Winter Music Conference’s Were Made Here: A Journey Through 35 Years of Dance Music and the Visionaries Who Made It Happen
Image Cred: UphoricTV & UGS
In the pantheon of electronic music, few events have been as influential or as storied as the Winter Music Conference (WMC). For over three and a half decades, this Miami-based gathering has served as the incubator for groundbreaking ideas, a meeting point for creative minds, and a launchpad for careers that have defined the global dance music landscape.
Now, Hits Were Made Here, a definitive five-part documentary series chronicling decades of WMC is finally set to premiere worldwide—an event that has been years in the making and is poised to become a seminal moment in the annals of electronic music history as WMC officially returns this week for its 35th anniversary.
The documentary brings together exclusive interviews with legends such as Paul Oakenfold, Junior Sanchez, Todd Terry, Laidback Luke, Arthur Baker, Tommie Sunshine, Chocolate Puma, Destructo, DJ Pierre, and key industry pioneers like Gladys Pizarro (Strictly Rhythm), radio icon George Hess, and WMC co-founder DJ Bill Kelly.
It features never-before-seen archival footage that encapsulates the spirit and evolution of the conference, transforming decades of experiences into an immersive visual journey.
Originally conceived and filmed in 2019 as part of UphoricTV—the digital global festival television network from UG Strategies—the project was set for a 2020 release. However, with the onset of the global pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of that year’s WMC, the documentary’s release was forced into an indefinite hiatus. Yet, in a testament to their unwavering commitment, executive producers Parag Bhandari (CEO of UG Strategies) and Tommie Sunshine refused to let the story fade into obscurity.
They revisited old footage, conducted new interviews, and worked relentlessly to expand the narrative so that it fully captures the legacy of WMC—and with it, the very heartbeat of dance music.
As the world now slowly reawakens to live music and shared experiences, the timing of the documentary’s release is nothing short of poetic. It arrives the week Winter Music Conference 2025 kicks off in Miami—a fitting celebration of both the past and future of electronic music.
With badge registration for WMC 2025 now open, fans and industry insiders are invited to be part of a legacy that continues to evolve and inspire.
In this feature article, we take a deep dive into the making of this documentary, explore the extraordinary journey of its executive producers, and share exclusive insights from interviews with Parag Bhandari, Tommie Sunshine, DJ Bill Kelly, and Junior Sanchez.
Together, we explore how a project born out of passion and nostalgia transformed into a definitive chronicle of electronic music’s evolution—a story of resilience, reinvention, and ultimately, celebration.
The Legacy of Winter Music Conference: A Historical Overview
For those who have followed the electronic music scene since its underground days, the Winter Music Conference is a name that resonates with profound significance. Founded in 1985, WMC has long been recognized as the epicenter where the pioneering spirit of dance music was forged. It began as a modest gathering of DJs, producers, and club promoters in Miami and quickly evolved into a catalyst for industry innovation. Over the decades, the conference has hosted thousands of artists and has been instrumental in launching record labels, defining soundscapes, and creating unforgettable after-parties that became cultural phenomena.
WMC was more than just an event; it was a convergence of visionaries. It was where early adopters of new sounds gathered to share ideas, experiment with technology, and build communities that would eventually give rise to genres such as house, techno, and trance. From the sweaty dance floors of underground clubs to the glittering stages of global festivals, the influence of WMC is undeniable. It set the stage for the massive commercial success of electronic music while preserving the spirit of rebellion and innovation that made the scene so electrifying.
As the years passed, WMC continued to evolve, adapting to new trends and technologies while always maintaining its core mission: to serve as a bridge between the past and the future of dance music. The decision to document this illustrious history in a five-part series was a natural progression—a chance to capture the magic, the struggles, and the triumphs that have defined the conference over 35 years.
The Making of the Documentary: A Labor of Love Amidst Global Turmoil
The documentary’s origins date back to 2019, when the vision for a definitive chronicle of WMC was first conceived. The project aimed to encapsulate the multifaceted history of WMC—its legendary parties, groundbreaking record exchanges, transformative panels, and its overall cultural impact on the global dance music community. Parag Bhandari, Tommie Sunshine, and the Uphoric crew including music journalist Daniel Casanova and Director Todd Howe, set out to capture a story that was as rich and complex as the music itself, using exclusive interviews, archival footage, and candid behind-the-scenes glimpses that had never before been seen by the public.
