enough....my answer to her was “For as long as it’s on.” The whole ethos of Vocal Booth is ‘We Are Family’ and it really does feel like we are part of one, we come together to celebrate the music we love, the joy we feel at being together, we share stories, laugh at endless jokes, and each year fill our heads with yet more precious memories.
164 VB2015 - Year Seven
I have been to countless events, festivals & weekenders over the past 25 years or so but for me Vocal Booth is the best I’ve ever been to, yes it was created by Andy & his team and has blossomed under his guidance, but most of all through YOU, the people that make it what it is. So my heartfelt thanks to Andy, Michelle and all the organisers of the event, and big love to everyone who made me feel so welcome from the first minute I attended. For... With... Of ... The Family xx.
My Vocal Booth Experience - DJP (Programme Notes)
“Let me take you back to the start of the Vocal Booth Weekender. Andy suggested the idea of a party to celebrate the anniversary of his Vocal Booth radio show, me and few other regular listeners were well up for it from the offset. I think I was one of the first to call it a “weekender”. I saw it as an opportunity to meet more of the Pressure Radio family and me being single at the time saw it as an ideal holiday, most of my friends were hitched and a holiday on your own is not much fun - this was perfect. I also wanted to take my son Bradley, who was just 17 at the time away and this was the ideal trip. It was such an exciting prospect, we kind of knew we would have a good time because of the people going and the music that would be played. Most will know, although confident on the radio, I’m not a natural people person - often keeping myself to myself (unless I had a few 43’s) but I felt comfortable with the people going not because we were alike (we are all very different) but have the love of soulful music in common. I remember the first night, a Thursday where Andy did his radio show live from a small bar, we actually spent most of it outside
165 VB2015 - Year Seven chatting with many people who are still good friends. The next night Andy surprised some of us with transport to the club. A stretch limousine pulled up (my son’s face was a picture) so we were already buzzing by the time we got to the club. Myself and Braders were going to be playing back to back, the place “went off,” everybody was up for it with a full dance floor, me and my son will never forget that night. To cap it all, on the way home I met two lovely people, Dawn & Sean, who have become great friends and just happened to live a few miles down the road from me. This was the year I was introduced to another great friend “Cuarenta Y Tres” aka 43 Licor, although the first time I ordered it in Spanish, the barman gave me three pints of larger! Me and my new friend have had some great times since! I even swear by it as a cure for a sore throat. Every year since has been different, yet great. Another amazing highlight for me was 2013. We were celebrating 10 years of Pressure Radio. Andy kindly offered to make it part of the VB weekend that year. We had our own night on the Saturday and to top it off live PA’s from Dawn Tallman and Nathan Adams who were both fantastic. I was playing right after Dawn’s PA and the crowd was rocking, I’d had a major heart operation earlier that year and it’s things like that which really make you stop and think about “life” and about making the best of it. I remember looking down and seeing Soulful house Legend Dawn Tallman dancing and smiling while I was DJing, was one of those “pinch yourself” moments! I had to miss one year due to working in America just before which I tapped a holiday on to. Believe me, listening at home on the radio was a killer and I haven’t missed another. I would like to end this little memoir by saying thanks to Andy for
166 VB2015 - Year Seven
creating this amazing thing and to all the great VB Family who come every year, many of which have become good friends. If we have never met or spoken do come and say hi by the pool and mine’s a 43 if you’re buying. Thanks ! DJP - Pressure Radio
My Vocal Booth Experience - Paul Griff (Programme Notes)
“My VB story goes back (way back) to 2009 to the ’10 Years of the Booth’ event in Murcia. I remember randomly tuning in to Andy’s Thursday night radio show and heard about some developing plans for a little gathering in Spain to mark 10 years of the Vocal Booth. He invited me over, in turn I offered to put together the artwork and that was the start of our ‘romance’. I think he likes me more than I like him though. I loved doing that first programme and everything that came with it, the anniversary weekender itself was one of the most amazing, special experiences of my life. I was lucky enough to play in the club and start my set with ‘We Are Family’, naturally. That weekend I made new friends for life, I met lots of people who were and still are, on my wavelength. I didn’t think that was possible. As sad as it sounds that year changed me and was the start of a journey that made my life change direction. I wasn’t the happiest of people back then and now I’m happier than a pig in mud, tuning into Pressure Radio that day in 2009 was meant to be. That same year I had the idea of a reunion at Uber for our December party, Andy agreed it was a no-brainer. In 2009 it would have been our 5th Birthday and the event was epic. I wanted to show all these new friends from across the UK what we do in Birmingham on a regular basis and have the chance to see them
167 VB2015 - Year Seven all again. Much like the weekender itself it wasn’t supposed to be a regular thing, but it’s turned into a bit of a tradition. This first reunion is as much as a special memory for me as the weekender itself. Since then the Reunion has grown just as the weekender has. Uber regular Atjazz played the second reunion and made his VB debut the year after. Snow in 2011 meant the event was a complete write off but those who made it had a great time. The year after Craig Smith headlined and tore the place down. Then in 2013 another Uber regular, Mad Mats played the reunion, what a party! 2014 was our biggest event yet, hosting 2 rooms at our Digbeth home with over 500 people in attendance. Roll on 28th November for this year’s reunion with Opolopo. In 2010 the Vocal Booth Weekender as we know it now was born which meant another team effort to get branding, booklets, gifts and T Shirts done. It was fun but stressful and I’m still really proud of what was produced. I think it even helped me get a job a few months after. Get in! That first official weekender was bigger and better than the 2009 gathering but still managed to retain that family vibe we all loved the year before. More new friends arrived and more tears from Andy when doing one of his speeches that he promised he wouldn’t do. Great memories. We all know how this weekender has grown over the years and I can honestly say September would be pretty depressing without it. We all look forward to it year in year out and I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without it, a horrible cliché I know, but it’s true. This event is the best form of therapy but long moaning sessions over Skype with Andy have been therapy too. When I was going through a rough spot a few years back Andy and Michelle invited me over to Spain for a few days to clear my head and get back on
168 VB2015 - Year Seven
track. A few weeks after that, I met my best friend and the fittest bird I’ve ever managed to talk into sleeping with me, Em Hallmark. She in turn has made some true friends at the weekender and she even likes the music. Winner! And when my Dad passed away in 2013 Andy was great, he really helped me stay positive. I wish Dad could have joined us one year, he’d have loved a trademark Blackwax set. Let’s be soppy and say he has now. Thank you Andy, you’re a true gent! So since its beginnings in 2009 (and 2010 proper) this thing has been special and will continue to be the highlight of my year for many years to come. Memories of topless DJ sets and pants round my ankles, drinking 43 and making silly noises make me laugh out loud at my desk at work all the time. Perfect moments during sets from ATFC, Mad Mats, Phil Asher, Craig Smith, Ricky Reid and a whole list of others are what life is all about. We love this music so much don’t we ! Plus us brummies have been lucky enough to feature heavily each year on the programming and we’re all really grateful for that too. Anyway, I’m off. I could talk about VB for hours and say cheesy things about Andy all day... but I won’t do that, it’s lads only this year so it’s time to act like a prize prat and get sunburnt. Taps Aff and pass the 43! Paul Griff
Vocal Booth Weekender 2015 Report
“With Raver’s Flu doing it’s best to take control of my body and the sound system safely back on UK soil, I’ll try to throw down whatever comes to mind surrounding this year’s Vocal Booth Weekender. The most important thing to get out of the way from the off is that, as many have already claimed across Facebook, it
169 VB2015 - Year Seven was another contender for “The Best One Yet”. For people to say this, year after year, is just incredible and makes all the hard work worth it… and this year there was a LOT of hard work ! Plans get under way for each event no sooner than the last one has finished and in this case I had DJs confirmed for VB2016 even BEFORE one track had been played on Sept 11. Such is the demand now from some of the world’s finest to join us. The run up to VB2015 was a strange one this year, I can’t put my finger on why. With the ‘formula’ already in place after 6 events now, the organisation follows a steady plan yet I always find ways to make life harder. Ticket sales were always slightly up on last year, with the Montepiedra Hotel selling out faster than ever before, with more people staying all week than ever. As the event got nearer, tickets continued to sell at a surprising rate so that in the end we were well over 500 people attending. Happy Days. With so many things to take care of through the event this year, the main weekend itself was a bit of a hard slog for myself. Just trying to organise a meal on the Thursday night proved difficult enough despite making things as simple as possible. The phrase “idiot-proof” really does need to be banned from the English language because, as derogatory as it may seem when referring to such a great bunch of people (many of whom are good friends), it really does beggar belief just how thick/lazy/inconsiderate people can be at times. Despite CONSTANTLY sending out information, updating Facebook and painstakingly detailing EVERY possible eventuality in the programme, it still seems not enough was done to prevent people that should know better asking me the same obvious questions every 5 minutes. This drives me insane at the time but on reflection it has led me to the fact that a much needed “information board” is long overdue at a very accessible spot in the future. Anyway… after 2 false starts due to stupid
170 VB2015 - Year Seven venue owners we eventually found a great restaurant and enjoyed a lovely ‘mellow’ Thursday for once with a fair few staying up drinking and laughing until the wee hours. VB2015 had arrived. The decor started to go up Wednesday and was all in place by Thursday evening, with Gillman’s world-famous Sound System all set and ready to go. Having two great teams for sound and decor takes so much pressure off and I cannot thank WoW Decor and Gillman Audio enough for making VB the phenomenon it is nowadays. The rest of my wonderful team consists of Dave Tait handling the registration and wristband checks, my lovely daughter Drew to assist him, Suella on DJ transport duties, José on security and my good wife who provides a calming hand on the head when things get a little much. Together, they have it nailed. What I did take from this year is that I need another person to assist me with ‘general DJ liaison’ and next year there’ll be a site office set up at the hotel to take some of the load off me, this year I really did burn myself out trying to do too much. This meant that, after an extremely long Friday and Saturday and relatively not-too-much to drink on the face of it, I crashed and burned, closed my eyes for “10 minutes” ahead of jumping in the shower and ended up missing all of Saturday night in the club. Bastard. Thankfully, the team managed perfectly well without me (someone did say even better seeing as I wasn’t around to complicate things) so no damage was done apart from me missing some of the best sets of the weekend, by all reports. Musically, I do think this was one of the best VBs yet and the podcasts will start to go out in the next few days. A truly beautiful Sunday poolside was topped off with an amazing night in the club for Sunday Lockdown, for the first time ever I remained sober (ish) throughout as I knew that a big day lay
171 VB2015 - Year Seven ahead for Monday. Up bright and early on Magic Monday to mayhem trying to co- ordinate tickets/wristbands for the two boat parties and coach trip to the Beach Club. Eventually all 5 coaches took off and the beach party was under way and the first boat set sail, even if I did miss being on board. Respect to Paul Baxter & Johnny Boy for stepping in and handling things when needed and respect to the Uber Boys for a great job. More lessons learned overall from this day with frustrations again of dealing with venue owners face to face who promise the world and fall well short of what I expect (lack of staff, shortage of food all day, no transport for airport shuttle). I did make it to the 2nd sailing and what was apparent was how exhausted people were. The minds were willing but the bodies were weak. Poor old Grant Nelson’s sea legs were left back at his hotel but he came good and finished the day on a high as we docked and everyone made it back to Campoamor safely. The evenings in Shumara worked really well, Monday especially despite everyone being so shagged. The venue fits itself perfectly to the amount of people still around for the mid-week fun and we are happy to confirm it will be used again for VB2016. Once the main weekend was out of the way and a couple of nights back home in my own bed, I started to feel human again. I took the opportunity, as always, to catch up with the guys I always feel so grateful to for getting us to where we are today with the event, as well as getting to know others a little better. The poolside sessions worked really well and all DJs delivered exactly what was required of them. The revised closing party was another emotional highlight for many and we waved goodbye to VB2015 with the final tune around midnight on Thursday. Despite everyone doing their best on the FACEBOOK GROUP,
172 VB2015 - Year Seven words cannot do justice to The Vocal Booth Weekender and our Family that helped create it. I’ve had a bit of a moan here but as it’s my own personal site I like to get these things out of my head to move forward, there are so many positives to be taken from the last 2 weeks and exciting things lie ahead for VB2016, all of which will be shared in the newsletters in the coming months. Some of the world’s biggest DJs have said they’ve NEVER been anywhere like VBW, seen an event run so smoothly and be so well organised before and afterwards (you should read some of the emails I send out, you can imagine, right!) They pay testament to the sound system and the people…
Grant Nelson On Sunday I flew out to Spain for the Vocal Booth Weekender and had the pleasure of playing for one of the most musically educated crowds around, and more importantly than that, one of the loveliest crowds that you will find at any event in the World. If you haven’t experienced it yet, trust me and book your tickets for next year the minute they go on sale. You will not regret it! I also have to give massive props to DJ Andy Ward who has truly created something magical with this week long house music extravaganza. Big love out to Andy and the VB Family x
Morten Trøst – Soulmagic Massive thanks to the good man Andy Ward and everyone else responsible for creating this one of a kind event called vocalboothweekender. The best, most enthusiastic and most musically educated crowd anyone can ever play to comes to this event year after year….it truly is a family feeling you get from being part of this! Thanks again for having us!
173 VB2015 - Year Seven
Andy Davies I’m just back from Spain.The Vocal Booth event 2015 was absolutely immense! The music & the crowd were fantastic & I loved DJing with top professional DJs Bob Povey and Terry Jones on the Saturday night in the Basement club for the Bump N Hustle Soul set! some amazing tunes in there & the support was great!! Thanks to all!! Andy Ward has created a not to missed event & the I must thank him for asking me along to be a part of it as It was another awesome experience! Thanks mate you are a star!! Lovely to see and hang around with mates like Ronnie Herel, Terry Jones, Simon ‘Schooly’ Phillips“, Bob & Koffe Povey & Steve Reed too plus all the other people I spent time with. I’ve ordered my T-Shirt & I will definitely be going back next year. Seriously, you really don’t want to miss this event. Cheers to everyone who was there!!.
Ronnie Herel Woooooow!! Is an understatement. The reasons it’s taken me so long to post something up re this top banana event is I’ve had to gather all my thoughts, take proper time to reflect and quite frankly, recover enough to string a sentence together. First I would like to say thank y’all at Vocal Booth for welcoming me into the family. My VB virginity has been well n truly broken. I loved every second of looking up and seeing smiling faces on the dancefloor…We need to do that again y’all!!! Phillip Gill, salutations mister sound man! Amazing job and done with such passion for the music…We deffo have to work again! Lastly Andy Ward, you sir are a ledge. It’s admirable how you not only organise and keep everything running so smoothly (team Andy Ward big up Michelle lovely to meet you)
174 VB2015 - Year Seven
But you find time to smash a DJ set or two as well as making sure everyone is happy and smiling. Top man and MASSIVE thanks for inviting me to be a part of this fantastic event you’ve created. Love and props bro. Same time next year fo’ sho!! Blessnees!
Ralf GUM Much love to Andy Ward and everybody involved in the VocalBoothWeekender. Had a really great time there and still am energized from it. It was amazing to see you, the people, such a quality event attracts. Special shout out to the lovely lady who said her life was changed thru the power of music being played. Music is therapy…
Kenny Summit Tremendous THANK YOU to Andy Ward and the rest of the Vocal Booth Weekender family for having me. Phillip Gill, you’ve made what I think will one day be the standard for nightclub amps. IMPRESSIVE job all around fellas! Looking forward to coming back. Such a fun time, made loads of new friends, just an awesome experience from start to finish!
VB Memoirs - Gary Solomon
2015 saw our first time at VBW. We had wanted to go for years but having our daughter who has Kleefstra Syndrome had meant we were not able to come and join the party. We had been off the scene for years and hadn’t seen many of our old friends for years. We managed book into the Palmera and was looking forward to the VBW experience, but the Friday morning we was due to check in one of the DJs pulled out so room 107 at the Monty became available. Andy cancelled and rearranged the new room,
175 VB2015 - Year Seven we grabbed our bags and all I remember after checking in was walking in poolside, it must have been 1pm. We had goosebumps all over and our mouths wide open as we heard the music and people. I was taken aback by the music, the crowd and the vibe just hit us, all I can say is 107 was definitely the party room that year. Going to Vocal Booth was an amazing experience, it allowed us time as a couple to reconnect but also dance all day and night with old friends and new. We have been every year since and can’t wait to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of vocal booth as well as this to renew our wedding vows with our new family. As it’s such a relaxed friendly environment we decided to bring our daughter Faith, son Fabian and his girlfriend Leila so they too can become part of the family and see the fun we have every time we come.
176 VB2016 - Year Eight
14 VB2016 - Year Eight
The year all about the L.O.V.E. I had spoken to the guys at WowDeco about a love theme, after building their website and seeing photos of giant hearts. With the positivity increasing year on year I thought this would be a great idea. I’m struggling to think of any major issues in the run up to VB2016 but looking back through the photos I recall just how much people embraced the LOVE theme. This was the year I set up a new process of buying tickets, with the ability to scan people in upon registration and supposedly make life easier for everyone. I’m laughing because I know this is far from what actually happened. Without doubt, the biggest thing to happen was securing Loose Ends to perform at the event. I had the pleasure of meeting them in 2014 whilst playing down in Bournemouth. I took the chance to ask for a business card in the hotel lift. They weren’t the most efficient at communicating and after several failed attempts and me having about 10 strops I finally decided to give it one more try to get in touch and RESULT, a deal was struck. Coincidentally, just before the 2016 event I was approached by Jody Hall of EgoMedia, a company I knew of from their
177 VB2016 - Year Eight wonderful work down on the south coast for Bump n Hustle amongst other things. Jody asked if I needed any video for the event, I didn’t but it started my mind racing. By this time we had already created 3 different movies down the years. The first was after the ‘09 event which was filmed and edited by friends of the Housebox crew. Professionally packaged with a brilliant sound track, the short video captured the whole vibe perfectly and physical DVDs were made and sold. Then, in 2011, I hired the help of a local hero, Martin Clark, who filmed the entire event and put it together into a brilliant feature length movie, at just under one hour in length. It captured everything about the event from start to finish and we were able to use some of the footage to send to Pioneer to convince them to work with us again in the future. We had a movie premier down in London at Beat Players Reunion, my only memories of that night are us all having moustaches for Movember and so looking like twats on all the photos and Jane Boye puking up into an empty DVD box and someone (I think it was me) putting their hand in it. Cheers, honey! In 2013 I asked Martin back and we shot a 3rd movie, this time focused more on the DJs and he interviewed many of them. It was another brilliant snapshot of exactly what VBW was about although I felt it contained a little too much talking about me and I was and was conscious people would think it was just my excuse to put a film out about how brilliant I am. No film can capture that. All music for all movies have always been provided free of
178 VB2016 - Year Eight charge by my producer friends and so to make money off the DVDS is not ethically correct and one of the reasons why all 3 of the first movies were produced at a loss. It is this reason that I wasn’t sure we really needed another movie but I decided to put it to the people. With just a couple of weeks to go before the event I created a Kickstarter campaign to raise the money needed for the production costs.
If people wanted a new movie then they can fund it themselves.
I’m happy to say that 53 people in total all donated to the campaign and the fund raiser was a success. We reached the £2000 target. Happy days. Varying levels of contribution meant people either got a free DVD, a T Shirt, an interview on the movie or even a free ticket for the following year. Once again this restored my faith in the VB Fam, at a time when my energies were slightly depleted due to another drop in numbers attending for the first time in a couple of years. Jody and his assistant Wes spent that whole weekend capturing some stunning aerial shots with a drone, as well as showing how amazing pool and club looked and all the smiling faces. The VB2016 movie came out exactly how I wanted, capturing words from many of the Family. The sad thing about this movie is that, whilst it is so amazing, hardly anyone has seen it due to me agreeing not to release it publicly for sale or make it available to view anywhere online. Again, this is out of respect for the people who gave the music free of charge to use as the
179 VB2016 - Year Eight sound track and so only those that contributed to the video being made received a copy. It really is perfect. A handful of the 80 physical copies produced remain and I’m certain they’ll have been sold by now. 2016 was the year I ordered all the programmes in black and white in error, just another reason I go to print so early to give me more time to rectify any problems, which I did. That’s hopefully the last time I’ll chuck a couple of hundred quid away.
VB2016 Programme Welcome Note
“My 8th programme intro. I’m reluctant to throw any more clichés at you but it’s truly impossible not to. We have some of the world’s biggest and best DJs playing this year and are honoured to be joined by one of THE most influential acts from our generation. There are so many moments I envisage as I put together the timetable, it is impossible not to grin just thinking about them. To all The Family that have bene loyal from your first time to the Virgins that are about to bust your cherry... It can NEVER be expressed too much just how essential you guys are to making the event what it is, time and time again we drive home just how important The Family are to the longevity of The Vocal Booth Weekender and all our gatherings. Every year our loyal resident DJs steal the show as they hare the tunes they have carefully selected, knowing EXACTLY what you love to hear and when you love to hear it. THAT is what makes VB so special for me, watching everyone grow from the stimulation it provides. I guess I’m the Daddy and you are my babies. You little shits.
180 VB2016 - Year Eight
You complete me. With all my heart I hope you have someone special in your life to share the key ring with. A way for you and them to be eternally linked. If you don’t, then I truly pray that you meet them here this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s a big bad world out there but right now, you’re safe amongst friends for life.
