14 March 16-22, 2023 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | M iami Music Week is upon us again. And sure, that means lots of traffic, lots of music, and lots of parties. But it means so much more for the people putting on the show. It means travel- ing — sometimes across the world to have their music experienced — and exploring the Magic City and all it has to offer. New Times checked in with five of the hot- test producers and DJs to see where they’re headed for this year’s festivities, their favorite things about Miami, and what makes them — and their music — stand out. HoneyLuv How many times have you performed at Miami Music Week? This will be my second time playing at Mi- ami music week. I played my first one last year. What’s your favorite thing about perform- ing in Miami? Miami is the Ibiza of America. Good weather and good vibes are always happening in Miami. Do you have a favorite spot in Miami? My favorite food spot is Cvi.che 105. It’s a must that I go when I’m in town. What’s your favorite thing about Miami? The blue water and the yacht parties. What do you think makes your music stand out? I would say the funky hip-hop influences and the groove are undeniable. What made you change gears from Navy drone operator to producer and DJ? I knew the Navy would be a part of a small portion of my life. I had way bigger dreams and aspirations. Unexpectedly, DJing found me, and I’ve loved it ever since. Catch HoneyLuv at: • Wednesday, March 22, at Black Brother, Black Sister at Floyd • Thursday, March 23, at Deep Root Tribe at the W South Beach and Defected Pool Party at the Sagamore • Friday, March 24, at MK & Friends at the National Hotel and Black Book at Oasis Wynwood • Saturday, March 25, at A Trak & Friends at Oasis Wynwood • Sunday, March 26, at He.She.They at Toejam Backlot Francis Mercier What do you think makes your music stand out? I’m melding worldly and ethnic music with modern dance genres. I am collaborat- ing with musicians using real instrumenta- tion and vocalists of internationally and culturally rich appeal. My focus is to bring to- gether sounds and artists from all corners of the world and materialize dance music from that melting pot. How many times have you performed at Miami Music Week? It’s great being back for my second time performing at MMW. Last year my brand, Deep Root, did its MMW debut at Surfcomber for two days of an international lineup. What’s your favorite thing about Miami? I love the crowds and their understanding of ethnic, worldly, and underground music. Not many cities in the U.S. have such an open- minded and internationally refined taste in house music. Do you have a favorite spot in Miami? I love South Beach, as it is bustling with amazing restaurants, scenic beaches, and all walks of life. Can you tell us about Deep Root Records? Over the past seven years, Deep Root has released music with more than 350 artists around the globe generating 50 million streams and more than 500 events supporting over 1,000 artists. Catch Francis Mercier at: • Thursday, March 23, at Deep Root Tribe at the W South Beach and Nyjah Huston & Friends at Freehold Miami • Saturday, March 25, at Deep Root Tribe Showcase at Bâoli Miami Heidi Lawden What do you think makes your music stand out? I do like to play all over the place musically — cohesively, I should add. Ultimately, I listen to music at home, and if it gives me the right feelings and makes me want to dance, it makes the cut. I like to bring joy first and fore- most, genre be damned. How many times have you performed at Mi- ami Music Week? When was your last time here? This is only my third time DJing for Music Week. I used to come as a partygoer. I’ve al- ways loved this week in Miami. What’s your favorite thing about Miami? It’s no secret I absolutely love Miami. I’m a South Beach gal. It’s a city I’m happy to be in solo and wander around. The second you leave the hotel room, you’re surrounded by so much life. When I was landlocked in the U.S. and unable to leave, I loved to visit South Beach just to feel different. The clubs here are great. I’ve seen many DJs and shows here over the years, from wild hip- hop live shows to the best DJs in the world. I’ve seen many of my heroes play in Miami, so to be in their orbit and DJing alongside them now, I feel so lucky. Do you have a favorite spot in Miami? I love Porto Sagua. I go there every single EXPERT GUIDANCE DJs and producers on what keeps them coming back to the Magic City in March. BY CHRISTINE BORGES time I visit Miami. I love Cuban coffee, and I’ve never had a bad one in Miami. Stay-wise, I’m happy as long as I’m at the beach. I’ve tried downtown — it’s just not for me. I love to walk everywhere. Living in LA, we’re so car reliant. If I get to peep the ocean from my room, there’s nothing better. >> p16 HoneyLuv Francis Mercier Karim Chater Niki Cram
