PitbullFEATURE

JMG: How would you describe the evolution of house music over the years? Erick Morillo: House music to me is a good beat, a sexy bass and a fierce vocal. Minimal, euphoric, deep, dirty, pro-gressive. Call it what you want, but if you can dance to it and it makes you feel good, it’s house music.

JMG: Why did you, Jose Nunez and Harry Romero decide to create the group Sympho Nympho? Erick Morillo: The three of us separated for a while – never falling out or losing touch – I was just heavily touring and living the life. I soon realized that touring was never going to be enough. I needed more. I was getting a little bored of the music that was out and I knew I also needed to be putting out music for my profile too. So the three of us got re-connected and voila… Sympho Nympho was born.

JMG: Why do you think your annual summer parties at Pa-cha Ibiza have been so successful? Erick Morillo: This summer will be our 13th season at Pa-cha Ibiza. It’s a big achievement. There’s not many DJs or brands that have been able to hold on to such a high pro-file residency. It’s not easy. Competition is tough in Ibiza and there’s always going to be someone younger and more popular coming to the forefront. I think people know what they’re getting with Subliminal. It’s a good solid house night, representing good energy DJs. This year we have Chuck-ie, Steve Angello, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, plus many more on rotation. It’s going to be a fantastic summer!

JMG: Are there any artists that you have on your wish list to collaborate with? Erick Morillo: Prince. Hands down. The man is a genius and an idol of mine. His music is untouchable. And…he’s also unreachable. He’s stealth like!

JMG: What types of crowds do you enjoy playing for? Erick Morillo: All crowds. I love playing big festivals and are-nas. To see a sea of thousands of people with their hands in the air, going crazy to your music is indescribable. The VIP clubs are great for their swagger and the smaller un-derground clubs are mental! Sankeys in Birmingham, UK, for example, has low ceilings, it’s hot, sweaty and grimy, but the atmosphere is electric. Horses for courses. I love them all.

JMG: Out of all of the music that you’ve created since the early 90s, is there one track that is your all-time favorite? Erick Morillo: “Live Your Life” with Shawnee Taylor is pretty up there. Whenever I play this record – be it in the US, Italy, Australia, South Africa or anywhere – the crowd always sings it back to me. I didn’t realize until about a year after it came out how much the message in the song really lifted people. It’s spine-tingling to see the reaction.

JMG: This month is our “Blockbuster” issue. What’s your favorite film? Erick Morillo: I’d have to say ‘American Beauty,’ but I have been known to spend hours watching back-to-back South Park.

JMG: What projects do you have coming up in the near fu-ture? Erick Morillo: Sympho Nympho is the project I’m focusing on right now with Harry and Jose. I’m loving being back in the studio with these guys. We’ve been working with some super cool artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Wyclef, Segarra (one to watch), Pitbull, Sean Paul and the list goes on. Mak-ing music is totally my future right now.

Erick MorilloFEATURE

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