My Vocal Booth Experience Michelle Ward - Momma VB (Programme Notes)
“Here we are 7 years and 8 events in, I still remember when and where we were when we had THAT chat.
Shall I invite a few people over Bab, to celebrate 10 years of the radio show, we could have a little party eh, I’m sure we could make it work, doesn’t have to be too big ? Well, that was a pretty epic thought and now we’re here, grown to what we are today, friends who have all become Family, OUR FAMILY. I will say this only once but I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Andy Ward, my husband of 18 years, partner for 25, father to our beautiful babies and my best friend is one special man, but I think we all know this. I’ve watched the VB event grow from our living room; the stress, the worry, the joy and the excitement all rolled into one. It peaks mid-summer and then suddenly, in the blink of an eye all my friends start to arrive. The feeling is immense and sometimes overwhelming but the best feeling in the world. The last couple of years, some old- time friends have joined us which makes this weekend even more special now. Some of you may or may not know but I am an only child and lost both my parents at quite a young age, so my immediate family is
181 VB2016 - Year Eight
very small but I now feel that I am the luckiest lady alive to have a beautiful new Family in the Vocal Booth crew. If we have never met properly please, please come and say hello, I don’t bite honestly but sometimes years can go by before I realise I’ve not spent any time with certain people and this event is ALL about family. You guys who spend your money year in and year out and come here to join us makes my heart swell and with a few people getting together through VB and special events we have been invited to over the last few years I cannot describe what you lot mean to me, I can only explain it as a flutter in my tummy and a tear in my eye like a mother bursting with pride every time we are all together. We are Family and VB is For ... With ... Of... us all - Michelle Ward
My Vocal Booth Experience - Lisa Power (Programme Notes)
“Vocal Booth is one of the most unifying experiences in the world! I’ve never felt so at home at an event which feels musically and socially just ‘made for me’. I’d known about the event for many years and, having joined the facebook group I must admit I was drawn into but more than a little cynical of the feverish excitement that surrounded the event. It can’t be that good? I thought, Can it? As a seasoned Festival goer I was sceptical... but totally hooked from my very first few hours here. The line up is also one of the most diverse on the festival circuit which doesn’t rely on us jocks but instead has a distinctly European flavour. This makes total sense given its setting and it’s particularly refreshing to see so much local musical talent on display. One of the key themes of VB is Family and although I feel it’s an often
182 VB2016 - Year Eight
overused term for a Collective it’s very apt here. The intimacy of the event, with invites extended only to like-minded people, has created a smallish but strong group of people that have formed a life-long bond. It’s one of the friendliest parties I’ve ever attended and we are all very well looked after. This feeling is reflected in the personal touch that’s extended to all the Vocal Booth Family. Our own Facebook group, personalised merchandise, a genuine support network to get everyone to the event and to support the DJs that play , This programme for everyone to read poolside, this all feels like it happens naturally but it’s a total testament to the amount of hard work Andy and co put in, that this event goes so incredibly smoothly. For those of you affectionately naked “VB Virgins, I’d encourage you to get stuck in - get talking to as many people you don’t know as possible, see the DJs you’ve never heard of, explore the beautiful area a little bit and enjoy. You’ll be coming back - Lolly
For the second year in a row we used the downstairs room in Xairo for Soul Sessions and even though the atmosphere down there was great at times I was never really satisfied with the space. By 2016 we were getting more and more people attending who loved Soul, particularly our brothers and sisters from Scotland. It’s mental to think how we get so many virgins every year yet still hover around 500 people. Perception of the event is that it is growing every year, which is factually incorrect. This was the first year that I was aware of how many newcomers there actually were. I looked around and saw so many faces I didn’t recognise, which for a short time made me strangely
183 VB2016 - Year Eight uncomfortable. It made me wonder if things were really going the way I wanted. I had no desire to put on a party for people I didn’t know, that wasn’t why I started this thing and it definitely isn’t the way I intended it to go. Bear in mind, I was also aware that numbers had dropped again this year and there is always that nagging thought in the back of the mind... “Is this the last one?” It’s funny, this sticks with me as a pivotal moment that year but as it turns out, my worries were all for nothing. 2016 was the year of the new staging area in Xairo which was a proper pain in the arse. Not my decision and nothing I could do about it. Despite being assured all summer (I literally must have checked four times) we would be able to dismantle the stage to in order to place the bass speakers underneath (VITAL for the best sound possible), when the time came to set up the sound, THE DAY OF THE EVENT, the club couldn’t remove the fixing bolts. Myself and Gillman were not happy that day, as you can imagine. We had to make do with placing the speakers ON TOP of the stage which wasn’t really ideal for the sonics but we got away with it. There were also other issues with the sound in Xairo that year but only the proper audiophiles would have been aware. 2016 was just as spectacular as ever... Here are my words from the newsletter after it finished.
VB2016 Newsletter Review
“In 2016 we welcomed more Virgins than ever before into The Family and with the vibe building throughout the year on our
184 VB2016 - Year Eight
Facebook group it was clear we were in for a good one. For me personally, it was a strange build up for several reasons and the new ticketing system meant I didn’t feel as “hands on” with the whole process as I had in the past. Despite some people STILL thinking they’re exempt from bothering to bring any kind of receipt of their ticket to get their wristbands, the whole check-in process was relatively painless. Respect to the majority that made it so. When the day finally came and it was time for the first tune, with the AMAZING decoration in place and THAT sound system breathing as beautifully as always, I felt calm in the knowledge that everyone would have a great time... and what a time they all had. As usual, that’s been clear to see as Facebook became FAMILY book. From the fantastic Pressure Friday onto Mikey’s opening set in Xairo, the energy levels were soaring all weekend long. Many said it seemed busier than it had ever been, that can definitely be said for the poolside sessions although we were down on numbers from last year. We have the energy of The Virgins to thank for that, I believe. Right through until the closing party, the vibes were electric for all the sets and we are excited to share some of the best music ever at VBW, everyone brought their A Game ! Congratulations to everyone that played. A huge ‘Thank You’ goes out to the following people: Gillman Audio, Montepiedra Hotel & Staff, Club Xairo, Suella Campbell, Howells Transport, Wow Deco, Anne Walker, Flamenca Holiday Rentals, Moreno Schmidt, Palmera Hotel, Dave Tait & Drew, Tony Poole, Traxsource, DJP & Pressure Radio. All ‘Titans’ contestants and judges (congrats Nasa), The Class of ‘09 and most importantly YOU for being there.
185 VB2016 - Year Eight
We DID miss you ! I know what it’s like. You read all the reviews and think “The Bastards never even missed me !” Well, it couldn’t be further from the truth. It actually felt a little weird for myself on the Friday night, looking around at so many people I didn’t recognise or know, it didn’t feel like a VB at first. Soon enough though, the Virgins slotted in with ease and began to feel part of The Family and I got to know more and more big characters that will be back for sure. “The regulars” spoke of people we missed with smiles on our faces... so VB2017 is going to be EVEN more special with you involved if you missed out this year, of that you can be sure ! VB Memoirs - Oliver Knight
“I heard of Vocal Booth through my fellow house music enthusiast and all round legend of a guy Mr Bob Povey. It was 2016 and I had recently got with my now fiancee Natalie and after speaking with Bob, we both decided to give VB a try. Wow were we not disappointed. Expectations were high as Mr Povey had given us a thorough ‘who’s who and a what’s what’ regarding the weekend, but nothing could have prepared us for the unbelievable time we were going to have. I remember touching down at Murcia airport on the Friday morning flight, with a whole host of Bournemouth VB goers, eagerly anticipating what was to come. The Ego Media boys were with us to the film the event and Andy was collecting them (we got a taxi). After meeting up with Andy and him telling me ‘why didn’t you tell me you were coming Lee, I would have found you a DJ slot’, my pulse was racing and I couldn’t wait to check in and get poolside. Now some of my memories are pretty hazy at best, but Bob’s set poolside was a highlight for me, as well as Marc Cotterell in Xairo. The Journey Men did not disappoint of course and the white party really topped it off! One memory I wish I could forget was 186 VB2016 - Year Eight
coming home from a restaurant on our last night to find one of our Bournemouth posse (who will remain anonymous) knocking one out on the balcony. Scarred for life! 2017 was my second year, but my first opportunity to DJ. I couldn’t wait to play in the Pressure Cooker on the Friday. Nerves were kicking in, but so was the 43 to balance them out. The crowd, the people, the atmosphere was immense and I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity. The family really helped me relax and I can’t wait to play again this year! I’m so thankful to Bob for initially encouraging us to come, secondly to Andy for giving me the opportunity to DJ but mostly to the people, the family for making VB what it is. I can honestly say Natalie and I have met friends for life at VB, to be surrounded by like minded people in an amazing setting with amazing music is just incredible. One Love - Oliver Knight aka Lee Evans.
VB Memoirs - Julie B
“Having fond memories of Buzz Fm, Galaxy Radio and Brum clubbing scene it was time for me to grow up. My love of music: Soul, Reggae, Dub, Disco, Jazz, Grange, House, Deep House, Jackin and the like sent me around the U.K. and Spain. The music scene had changed quite a bit and I was finding it challenging to hear great soulful house music... that is when Pressure Radio changed it for me. Hearing about Vocal Booth and the quality of DJs (too many to mention) that were performing there I knew I had to come. Fast forward 2016, the Virgin has arrived (if only!). The warmth and welcome that greeted me was worth the wait... Meeting so many new people and feeling the vibe I knew that I was in for a special treat... white night, poolside, clash of the titans and getting to know people will always bring a smile to my
187 VB2016 - Year Eight
face. Especially since due to personal health reasons I couldn’t get out the house... Thank you, nuff respect and keep doing what you’re doing VB Family! xxx
VB Memoirs - Suella
“Jesus where do I start? My 1st crush Grant Nelson, picking him up from the airport was massive for me then watching him smash the club up bouncing about the stage priceless. Wookie, omg loved him forever then bang I’m looking after him and now class him a friend, that’s magic. Timmy Vegas, Schooly , TJBookham (LTJ Bukem, Sue, ha ha) I’m shite with names there are so many to mention. To be trusted to help at VB was massive for me, it came at a much needed time in my life ,single Mum with 3 dependant kids. You, Merlín, always seem to know when I need a little help, you and Michelle are amazing friends I love you dearly. Watching Mikey grow as a DJ sharing that 1st time, us all cheering him on with big tears rolling down our faces, priceless. My boys being made a little part of it each year both looking forward to seeing the friendly faces. The year you all lined up in striped shirts by pool (you forgot my shirt ). Me and Phil Gill wandering around a night club at 5am priceless. Jenny the nutter on 2nd year sliding down banisters and getting her thong caught us having to unhook, her we laughed for days. The year I made friends with Si, Bex, Kim, Big M, Comarsh, John Boy & the gang, priceless .My amazing friendship with Vills, Chealsea and Karla all thanks to VB. Funny story. After pool party we all in Karla and Sar’s room, Karla being her normal self telling a story. Sar falls backwards into wardrobe, we all howling. Karla being Karla ran over checked on her. Yea she’s fine. Closed her in wardrobe and carries
188 VB2016 - Year Eight on with story. 2hrs later we all forgot she was there frightened life out us all when she stepped out of wardrobe for a pee. You had to be there. Another time I’d had a drink and decided to ride a baby trike around pool with Bex and Chelsea chasing me, hilarious. So many good memories. The closing pool parties are always my highlight, we really all come together, I love Vb . When I had Palmers Restaurant and we had all the boys up for football, 47 of them all fed and watered and happy, very good memory. Wristband duty was always a good time loads of laughs with Drew and Dave and JonJon Everyone’s faces on arrival and tears at home time. How wonderfully I’m treated when I come to Birmingham or London by VB family is amazing. Deborah and Mish on space cake, me trying to get in Rob’s room... I’m still sure it was mine. Timmy Vegas in same clothes for days then appears in a new set borrowed from everyone, including my sun glasses. My virgins, Davie was my fav, he’d never expected to like it, he loved it. He’s a heavy rock man! Mad Gary jumping in the pool bandaged up only to realize his drugs were in his bandage. Just generally people watching. Omg the boat parties just bloody awesome. Me and Phil Gill drinking Tea from mugs I bring from home he was so grateful for that tea. Me being nominated for Titan’s, the excitement and then having to leave Spain before I played, broke my bloody heart ( Ifinally get to do it 2018). Sian’s and Karla’s were my fav Titans of all time. The time Ricky Reid broke down playing few years ago, amazing memory. Your mad sets with Patrick & Schooly, priceless. OMG the early Thursday’s pressure show live YESSSSS. The most precious bit for me is how you, Andy, never forget anyone, you never forget to say thank you, throw someone a hug or a big fat mushy smile. I love the fact that
189 VB2016 - Year Eight you are just one of us, no bull shit you actually care about us all in your way that makes you very special to work for Merlín, love you. I’m sure there gonna be loads keep hitting me now I’m on a roll. Jayne Boye’s Fanny gallop, Mish’s countdown, Comarsh’s Army, The Birmingham corner... I fucking love VB - Suella
190 Financing The Booth
15 Financing The Booth
In ‘09 we only charged £10 to cover costs of the gifts and pay for one or two flights and hotel rooms for DJs. Each year the ticket price increased just enough to be able to afford ‘bigger’ DJs, take on drivers, extra security, extra gifts, free drinks here and there and so on. I’ve already mentioned when talking about the DJs, so many favours have been called in down the years to be able to bring certain people along to play for The Fam and for this I am eternally grateful and now do my best to make sure these people get what they deserve any time they return. I specifically remember a conversation I had with one member of the Fam who will remain nameless, back around 2014. I asked him how much profit he thought I made each year. “About 10 grand” he said. I laughed. It was NOWHERE near that and we spoke about why he thought this was a realistic figure for all the hard work I put in down the months in the build up and why people wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) mind that profit was being made. VB started out as a party for my friends and their friends. As it grew, more and more friends continued to attend and their friends came with them. I did not, and never
191 Financing The Booth have, felt comfortable making money off friends, that said the one thing I have always insisted on is that there are no free tickets for VB and I am pleased to say that it rarely comes up in conversation. This is not about me taking money from friends, it’s about making it fair and treating everyone equally. Life is way too short to make money your God. The point I am trying to make is that no event was ever put on with profit in mind. As a promoter, I had lost more than my fair share of money down the years, especially when promoting the famous Choice FM Boat Parties. Even though these were packed out, hyped up beyond all compare, I would always end up being out of pocket by putting them on. I told myself that I would never put on a party and lose money again after those. Who was I kidding? By 2016 I had finally gotten all the variables lined up to cover all costs and worked out a budget to hopefully make a little on top for my troubles. Summers have always been a stressful time as I watch ticket sales creep up to that all important 400. This is the number I start to relax at, knowing we’ll be ‘busy enough’ in terms of vibe. I am sure just 300 people would work but anything over 400 is perfect. Then, once I hit the all important break-even point (well over 400 btw) I decide on what else to start spending any extra profit on. With such a small margin of error it’s a constant worry every year. I won’t insult anyone’s intelligence by saying I haven’t made money from VBW here and there but I can guarantee it isn’t anywhere near as much as many would think and now, after a long time, I am at peace with that. Having to deal with people day after day, pretty much the whole year, means that I should
192 Financing The Booth get some kind of reward for all my hard work and it makes me think before I call someone the C-word for not reading simple instructions. Please don’t misunderstand me, it isn’t difficult to do what I do because, if I say so myself, I am so good at it. I thrive off the joy VB brings to people but ‘people’ also send me insane on the odd occasion. If you have ever tried to co-ordinate a get together of ten people or more then you know just how infuriating it can be! If ticket sales go better than expected I’ll find a way to spend the extra money on The Fam or to improve the event. Down the years I’ve had to purchase sound for the boats, upgrade the Pressure Cooker system and DJ equipment, amongst many other things. Other examples of how this extra money gets spent... In 2016 I created the feature for people to send in their favourite photos afterwards via the VBW App. Dawn O’Connor sent in a cracking photo of her, Joc and the kids in the DJ booth and that earned her a free flight and accommodation for the following year’s fun. For the New Year Gathering 2016/2017 I spent money I’d made from last minute ticket sales on a free buffet at my house for over 35 people who had flown over to spend a few days with us. Just a couple of things I am able to do, thanks to The Fam. I recall one year, last minute sales meant I had enough money to buy a new TV for the lounge. I was buzzing. I thanked everyone on FB and in the newsletter. I’m still a long way off that yacht though.
193 VB2017 - Year Nine
16 VB2017 - Year Nine
Everything by now was going incredibly well. We were having a few issues with the police more and more on a yearly basis due to the poolside music being played too loud through siesta time but we were able, with some sensible programming and understanding from the DJs and crowd, to soldier on regardless. It was time to finally make something happen which I had dreamed of and spoken about for many years before. Bring Monique Bingham to VB. We were now in a position, both financially and numbers wise, to ensure it was the right time and so I made it happen. Space was the theme for the artwork and how we decorated the club that year. By now, Xairo had slowly but surely got better and better year on year in both it’s decor, management, cleanliness and so much more. It was a long hard slog but all worth it in the end. I made sure that this year we removed the stage long before the event arrived so the speakers would fit under and, on install day, Gillman was happy. One thing I had noticed in VB2016 was that the poolside sessions were getting more and more intense. This had a detrimental
194 VB2017 - Year Nine effect on the night times in Xairo and usually by 5.30am it was fairly thin on the ground in there. I put a suggestion to The Fam on FB that we close earlier all weekend in Xairo and only one or two people grumbled. With our Soul lovers flourishing year on year it was now also time to take a risk and ‘split’ The Family for the first time and provide two separate venues across the Friday and Saturday nights. Even though we had used two rooms many times before, this would be the first time we would open Shumara (now called Farandula) and take people away from Xairo. It was a big gamble as I had no idea for certain we’d get up to the 500 attending that we realistically needed to make it work. We also took a punt and booked DJ Spen for the Monday night down there for the faithful that remain after the ‘main weekend’ finishes. The Monday party was in association with friends from Amsterdam who had assured us they’d bring a good 30 or 40 people along to support, something which would help to cover the extra costs... an assurance that never came good but fortunately that didn’t prove to be an issue in the end. The cover for the programme was ‘designed’ by one of the Kids of the Booth, a colouring from a special book I had made for the Titans all-day party in the summer (somewhere else the spare pennies got spent). Here are a few words from the programme before we get to my EPIC post-event rant. Looking back on this intro, it’s as if I knew I was in for a stressful time, weird!