However, the trajectory of the project was abruptly altered by the global outbreak of COVID-19. As the pandemic upended the live music industry and forced the cancellation of the 2020 Winter Music Conference, the documentary was relegated to a holding pattern. It was a period of uncertainty, during which many in the industry feared that the magic of live performance and the communal spirit of festivals might be lost forever.
Yet, in the face of adversity, the creative team behind the documentary found renewed purpose. Executive producers Parag Bhandari and Tommie Sunshine decided that this setback would not silence the voices of the pioneers nor diminish the legacy of WMC. Instead, they saw it as an opportunity to reimagine and expand the project. Over the ensuing years, while the world grappled with lockdowns and the absence of live events, they worked diligently to revisit old footage, conduct remote interviews, and bring in fresh perspectives that would enrich the narrative.
Their journey was marked by countless challenges—technical hurdles, scheduling conflicts, and the ever-present uncertainty of a world in crisis. Yet, through perseverance and passion, they managed to reassemble the puzzle of WMC’s history, layer by layer. The result is a documentary that not only tells the story of an event but also reflects the resilience of an entire industry that survived one of its darkest periods.
Bringing the Vision to Life: An In-Depth Interview with the Executive Producers
In a candid and far-reaching interview, we sat down with the visionary minds behind the documentary—Parag Bhandari and Tommie Sunshine—to discuss the creative process, the challenges of filming during a global pandemic, and the deep personal connections that made this project possible.
Q: Parag, can you share with us the initial spark that led to the idea of documenting the history of WMC?
Parag Bhandari: “Winter Music is like a second home for me and for the UGS team, we’ve been working with that event for almost 20-years now. The idea came from a deep-rooted respect for the conference and for the culture and history of electronic music. WMC has always been the epicenter of innovation for electronic music. When we started discussing the project in 2019, it wasn’t just about chronicling events—it was about telling the story of a movement. We wanted to capture the spirit of the underground, the evolution of sound, and the personal journeys of those who made it all possible. It felt like a story that needed to be told before it was lost to time.”
Q: Tommie, you’ve been an integral part of the electronic music scene for decades. How did your personal history with WMC influence your decision to come on board as an executive producer?
Tommie Sunshine: “I’ve been around the block in this industry, and I’ve seen firsthand how WMC has shaped the careers of countless artists—including my own. My experiences at the conference, from the wild after-parties to the intimate discussions about music and culture, are memories that have defined who I am as an artist. When Parag approached me with the idea, I knew this was something that could capture not just the facts, but the soul of our scene. It was a no-brainer. I wanted to ensure that every story, every moment, was documented with the respect it deserved.”
Q: The pandemic changed everything for the music industry. Parag, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on this documentary during such a turbulent time?
Parag Bhandari: “The pandemic hit us like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, the live music ecosystem—the very foundation of our project—was gone. It was an incredibly challenging time for everyone involved. We faced technical difficulties with remote interviews, had to navigate time zone differences, and, most importantly, deal with the emotional toll of seeing an industry we love come to a standstill. But in many ways, that struggle gave the documentary an even greater purpose. We weren’t just documenting history—we were witnessing resilience in real time. The project evolved into a tribute to survival, innovation, and the undying spirit of the dance music community.”
Q: Tommie, can you elaborate on how you managed to secure interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry during the height of the pandemic?
Tommie Sunshine: “It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. But when you have decades of relationships in this scene, you learn that people are willing to help out if they believe in the cause. Many of these artists have been part of the WMC family for years. When I reached out to them, it was like reconnecting with old friends. They understood the importance of capturing this pivotal moment in our industry’s history. We used every tool at our disposal—video calls, remote recording setups, and even mobile recording studios—to make sure that the interviews were as personal and high-quality as if we were sitting across from each other in a studio. The energy in those sessions was palpable, even over a screen. It reaffirmed that no matter the circumstances, the connection between these artists and WMC is unbreakable.”
Q: Parag, UG Strategies (UGS) has an impressive 20-year history working with major brands, artists, festivals, and digital platforms. How has that legacy influenced the approach you took with this documentary?
Parag Bhandari: “At UG Strategies (UGS), we’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. Over the past two decades, we’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry, and we’ve learned that authenticity is key. Our history has taught us that the stories behind the music—the struggles, the triumphs, the raw emotions—are what resonate with audiences. With this documentary, we wanted to create something that was not just informative but also deeply personal and emotionally engaging. We leveraged our experience and our network to assemble a team that could dig into the archives, reach out to artists, and piece together a narrative that reflects the true essence of WMC. It was about honoring the past while looking forward to the future.”