195 VB2017 - Year Nine
VB2017 Programme Welcome Note
“Our 9th Weekender and 18 years of VB! Yes, our love and passion for this music and one another has given birth to nine of these bad boys. I couldn’t be more proud. If this is your first event, please take time to read through these pages, put together over the last few months with the sole purpose of making your experience as pleasurable as possible. VBW began as a celebration of my parties in Birmingham and my weekly radio show. Over the years, as the numbers increased, it stopped being about me and is now purely about US. This doesn’t make it any less important to me, in fact VB and all it entails consumes most of my waking hours, all year long. This isn’t a selfless act, my vision in bringing you one of the best occasions of 2017 gives me immense pleasure and a sense of purpose. So, if you see me stressing at all, it’s only because I’m working on realising my vision and tweaking where necessary. Despite what many think, it never gets any easier and there’s always something to put a spanner in the works as we begin. I think you’ll agree I’ve calmed down a LOT from early years, right? That said, I’m fairly sure some of you will get screamed at, at some point. It’s all love. If I’ve never lost my rag with you, then I don’t really love you. That means I love nearly all of you bastards. Just ask the wife! Too many moments to highlight, too many people to mention. Let’s do this! As always, my undying gratitude goes to Michelle, Drew & Mikey for putting up with me on a daily basis and helping me become a better man. I’m a work in progress. Andy x
196 VB2017 - Year Nine
My VB Experience - Lynette Saunders (Programme Notes)
“Mine and Chris’ journey with Vocal Booth started 8 years ago. Our great friends, Jeff &Jules, told us about this new music event they were going to. We all attended for the first time in 2010 and have been to every one since. I have a confession. I love music from the 80s in my youth and still do, though you’ll be pleased to know I was soon listening to Motown from my early 20s onwards. Whilst Chris was already enjoying Soulful House Music, I really developed my passion for Soulful and Deep House through Vocal Booth. What a journey it has been from then with all the wonderful DJs I have seen play over the years and all the great events we have attended. However, what has been the most enjoyable part of this journey has been the many wonderful people I have met and friendships developed through Vocal Booth. We were made to feel so welcome and part of The Family from the first visit. It truly is something very special and that we talk about with all our friends who have yet to experience it. So much have we promoted this wonderful music event, the people and atmosphere, that 2017 sees us bring not only newcomers from the UK but also more friends from Canada. They have the same love for music and sharing this with great friends as us, as well as being great at partying. I know they will enjoy themselves and, like so many others after their first time here, will leave with many new friends. Having turned the grand old age of 50 last week, I couldn’t ask for a better place to continue my 50th Birthday celebrations than with such wonderful friends – The Vocal Booth Family. Also as part of my celebrations, I am one of this year’s Titans and get to experience what it feels like to be the other side of the decks
197 VB2017 - Year Nine
myself! I hope you will join me in a drink and here is to another spectacular Vocal Booth. Cheers & Lots of love - Lyn Saunders
My VB Experience - Bobbi Peartree (Programme Notes)
“My first Vocal Booth experience was back in 2013, when I invited myself along with my very new partner, Phil Auguste. Phil had been previous years (scared the crap out of him when I asked if could come hehehe) ... OMG what an experience this was! The hype leading up to the event was overwhelming watching Facebook, listening to Andy Ward’s Radio show on Pressure, and I was thinking “Wow, how will I survive” and “Nah, they’re probably just exaggerating a little” Let me tell you - I survived (just… with a few siestas in between) and no, they were not exaggerating. The first night we arrived quite late, wasn’t sure anything would still be on at this time as the actual event doesn’t start really until the Friday. As we walked down to the Montepiedra all were definitely still alive! In we walked to a very happy, slightly tipsy all-singing all dancing, all-loving, group of wonderful people. On set were Andy Ward & Mr Timmy Vegas (I think a lot of people will remember this night). It was absolutely amazing playing great tunes, giving out so much love and laughter, this was to be my most favourite memory of my Vocal Booth experience. Since then I have come back every year, usually booking flights and accommodation as early as we can for the next one. I have met and made so many lovely friends, I have even branded myself with the logo ‘For… With….Of… The Family’ as this group of people have so much love for each other and have changed
198 VB2017 - Year Nine
my outlook on music and life and the way it should be. On our 5th year now and I wouldn’t change a thing. Love, Peace and Happiness to all - Bobbi
My VB Experience - Fer Nando (Programme Notes)
“ In September ‘09, my friends from HouseBox told me they were going to DJ at the 10th anniversary of Vocal Booth. I asked them “Vocal Booth, what is that ?” I honestly did not know what it was, I had never heard of it. They told me it was a promotion of Andy Ward, who I had seen play in Alicante. Why not go to a weekend party in Los Alcazares? Close to home, half an hour by car, with my friends from HouseBox and the rest of the gang Marilo, Ana etc. That first Vocal was very wild for me... and the hangover I had on Monday was similar to that of the movie “Hangover”! I have unforgettable memories of the moments that year, laughter, dancing, jumping. Especially that afternoon session with the tranquil Mar Menor in the background and where I started to meet those who, in later editions, became real good friends. In 2010 I returned. The change to Hotel Montepiedra and its pool, the true essence of where Vocal Booth lives. We danced until the Dusk to some of my favourite DJs, they have been some of the magical moments! What about Club Xairo? To be able to dance until the legs say “enough is enough”, unforgettable sessions of Grant Nelson, Neil Pierce, Sean McCabe, Atjazz, Rocco, Ralf Gum, Kiko Navarro and the Sunday closing with Schooly & Andy. One of my most special moments I’ve had in Vocal Booth was 2011, and my participation in the Clash of Titans. My huge black wig and the most tacky shirt I had in the closet. “My name is not
199 VB2017 - Year Nine
Sandy Rivera or Bobby Farrell, my name is Nando, Fer Nando.“ To play for the first and only time in my life (without mixing because I have no idea to do it) but I had a great time. I didn’t win but that wasn’t important. That DJ feeling was unforgettable! I could continue to tell you moments and experiences that I have lived in Vocal Booth, but the best thing is not that I tell you but to live them, to live the experience of sharing the passion for music in a Family environment and, most importantly, in my own Country with the sun and warmth of the Costa Blanca. To finish these words... since I was very young my favourite month was September, not only because it’s my birthday but because after the holidays I went back to see my friends from school. Well, now I’m older, September is still my favourite because it is when I meet up again with my Musical Family, The Vocal Booth Family. Love, Music and Long live Vocal Booth - Fer Nando.
Vocal Booth Weekender 2017 Report
“A whole 5 days since VB2017 ended and more than a week since the madness of the ‘main weekend’. Michelle is away on business. I’m sat at home alone and, for the first time, am taking the opportunity to reflect on what the fuck has just happened in the last 10 days. This is for my own memory banks more than anything but maybe you’d like a little look “behind the scenes”? None of it is meant to be a sob story and none of it is looking for a pat on the back… if you know me and my blogs, you know that already. Many of you are reading things you’ve read again and again for 8 years. For others, it’s your first time. First things first. What an event! So many people are saying it was their best one yet. Nine events in, how is this even possible? It’s a testament to the beautiful souls that attend VB that we can all
200 VB2017 - Year Nine continue to find improvements in what we all, most of us, already saw as perfection. I’d have to agree. It was phenomenal although it wasn’t the most enjoyable for me for a variety of reasons. Over the years I’ve come to realise that my energy levels are pretty much always the same depending on what stage of the year I am at with preparation. As we get closer and closer to the event I am literally running on empty, as it kicks off I get a sudden spike from all the positivity of meeting friends, old and new but then, by Sunday, the tank is totally depleted and I’m running on fumes mainly until after the event is over. The INCREDIBLE feedback as we take over Facebook and listening back to all the podcasts as I prepare them saves the day as the positivity tanks get filled and I am able to continue back through the whole process again for the next 12 months. Obviously, putting the whole thing together takes a lot of planning throughout the year. I do this single-handedly. It’s the only way I can operate and tbh I really quite enjoy it. There were times this year when I wondered how many more VBs I had in me but now, again, I couldn’t imagine life without them. I’m very proud of the line ups and the set programming. They are the only things I don’t mind taking full credit for (alongside the artworks) although the quality of the DJs does make it pretty easy. That said, the timetable gets changed at least 10 times a week in the early stages and this year again a few last-minute hiccups meant I was changing right up to the wire with print deadlines. Once the set times are finalised, the sound system prep and delivery is all down to the wonderful Phil Gill aka Gillman Audio. We’ve come a long way together since the first collaboration and 60% of the stress of the event is lifted from my shoulders once the first tune is played, thanks to Phil and Ricardo and anyone they have helping them. I categorically couldn’t do it without them now, nor would
201 VB2017 - Year Nine
I want to. Another key factor every year is the wonderful work WOW Deco put in. Those guys work tirelessly setting the whole thing up for days, after a crazy busy summer of non-stop festivals and amidst even more crazy travel plans. Chris, the boss, had to fly off for Peru on the night before VB began after spending two days mounting the poolside decorations, then had to fly back to take it all down. Alongside Donna, Ko and Bonnie they are all true soldiers indeed. Then we have the ‘guys on the ground’. Howells Transport give safe carriage to the sound system all the way from the UK. My mate Tony Poole always sorts out the electrical hook up and the staff at the Monte do their bit in lumping tables and stages around. Invaluable assistance and brains come from the man like Dave Tait who is in charge of checking everyone in and my daughter Drew assists with the passes, wristbands and free gifts. It all runs smoothly, for the most part. Having Dave on hand is one less thing to worry about and he is a master at what he does, in controlling the people with their checking in and on the door of the club. What never ceases to amaze me are the lazy bastards that knowingly turn up with NO sign of a ticket on them and then proceed to stand holding the queue up for 10 mins whilst they swear blind they never received one and swipe through their phones like it’s about to miraculously appear. Then they tell us that the system doesn’t work. Well… if the system didn’t work, how did you buy the ticket in the first place and how come we have got a pass with your name on ? I’ll be the first to accept that sometimes emails don’t get sent for whatever stupid internet reason but maybe I’m thinking too much in that people would enquire as to where their ticket was BEFORE coming ? Out of 550 or so people, I’d hazard a guess that this accounts for
202 VB2017 - Year Nine
10% of the people, so it could be a lot worse. If you are one of these people, then I mean to offend you no more than you mean to offend me by making life so difficult. Next time, have your ticket ready BEFORE you arrive. 500 other people manage to do it. The most annoying thing is that it’s usually people I know really well making life difficult, which is why I’m being somewhat ruthless here… newcomers I’d understand, but veterans ? Fix up! People just take the piss, whether willingly or not, and I’m afraid to say I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it and I’m not the kind of person to take kindly to it. But we smile and carry on… I woke up on Thursday 14th September after having about 4 hours sleep. It’s like a scene from Goodfellas. I have to do one run to the Montepiedra with the new Sound System ready for the terrace and the unofficial warm up party. Then I have to get to the airport to collect DJs. Back home to collect more kit then back to the hotel with more stuff ready for the broadcast on the night. About 3 different things go wrong and I have a couple of other major incidents to deal with in the midst of all of this. Until you have to work with the Spanish then you really just can’t believe some of their ways. Finally, at 19:00 hours, we go live on Pressure Radio and all seems to be OK. For now. Anyone that remembers that last time Timmy Vegas and I did a Thursday night session before VB will know how messy it got. I think a few people were expecting more of the same although I always knew it would be nothing of the sort. I’m sure it was a bit of a disappointment for some already present but the vibe was lovely and I managed to get away, unscathed, just before midnight. Massive respect to Julie Prince for her lovely sounds as well as the assistance of DJP and Sean Quinn throughout the whole of the event in the Pressure Cooker, and anyone else helping them. I did start to write a lengthy piece on
203 VB2017 - Year Nine
Timmy Vegas, chuckled and deleted it all. I woke up Friday 15th after a relatively healthy 5 and a half hours’ sleep. I felt ready. I was ready. I was back at The Monte at 6.45am and the first one around (as usual), setting up the Pressure Cooker and a few other bits. Then back to the airport for more collections before finally heading home to sit in the bath, shave my head and make myself irresistibly sexy. I was rushing, obviously. The most stressful part of the whole thing for me is making sure the DJs arrive on time and are happy. With more DJs arriving at varying times across the whole weekend this year, it totally overshadowed my fun. Even though I had the super-efficient help of Suella, her son, Jamie, and DJ Adz on hand, it still is always in the back of my mind that everyone needs looking after. It’s a necessary evil and I’m already making plans to make it ‘easier’ next year. I mustn’t forget the wonderful Ann aka Sahara247 who helped me no end this year, handing out the pre-paid Tee shirts and selling all the VB merchandise as well as trying to police the DJ booth in Club Xairo of a night time. Which reminds me… What the fuck is it with people who aren’t even DJs that need to be behind a DJ Booth ? Piss Off out the way! Then when I tell them to leave they look at me like I’m joking. Boy… don’t start me off. It was actually quite funny how many people told me how “relaxed” I looked this year. That pleased me. I was far from relaxed, I’ve just learnt that people don’t need to see me stressing or pacing about the pool like a sergeant major. I’ve lost count of how many times I have to go from reception to my hotel room and back again. Arse of a journey that is. Anyway… the first tune poolside kicked off at 13:00 Friday 15th alongside the Pressure Cooker and VB2017 was officially LIVE. Result. What happened next is probably the fastest 6 days in the history
204 VB2017 - Year Nine of man. One minute I was stood admiring the DJ booth decor from the front whilst the CDJs were being connected, the next I was having a slow dance in the same spot to “Ain’t Nobody” as the last tune played for the closing party. WTF? I won’t do a review of VB2017. There are more than enough of those online. I can’t even keep up with the photos, videos and tags and I doubt I will be able to for the coming week. It was just fucking amazing and worth every bit of stress and exhaustion… and boy, was there exhaustion! I like to take pride in being ‘on the ball’. Alcohol has been my only drug for more than 20 years now and when dealing with people I like to come across as professional as possible (yes, I can hear many of my friends laughing at this). It’s amazing what tiredness does to me at VB. My brain literally starts to shut down by the Monday, whether I’ve had any big nights or not. I didn’t touch a drop of alcohol at all this year until my ‘official’ welcoming speech in the club at 00:30 on Friday night. I lasted in Xairo until 5am ‘ish and only had 3 beers that night. Saturday I was up bright and early again and never drank until the night when, again, I only had 3 or 4 beers. This is pretty impressive if you consider Mikey was doing the closing set poolside and I was sat with Benji Candelario most of the day. That night in the club was HEAVY and I was one of the last in there until 5.30am, when the lights came on.
“I’ve been annoyingly sensible this year. Tomorrow I think I’ll let my hair down”.
Funny story. I’m sat behind the DJ Booth with Andre Lodemann on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Tommy Bones was playing a typical NYC house set at the time. Lodemann says to me, in a
205 VB2017 - Year Nine very sheepish voice,
“Do you know the music I play? I don’t think it will work. It is almost electronic in comparison to this”.
“Yeah, I know” I said. “Just do what you do, don’t try to fit in. I booked you for you.” I think that put him at ease. He then gave a master class on why he’s one of the best in the game and, despite the club emptying out somewhat (as I totally knew it would), he made all those still in there until the end very very happy and I am sure he even cracked a smile at one point. That was a highlight for me. Sunday is one long fucking blur. Remember, by this point I’m running on roughly 14 hours sleep in 3 days (actually that’s not too bad is it, I love to be the martyr) and still dealing with DJs coming and going as well as one of the biggest singers in the scene arriving at any moment to sound check. No Pressure. Having a ‘crack team’ around me does mean the world when it’s time to let ‘Wardy’ loose… and he came out, guns blazing. An amazing Clash of the Titans tipped me over the edge and I started drinking, early. I was half-pissed by the time Monique showed up around 3.30pm. A lengthy sound check out of the way in Xairo, I got pulled back to the pool because I’d forgotten all about the balloon release. Whoops. I really can’t piece together the last 5 hours of Sunday afternoon poolside or any of the night. I do know I wasn’t really THAT drunk until after I announced Monique on the stage and had also made a couple of short speeches poolside throughout the day. Apparently I played some music at 2.30am!? I went in hard Sunday and I paid the price for the rest of the week. The two days I usually spend chatting shit and relaxing was spent away from
206 VB2017 - Year Nine everyone. Monday was spent pretty much struggling to get out of bed all day whilst listening to the DJs, then deciding it was too much like hard work. I lay there trying to remember anything of the night before and most of the whole weekend seemed to have been erased from my memory. I was really, genuinely upset. By this stage, my brain power was already running low and Sunday’s blowout hadn’t helped at all. I missed the whole of Monday’s poolside fun. I only forced myself to get dressed and go to Farandula to be polite for Spen. I’m glad I did, it was a great vibe down there and I skulked away around 3.30am whilst everyone was having the time of their lives. Tuesday was pretty much a carbon copy of Monday although I had always intended to bring myself home to escape everything. Michelle and I drifted in and out of a coma all day in bed, living on Burger King and Curries fetched by the kids. We thought about going out for dinner with everyone on the night but when Michelle saw the tears in my eyes she said she didn’t fancy it. That’s my girl. Wednesday morning I woke up to an inbox full of angry mails from website clients (that’s what I do when I’m not being a moany promoter) who couldn’t access their sites or emails. Cut a long story short, my old hosting company are pricks and it caused me 48 hours of stress I didn’t need at what was meant to be the culmination of one of the best weeks of my year. Anyway… I took care of the most urgent cases and headed back to The Monte. The Closing Day Session was as lovely as expected and I enjoyed playing music (and remembering it this time) to an adoring crowd. VB2017 was over… almost. Thursday morning… time to chill, right ? WRONG. Some idiot (me) decided it would be fun to take a bus load of people on a tour of the Liquor 43 factory and then to the mud baths nearby.
207 VB2017 - Year Nine
As it happened, it turned out to be a lovely day with 14 of us experiencing a little culture and more booze. Winner. Friday morning… time to chill, right ? WRONG. I’m sat putting right more of my website clients’ issues when Michelle says “When are you going to get all your kit from the hotel”. I had totally forgot to empty my hotel room AND strip down all the speakers from The Pressure Cooker. Bastard. Needless to say, I finally put the last piece of equipment in my garage some time Friday afternoon and for me, VB2017 WAS finally over.I’ve still got to have a debrief with the Monte and Club, to find out why (amongst many other things you’d never believe) at 00:30 on Saturday night, Farandula insisted I’d asked them to shut the club whilst it was in full swing. I’ve also got to explain why the police were there at 00:03 on Wednesday demanding the music went off after we’d promised them no more music after midnight. Oh the fun ! I’ll try to get to the bottom of that god awful smell in Xairo that happened for the 2nd year in a row but I don’t hold out much hope of finding any answers. We dodged a major bullet this year with the local authorities and the poolside sound system. Obviously I only shared this info with one or two trusted people during the event but it’s another of the grey clouds that hung over me every day. So, the next time you want to complain that the music isn’t loud enough for you, move close to the speakers, because we’re lucky there was any music at all! Oh, and we have to go through it all again next year. Deep Joy. To redress the balance… Whilst I’ve obviously had a little whinge here, I need to state again how absolutely incredible the whole thing was and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. We all learn year on year and it’s the little tweaks that make it what it is. I’d had a few sideways looks from people when I’d told them their favourite
208 VB2017 - Year Nine
DJs were playing in the Pressure Cooker but it worked, exactly like I knew it would. The early close of Xairo all weekend. The Friday and Saturday Soul Sessions in a separate venue, well they speak for themselves. As does the coach service between hotels and the late night curry action. Resounding successes. I don’t need my ego stroking but if I did, then the outpouring of love from the regulars every year does just that. This year in particular a lot of people I’ve known for a long time finally attended and ‘got it’, that for me is priceless. Newcomers have a way of expressing their gratitude a lot more openly than those that have been coming for years and I do find myself spending more time welcoming them than the ‘veterans’ but I know that ‘they’ know, without the regular Family, VB doesn’t exist and those moments we get to share here and there mean more to me than someone blowing smoke up my arse. Although I do like how that tickles. I’ve spent way too long writing this, it’s gone dark outside and I think I might just be eating my 10th frozen pizza in as many days for tea. Thanks for reading - Andy.
One thing I didn’t mention in my official end of event review is just one in a long line of crazy things to happen to me down the years. Picture the scene... I had made sure all was in order for the start of the Lockdown and popped back to my room for a bite to eat and to rest my eyes for 30 minutes during Schooly’s set. When I came back about 45 mins later (thankfully I didn’t sleep through again this time) I was rushed by about 4 different people on my way from the front door of Xairo to the DJ booth.
“Oh my God, you’ve got to get this guy off, it’s just not working”
209 VB2017 - Year Nine was all I remember each of them saying. They weren’t talking about Schooly, obviously but were referring to Gary Gritness aka Slikk Tim who was doing a live performance on the mic with a keyboard and vocoder. Seeing as I wasn’t there to suggest it, no one thought to introduce him on the mic (I don’t think) so no one really knew what was going on. The sound was really low and I recall Gillman having a go in my ear about a shit signal. If you remember my report, you’ll know I’m quite exhausted by this stage. Anyway, without hesitation I went to the DJ booth and proceeded to try to grab Gritness’ attention, pulling at his trousers. He ignored me. I pulled harder. It was at this point he kicked out at me, in his defence not knowing it was me. My head blew up. I immediately turned down his mic and literally pulled him off the speaker he was standing on. I don’t remember this bit but I do know what happened because I listened back to the recording not long after the event finished. Lenny Fontana saw what was going on and promptly got on the mic to introduce Groove Assassin who was ready to play next. Whilst Lenny is talking to the crowd and introducing GA, you can hear me screaming all kinds of abuse in the face of the poor soul who’s just had his performance unceremoniously cut short. I obviously edited all that out of the start of Nick’s set. To add insult to injury, when I did listen back to Gary Gritness’ performance it sounded absolutely incredible, for whatever reason it just wasn’t working sonically or visually at the time. I laugh to myself when I think about that moment and cringe inside as well.
210 Opening Poolside VB2011
Snoopy’s Xairo Sound System The Man Like Snoopy
17 The Man like Snoopy
2014 was the last year Snoopy played at VB. He would pop back to see everyone once or twice over subsequent events. I wish I had tried harder to find him some sort of job to keep him around the people he loved so much while the event was happening but he was a proud man. He wouldn’t accept what he knew was really just a ‘charity gesture’. In hindsight, everything is always much clearer. His ill health meant that he wasn’t really the man for any kind of physical activity with us, although a permanent positon as soundman up at Villamartin Plaza saw him continue to work like a mule and very often his big heart was way too much for his small frame. I kept in touch with him through the year, as did most of The Fam, via his regular FB rants and late night ramblings to himself on his timeline. After his brother passed away who he was chief carer for, he become quite lonely and also in dire financial straits. We all did what we could to help but I for one know we should/ could have done more. In December 2017 I received word that he was gravelly ill in hospital. Myself and Dave Furze visited him where it seemed
212 The Man Like Snoopy he was days away from death and lay in an induced coma after another in a long line of strokes down the years. We said our goodbyes. We then received a surprise call weeks after to say he was awake and Dave and I went back to see him. We joked as I told him to hurry and get better so he could come and play in September. It was so great to see him awake although the man we knew was buried beneath a paralysed shell and he was unable to communicate other than move his hand slightly. Over the next few days his condition improved and more of his friends would pop to see him although it was clear he was saying his final farewells to them all. They listened to music and he smiled and gave a little boogie in his bed. Oswald Warren Pereira aka DJ Snoopy passed away on 9th March 2018, aged 59, just two days before we were due to see him again. From the first set of speakers used on the jetty of the San Antonio Restaurant in 2009 and his unique set up in Club Xairo in 2010/2011, to his amazing UNIQUE skills as compere for Clash of the Titans... Those priceless poolside sets he’d put together on his iMac with a hard-drive super glued to the back of the screen... Without his help we would not have the event as we know it today. He is sorely missed and remembered with a smile.
213 VB2018 - Year Ten
18 VB2018 - Year Ten
I deliberated long and hard as to whether or not to delay finishing this book until after VB2018 but I think everything has already been said more than once or twice by now. It’s all looking good for our Tenth Event celebrations. Ticket- wise, sales are actually up on this time last year but if the last minute rush doesn’t materialise, then it’s bread and water for Xmas Dinner. I purposely do not put too much emphasis on selling tickets too early in the year as I know how tough it is for many to fund all their partying and usually get a good indication of how we’re going to do in the end by the hotel situation. When September arrives I’m hoping that the few sleepless nights I’m bound to have had throughout the summer will have all been unnecessary, they usually are. Another stellar line up featuring some truly amazing DJs and great friends will provide even more tales for the memory banks. We feature more of our regular DJs inside the Pressure Cooker this year and so are sure to be in for some crazy scenes in there and will be decorating the room extensively. We’re
214 VB2018 - Year Ten going to move next door to the larger space again to cope with the numbers. The theme for this year is based around ‘Roots’ and pays respect to everyone that has been with us down the years, as captured within the pages of this book and the accompanying hardback. Ticket prices have increased for the first time in four years to help cover the rising costs and the poor exchange rate. They are still relatively cheap, so everyone tells me, at £110. I have given prime time slots to the few DJs that have been with us at every event, just as they had asked, as well as ‘promoting’ a couple of DJs out of The Pressure Cooker to the much sought after poolside set up. Xairo is now known as Shairo. The downstairs ‘Funky Room’ has been ripped out and the main floor is now one open space with an extra bar, I’m excited to see how this new look works. To coincide with the Roots theme, the original plan was to fully decorate Shairo in the style of an enchanted forest, however with the club now looking the best it’s ever been, I’m thinking of taking a gamble and leaving all the decorations out completely this year. Once I’ve consulted Phil if this will affect the acoustics I’ll make my decision. Will it pay off? It could go for or against us although I am pleased to say that there hasn’t really been anything happen until now that has thrown any kind of spanner into the works on any major scale. We managed in 2009, that memorable day on the jetty of the San Antonio Restaurant. Just my one pair of CDJ1000s, my Vestax rotary mixer and a microphone. A couple of below average speakers and an over-heating amp. It was amazing. The
215 VB2018 - Year Ten following year we moved to the poolside of The Monte and coped with speakers you wouldn’t really want to be pictured next to. A bare terrace area lacking in any decoration whatsoever or any shade for the DJs and a nightclub that couldn’t understand why they kept selling out of booze for the first few years or how to fix toilet seats or doors in the Ladies. It was amazing. We’ll manage again this year amongst the many other issues that are sure to come our way because, let’s face it, there’s no place on this planet like Vocal Booth and there’s no group of people like Vocal Booth Family. It’s amazing!
216 Tales of The Booth
19 VB Memoirs - Tales of The Booth
Julian Bendall
“Everything Happens For A Reason! So from VB1 (2009). Myself being captured on audio, instructing the crowd to scream for Andy Ward. Some time later he would release it on video stating “This shows how people who are usually quite shy come out of their comfort zone when touched by a special occasion”. What he is saying is 100% correct, however I am still unsure if he meant on the so many different levels of being a human being. Absolutely shocked by a second invitation to VB2 (2010) , I was obviously going to say yes. From this, it actually changed my entire course of what I thought I was on. VB2 led to a possible complicated marriage to pure coincidence of then moving forward and going back to VB1 with a view to having a second child with another coincidental partner. Both never happened. So that is my brief history, Leading on to actually say what I genuinely feel and think. I have not been to every VBW but i turned up at one without an invitation or ticket, just on the fly. I had been made to feel like a human being.I have shown all sides to myself with many strangers along the VB events in Spain. The most poignant moment was that evening, I had arrived feeling really low.I was
217 Tales of The Booth
sitting on a pavement nearby practically in bits. A guy asked me ‘ you ok mate?’ to which I responded ‘Can you go away please and leave me alone?’ He did. I met this person purely again by coincidence 2/3 years later and was horrified by remembering my actions that night. I was however being ‘me’. Same as VB1 audio capture. To this date it has changed my entire outlook on life in too many ways, but that moment is the ONE the moment of what I am trying to write for this book. We are now friends of course, that guy being Jeff Garcia. In essence, Vocal Booth Weekender has reconfirmed that ‘Music is the common Denominator’ BUT - It sounds better with people who LOVE each other !
Sam Welsby
“I don’t remember how I stumbled across the Vocal Booth Radio Show, but it happened at exactly the right time. I’d moved from the UK to Australia about a year earlier and I was pining for home. Growing up in London and being a part of the clubbing scene in the 90s meant I had a love for a broad range of soulful music and I wasn’t finding a music scene to connect with in this new land. When I first heard the show all the feelings of connection came back. The familiar music helped me feel less home sick and when I heard there was an event in Spain each year, I made it a goal to go one day. Fast-forward a few years, my time in Australia was coming to an end and I was off on my travels again. I bought two tickets for the VB event in Spain, so I could experience the good vibes in person. The friend I was supposed to go with pulled out last minute, so I was faced with turning up to an event knowing no one! I need not have worried. I posted in the VB group chat that I had a spare room and ended up sharing with some lovely
218 Tales of The Booth ladies from London; we had a ball. The crowd was so friendly and it was amazing to meet so many like-minded people while dancing in the sun to our favourite tunes. After the event the friend requests came flooding through on Facebook and it felt like we were part of a family. I was back in London and writing about my travels through my blog. One day, someone I didn’t know contacted me on FB and told me they enjoyed my writing. I thanked him and wondered how he’d seen it. It turned out he was one of the DJs at VB and so we had friends in common. I don’t remember meeting him at the event and most people who do meet him will remember the experience. He’s been one of the regular VB DJs for years and everyone knows and loves him. We carried on talking via messenger and found we had a lot in common; music, sense of humour and a sense of adventure. After a couple of weeks he casually invited me up for a visit to Scotland where he lived. I jumped at the chance to get out of London and booked my ticket for the Easter Weekend. Rather than meeting a stranger for the first time, it felt as if we’d known each other forever, so spending the weekend in a remote log cabin seemed like the perfect thing to do. It turned out to be life-changing for the both of us. After nine months of being together we moved to the same cabin and it has been our home for three years. Moving away from the craziness of modern society has meant we’ve both been able to dedicate time to our creative pursuits. We’ve met musicians, writers and other creative people in this out-of-the- way place and none of this would have happen if we hadn’t been to the Vocal Booth Weekender. So if you’re thinking of going, do it. Your life will change for the better.
219 Tales of The Booth
Gary Morgan
“If Carlsberg done events! As someone who votes with his feet/ foot, there is no other place to be. Very much grateful to the ‘originals’ for passing on the Love from the 1st event, to the point now of 7 and counting. To that ‘Muscular’ guy (not you Rob!) and his Beautiful Wife for making this the highlight of my Year and to all the like-minded individuals who have made this the ‘Family’ away from the Family. Peace & xx’s y’all
Glenn Thornton - The Slaag Daddy
“A very short eight years ago I was asked by Andy, while doing my show on Pressure, if I’d be interested in coming to Vocal Booth Weekender. A short time of thinking later I decided that this would be something new and different and exciting to go to. What a wonderful decision. Upon arrival I was greeted as if people knew me already I felt so comfortable with the surroundings of the venue. It was great to be around like-minded people socially and musically. The entire atmosphere was inviting, warm, friendly and mature in a good way. All of the DJs that played, all of the music that they played was wonderful. It was amazing to hear so many people playing house music without playing the same records twice and relying on playing just a few of the same producers. Well I had the time of my life so much that I came back for the next three years. I have since taken a four year break and now will return inspired and ready to make new memories in 2018.
Sarah Battersby
“Having attended a few VB reunion events in Birmingham, me
220 Tales of The Booth
and my hubs and another friends eventually made it to the real deal in Spain. We shared a transfer with others that were attending and instantly hit it off with like minded nutters. We arrived at the Monte feeling a little hesitant as we were unsure what to expect. As we walking through the hotel and out to the pool area we were greeted with a cheer from a crowd of about 30 strangers. This was slightly scary but heartwarming. Within minutes we had shaken hands and had hugs and kisses with loads of friendly people and had drinks in hand from random new friends. What a fantastic start to went on to be an incredible week of great music, a chilled vibe, love and laughter that filled our hearts and souls. Cannot wait to do it all again this year.
Jeff n Jules
“Too many good memories above all meeting many great people as well, of course, hearing so much fabulous music. The main reason we come every year is the happiness and laughter as well as a few tears when we remember those no longer with us during the balloon release. I could go on and on about the laughter.... Dave Law emerging from his room in a towel eating a cheese roll singing the Spidernuts spoonerism Spider-Man theme - hilarious. The day Rob Farrell came back from the gym in loose shorts and no underwear! Walking back to our apartment at 7am flapping I had lost my sunnies when it was pointed out I was wearing them! Pugwash being threatened with being arrested at Jardins del Mar. So many laughs... we love you for creating the best party in the Sun bar none Andy and Michelle. Thank You xxx
221 Tales of The Booth
Amanda Reed
“I’ve got loads. You, Andy, picking my bogies off my face for me and wiping on grass. Me being sick in bin cause Steve was DJing and can’t get in room. Me breaking my toe in children’s pool cause I was swimming with my clothes on drunk and asked Steve the next morning why they were wet ??? The original ‘Whos been sick in the sink’ girl ! Peeing over side of boat and gettin caught by you and el capitain -oops. The outrageous ‘you DJ’s are fucking cunts’ moments when all DJs were sat outside and nobody was in the room supporting the DJ. Next morning I was Baa ing like a sheep very red faced - oops. Dancing to ‘vincent salmon jelly’ aka Victor Simonelli - he always ribs me about that ! Best memory is gaining a daughter in law whom I love! Grant nelson boat was fab the whole day, sunset and the way Grant had the boat rocking at the end as we came into port and everyone on shore line, Spanish, VBers & tourists all staring at us thinking I want to be on that boat, the atmosphere was electric and was such a fond memory for me - I didn’t want to get off ! Another highlight definitely was the first one on the jetty, it was a magical afternoon and one I’ve never experience since - the vibe, the music, Sophia, the company, the friends made and the weather was perfect - the best 50th birthday ! Two Spanish gentlemen not part of VB was plying me and Wendy Mccall with lemonchello of all stuff and teaching us Salsa dancing - we did have a laugh !! I will never forget that afternoon x
Jaci Harman
“I’ve been to three VB events so far and as far as I can see this will be on my calendar for years and years to come... well, if you
222 Tales of The Booth guys are there, I will aim to be! Why do I love this event so much? There are certain things a raver of a certain age wants from a holiday - and up to now I didn’t think I’d find it. My feeling was that having done several trips with different people over many years - you know, the one with the kids and their friends of similar age, the ones you did when you were finding out how to travel, how you got on with people, how to tolerate their likes and dislikes and how you tolerated the bits you hated... how much travel you were prepared to do for that great holiday... you get the gist... I’m seriously into my middle age and there’s no getting away from it, you do a LOT of calibrating in that time, a lot of research and learning - and for me, this is brilliant. I really look forward to a few days in the year, the back end of summer, when it’s still outrageously warm in Alicante but not too crowded... when summer is a distant memory back home where I work in London and pretty much the same where I live in Shoeburyness... VB is that last hurrah in the sunshine. All the frenzy of a bunch of festivals through the summer done and you’re looking at a busy calendar for the business end of business, cram in all that work until Xmas... VB is that spot you look forward to going that’s easier than the summer, calmer, a tad cheaper (well, what? That always helps, don’t care who you are! So let’s talk about the needs that VB so effortlessly meets... sun and sand and sea and sangria, sure... fabulous food at any time of day you want it with anyone you want it with... See my home comforts are important but where do you get that time with friends and family? You have to make time for it, of course. And so meal times are important, looooong boozy lunches in the sun shine with nothing to do but look forward to more later! And the music! The music! As much or as little as you can bear.
223 Tales of The Booth
Because the one thing that unifies us all is our love of music. Every dancer, every dj knows when they’re with people that are not just party people, but with serious music lovers. I’m not a musician, I’m a music appreciator. I’m what they call - sometimes like it’s a less important person - a punter. Don’t care so much about labels, anyway! I personally buzz knowing every person there loves the music just as I do. Our kind of music, not just any kind. It’s definitely a place to heal the soul and salve the spirit. Dance anywhere, anytime, with anyone and to get the contact at anytime that you struggle to get in your 9-5 at home... To dance like no-one’s watching - that’s the meaning of freedom to me, a privilege and a joy. Yes, I’m a dancer. It’s in my blood, in my dna... talk about feel your spirit fly free... know the meaning of freedom... work out your frustrations and just move your body to the rhythm of the boogaloo beat...VB is a great place to do that and to randomly boogie with others that feel like you do. I’ve met many kindred souls in small events over the years and we’ve grown together, bound by our mutual love of the music, essentially, and I’ve been so lucky we’ve stayed in tight packs, where life allows so many of us to be at the same events. But the oddest thing happens: we bring our loved ones to share the event and they become our loved ones! Sharing then is a cornerstone of a VB event. Allowing people to express themselves, connect with who they want... even nurture each other’s dreams, the support first-time and professional djs get is the same, for example. I think that’s unique to VB... amazing! People, like, literally from across the world, people I wouldn’t have met without an event like this. And yes, it then ends up that you only see people you love like blood a couple of times a year, but the getting back together is even more precious... and frenzied.. And sweet. Well, that’s it. I had to have my say, just for the record you know?
224 Tales of The Booth
I want people who have a really different life to know that in pockets of the world, in different ways and sometimes secret ways, you can find your own little bit of heaven on earth xx
Adele Archer
“So do you fancy coming to vb this year? yeah sure, I said. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I boarded the flight from Brum arrived in Spain, I never slept again until I made it back to the uk. Chilling in the sun, spending time with the girls, making new friends, dancing and partying all night. I have so many memories from this weekend I could go on for days. I met fabulous fellow Brummies, People from all over, knights in shining armour who rescued us every time - from a walk back from the shops to the early hours of the morning and those few special people that made my weekend one to remember. Truly awesome DJs playing the best music around, this weekend has some of the best vibes I’ve encountered. I arrived a virgin and went home a new woman... Can’t wait for VB2018
Andrew Palmer
“My first ever experience of Vocal Booth, was arriving alone in Spain, getting a lift from the Airport to the Hotel. I really did not know what to expect, I had seen the pictures and watched the videos. I was welcomed into the family with open arms. Made friends for life. The opening friday was something special, every time I hear a certain Sophia Rubina song, then my very first VB memories come flooding back. Thank you Vocal Booth.
225 Tales of The Booth
Jansch Greatrix
“2013 was my first VB and 2018 will be my 6th consecutive. How did it all start ? Back in August 2013 I had just had a break up from my now ex-partner and I was at a life’s low, Andy Comarsh (the Captain) mentioned to me about this party he had been going to for the last few years and that I needed to get my arse over to it, so without anymore to mention I was booked up and was heading to my first ever VB. We headed out that September with a full crew of brummies (and we have our own corner called Brummie corner, come say hello)... we arrived Thursday morning and straight away I was greeted by a smiling face that was Susan Wheeler welcoming me and calling me a Virgin and that I was in for a mad weekend... that night I experienced as I now still count as one of the best nights I’ve had at VB, which was Andy and Timmy doing their mash up, we laughed and danced all night long and that was my first experience of VB and I was hooked.... and that weekend was my first experience on the VB journey. VB for me is somewhere where you leave all your inhibitions behind and enter into the circle that is the family, from minute one of walking through those glass doors at the Monte and wondering past reception and hearing those beats coming from the poolside it just grabs you and that’s the best feeling of the summer for me. As the years have gone by I’ve grown to love VB and I’ve a million stories to tell, I’ve met some bloody amazing people and I’ve made some life long friends from it and also rejuvenated some long lost freindships from it. If I can offer advice on how to survive the weekend, just go with the flow and enjoy the ride... but hold on tight it’s not for the faint hearted, but once you’ve enjoyed the ride you’ll be back for more. Ive had my ups and downs at VB too.... Clash of the Titans for
226 Tales of The Booth me was not only one of my highlights but also a lowlight too, after entering it I loved every second of those 15 minutes I had up in that DJ booth, playing to the crowd and I now knew how it felt to be the one behind the decks. Unfortunately for me on the day a young lady beat me to become champion and has since become a very talented DJ and also someone who I consider as a friend Chrissy Millard. I was bitter at first but I’ve let it go now (I’m a bad loser). Maybe one day Andy will let me behind those decks again who knows. The ‘Comarsh mad 48hours’ was one of my great memories too. Boy did we have fun, he had to be back home on the Sunday, so after his plane, train and automobile excursion we never moved off the dance floor and partied hard for a straight 48hrs getting in at 6am on the Sunday morning for him to get in a taxi at 6:30am to go home. The Comarsh Key throw... Standing at the front door of the room poolside and shouting to Comarsh to throw me the key. He turns, throws the key 10ft in the air for it land on the roof of the apartment. After standing there for 2 minutes and wondering how he had done this as he was only 6ft away from me anyway we rolled on the floor in laughter. Comarsh not having a mad one... Arriving late on a Thursday evening and saying let’s just have a easy night not a mad one... Only to have to carry Comarsh to bed after he gets tangled up in the pullout bed and talking like he had a stroke, those sleeping pills don’t mix well with Brandy... hence that weekend we called him My Left Foot. The Smiley Face. 2014 Michelle had brought a acid face that was 2ft by 2ft. I somehow found it behind the bar and went running around the club dancing with it, only to be grabbed by Michelle and her telling me that it cost her £150 and that I had to put it
227 Tales of The Booth
back, it never happened and every time she turned around I was there with this big yellow face.... 2015 came and how I found it I don’t know but I picked up the face again and ran up to Michelle in the club and for her to piss herself laughing and wondering how the hell I had found it after a year... that night the face became the on Dance floor massive wind blower, LTJ Bukem was playing and I’m sending waves of wind down the dance floor what a night, unfortunately the face didn’t last the evening.
Ben Coppin
“There are so many funny VB stories (some funny, some not) and highlights I have been lucky to witness & way too many to single out one but here’s a few of my favourites (in no numerical order): My first ever VB – arriving in the afternoon doing the drunken shop round the supermarket coming back with bags full of nothing we actually needed (except Crisps) - 2013. Roly getting thrown in the pool, Shaun “Samuello” Samuels shorts splitting straight down the middle of the crotch and him having no idea about that when he was sat down on the stage poolside. I don’t think it was that cold that day (2017). Sambucca drinking games poolside resulting in Nick Collins chucking himself in the pool fully-clothed (There is still a video of this moment of madness somewhere 2014. Walking back from the Monty to the Palmera with some friends one night, when we all thought we were being chased and hunted down by what turned out to be our own shadows on the cliff-wall (2016) Hearing Fish Go Deep drop one of our records in Xairo – that was a WOW moment. Really emotional for me and Miggs (2016) A very close friend’s partner, admitting to the crew that said-friend used to wear Sellotape over his nipples to stop them poking too
228 Tales of The Booth
far out when we all went clubbing (2013) Timmy Vegas. Just because. (2013,2014,2015,2016,2017…..) Dawn Quinn hating me because I called her my Grandma. Sunrise walks from Monty to Palmera along the beach. Stunning. Getting Married to Kristal up the road and spending our honeymoon with this amazing bunch of Friends. Including being surprised by a certain Rob O Shea with some very lavish Wedding gifts which we will never forget. Mental Monday at the Monty with the Tempo crew. That was a pretty special night, there was lots of illuminous paint involved too. Obviously the chance to DJ at this event has been a huge part of our lives and undoubtedly a massive contributor to giving us a platform to express ourselves and grow as The Journey Men – we will always be very grateful for that and for everyone who has followed and supported us since. Andy and Michelle we can’t thank you enough – Big Love and Long Live VB!!! XX
Andrea McCue
“On the Saturday night 2017, after the clubs myself and Schooly spent the entire night walking each other home, started having a laugh and forgetting then walking the other home. This went on till 10am Sunday morning when we gave up and went for breakfast beer instead. Some of the funniest conversations were had that night and the following day leading up to the moment Schooly asked Steve Reed for an iron. I think most people heard about what he came back with.
Rachel Lasisi
“I had been to a number of Vocal Booth events in the UK where
229 Tales of The Booth
I immediately fell in love with the people, music and the vibe. To go somewhere where everyone is so friendly, there is no trouble and everyone truly adores music was music to my ears. 2015 took me to my very first vocal booth weekender and wow what an experience it was. I met so many wonderful people and could not stop dancing for a minute. I think I was then known as the girl in the corner that never stops dancing, by the time I got home my feet were so swollen they looked like Fiona’s from Shrek! I wanted to go again in 2016, however there were two issues my friend who I initially went with couldn’t attend and I was having some personal difficulties at home that was leaving me mentally tired. I had met three lovely girls from Manchester the year before who very kindly offered that I stay with them. Rachel Mountcastle, Janet Ntim and Natalie Schmidt, thank you! I was taken into the Manchester family. Weeks before the event I was however still considering whether I go or not, however speaking with VB family I decided that I absolutely had to go and if I wasn’t happy when there I could always come home – best decision I ever made! Prior to going I made some changes in my home, replaced some furniture and put up a picture I had purchased in America that I had not had the interest in putting up previously. This picture is called “sounds of Love” and is a picture of two people that meet at a music festival and fall in love. The day of VB arrives, and I had the lovely Gill Gx meeting me at the airport. At this point I was still unsure as to whether I was making the right decision to go. Gill was full of happiness and excitement as always (love this lady) and straight away made me feel very happy to be there and with her. We hit the bar and made a toast to the holiday! Arriving at the airport the nerves set in as the Birmingham crew
230 Tales of The Booth got their transfers, I was having to wait a while for the Manchester flight to arrive. However there was a DJ I was introduced to who was waiting for Andy to pick him up. He and I therefore went to get a drink and once again I was comfortable I’d made the right decision, he was so friendly. I then saw Andy walking toward us (collecting the DJ) and decided to run jump up at him and give him a big cuddle – thank goodness he caught me…..happy to see a friendly face I was fine when left alone still waiting for the Manchester flight. The girls arrived and immediately the vibe was on a high, laughing, singing, and buzzing to be going to VB together. We got to our apartment a small walk away from the Monte on the Thursday. I knew that whilst they’d be no music at the Monte people would be meeting up and I really wanted to be there. I asked the girls to come however they said they were saving themselves for the following day (sensible…..I am not!) A couple of wines later and Rachel said shall we just go for one? I grabbed her hand so quickly and ran out the door to ensure she couldn’t change her mind and thank goodness we went! Rachel and I met up with people we both knew and there was quite a crowd forming. We had both had quite a few drinks, I was fairly drunk (unlike me I know) My turn to go to the bar and as I went in there was a stunning blonde girl (Georgia Honeybooth) sitting on her own looking bored and miserable. I immediately though this is not VB! Why is she on her own? And more importantly why is she looking so miserable? I went straight over and said she should join me and my friends for drinks as she’s way too pretty to be sitting here looking miserable! She laughed and said she was with a friend and he’d popped to the toilet but then said is this what this place is like? I looked round and saw a number of older people presumably on their last day of holiday, there was no music
231 Tales of The Booth and no lighting. I laughed realising why she was so miserable, she thought her friend had got things very wrong! I explained Friday was the opening party and told her how amazing she’d find it once started. At this point her friend arrived, his name was Charlie Barr. I was introduced but then disappeared to take the drinks back to Rachel. The following day the party had started and feeling slightly delicate from getting hammered the night before I took myself to the bar. Leaning against the bar in a slight daze I heard someone say “hello” I turned to see a man with the most beautiful blue sparkly eyes I had ever seen, however one problem I didn’t know who he was….****! He clearly knew me….”hello”, “you don’t remember me do you”, “eerrrmmm no sorry” “ I was with the blonde girl last night”, “oh yes of course, sorry”. We chatted a little and off I went. On the evening of course we went to club Xario, what a night…. music was amazing and I’m galloping around (as my friends would call it) I saw Charlie in the background and waved but that was about it….until…..I’m stood by the dancefloor which is on a step and I’m at the bottom, Charlie is about to walk past and as he does a girl who’s dancing shoves him accidentally with her bottom. In what I can only describe as slow motion Charlie went up in the air, his drink in one direction and him in another, just as he was about to hit the floor three guys stood behind him caught him and put him on his feet. Looking like a dear in headlights (I found out after due to him being more gutted that he’d just brought a fresh double JD and coke) I grabbed him and took him outside for air. From this point on we were inseparable. I soon found that all of the Birmingham crew knew Charlie and thought the world of him. He’d had some personal challenges he was fighting as I had and over the next few days partying
232 Tales of The Booth and sharing stories, we bonded. He was immediately like my best friend, I trusted him. He was honest, kind, thoughtful and funny. Charlie was only there for the weekend and when he left I was so sad, it felt like a piece of me was missing. A few months later he came to live in Birmingham, we got together properly and he moved in with me. 2017 saw us return to vocalbooth together. Working closely with the lovely Lisa Cox, Charlie managed to get some champagne and an engagement ring over without me knowing! He took me to the beach which we’d walked on chatting the year before and to my surprise he proposed!! He had written a beautiful poem and covered the sand with rose petals. I immediately accepted. We have set the date and are due to get married December 2018! Vocal booth made our dreams come true and brought two people together that are not only best friends but lovers too. What’s also very strange that I haven’t mentioned as yet, Charlie’s sister unfortunately passed away some years ago and he has her name tattooed on his back…..Rachel. Rachel was buried in the same area I live in Birmingham! (I went to lay flowers for Charlie on my return as he’d been unable to get there for a few years due to living in Spain) So I’m now with the man the picture resembled….my love from a music festival, who fell at my feet, and already had my name tattooed on his back. VB brought us together, fate held us together, marriage will bond us for ever….thank you VB. Charlie Barr and the soon to be Mrs Barr, AKA Rachel Lasisi We would like to thank Andy and Michelle for creating such a magical event that found us not only our soulmates but a wonderful family of friends. VB friends you mean the world to us. Finally we would like to say an extra special thank you to Neil Pinnock, Andy Comarsh and Daryl B who will be bringing some
233 Tales of The Booth
VB sparkle to our wedding as they have offered to DJ as a wedding present. Thank you so much, we love you MWAH.
Jav Groove
“Went to the very first VB in’09, was taken back how friendly and accommodating the host of the event was towards us, he really made us feel part of the family. The crowd in attendance were just as friendly in general, the music was top quality, looking forward to see it develop in it’s 10yr at VB2018.
Paks
“VB2016 and the closing party...... Andy dropped Todd Terry - Something Going On and it completely went through me...... The emotion I felt at I simply cannot describe but it was an amazing moment that i will never forget. He also dropped Chaka Khan - Ain’t Nobody to finish the closing party and all I can remember is everyone singing aloud and thinking...... What a superb way of ending this special event that is getting stronger and stronger.
Kevin Pearcey
“Charlie Barr asked my friend Pete and me to come and celebrate his belated 40th birthday in 2015. We loved it, although in our first year we were slightly reserved yet we still had such a good time we booked up again. It was fucking excellent, so the following year I invited my wife (bold move) with another bestie Raphael Charles. 2016 was a bigger and better screamer, the whole weekend came alive for us and we all truly became part of the family. Our journey home was
234 Tales of The Booth
such an emotional drain and getting back to work sucked! So, we decided to celebrated my 40th in 2017 and brought some more friends and family... everyone loved it, it was still excellent. For me, I took it to another level for by entering and being selected for Clash of the Titans. What an absolute mouth watering life experience, I have had so many people come up to me since saying how much they enjoyed my set which has been great. I was so nervous, I drank a bottle of rum (booooom) so clearly had the best time up there. In summary, the people are great, the venues are perfect (beyond perfect), the organisers are on point, the event is one of the best things of the year for me.... sadly there is no 2018 for me, my wife gave birth this year and my niece who joined us at VB is getting married in France on the same weekend, selfish fuckers! 10 year party in 2018 is going to be even better I’m sure, gutted I’m not there to share it with everyone! Big love.
Karen Francis
“I have been every year since I started coming to VB. What a beautiful crowd of people so friendly and nice. I’m not slating other festivals that I have been to, but I love this festival the most. I was actually behind a car on my way to work the other day and the reg was RE64 VBF, my mind said 6 and 4 is 10. The years Andy and Michelle have been doing this and VB Family. I thought OMG I have to go to this one. My finances are not good this year but I’m coming anyway. The story to tell is that once you have been you don’t look back. I absolutely love it
235 Tales of The Booth
Jaysoul
“Well what can I say about VB? 2017 was my first year unfortunately and I say that as in missing the previous ones. Not knowing what to expect but the line up was looking pretty cool so we booked up ! Me and my fellow traveller are both in our mid 40’s and both DJs in our former life and both heavily into our music. The vibe, the ambience, the people, the music, the artists and just the overall friendly feeling was off the hook ! Almost addictive. Hence booked up for 2018, already counting the minutes and hoping to see some friends we made on our short VB journey. Roll on VB2018 ! Bring the noise - Jay Smith
David Elders
“2018 will be my first time at Vocal Booth but I’ve heard so much about it from friends and DJ compadres that its been on the bucket list for the past couple years now. Finally the stars have aligned and work/family calendars have allowed me the chance to come and sample its delights for myself and the real icing on the cake is having the great honour and pleasure to actually play! Its been such a nice thing to have something so good to look forward to through what has been some hard times of late and I really can’t wait to get in amongst it and hopefully do it justice. Trying all I can to pull as many friends into coming along for the ride too, this is definitely not one to miss.
236 Tales of The Booth
Mr Miggs
“I recall one time when Roly was being exceptionally hyperactive and annoying the hell out of everyone. Him and I was standing there chatting by the wall. I asked him if he had his phone on him which he handed over to me like an idiot. Then I grabbed him and started to push him towards the pool. Him, then clocking what I was trying to do, dropped to the floor where I grabbed him by his leg trying to drag him to the pool. I swear he left claw marks on the tiles. Having seen what was going on, Chris Saunders and Urel grab him too and we then chucked him into the pool which got a rapturous applause and cheer. Another time is when we all took a catamaran trip and visited Cartagena. I couldn’t get my breath at the religious figurines in the window which resembled KKK outfits.
Yvonne Fawkes
“I’m a relative ‘newbie’ to Vocal Booth. My first experience was 2016 - only knew a handful of people to start with but by the end of the week I had met the most amazing, loveable, music minded people who I now call friends & family. I talk all the time about Vocal Booth to those who have still to come, this year there’s an even bigger Scots contingent coming both partying and DJing to experience what I’ve experienced and have been raving about ever since. I forgot to add... best hangover cure? Liquor43, it’s the business!
237 Tales of The Booth
Linda Fraser
“Told about it by Ricky Reid and crew, had no one to go with so jumped in with Looney tunes and pal in the Palmera. Met up with Martin Lodge, Peacey & Dolly with their banter and tunes all weekend. I held court all weekend on the steps in front of the club just loved the friendliness of it. I’ve always been a Suncebeat girl but would never go there myself. VB is so different I would definitely come on my own. The poor lad who’s shoulders I ended up on… oh and the lovely manager of the nightclub who forced me to dance on the bar every night. So we moved to the Monte and I started to rally my troops with the help of the chicken! I love my house music but in my later years have preferred vocal house & soul. So I asked and oh boy did I get! Titans – what can I say… scariest thing I have every done. So much effort is put into this by everyone. Great experience and Phil Gill was so helpful. Respect to all the DJs, I couldn’t do it! The atmosphere poolside, in fact everywhere, is the best. Staff are all fantastic . Since my girl Simmy has played it’s made it for me. I cant stop telling everyone what a great weekend it is. The Restaurant down from the club on the left, is fantastic… we own the Scottish banter table! My tall boys from Holland, are top lads. There is always one that will allow me to ‘hop on’! lol shoulders that is. So happy to see them play in our new wee club. Getting caught pretending to be on the decks at 1am poolside by Mr Ward himself not my best moment. Bloody Marys in room with my roomie... say no more, breakfast drinks go on to tea time drinks with Bob and Lorna Jeffries & Barry and Patricia
238 Tales of The Booth
M’Cormack raiding mine and Simmy’s wardrobe to cross dress, too funny. This year for me will be the dogs. Got a superb Scottish crowd coming, can’t wait. Big love to Andy & Michelle family for putting this on… Fantastic!
Ross Miller
“My experiences of vocal booth have been very different all three times ive been. My friend the docc was the one who kept telling me I needed to attend this event he could not speak highly enough of it so along with my wife and 2 daughter ages 5 and 7 at the time we booked and attended in 2015. It was hard to get my head round the fact we had booked a week at a music event and the kids where coming too but i,m so glad we did .I admit i was nervous but people on the facebook group where always reassuring me it was a child friendly event and they were right. We booked the Palmera this time and was happy with it as we could come and go from the main event as we pleased. . My wife and i where welcomed so well by the vb family and so where the kids it was awesome to be dancing in the sunshine to quality tunes with my wife and my kids by my side. My girls love there house and soul music as dads always on his decks (doing his dj as they call it) It was a suprise how many people already knew me when id only been on the facebook group a few months. 2016 there was no doubt i was returning and was also lucky enough to get a slot in the pressure cooker only trouble was the wife was heavily pregnant so couldnt come and i must add my kids where literaly gutted they couldnt come again. I booked and spent the week again this time with my mate the
239 Tales of The Booth docc who opened me up to vb originally and this time i stayed in the Montepiedra . It was a completely different experience . Not having the family with me meant i could make the most of the nightlife vb had to offer where as last year it was more the daytime sessions that we caught. It was great being in the thick of iot to it meant i didnt miss much at all. What can i say it was a heavy week but boy what a week . The way the day flows musically is testiment to Andys timetable efforts . So thats two vocal booths and two completly different experiences of it. 2017 Of course i,m coming back lol and this time wifey chose to stay home again due to our newest daughter being so young but this time the docc couldnt come either so i was to come alone . I have to say i found this daunting but i got responses from the vb family that your never alone . I had made new friends on my second visit so again i booked a week and again in the Monte as i loved the ease of being in the middle of it all. Another crazy and heavy week of dancing , fun and laughter. Also another set in the pressure cooker earning my stripes as Andy the boss man calls it . People have asked me is it not just the same old thing every year and the answer is definatly NO..... Every year is so different from the last and i just cant wait till septembers visit as the wife and kids will be back by my side and be able to see my poolside set , my kids love seeing daddy do DJ. Vocal booth is not just another music event its a family event of music lovers all in one place and on the same vibe . I am greatful for being invited , involved and entertained by the family on every visit. FOR , WITH OF !
240 Tales of The Booth
Ray King
“2018 will be our 3rd VB. My wife Claire and I hadn’t really been out clubbing or to an event like VB for over 13 years while bringing up our children and we decided it would be a good idea to try it as our first event after so long.What a great decision that was! Birmingham born and bred, I have always followed the scene from the early 90’s and even worked in Bakers the club way back in 93! I had also lived in the North East for a while and used to love Shindig ,Sugar Shack and the Middlesborough Empire to name a few. One name synonomous with the Birmingham scene is Andy Ward - a guy who just always captured that US sound I loved so much at the time. I was a budding DJ back in the early 90’s and like so many others dreamt of playing for an adoring crowd and rocking it. I was obsessed with the US sound! Andy’s shows on the radio and when I heard him play live always kept me going especially through some dark and tough times back in my younger days. The joy and spirit in the music always lifted me. I got a chance to play at Marcos one Saturday afternoon on an open decks session hosted by Andy in 1995 through some mutual friends who he knows very well. I dragged my box of vinyl on the 51 bus from Perry Barr and played my set to an empty room but what a feeling! Unfortunately Andy missed my set and as I was leaving Marcos to get back to go to work - I bumped into the man himself. Andy was a real gent and apologised for missing me but said to keep in touch. I was gutted he had missed me but thought fair enough. A few weeks later my parents house was burgled and all my tunes and equipment was stolen- I was broken by this and never got back into DJing properly afterwards despite many attempts. I always thought what might have been as the years rolled by. I hit 40 and thought why not get back
241 Tales of The Booth
into DJing again(mid life crisis?) I got my set up and starting practising hoping to get a warm up slot somewhere but the whole landscape has changed for DJs through those years I was away from it. I had listened to Pressure for years but always on the outside - One weekend I decided to drop Andy a line - around 20 years since I had first spoken to him. I could not believe it when he said come along and play at VB - I was bowled over. I have played the Pressure Cooker twice now and love it. For me, to get to do that at an event like VB means I have achieved something as a DJ. Vocal Booth really did change my life! Now got a residency and loving it more than ever! To me VB is about being a part of something and being accepted no matter what race, colour or creed . It reflects the true roots of the scene - people coming together to celebrate those differences with a tolerance and mutual respect for each other. I am a fairly shy person, but have been made to feel so comfortable by everyone I have met and the vibe of VB is second to none. That vibe comes straight from Andy - who is the most gracious host and always takes the time to speak. He really is what makes VB special. My highlight - CJ Mackintosh in Xairo 2016- The first time in years that I let myself go and let the music take over. Spiritual. Thanks VB. VB Memoirs - Lee Wright
“‘Vocal Booth Changed My Life’... It’s a slogan emblazoned on the front of one of Andy’s t-shirts and it’s definitely true in my case too. My first year was 2011, Andy contacted me after a brief period of us not being in touch. In the mid to late 90s we were part of a nation-wide collective of DJs who were breaking US Garage, as it was called then, on UK radio and our respective residencies up and down the country - mine being Back 2 Basics in Leeds. We
242 Tales of The Booth also had travelled back and forth to the winter music conference in the Fontainebleau years, for some of the most seminal parties our scene had ever witnessed. When Andy got back in touch, he explained he was trying to re-create that refreshingly original Miami vibe and that he was reaching out to lots of the original DJs. The aim was to reunite the community by creating his own soulful party experience out in Spain. With so much going on in a typically fast-paced modern life, although he explained the concept to me it never really sank in. Until I arrived. I was the first person in the Montepiedra that year (with the exception of Snoopy R.I.E.P who was setting up), and the first to leave. On that first excursion, since I had only booked for a ridiculously short 2 days, I didn’t even manage to get to the Sunday Night. Knowing what I do now though, that is a mistake that has never been repeated since. Playing the Thursday night that year, I was told to ‘just play some nice music because nobody is going to dance. They will just get their passes and move on’. However, it didn’t quite work out that way at all. Instead, it became a legendary night in VB history - alongside Gavin Peters and Sol De Marijn. It ended up being so good it was never repeated. It seemed we’d ‘made the people peak too soon’! Vocal Booth is a music conference, a holiday and a yearly catch up. This event is definitely one where ‘there are no strangers just friends you haven’t met yet’. A big shout to Trakia cSp. He was the first person to come and introduce himself to us, since then there have been hundreds more ‘beautiful people’ we have had the pleasure of getting to know. Bringing both friends and almost all of my family members, this has really turned into a huge part my world. So much so that on the 10th annual VB my sister will compete in the Clash of the Titans, proving that there really is
243 Tales of The Booth
something exhilarating at this event for everybody. Big up to Andy and Michelle Ward for creating something really special and unique. Here’s to another 10 years VB Memoirs - Adam McGowran aka DJ Adz
“When I first heard a light, midlands accent come on the radio station I started my DJ career at in Spain I thought “Whose this geeza my boss had been ravin’ about?” Andy sounded the real deal. A fantastic radio voice and personality, accompanied by a knowledge and love for music that blew me away. The tunes Andy played and the way he presented them was something that gave me butterflies!! Couldn’t wait to meet him!.....When I did... Its true to say...... I Met House!! The Vocal Booth was born.... well reborn as I later found out.... on TKOfm! When Andy decided to have the first Vocal Booth Weekender in 2009, I knew it’d be special, but never knew the impact it would have on the house music calendar. I was ‘working away’ and sadly missed the next five years of Vocal Booth but was sent flyers yearly and kept up to date with the tunes we love by Andy. The love I already had from playing at the first Sunday Lockdown in ‘09, playing the final set with Andy and Schooly, tune for tune, was growing!! I Couldn’t wait to see what was going on! The line ups, Venue, Attendance, everything was just getting bigger n bigger!! My mate kept me going with a promise that whenever I’d finished the ‘work’ I was doing there will be a set waiting! The first year I was able to attend again was 2015, I warmed up for one of my heroes!!! Andy had given me the honour of playing the warm up set for someone I had admired since I was weekend
244 Tales of The Booth
cheesy quaver in some of London’s finest, sweatiest underground gigs! “Adz, can you warm up for Grant Nelson?” Buzzin!! Couldnt believe it!! Andy said I’d have a set.... But come on! 2016. Warmed up for Andy himself on the closing party, a set that made me realize, take it slow for the first 5 days or you wont make the closing party. 2017, had a fantastic buzz in the Pressure Cooker and had the privilege of now being a member of staff to help out me mukka to try have things go smoothly. I’m not the best at writing, and once I start, believe me, if Nikki wasn’t here now with me I’d have filled both publications with stories and all sorts but I jumped at this opportunity to just say how proud I am to be part of Vocal Booth! From the Music, to the people, to everyone’s individual love for what has happened here, to the vision by all that have seen how good things have been, to how big this year will be! Can’t wait to play my set, alongside more of my heroes from my early learning years. The Sunday Lockdown, The Only Way is Garage VB 2018!! Did the first Lockdown in 09, doing the 10th Birthday in a few weeks!! One Love Mr Ward!! Big Up!! VB Memoirs - Paul Groove
“I suppose my Vocal Booth story really started in 1996 when I met Andy Ward. We had been promoting a club called “Release The Pressure” since 1992 and were the leading US house night in the UK. Andy came to play as a guest, being the leading US House DJ in Birmingham alongside Patrick Smoove. Eventually Release the Pressure decided to promote a night in Birmingham with Andy & Patrick as Residents and a friendship was struck up from then.
245 Tales of The Booth
Vocal Booth over the years has given me a great week away enjoying a full on selection of world class DJ’s alongside bedroom Dj’s playing the best House music you are ever going to hear! I have made friendships that I really believe will last forever! There are so many highlights over the years that it is hard to pindown single moments, one of them was Grant Nelson the first year he played when he did “THAT MIX “ you realy had to be there... The event has gone from strength to strength with a line-up of DJ’s that every house music club in the world would be happy to have in their own line-up with the added bonus of the DJ finishing his set and mixing with the crowd whereas in a normal club environment he/she would be spirited away as soon as had finished the set! The DJ’s love this, they get to spend the rest of the day poolside with the beautiful weather, the beautiful People and full on party animals. Talking of party animals... There are so many full on characters that surface every year for the VB event and they really take the opportunity to let their hair down (for those that have any). Im not one to tell tall stories, so I wont name names or tell any VB secrets! So,Timmy Vegas and Ricky Reid, you can relax ! I can’t really pick a favorite year because every year is a specatular event with great music, great people and a great atmosphere! THE VOCAL BOOTH WEEKENDER means a hell of a lot to me because I was there at the start and I have seen it grow into what it is today, a bloody good holiday with bloody good music and bloody great people! Unfortunaltly I have not been able to go since 2014 due to circumstances out of my control but I will see you in 2020 or at a reunion near you.
246 Vocal Booth Changed My Life
20 Vocal Booth Changed My Life
I started out by hoping to shed light on what is, without doubt, one of the biggest things to happen to me over the last 30 years. I didn’t want this to be about me, it was about us. I hope I have done a decent job and it’s not too self-indulgent... Until now. Here I am, many weeks after putting down those first few words. Untold revisions, amendments and second thought deletions, baring my soul in the closing chapters. I wanted to... no - I needed to give a little more insight into why exactly VB and VB Family means so much to me.
From The Bad Times
In 2003 we’d sold everything we owned in the UK and moved to Spain, mortgage-free. We didn’t buy a mansion or anything extravagant, a modest 3 bed mid-terrace house just yards from the beach was more than adequate for us. We are not motivated by ‘things’ and never will be. We have, however, always worked hard to live in nice surroundings and not beyond our means.
247 Vocal Booth Changed My Life
Not long after moving we signed that white label bootleg of ‘Strings’ I told you about to Whistlebump Records. We didn’t move to Spain because I made loads of money off the record, as many have believed down the years. I can’t even recall if we got an advance fee and agreed, without hesitation, to a 50-50 split on any subsequent profits. Why not? It was a tune we’d done a few years ago and so saw it as money for old rope, plus the real money comes from owning the publishing. Considering I never wrote the original track there was nothing to lose. You know where this is going, right? Eventually when the track signed to Defected I did get an advance. I also got paid well for the next release - ‘Need You Now’. Although it should have been a lot more if there weren’t so many splits involved, I enjoyed a couple of nice royalty cheques those first few years but they have long since dried up. It definitely wasn’t life changing money, as some people think. I bought myself a jacuzzi. After being in Spain a few months we realised we had no space for immediate family to sleep when they visited. My parents were still together at this point so we decided to invest in a small apartment around the corner. We took out a small mortgage and it was around this time Michelle got her first job to help pay it. Somehow (to this day I still don’t know why) we also decided to invest in a property in Hurghada, Egypt. It was the next big thing, we were told. It was that alright, big enough for us to lose 10 grand eventually! By the time we’d been in Spain a couple of years I was flying all over the world and earning decent money per gig and was working pretty much every weekend. The kids were growing
248 Vocal Booth Changed My Life and it was clear they’d need their own bedrooms sooner or later. What was that, give them my studio? Are you mad? We sold the apartment and house we were in and increased the mortgage to purchase a 4 bed semi-detached that we still live in today, although it looked a lot different back then. Everything was going great. Then the arse fell out of the world economy. Despite a short- lived flamboyant spell in earnings and spending (any spare money we had always went into improving the house), we would find ourselves with no savings to fall back on and surviving from gig to gig on top of the small wage Michelle received. Having spoken to Michelle about this recently, it’s clear we both dealt with our own individual issues with the new lives we’d made for ourselves in our ways, I guess trying to protect each other by not discussing how we were feeling. I was regularly playing at amazing clubs in exotic places like Hong Kong, Dubai and Kazakhstan to below average crowds who really didn’t appreciate my music. It was a very lonely time for me. To help me get through this I was drinking more and more on my travels and it’s a period of my life I am not proud of at all. One thing I am thankful of is that drugs were not part of my clubbing landscape, nor had they been for a good few years at that point. I dread to think what may have happened if they were. The global financial crash and subsequent property slump in Spain meant that, between 2004/2009, Michelle went from a successful job for a local property agent to several lesser paid jobs until she was finally working the till at Iceland for around £800
249 Vocal Booth Changed My Life a month. It wasn’t long after the first VB in 2009 that Michelle was fired (to save them having to give her a full-time contract, just a typical thing that happens here in Spain). The low point for her was waiting tables in a sweltering restaurant (Times Square, the same venue we attempted the first ‘Gathering’ in) all through the next summer and even whilst VB2010 was on. That woman is a grafter, let me tell you. Despite her hard work and long hours she was earning just enough to cover the mortgage and pay any bills, sometimes not all of them. Times were tough indeed and we’d regularly have the water and electric cut off if my gig didn’t come in time. We had to be bailed out, financially, on several occasions by Michelle’s Uncle. We struggled on. My gigs were now few and far between and so any money I was earning, despite it being great for two hours’ work, had to then last us 5 or 6 weeks. When the kitchen in the restaurant Michelle was working in blew up (not guilty) she was out of work for several months in the run up to VB2011. We were seriously in the shit. It got to a point where we were so very close to Michelle flying back to the UK for work whilst I took care of the kids. Fortunately, at the vital moment, she found a job working for a golf store, her first real sales role. We were out the danger zone but still scraping by. The whole reason that event tickets, to this day, do not go on sale until February is that back then, around the Xmas of 2010, we were so hard up that if anyone had paid any money for their VB tickets, chances are I would have had to spend it to feed ourselves or pay a utilities bill. It sounds insane to think of now and you can’t describe almost nine years of struggle in a couple
250 Vocal Booth Changed My Life of pages but hopefully you get the picture. The hard times carried on through the first three VBW. In 2012, to put food in the cupboards and pay the bills, I had to help out distributing flyers for the golf store, earning 5 euro an hour. Michelle’s very gracious bosses also took pity on me, I’m sure, by giving me a few days’ labouring jobs when they relocated their premises. All of this, some may recall, has all been more than documented in my blog down the years. Superstar DJ by weekend headlining the club flyers... Handing out flyers for golf clubs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to make ends meet. You couldn’t make it up (although it’s a story I’m sure hundreds of people relate to in the music industry). Whilst out and about my mind starting racing as to how it would be better to promote a business and the idea of ‘WardsWebsites’ came about.
To The Good Times
It’s the support of The VB Family that put work my way in those early days of my website business and is the main reason I have managed to get it to where it is today and how I’ve learnt the skills to design and produce this book. I would like to give massive credit to Benjamin Wiederkeher, Renato Mitra, Paul Griff and DeanJay for offering guidance and advice down the years. I also thank too many of the VB Family to mention for being amongst well over 100 website and hosting clients and the future is looking bright as I expand into other areas. Life is now good, relatively speaking, and has taken us all over the world on family holidays. Drew has a full time job and rents
251 Vocal Booth Changed My Life her own apartment with her boyfriend. Mikey is a young adult with a level head. We lead a modest but extremely happy life and no longer have to worry if we fancy a takeaway one night, something that would have been impossible just a few years ago. Who would have thought that Michelle would became a super salesperson at that golf store back in 2012? She would, eventually, be head hunted by Chelsie Roberts (wife of Andy Roberts the Birmingham DJ) who worked for a Funeral Plan company. Michelle’s skills as a sales woman have seen her career rocket in recent years and her hard work and some pretty insane wage packets helped totally transform our house into the home we are now both immensely proud of and we invite VB Family to spend time with us whenever we can. With success came the long hours and having to work away more often than she’d like. This started to affect her happiness so she relinquished her management position and now works a more reasonable sales role back earning more sensible money. In September, the day before VB2018 begins, myself, Michelle and three other couples will renew our wedding vows in the grounds of the Montepiedra Hotel. Most of us married for twenty years or more. Jeff & Jules Garcia and Steve & Amanda Reed are people I probably never would have given the time of day to in my early clubbing years, they just weren’t my kind of people back then. However, thanks to VB and of course the people they are, we have become lifelong friends and sharing that special day with them will be just beautiful. As will sharing the occasion with Gary & Donna Solomon. Gary particularly has been by my side since Marco’s and to be raving with him again
252 Vocal Booth Changed My Life time after time (as well as being able to give him a platform for his TOWIG party at Sunday Lockdown) is the only way I can think of thanking one of my best friends and biggest supporters on the planet. All these things because of VB.
Taking It All To Heart The event consumes my world. There isn’t a day in the whole year when I am not working on something VB related. From the initial party in 09 and the next year or two, it’s fair to say everything surrounding VB was very much about Andy Ward and his radio show. Then, as I do today, I went out of my way to try to welcome all people along personally at some point across the weekend, especially people I didn’t recognise. This meant getting drunk on the mic and telling people I loved them every 20 minutes. Sound familiar? As more and more people started attending who I didn’t know I made every effort to take any focus away from me and direct it all towards the event. Those first few years I made a conscious decision to introduce every DJ on the mic as they began their set and get the crowd to give them love when they finished. Not only was that physically draining but when I listened back to the recordings I cringed at some of the drunken states I was in or how awful my voice sounded after days of abuse. When I was surrounded by just friends, that was fine but as the event grew and we were getting thousands of downloads of the podcasts I felt the need to exercise a little composure or edit out the mic from the recordings. Despite not really giving a
253 Vocal Booth Changed My Life shit about what people thought of me, I found myself worrying about representing the event correct. Alongside the many haters and jealous people I have encountered through the ten years of doing VB this slowly chipped away at me being allowed to be me. Believe it or not, putting this book together has made me realise just how much it affected my self-confidence and everything makes a lot more sense now. Putting it down like this makes it sound weird because I am far from lacking in self- confidence but there is no denying that something inside of me changed because of VB and being seen as the main man behind it all. Those who don’t know me well would struggle to believe that I really do not like being the centre of attention. He says, two hundred or so pages into a book of mainly his own words... It all stems from a having an amazing Dad that everyone knew and loved but who was also pretty embarrassing in his ways, for me at least. He taught me so much good and bad in life. Having come from nothing, ‘Big Den’ idolised money and worked hard to attain it. He surrounded himself with those who had ‘loadsamoney’ and tried to be like them. This was one of the amazing driving forces behind who he was but, for me at least, one of the things that brought out the worst in him. My whole attitude towards money is based on how not to be around it, from observing him. Anyway... It’s starting to feel too much like a therapy session now. As I am putting these final words down I can’t help but notice people talking online about how they had issues at last year’s event or had things ‘stolen’ or a whole host of other circumstances
254 Vocal Booth Changed My Life that really is more about their own failings than anything to do with the event. This throws shade on what many of us know to be as perfect a place and bunch of people you could ever get. I know it’s got nothing to do with me but I can’t help take it all personally, this can leave me feeling very low and vulnerable at times. I have learned to not be so vocal about it anymore, it’s my issue to deal with, plus I’m far too proud to ever tell the wife when I’m upset, even though she always knows. As a Gemini, no matter how much I try to deny it the polar opposite characters I can be from minute to minute are who I am. Like you, I’ve made mistakes in the past but I see them as a major part of who I am and part of the reason I’m where I am today. I regret nothing. I love learning more about myself as I get older and seeing how I can improve. Whilst putting this book together I’ve loved reading everyone’s version of events yet I still worry people will see it as one big ego stroking exercise on my part. It is far from that. I’d like to think I’m generally a good person, it’s how I’ve managed to keep one of the best women I know on the planet happy for the last twenty seven years. It’s how I was able to bring so many friends to this hidden gem of a place and why they all came back. It’s why I know I have some of the most loyal friends on earth who would do anything for me. It’s why they tell me time and time again how they miss those early years of me making a fool of myself and when they love it that they see me relaxing (which, again, tends to be me making a fool of myself).
255 Vocal Booth Changed My Life
My DJ Career
I touched on the fact that I was headlining all over the world and earning crazy money from it for a short period of time but I never explained how this all changed because of VB. I specifically remember, not long after VB2009, having to go and play somewhere like Jakarta. Going from 200 people that were literally eating out the palm of my hand to a packed out room of 1500 or so who didn’t have a clue who I was and didn’t particularly like the music I was trying to ram down their throats. It was happening more and more often and every time I’d have the mighty high of playing to VB Family, the lows of then playing to anyone else was just too much to face. Slowly but surely, my love for playing out totally disappeared unless it was ‘my’ people. There were, of course, the odd exceptions. Soul Heaven, Southport Weekenders and Suncebeat were the highlight of my DJ diary alongside VBW and the reunions. Back in 2013 I’d sent an email to Alex Lowes (SPW promoter) suggesting that he no longer book me as there were other DJs who ‘wanted it more’ and they deserved the chance. My Soul Heaven residency, for some reason, just stopped at some point years earlier and I had already stopped taking bookings for other events by the time I’d sent Alex that email. It’s crazy to think it was that long ago. I just fell out of love with everything about being a DJ. For as long as I could remember there was the need to keep up with all the new releases and push them to the world via my shows and live sets, then there was the travelling, the drinking
256 Vocal Booth Changed My Life and so on. It got so bad I even stopped doing the radio show that I loved so much for a while, there was a pressure building up in me from feeling so much responsibility as being ‘the face of VB’. Again, it is strange that all these words are falling out of me but I’m surprising myself. Typically, not long after I stopped taking bookings, it would seem that the scene grew stronger and stronger and the music and crowds came back around until where we are today and there is a really healthy glut of parties and too many other Weekenders to choose from on the social calendar. I get requests to play at parties all the time now. Despite knowing I am not a bad DJ and that I could rock most spots, my confidence and desire to put myself up in front of people I don’t know is lacking somewhat. This annoys me as I would love to go and smash a big club one time but it’s also a testament to how content I am in life. I don’t crave the spotlight and I have nothing to prove. I also hate the travelling and don’t even start me on the hangovers. I get all the satisfaction I need by being as creative as I like building websites and putting artwork together and moaning at the VB Family.
The Transformation
Ever since I stopped travelling to gigs I managed to get some order back into my life. Over the course of the last five years I’ve gone from being a skinny, unfit guy going to the gym simply to burn off the excesses of a big weekend, to running marathons in Rome & Barcelona and countless half-marathons across Spain. After the running I spent time reading and understanding why
257 Vocal Booth Changed My Life nutrition is more important to the body than lifting weights, I set up an exercise group on Facebook for VB Family and together we inspired each other to great things. In the last 12 months I have been super focussed on my diet and lifting weights. Anyone looking back on photos of me in ‘09 and now, will see how I’ve changed. *Flexes muscles*. Back in 2009 I was a totally different person. I embrace the past and use all my experiences to better myself and try to help those around me. By dealing with people I don’t know too well I have learnt how to have more patience and understanding (this may be a shock to most). I am still learning to prevent myself from taking things to heart when I really shouldn’t; Gossips, haters and all that goes with them. I am learning on a daily basis how to be a better friend, husband and father. Maybe I’d have gotten to this point anyway, maybe it’s just a part of growing up but I am pretty sure that the help and guidance of many of my closest friends that I met because of VB has been a major part of it. VB has brought friends back into my life that I no longer used to see, lads I went to school with now regularly attend and play at the event alongside people I knocked about with when I was 8yrs old. Michelle and I now enjoy travelling out to parties together again, something that had stopped a long time before VB came along. When I’m out and about on my own I know I am surrounded by VB Family and this keeps me, for the most part, aware of what I’m doing and how I behave. It may seem an exaggeration but it is my truth, I know 100% that my life would be so much different if it wasn’t for The VB Family.
258 Vocal Booth Changed My Life
I am now back doing my radio show and it’s one of my favourite times of the week... Sharing great music, getting drunk on the mic and telling people I love them every 20 minutes. Sound familiar?
VB Memoirs - Schooly
“I can still remember my first like it was yesterday, a message from Andy sent to a few friends about a get together in Spain to mark 10 years of the Booth, as a one off, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The house music scene in the UK had taken a bit of a battering from UKG and the rise of R&B and the new bar culture had replaced our beloved smaller clubs. Arriving from Dubai to the Costa Blanca (October 2009), I couldn’t envisage how this was going to work, driving to the venue all I could see was old people, the closer we got to the venue, the more old people I saw, I wondered when Andy had said he had retired from DJ’ing I really thought from Life too... But once I arrived at the beautiful Paseo Manzanres, we congregated on what I can only describe as a pier overlooking the sea, a beautiful quaint venue, the smell of food emanated on the walk down to a sea of smiles and happy people, the magic was evident and automatically It made sense. I remember having to be literally put in a taxi on Sunday night/ Monday morning so I didn’t miss my flight back to Dubai, I just didn’t want to leave. Fast forward 9 years. Now, with a chance to look back, it’s hard without laughing out loud about some of the madness, such as
259 Vocal Booth Changed My Life looking up at the stars with Sean McCabe on the pavement in the street making cow noises as we bite into our burger and thinking it was the funniest thing in the world, to smiles (and tears) as you watch my nephew (Mikey) play his first set in a nightclub and sounding better than his dad (lol, so some say) to getting Benji Candelario so drunk he calls his wife on facetime to say what a wonderful time he was having, then fall asleep. The time we sat outside a restaurant for an hour to realize it was closed for siesta... Scared shitless walking to my room seeing monsters in the bushes?? Don’t ask! Or playing with floods of tears in my eyes as the music had absolutely consumed me. VB has allowed me to become a fan again, rediscover myself, drop the DJ tag for a while and see things from the other side and be more open, discover new sounds, not only from headline DJ’s but also inspired by music lovers turned DJ’s who tell their story through their love for music and passion for soul based music. When you look at Karen Griffith and Chrissy Millard who took their Clash of the Titans spot and ran with it, to Jeff Garcia, Dave Furze and Dylan Mace, becoming breakout DJ’s (who still claim they aren’t dj’s) to Adam Turner’s Monday night killer sessions to Audiodope & The Journey Men who are now the future of our music, you can’t help but smile to see someone with the same passion and dedication that originally made me do it, it’s inspiring. The music is the glue that brings all of us together, and once we arrive and go through the double glass doors we are one, there are no VIP’s, no hiding away or special areas, everyone is
260 Vocal Booth Changed My Life unguarded, disarmed and totally themselves, making this event valuable to everyone who attends and for me that’s what makes this event so special, it belongs to us ALL As my best friend of over 20 years plus, I am incredibly proud of Andy and this event, I know he’s going to hate me for saying this, but the event is special because it was born out of pure passion, love and a passion for music that will never die. From the Boat Parties, All Dayer at the Custard Factory, Marco Polo’s, Nosey Parkers (our original Sunday lockdown) Ministry Bar and The System, all these elements have now been bought together, the location may have changed but the core values are still the same. Many a promoter had given up or changed scenes but Andy stayed true to his roots, he’s a pioneer and the biggest fan of house music I know, add that to his OCD he’s a perfectionist and it is these attributes combined with snapshots of our journey that makes VB what It is, it hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but what it has done is captured the essence and the reason we fell in love with the music initially. There’s are so many more stories or anecdotes I could share about my adventures (iron), but to avoid jail or embarrassing my mom, I’d just like to say THANK YOU, firstly to The Fam for being a part of this amazing journey and I’m honored and humbled I when I get to stand (or not, as the case maybe sometimes) behind those decks and press play. As someone who grew up in a time where credibility was key to your recognition, it has been amazing to once again find a place where I am reminded of that, you validate me and why I do this at a time where I nearly stopped playing music all together, I’ve said it a
261 Vocal Booth Changed My Life million times, if I could only do one gig a year, I’d be more than happy if it was Vocal Booth. Finally, Thank you to Andy, Michelle, Drew & Mikey for your dedication and unselfish attitude in creating something at your own expense and for welcoming us ALL into your family I Love You! Here’s to another 10.
262 The End of The Booth?
21 The End Of The Booth?
Each year, I ponder how many more of these events I have in me. Depending on what kind of day I’m having there’s always a different answer. I then think that it’s not really my decision to make, especially when I read the many words of others stating how much they need VB in their lives. We’ve created the foundations on what many relationships, friendships and inspirational ideas have been built on, now the roots have been deeply planted I know these things will continue long into the future. There have been so many other events and parties that have thrived thanks to the support of VB Family, so much so that our energy continues with or without a VB party on the horizon. Whether here in Spain or some other exotic location, whether or not there’s some twat shouting down the mic about how much he loves everyone or moaning in a newsletter about how little sleep he’s had, VB lives! In 2019 it will be twenty years since I started Vocal Booth. What a ride it’s been. I really don’t know what the future holds, I guess that will be decided by everyone else. We’ll just have
263 The End of The Booth? to wait and see. I do know one thing, VB will always be in my heart and tattoo’d all over my body and I will always be
For... With... Of...
264 The End Of The Book?
22 The End Of The Book
It’s insane to think that I’m less than two years away from being Fifty. I am the happiest I have ever been. I have my health, a good woman who loves me for being the knob that I am, plus two amazing children who have their whole lives ahead of them with strong foundations to start from. I’m never going to be rich but I am one of the wealthiest men I know. Those are THE most important things in anyone’s life and I hope with all my heart that, whether or not there are children or a partner in your life, you too find the happiness and wealth you deserve. It’s one of the oldest clichés around but life really does pass you by if you let it. Live the fuck out of that bastard! (Sorry for swearing, kids) Before I published the book, I sent a draft file to a fellow writer to look over and give me his thoughts. As someone that had never been to a Vocal Booth event I wanted to know if I’d got the balance right and he was pulled along as he read it. He gave me some valid feedback on a couple of things that I since changed and also made the following points. I was inspired to share them in case you too had these thoughts.
265 The End Of The Book?
“Overall, it’s great. Reads well and your voice is genuine, warm, informal, real. Personally, I really like the VB story because you created a family. You’re a genuine, actual real-life version of what I’ve been writing about in my book, about dance music providing a positive experience that people bring back to their every day lives. The book itself seems perfect for its purpose - a fun, informal record for the people who were actually there, they’re going to love it. UPDATE to above: Honestly mate, the more I read of this book, the more I think VB is the perfect illustration of everything positive about DJing and clubbing. All those happy people! If I had to provide some constructive feedback on the whole thing, I’d say it was very descriptive of what happened but what I found was wanting to know more about you, and about what you felt about everything you describe. If I was writing this story, I’d be asking you “Andy, what did you really feel about this episode, or this person, how did that make you feel?” You often say “I was really happy with…” or “I was a bit let down by…” or similar, and if I were interviewing you for an article, these are the points where I’d press for more details. I think that in your attempt to not be egotistical, you’ve been economical with your own thoughts and feelings throughout the book - which is fine, but personally, it left me wanting more. Your style is the opposite of mine - you’re economical, efficient, and you don’t dwell too much on things, whereas I like to go into great detail over tiny little things. Neither style is superior to the other, it’s a question of personal taste, I think. For me, the parts that work best were when you opened up.
266 The End of The Book
Also, I was expecting way more talk about the music itself and the DJs and mixing etc. and would have liked to hear about that more. Again, I’m guessing that you’ve taken the approach you have because you’re writing primarily for the attendees rather than DJs/music nerds.
So, *Rubbing hands together.* Here goes... *Stops.*
I think the above is a fairly accurate summary, especially as the guy doesn’t really know anything about me other than my ridiculous online persona (that is TOTALLY me). I am sure everyone knows I’ve been holding back on lots of personal feelings surrounding lots of things. I don’t think it’s important for the story I wanted to share here. It may surface in another book, who knows? I know there’s so many other angles to approach it from and maybe you’ll even contribute yourself? If it’s REAL dirt you want, I have almost ten years of blogs from my personal website to share at some point. Now THAT would be a whole different kettle of fish. *Rubs hands together again.*
Eight weeks after starting, and with the book complete, I have loved the stories others have shared and have been absolutely floored by the full range of emotions I have gone through whilst ‘reliving’ this journey for you. It’s been pretty deep and I’ve had a couple of ‘Eureka!’ moments throughout. This book has fixed a few things in my head, it’s a conversation we should have over a nice meal and bottle of wine, one time.
267 The End of The Book
So, how to end? I’ve told everyone I love them more than enough throughout so I did some quick research on how I should close. One site said to tell a funny story or two...
The Iron Man - Steve Reed
“A few know this story many do not, it feels like a “You had to be there” type thing but I will tell it anyway. So, as you know at times many of us tend to go in a bit full on, even the most seasoned of the crew. This was one of those situations. It’s Sunday Lockdown afternoon and I’m with Schooly, he has managed to get in a bit of a mess and is literally passed out in his room. I am shaking him to no avail and start to be concerned he’s not going to make the Lockdown let alone play a set (I should really know better). I’m lifting his arms, they are a dead weight and he’s showing no sense of movement whatsoever, this continues for a fair while. Eventually he grumbles
“I need a line!”
Well that’s out of character for him but if that is what it’s going to take to get him up and straighten him out then a line it shall be. Who to see? I think I know someone that may be able to help, so I shout walking out the door, I will be back in 5, all will be good. I have a plan (super Steve will save the day) I charge across the Monte towards another room thinking bit odd but I kind of get it. I knock on the door and said
268 The End of The Book person understands the story and agrees to help. I run back, enter the room, Simon is still passed out so I shake him again and say here you go mate this will get you up and proceed to administer said item. Before I could do the deed he opened his eyes abruptly and sat bolt upright nearly knocking me over. “What the hell are you doing?” he shouted. A confused me stares and said “You wanted a line, so I got one for you!” He looks straight back at me and shouts “I said IRON” and proceeds to roll about laughing - much to everyone else’s amusement. I’m stood there thinking what a Muppet, that makes far more sense knowing how Schooly is with things like that. After I got over the embarrassment I laughed with the others. Needles to say I have not lived it down since and regularly have iron comments passed my way. Schooly donned a nice, crisply ironed white shirt that night too. Only at VB! Just one of many stories I am sure but one that sticks with me personally, mostly because I was a twat.
Andy Ward Anonymous
“So there I was, standing in reception of the Monte, in my sexy new white attire, about to let loose for the Sunday Lockdown. I was slightly tipsy which was not uncommon by this time of the weekend. I don’t recall who was sat down on the familiar brown leather sofa facing the front desk as I stood talking to them. The constant drinking and plates of chips had, as they always did, taken their toll on my guts. I’m fairly sure everyone has been in the same boat from time to
269 The End of The Book time. Out of nowhere, I was caught unawares by a sneeze. I tried to stifle it and ended up farting. Well, I say farting... Luckily I had a spare pair of shorts in the room.
Timmy Vegas
“I picked up a bottle that read Dark Brown. It was just knocking around at the back of the cupboard. I’ve never been Dark Brown. You see, this is the thing, I love the sun, but the sun doesn’t love me, I’m more a shellfish Pink, not selfish prick. Like Alice, contemplating going into Wonderland, I emptied the contents of the bottle all over my hair that was already overgrown and spiralling out of control. The mirror reflected a cross between a mad professor and an unknown life form from a 1950’s sci-fi B Movie… “Stop and be friendly Amigos, my name is Timmy Vegas and I’m here to rock! “ I stole a few glances at the passport control queue in Birmingham, Gill GX came up to me and handed me some duty-free toiletries that she had kindly purchased for me, the VB family love was already kicking in. The hair wax resonated with me and seemed like a bit of kit that Vegas needed on his Bat Man tool belt. Let’s face it, I knew I had put all my chips into the centre of this game called festival clubbing with this new look I was sporting, there was no turning back now... All aboard! Like a member of the cabin crew I wondered, staggering up and down the aisle, making sure everyone was OK, telling a Portuguese couple how I was looking forward to Andre
270 The End of The Book
Lodemann’s set, they were travelling to Benidorm via Murcia and had no idea what I was talking about. I asked the cabin crew if they had any vegetarian wine? I wanted vegetarian wine because I am a vegetarian now. You all know I’m a vegetarian right? Have I told you I’m a vegetarian? Yeah, I’m a vegetarian. You should all become vegetarians too. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s all become vegetarians. NO VEGETARIAN WINE ? FFS…. OK I’ll take another portho hevira una bottilia bira, mira mira, hasta pronto, being as it is 7am. They shouldn’t be on the flight if they haven’t got a basic grasp of the language! I landed at the Monte and asked Dini to take my suitcase to the apartment, why I don’t know because I had no intention whatsoever of going to my apartment? I wanted to stay on site as I was playing on Pressure Radio and I somehow managed to finish the show with Andy Ward Thursday night, broadcasting live from poolside. I received a heavenly hug from Nick Reede that I basically sold to everyone as a spiritual experience. The next thing I knew people were queuing up for hugs off Nick. My next memory was thinking I was in Glasgow at an after party in someone’s flat. I was playing them my re-edits of Prefab Sprout which to their surprise went down well. By that point I had lost a bag of USB’s that I am sure until this day will turn up at some stage. I made some kind of pact with Lisa Cox that we would basically smash the back doors out of VB and then bumped into a chap called Gary Monnington who was really funny and said he could sort my hair out for me. He told me he
271 The End of The Book had composed music for a film, we would later write and produce two albums together before the year was out. So we were the 3 Amigos with a side order of Frank Ainsworth. It’s basically the 24 hour party people. My suitcase had finally tuned up 2 days later from my lonely apartment that I had stood up, for yet another year. How I longed for the serenity and solace of that lonely room amongst the madness that echoed through my mind. I opened the case up in my adopted older brother’s apartment, Gary Langford (too many Garys this year). If I said I reached for clean underwear first I would be telling you a lie, I reached deeper and pulled out five hair bands for £1 from Home Bargains…. My hairdo had now come into it’s own... Clear me a space on the dance floor kids, watch and learn! Lisa Cox and I danced around in a tribal frenzy, trapped, zigzagging around in an imaginary maze of funk. The sun began to beat down on me, I had to stop this display of footwork, this energetic burst of what felt like an hour of non-stop dropfoot Jazz workout, I had actually only been dancing for 35 seconds and needed my inhaler and some shade, please Lord don’t let me check out like this….not like this. At some point I needed to eat so as a Vegetarian I ordered the veggie pizza but struggled with it, I crept into Gill and Sophie’s room and hid 3/4 of it behind the TV, I was like an animal, selfishly hiding my food before hibernation. Was I preparing for that harsh winter that would befall me in the next 48 hours as I lay stranded on the beaches of oblivion?
272 The End of The Book
The musical highlight (apart from my own set) was Andre Lodemann. I shook Andre’s hand, introduced myself as… Gary (too many Garys this year) and congratulated him on his set, he never made eye contact, he was just staring at my hairdo. Result! Some things cannot be unseen. I got involved as much as I could, not sleeping for five days means you don’t miss too much. I dressed up as one of Honey G’s (Sian Lloyd) entourage and supported all the Titans as they clashed and rocked us into Sunday night. The journey home was interesting, the long and short of it was a lot of beer got spilled. Apparently the Ryan Air cabin crew had to unlock the toilet because I had fallen asleep in there. I did a quick meet and greet to the 15 people queuing outside to meet me, bursting for the loo, I was telling them I was on my way to Spain for the Vocal Booth Weekender. At Birmingham airport a kind lady reminded me at passport control that I had left my bag on the plane, so I dashed back and got that, then dropped my phone in the airport and smashed the screen, I refuse to get it replaced, it serves as a reminder, a souvenir if you like. I survived another VB. I laughed, joked, danced, met old friends and new and had the occasional drop of Port. Everyone does it at their own pace which is the lovely thing. Some of us only have 1 gear or can’t manage to find the other 4 (Crrrrrrrunch !) Vegas well knows, there are only so many times one can roll the dice! I need to stay away for 12 months.
273 VB Family Members
VB Family Members
2009 - 2017
This list is an amalgamation of all ticket sales and DJ lineups between 2009 and 2017. There are bound to be several typos and duplications. a-jay-q alan o’malley amita patel aaron alan o’shea amma addai aaron jesson alena bedeau amy aaron ross alenka bedeau amy bradley abdul feshitan alex amy roberts abi alex - the layabouts amy ‘chloe’ thomas abi batterton alex clarke ana abigail alex cooke ana belen gonzalez adam audiowhores alex gilbert ana lopez adam gonzalez villena alex hobbs ana portes adam kharas alex k ana sanz adam rogers alex kharas anders holmegaard adam sayers alex macgillivray andre lodemann adam turner alexander holst andre pierce adam walklate alexandra goode andre warner ade shooter alexandra wilson andrea adele archer alexis mitchell andrea anderson adele breden alice esterman andrea brook adolfo ataz martinez alicia garre garcia andrea fozard adrian clift alison astell andrea hsani adrian hamilton alison ekang andrea martinez diaz adrian lopez molina alison h andrea mccue adrian pacelli alison heath andrea miller adrian schneller alison skeat andrea shemelides aduke isaac allgood & biglove andrea pinnock adz k ally woolliscroft andreja sapic adz kharas alma vagabunda andres hernandez aedemur mcglone alpesh patel cerecinos afronaut alvaro hylander andrew birch agata stelmaszczyk alvaro villa andrew dickinson aggy higgins amaia quesada moreno andrew dillon aidan davis amanda chappell andrew hylton aidan o’connor amanda clark andrew mcintosh aimee tait amanda collins andrew noel al o’connor amanda reed andrew phillips alan - mucho soul amelia brook andrew rollings alan dickson amina marshal andrew santos
274 VB Family Members
andrew ward ariana d’ermo billy marte andrija brusac ariana prado bkr andy ames aron gillespie blackwax andy birch arvi sagoo bob jeffries andy comarsh ash samms bob povey andy compton ashleigh west bobbi andy cook ashley heath bobbi p andy davies asun juan berna bobbi peartree andy dickinson atfc bobby andy fox atjazz bobby paul andy fruen audrey harris bones andy matthews autumn stace booker t andy noel ava webb borja lidon carrion andy noels ayeisha jones boudewijn stoel andy palmer azee project bradley izzard andy roberts babs flow brendan hodge andy rollings baby j brian j andy schneider bal auglia brian keys andy stevenson bali bains brian keys tharme andy tomlinson barrie price brian scarlett andy ward barry matthews brian tharme aneta jeziorska barry mccormack bride2b dee angel jimeno barry neaves brother c angel nieto gonzalo barry port bruce q ángel ortega barry stockwell bruno annunziata angela barge barry verhagen bruno bartolic angela duthie beatriz benito lazaro bryan angela havenhand becki b bryan h angela knight becki benton bryan hutton angela payton becky l bryn davies angela quinn bekele brook buggsy angela stewart belinda regan bugsy angie havenhand ben coppin bulldog angus campbell ben melluish callum carswell anita ben pitt calton mason anita mitra ben wallen cami smith ann-marie walker benjamin pitt candice bryan anna a benji candelario candice fairman anna gaskell bere captain comarsh anna gentile bernadette carroll carina anna sowerbutts bernie c carina angeloro anne bernie carroll carl anni penalva ortiz bethan pemberton carl brissett anouska betty carl grant anthony pate bev wehmer carl hawkins anthony wilson bevbrown aka choklit carl hubbard antoienette gallagher sensation carl savidge anton de meyer beverley dabbs carl simpson anton ‘papa de’ meyer bianca oronoz carl tomlinson antone douglas big mick carlos brimagar antonio hyder big nick carlos vlc april ely big phil carlos zamora april keeney biglove carly miller april wellington bignick carly papageorghiou araba moses billy davidson carly yazdani
275 VB Family Members
carmen replacement cheryl akimbo claire dawes carol martin cheryl bath claire henshall carol walker cheryl foster claire higgins caroline batty cheryl smoove claire king caroline pearce chezza bath claire mccormick caroline smith chip sambani claire redman carolyn witham chose claire reilly carter broadbent chris (wow) claire rielly cary-ann hornsey chris afful claire white cary-anne hornsey chris andes clara villaroel carys-iona lant chris austin clare casey phillips chris baptiste clare almond cass ellis chris burton clare altham cassius bailey chris goode clare bird cassius brown chris h clare crewe catherine chris hackett claudene howell catherine hawker chris harris claudia guarino catherine perkins chris hewitt claudine smith cathy chris lewis claudio pascale cathy callagher chris mclean clifford mclean cazz ear chris pleon clive g cbb chris rana clive mcintosh celia szelewski chris samba clyde coventry cesar david lopez chris sandlan clyde weir channing scott chris saunders col lovelace chantal sanglier chris shepherd colin adams chantal wright chris sims colin burnham chantel sewell chrissie watt colin gauntlett chantelle castro-young chrissy millard colin sales chantelle frate christian - montepiedra colin stennett (saturday day & night) christian bailey colin williams char christiana eva lewis colleen ashby charise love christiane buechli colonel red charlene baines christie connor williams charlene pearcey christina corrine cridge charlene whyte christina c cozza brown charles headman christina quest craig charley browne christina yacoob craig bartholomew charlie christine bush craig bartlett charlie barr christine stokes craig blake charlie dc christophe/amourhouse craig moyies charlie horn mru craig smith charlie kipping christopher bevan craig ward charlotte belle christopher dunkley craig woodage charlotte cooke christopher xavier craigy boy charlotte gibbons christos cristi cosmo charlotte horscroft christos kafetzis cristian charlotte illingsworth christy curlydeb charmaine francis chusa romera d u cole chef da party cj mackintosh daisy chelsea jay claire daisy lister chelsie roberts claire (sister c) damain chemmane applewhaite claire casey damain smith chereis sewell claire dante damian hall cheryl akambi claire davies damian quinlivan
276 VB Family Members
damian squire david matheron debra welford-dart damon jones david matron debs purple dan duffin david miller-lawson debz k dan kelly david priest debz kharas dan tait david rao dee lovell dani david saunders deejay onefour dani fagan david smith deep inc dani maries david soulfulhouse deep josh daniel david wortley del phillips daniel camacho david wray delightful donz daniel humphrey david-miller lawson delroy henry daniel nicholls davide havenhand dene battersby daniel oliveros soria davide mazzocchi denise godinho daniel shuttleworth davina emery denise naughton daniel wright davinia henry denise seydi daniella roberta davy drama dennis brown danny brown dawn dennis van der vall danny humphrey dawn bryan derek rose danny j lewis dawn green derek tainton danny wood dawn hardy des daren marola dawn o’connor desmond robinson darren driffill dawn q ‘n’ a devski darren king dawn quinn diana gaskell darren marola dawn ulivi diana waite darren o’malley dawn wassell diego brunot darrol bradford daws dima hashweh daryl bryant daz poole dimmy sangha dave broadbent dazza dini fields dave delgado dazza king dionne reid dave drummond de hornet dj 2tall dave ferris deadly dj adey dave furze dean ainsworth dj adz dave holt dean baker dj bee dave jones dean gaskell dj bones dave law dean hambleton dj euge dave norton dean jay dj garphie dave rad dean malcolm dj jd/ johnathan dave rao dean miller dj kebra dave robinson dean williams dj kid creole dave simpson deanjay dj mrcsp dave stoneheart deb thorne dj pugwash dave tait debbie bullen dj raw dave wallace debbie harcourt whiting dj roly davey smith debbie hutton dj semi david bauset debbie kharas dj simeon david brook debbie mousell partridge dj sparks david cousins debbie steele dj spen david datt debi h dj suff david earles deborah dj tom david edwards deborah florio dj tony david groove deborah hogan dj widenski david havenhand deborah irene dj wisey david herndez martinez deborah samira florio djp david kantor debra dodds dml david mateos abad debra rochelle dolby
277 VB Family Members
don innis night) ferry don teco elodie morin fidias abellan donald anderson em hallmark fiona mcgregor donna emilie redon fitzroy donna (wow) emily valerio flappy head donna drummond emma baker fletcher donna everett emma barber flix brown donna flyonie emma blackman flori donna francis emma broughan foad khan donna francois emma charles ford paul donna hidalgo emma collins fran donna ionie emma dunn fran sidoli donna marie emma griffith frances laugenie donna mccollin emma illingworth francisco monroy donna rana emma j frank donna solomon emma jackson frank ainsworth donna walton emma mcdade frank anderson doobie j emma o’brien frank martinez doris keller emma princess pearcy frank millán dorothea drews emma protheroe frank purcell dotty dot emma t smith frankasekas douglas brown emma wilson frankie dred douglas coates emma yeap frankie pow dr. trish evans emz franziska marti drago maslaric enrique perez aniorte fred bailey drew q ’n’ a enyap rayani fred tyler drew ward erin thompson fredrick tyler duane johnson erin weller rydings frenchie duncan allott ernesta bliudziute fumni nathan marsh dwain douglas erol jurio fumzie dwayne rowe errol underwood funk seeker dwayne williams errol williams funkiian/amourhouse dwight ezron esmeralda clares mru dylan esther lewis funkychic dylan mace estibiliz monge gonzales g ed clarke ethyl g massive eddie 4tune eva auciello g sinclair eduardo exposito gabriella eduardo coronado fabian garcia brotons gabrimata edward gandy fabienne riter gadget63 eileen tully fabio figarazzi gail dalton el jefe fabric soul (logistix) gareth b ates elaine dukanci fabrizio marra gareth bevan elaine dunkley-hill farah robinson gareth davis elaine mose felicia gareth morgan elaine parsley felicia bercher gareth tuckey elaine piddock femi natural essence gareth wiseman elaine poole fer nando garfield king elena garcia vershay fernando gariella edwards elizabeth brookes fernando escalona garphie s ella vicente garth blader elle hutchinson fernando ramon quiles gary ainger ellen crossan fernando smith gary caspard ellie lawrence fernando vozmediano gary gee elliot slater (saturday ferri gary gilbey
278 VB Family Members
gary grant gjd huggy gary gritness glen campbell hulya ulohu gary july glenn thornton huma gary langford glenn walters husky - random soul gary monington glenroy hall iain vaughan gary morgan glo iain willis gary oehme gloria gaynor ian brown gary soloman godfrey hosang ian dadds gary solomon godfrey owusu ian rogers gary v gonzalez ifey illoh gary ward gonzalo enderica ifrah saleh gary whitney goran starcevic imanol gavin langley graeme park imanol viñuela gavin peters graeme purple iris gavin sheffield graham audiowhores isabel cambronera gaynor davis graham dowler isabel cardiel rodríguez gaynor franklin graham moyies isabel maria tydeman gaz whitney grant nelson ismael charif alonso gaz wiseman greg dorban ismael samater gazza greg swire ista gazza morgan gregsy iva cruxent gebs grifter ivan gem mcsweeney groove assassin ivan martin pecci gemma b groovejunkievida ivana cvetkovic gemma smith hailey broadbent ivana nikolic genaro hannah main ivo mussendijk geof welford-dart hardip jhitta j george clelland harp j phunk george moyies hawah bunduka j8nnt georgia honeybooth hayley burgazzi jaci harman georgie hayley kennedy jack - groove motion georgina carney hayley wheatley jack collins georgina pacelli hazel jay jack gillespie georgina reynolds hd aka marc jack henwood gerald evans heather jenkins jack woodcock geraldine archer heather o’neill jackie atkin geraldine roarty heena chauhan jackie barefield giannina helen brito jackie mcintosh giannina warren helen lowe jackie solomon giddy helen moss jackie tooley giles clayton helen o’connor jaclyn smith giles hirst helen samways jacqueline atkin gill da supasub helen worsley jacqueline cooke gill gx helena liddiard jacqui imbert gillian helis tonise jacqui marola gillian dickie hema mehta jacs gillian greenlaw hilary prescod jade atkins gillian loney hilary tomlinson jai spence gillian waring hina shirazi jaime ellis gillmanå hippie torrales jaime foxton gilly hiron john jaime sã¡nchez gina roedling hollie collins jaine brennan gita dempsey honney jake fraser gizela futak houser james austin gizella futak howard patterson james beckford
279 VB Family Members
james clelland jay smith joanne hill james dykes jayne davies joanne phipps james foley jayne rolfe joanne plank james foster jayne thompson joanne tomkinson james huffam jdj joc o’connor james hunter jeanette tadic jodi petrich james irish jebunisha longton jodie riordan james lee jed campbell jodie taylor james maxwell jeff jody james pitts jeff garcia jody o’sullivan james rowe jeff young joe dew james scott jelena tarailo joe fish mcloughlin james upton jemma harnett joel laugenie james wallace jen cunningplan joey fabini jamie foxton jen o’connor joey gill jamie grant jeni farrell john batty jamie hornblow jenna phillips john butler jamie illingworth jennifer carroll john foster jamie love jennifer hemmings john hill jamie rose jennifer männich john jagger jamie walker jennifer o’connor john lennon jamilla james jenny ellis john morgan jan scurr jenny kelly john spinks jan watchorn jenny markey john spoor jane jens ashoya john taylor jane boye jeremy sylvester johnathan joseph jane harrington jeri archer johnathan stewart jane jackson jermaine kelly johnny el jane mccormack jernej masnec johnny robinson janet ntim jerome james johnny st louis janet smith jessica del re joli leonaite janie b jessica du-cille jolie leonaite janine hofmann jessica ogiorumua jon baker jansch greatrix jesus cid martin jon boy jaqueline kidd jill parish jon boy (one foot) jaqueline tooley jill waring jon coomer jarod griffiths jim demchsak jon gotch jasmin peter jimmy ellis jon graham jasmine pearce jo jon moyies jason alner jo ashby jon thomas jason ayres jo devious jon tipton jason band jo dingwall jon ware jason barrett jo jo ashby jon whyman jason cain jo mohammed jonathan - dj jd jason collingbourne jo tudor-stephens jonathan davis jason fenton jo-anne tomkinson jonathan dunn jason k jo-jo jonathan evans jason thornton jo-jo magic jonathan gotch jat singh joanna dean jonathan graham javid iqbal joanna firth jonathan haste javier ortega joanna navarro jonathan houshmand jax cruickshank joanna smith jonathan mcaneney jay ashby joanna young jonathan thomas jay burke joanne b jonathon davies jay murfet joanne bartholomew jonboy
280 VB Family Members
joni robinson-tuckey justin small kelly dove jonny b justine dunn kelly downer jonny robinson jynxta campbell kelly harT jonny t k motion kelly maddison jorge campbell kali moreno kelly pegrum jorge urias kali moreno catalå kelly talbot jorja skerritt kareena turner ken bird jose antonio karen bassett ken law jose ariza karen embury ken tuckey jose exposito karen francis kenny summit jose gonzales karen griffith kerrie amos jose ignacio rubio karen mountain kerrie-lee bearman jose manuel hiraldo karen rowe kerry ashton jose miguel exposito karen wakefield kerry daley jose rodenas karl goff kerry davies jose rodenas dj karl grant kerry havenhand josep escrivà karla salter kerryann gill joseph dew karlda lewin ket - mucho soul joseph eggay karloskar andreasson kevin belle joseph gill karyn lister kevin birch joseph west kash patel kevin pearcey josé ródenas kasharel kevin pinnegar juan antonio kat griffiths kevin thompson juan carlos florez kat johnson kevin webster juan florez kate rudman keys juan luis kate bell khu judith meijer kate nelson kid creole jules kate sinfield - saturday kiddo jules garcia night kieron pitt julia allison katey horner kiko navarro julia lynch kathleen ck irby kilbz julia tobiasova katie carr-pollack kim julian bendall katie leone kim (becky) julian sanchez katrina devine kim daley julie b katrina richards kim mair julie booth-williams katy peacock kiola gordon julie brooks katy safoor kirk everett julie brough katy sakoor kirk shepherd julie brown kay addai kirkwood walker julie byrne kay sully kirsty knowles julie cramer-lovell kayleigh harper kirsty mackison julie dillon kayleigh mc cormack kirsty memory julie goodrich kayleigh silva kitty chinchin julie prince kaysee kitty cremades julie sharma kebra kitty edwards jumilla kebra dj kizer mckay junior charles keepin’ soul kj junior king keith currie klb junior white keith farrell koffee povey justin blake keith murray kresimir geto justin cosgrove keith val krishan kent justin diprose keith williams kristal coppin justin oparah kellie wright kristal harper justin oprah kelly kristie morgan justin richards kelly bryant kristina kantar
281 VB Family Members
kristina sutton lee maxted lisa dobson kym jackson lee oldham lisa gerber l’il joey lee stephenson lisa lowe lady e lee swift lisa marston lady grifter lee wright lisa ntim lady h lee-anne lisa power lady ink leeann collins lisa richards lady t leeann driffill lisa smith ladybird leeanne collins lisa speer laetitia drulang leesa crampton lisa “stunning” curtis lainy lewis leigh - the layabouts lise laire henshall lenny fontana little d lana bath lenora lemaitre little si lana earl-gaughan leo le vox liza job lanena leon chattington lloyd bevan lanetta lord leon hendry lloyd rosser laney j leon henry lola lanna bath leon hunter lola martos lau fernandez leon longmore loles puig laura adams leon stones loopy lou laura brennan leonie allen loretta hackett laura crespo s leroy mckenzie lorna mccarthy laura durá garcía lesley davis lorna wood laura fernandez letitia drulang lorraine connor laura jackson lewis clayton lorraine marley laura littleford lewis ferrier lorraine mcnee laura ohm lewis littleford lorraine murray laura s lewis rowe lorraine shingfield laura smith lewis waldron lorraine wray laura walker leza salter lorraine young lauren ainsworth liam o’connor lotta lauren burgess liam sheahan louby lou lauren jones lianne unsworth louise haworth lauren stedman libertad medina louise roberts lauren wilson like minded souls louise swales lauren. r lili vilamor louise wright laurence lilly-mae evenden louiza dawes laurence frost lil’ stevie lozza brown lawrence farquharson lina hashweh ltj bukem layah skerritt linah hashweh luca favi layla freeman linda daly luca souldynamic le funksta linda fraser lucy lea baalham linda haines lucy cole leah linda hayfield lucy knights lealey davis linda morgan lucy topping leandro hernandez linda r lucy wilcox leanne burrows lindsay reeve luis hidalgo leanne carr linzi gillespie - luisa saez perez leanne clayman linzi makin luisma leanne jones lisa allen luisma sanchez leanne logan lisa attenborrow luke james leanne williams lisa brock lutz gehrke lee arnold lisa conlon luvin’lou lee donnelly lisa cox lyanna blake lee evans lisa crampton lyn sunderland
282 VB Family Members
lyndsey marina trench martin` angus lyndsey allen mario martyn_smart lyndsey lou marion martín pecci lynette francis maritsa inglessis mary harvey lynette saunders marius ionita mary parry lynn arnold marius schlapfer mary seixas lynn jerrams mark bartley master d lynsey h mark chinman matt lynsey lovelock mark di meo matt cooper lynsey rice mark fairlie matt jam lamont l’il joey mark foster matt mckillop mad mats mark gordon matt simms madalina claudia badea mark harper matt whitehead maggie mark haselden matt wolton maggie brade mark james matthew bandy magic number mark johnson matthew bottomley maik pedersen mark longton matthew brown maja bohinc mark meikle matthew buckenham maja palczewska mark palfrey matthew duckett majella mcgoldrick mark roedling matthew keane malcolm lewis mark rohan matthew prosser mamma jo mark salter matthew thomas manchild mark stone matthew zade manoj gadher mark sugrue maurice lovelock manolo parra mark swarbrick maverick nasa manu el mark van helden max dickinson manuel benito mark wallace max tait manuel fraile mark ward maximillian dickinson manuel funkysoul mark wason maxine bradshaw manuel garcia mark-anthony meikle maxine cole manuel garcãa mark. r maxine crofts manuel seoane marko jelic maxine weiss manuel weekender markus enochson maxineb mapo otite marlon gordon maya esposito mar sanchez marlon parkes maya pascale marc burden marly mar maz phiri marc wenger marni macgillivray meesh shell marci - fresh sweet & sexy marta fontes mel macintyre marcia adebayo marta sanchis melanie cook marcus hambleton martijn de weerdt melanie hitchin marena cowan martin melanie ramsell margaret oconnell martin angus melanie saul margaret scragg martin arano melanie stevenson margot martin b melanie valentine margot horgan martin bateman melanue coward maria duffy martin bullen memzee maria esteve mojica martin clark merry perry maria lanni martin dearie merv thorne maria rabasco martin haines mia rydings mariano ruiz torres martin harradine michael clarke marie phokou martin ikin michael cobb marie soumah martin lodge michael crownshaw marilo guirao martin wright michael evans marilo guirao lopez martina braga michael gibbons marina pawley martina petan michael jackson
283 VB Family Members
michael john timms montse fernandez neil kilgour michael joseph moo master flex neil pierce michael kidd morag fenwick neil pinnock michael lovelace morten soulmagic neil pnnock michael mansano morten trust neil stoneheart michael mcevoy mousse t neill rydings michael phillip mr jimi nesha kelly michael sharpe mr miggs nessie michael smith mr nugget neville nelson michael timms mr ropez niah innis michele mccain mr tubz nica brooke michele robinson mr. miggs nicholas blake michelle mrs gillman nicholas cosgrave michelle antionette mucho funk nicholas evans michelle arne-byrne mucky tucky nicholas henry michelle bate muke patel nicholas malcolm michelle gillman mumma jo nick collins michelle king mush nick denny michelle pearson myron palmer nick morris michelle villiers mª dolores martos nick penwarden michelle ward nágera nick reede michelle wassall naatje nick standen michelle weston nadia burke NICKI McGOWRAN michelle whitehouse nadia griffiths nicki washington mick cornwell nadia kattaineh nicky blake mick naughty nadia katteaineh nicky boy mickael nadine clarke nicky tait mickael ayachi nadine hawkins nico neo micky naughty naeem nicola mieka sutton name nicola birch miggs harris naomi williams nicola day miguel nasa nicola foster miguel angel perez nat nat nicola mcdonough fernandez natalia quesada moreno nicola o’shea miguel luzena vidal natalie nicola tait mike kraehenbuehl natalie crossan nicole mike settle natalie mitchamson nicole bushby mikey cobb natalie moore nicole ehrler mikey ward natalie pari nicole k mikie black natalie schmidt nicole kraehenbuehl mikkel soulmagic natalie udell nicole pearcey miles dickinson natasha caines niebla miles numan natasha chang-lewis niel geddes miloe natasha hampshire nigel bevan miriam martinez natasha jacobs nigel gray mish natasha watts nigel oehme mishlinka nathan ryan-grealish nike-sparx miss heath natrah vaughan niki miss jaime neale sutton nikk birch miss zoe neesha francis nikki fawcett missheath nef padilla nikki tait misty dawson neil nikki thomlinson mitch kayloR neil beckford nina szelewski mo neil bland nino gambino monique bingham neil chatelier ninyo garcia
284 VB Family Members
niomi laidley paul colbeck philipp wirz nita funk paul donaldson philippa nitu kapila paul dunkley-hill phillip gill noel faulkner paul foster phillip goodchild noelle barbera paul garland phillipe the minister noemí olcina ferrandiz paul gaughan phoebe rudd nontsie paul griff phoenix gentles nsgee paul groove pietro nyomie izamazin paul henry pingo n’dinga gaba paul hopwood pippa riley oliver berry paul k pippa sarney olivia quinlivan paul lesueur posh bird olivia steiner paul malcolm powerhouse pam olivia szelewski paul mcglone pri ondagroove paul riley princess julia opolopo paul saviour princess lovelace oscar paul saviour blake priscilla moutousamy oscar - montepiedra paul storan pugwash ossie labad paul terzulli purdi cole othersoul paul waite rachael adams owen taylor paul whervin rachel ashton p sb paul williams rachel dew page nyc paul yates rachel lasisi pakito blume paula rachel lassisi paks shay-vijay patel paula dillaway rachel mountcastle pam paula langford rachel thompson pam eaton paulette sawyers rafa el murciano pamela cummins pauline smyth rafa xairo pamela gerald pbads rafael berbel lopez pamlashes pecci rafel, ribot cobo pancho valcarcel garcia pedro rainy payne pat bedeau pedro segura entrena ralf gum pat robinson penny ralph session pat steele penny ames raluca meier patdawg penny earl ramon lopez patricia dunkley penny morgan rani sambi patricia lovelace pepa dolz raphael 3style patrick pere fernandez calvo raphael charles patrick blake perihan tichborne raphial 3 style patrick fearon pete brown raquel gonzález baeza patrick gadget blake pete dafeet raul rm karra patrick jacobs peter ibrahim raul van der vall patrick massey peter mcdonald raving pony patrick mcduffus peter oakden ray king patrick meier peter short razle dazzle patrick smoove phil rebecca benton patrick steele phil asher rebecca davies patrick urech phil auguste rebecca dowen paul - circle of funk phil buchan reggie paul alan newton phil faulkner reice green paul bad s phil gifford remco de weerdt paul baxter phil maddison remi innis paul bennett phil pinchera remo burri paul blake phil303 renato mitra paul carr philip santos renee mcinerney
285 VB Family Members
renske hoefman roland kaspar samantha welsby rhona rolf samantha williams ria woodburn rolph webster - dj raw samaya sakhi ricardo buron roly andrews sami ricardo fraser ronnie herel sammy akuffo rich laurence roof sammy sandiford rich lawrence root sammy taylor rich’e’ park street ros percil samson lewis richard carey rosanna garcia samuel ofori richard drinkwater rosie mason sandra boe-kenyon richard earnshaw ross martin sandra drummond richard fenn ross miller sandra fischer richard greenfield ross purcell sandra mccall richard lawrence roxanna maynard sandro werder richard matheron roxy rapella sanne van rossen richard santos roz brant santi - xairo richard stapleton rozita price santi parrilla richard ward ruari dizzle santiago betancor richard willems ruaridh o’connor sar watage richie anglin ruben carmona sara richie bartez ruben sanchez sara duncan richie barthez rueben carpenter sara jordan ricky ghost rulf sara marseguerra ricky morrison rushanne legall sara pearce ricky reid russ sara rabadán riece green ruth andrianou sarah battersby rikki harris ruth boyd sarah blackman rikx catani ruth lacey sarah burgess rikz ryan king sarah chambers rob ryan massey sarah clay rob farrell ryan patrick sarah day rob mayo sabina teruel martinez sarah denier rob mechen sabrina chyld sarah favouritizm rob o’shea sabrina louis sarah flynn rob sarao sahara evans sarah foote rob watchorn sahara feshitan sarah gamman rob wheeler sahara247 sarah gulliver rob witham sally chesterton sarah hickton robbie j sally hearson sarah louise robotham robbo sally kneeshaw sarah onwuma robert hunt sally-ann smith sarah robotham robert kennedy sam austin sarah smith robert mayo sam ball sarah townson robert sanders sam sandiford sarah williams roberto avila sam so sarah-jane roberts roberto jorda sam welsby sarai thompson roberto jorda esteve sam williams sarn robin holland sam williamson sasha robin orlando samantha bain saška Bernilogar robin thornton samantha clarke schooly robin urmanic samantha fenn scott harvey rocco samantha griffiths scott miller rocco micallef samantha j taylor scott moore roger the doctor samantha jagger scott tuatara rohan vanhorn samantha taylor scratchyone
286 VB Family Members
sean adamson sifi stelios papakyriacou sean doyle silvia zaragoza stella taylor sean elliott simeon chard steph o’connor sean mccabe simmone black stephanie papp sean quinn simon b stephanie sankey sean reynolds simon barrow stephanie schmid selina campbell simon bowden stephanie van der wal selina edwards simon darrell stephen adams selina flowers simon gaskell stephen barry selina richardson simon jowett stephen bate semi simon kelly stephen charles serge amos simon louis stephen christopher sergi erizzo simon phillips young sergio cerrato simon qasir stephen cozzie cosgrove sergio fernandez simon reed stephen doyle sh3rgio simon reid stephen hamilton shabaz butt simon rosenheck stephen moynihan shady simon sandmeier stephen norwood shamar simon saunders stephen ofarrell shane d simon trussell stephen price shareen george simon williams stephen reed sharon chapman sinead murphy stephen shaw sharon dobinson siobhan ‘crexy’ jones stephen thomas sharon fisher siobhan keating stephen williams sharon fitzgerald siobhan walters steve sharon havenhand sion riggon steve burrows sharon hutton sister c steve cosgrove sharon lawrence slan mitchell steve foyle sharon oldham slikk tim steve hall sharon soesman smartbroda steve hanley shaun ellis snoopy steve mcdonnell shaun reynolds sofia rubina steve potter shaun samuel sofie pickburn steve reed shaun tee sol brown steve richards shavina sonya o’hagan steve robo shaz soph steve soulfired shaz dobinson sophe steve williams shaz. l sophie brown steven banton sheila mccormack sophie gill steven mcdonnell shelley fleming sophie pickburn stevie murray shelley holliday sophie taylor stewart sherman ware souiemma stewart billings shiron soul de marin stewart denton shizzla soul renegades stretford dogs club shobi miller-lawson soulfeenix stuart shur-i-kan soulfusion stuart barefield si (becky) soulkitty stuart garrett si darrall soulution 4 funk stuart leach si sutton spoony stuart mccall si.fi spud stuart mitchell sian hutton stacey woodage stuart ramsell sian lloyd staldarg stuart stokes sid sidney sted hendrickson suad cejvanovic sierra hylander stefan jacobsson sue sierra lortscher stefano souldynamic sue c
287 VB Family Members
sue claridge the gnome tracey craft sue davidson the munchkin tracey dalton sue mcdonald theo davis tracey pearce sue pleon theresa gallagher tracey roman sue wheeler theresa guermellou tracey walker suella campbell theresa palmer tracy suff thomas baier tracy braithwaite suff safoor thomas vale tracy klinger summer stephens thomi tracy mayo sunita dalliwal tia boye tracy mcdonnell sunlight square tico tracy spinola sunna g tico - montepiedra tracy truran susan calvente tilly floss tracy waldron susan watts tim moore trevor griffith susannah morrison tim reeve trevor lacey susie - fresh sweet and tim vaughan trevor molloy sexy timmy vegas trevor molloy jnr suzanne murphy tina gray trevor stroud suzanne tainton tina taylor-wilson triin kokk suzanne wheeler tina wooton trudy anderson suzanne willems tina wootton trudy g suzie tincha killa trudy gee suzie sweet tiree foxton trudy t suzy wong tito pulpo twohey svetlana simrak tj lindsay txemen swift toato tyrone rose sy sez todd gardner tómas freyr hjaltason sylvia cremmerysylvia tom urel brown sullivan tom blacksoul v!k! t@ylor tom bug vaida riaukaite tammy pinnock tom chubb valentino tamsin dransfield tom gianelli valentino stephens tanja neaves tom hutchinson valentino udm tanya haigh tom morrison vanesa espana tara edwards tom ‘spud’ murtha vanessa perry tara lewis tomas palencias vanessa simpson tara wood tommo vanessa weir tariq khan tommy bielec vaughan simpkins tarron byfield toni quesada vern harris tash caines tony ‘bones’ sawyerr vernon harris tasha turner tony crawford vernon r vanbrook tashizm tony dolby vernon vanbrook tatiana atavwigho tony francis vicci hurley tena berretti tony horacks vicente ivars teresa heaney tony jenkins vicente paya domenech teresa whiteside tony phillips vicente payá doménech terri taylor tony poole vicki terry hobbs tony quesada vicki brown terry jones tony scurr vicki list terry joseph tony walton vicky alders terry lindsay tonyjenkins vicky carruthers tha schmiier torill osmond vicky naylor the analysir towanda loves vicky ward the dancing afro toya henderson victor simonelli the fish tracey collins victoria
288 VB Family Members
victoria alders zizzi victoria brown zizzi mitchell victoria kirk zizzi simoncini victoria lund zoe kerr victoria mitchell zoe lovett victoria ongley zoe webster victoria plum victoria secret victoria squire vincente vivian viviana guastalla vol wally walton walter daphunk wayne altham wayne chambers wayne morter wayne st louis wendell caleb wendy cooper wendy harris wendy louca wendy mccall wendy sheahan wendy smith wendy-jo fraser westley blake widenski will smith william smith wole keyede wookie xavi caralps olmo xther yan floriano yana dowler yasmin ‘yazza’ affum yasmine seydi yinka isaac yogi - random soul yogi haughton yohanne s yolanda bogada romero youngsteve yvonne drummond yvonne fawkes yvonne weir zacharia soul zaira zala strlic zandi zia din ziggy funk ziggy gaji
289 If you’ve been affected by any of the subject matter in this book... Contact the helpline now.
In all seriousness, if you think you have a story to share, then drop me a line. Who knows when Part Two will drop!
[email protected] [email protected]
www.vocalboothweekender.com www.djandyward.net