Q: Tommie, you have a storied career as an accomplished electronic music producer. How did your experiences in the studio and on the road influence your perspective on the interviews and the overall narrative of the documentary?
Tommie Sunshine: “My career in electronic music has been a rollercoaster of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration. Every track I’ve produced, every set I’ve played, has been influenced by the moments and the people I encountered along the way. When we were putting this documentary together, I saw it as a way to capture those raw, unfiltered moments—the ones that often get lost in the hype of today’s digital world. My goal was to create a narrative that was honest and reflective of the journey we’ve all been on. I wanted to ensure that the interviews went beyond surface-level conversations and delved into the emotions, the challenges, and the inspirations that fueled our passion for music. It was about showing the heart and soul behind the beats.”
Q: Junior Sanchez, as one of the featured artists, your contributions to the documentary are highly anticipated. How does it feel to have your personal experiences and memories of WMC immortalized in this series?
Junior Sanchez: “It’s surreal, to be honest. WMC has been such a huge part of my life—it’s where I cut my teeth, where I learned what it means to be part of a movement. Being part of this documentary is like taking a walk down memory lane. I get to relive those wild nights, the deep conversations, and the creative energy that defined an era. More than that, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about the passion, the camaraderie, and the unyielding belief in the power of music to change lives. I’m honored to share my story and to help show the world what WMC really stands for.”
Q: DJ Bill Kelly, as a co-founder of WMC, your perspective is invaluable. Could you share your thoughts on what WMC has meant for the industry over the past 35 years?
DJ Bill Kelly: “Looking back, WMC isn’t just an event—it’s been a lifeline for the electronic music community. When we started out, dance music was an underground phenomenon. We were a small group of enthusiasts who believed in the power of music to bring people together. Over the years, WMC grew into a global phenomenon, setting the stage for some of the most important developments in the industry. It’s been a forum for innovation, a place where creative minds could meet and share ideas, and ultimately, a catalyst for change. This documentary is not only a record of those historic moments but also a tribute to the countless individuals who made it all possible. I’m incredibly proud of what WMC has become and excited for the future.”
Q: Parag, as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, how do you see the role of live music and festivals evolving, particularly in the context of this documentary’s message?
Parag Bhandari: “The pandemic forced us all to rethink what live music means. It stripped away the excess and left us with the raw, unadorned truth of what we love about this industry: the connection between people, the thrill of a live performance, and the shared experience of music. This documentary captures that spirit. It shows how even in the darkest times, music has a way of uniting us. As live events begin to return, I see a renewed appreciation for the communal aspects of music. Festivals and conferences like WMC are not just entertainment—they’re a celebration of culture, creativity, and resilience. Our project serves as a reminder of that enduring power, and I believe it will inspire a new generation of artists and fans to embrace live music with a renewed passion.”
Q: Tommie, could you talk about a specific moment during the production that was particularly challenging or emotionally charged, and how it ultimately contributed to the overall narrative of the documentary?
Tommie Sunshine: “There was one moment that stands out. We were conducting a remote interview with an artist who had been deeply involved in the early days of WMC. As he recounted a particularly raw and personal memory—the struggles, the triumphs, the sheer determination it took to keep the spirit of the underground alive—I could hear the emotion in his voice. Despite the distance and the limitations of remote filming, that conversation resonated on a human level. It was a reminder that the essence of WMC isn’t in the flashy lights or the big names; it’s in the stories of real people who poured their hearts into their craft. That interview became a cornerstone of the documentary, embodying the resilience and raw passion that define our community.”
Q: Junior, what message do you hope viewers take away after watching this documentary?
Junior Sanchez: “I hope viewers see that WMC is more than a series of events or a collection of parties—it’s the backbone of a movement that transformed music. It’s about legacy, passion, and the idea that no matter how challenging times get, the spirit of creativity endures. I want people to feel inspired, to understand that the struggles we’ve faced only make our successes that much sweeter. Ultimately, it’s a love letter to the culture that shaped us all.”
Q: DJ Bill Kelly, how do you envision the documentary influencing future generations of electronic music artists and industry professionals?
DJ Bill Kelly: “History has a way of inspiring the future. This documentary isn’t just a look back at what we’ve accomplished; it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when you follow your passion. By sharing our story—the triumphs, the setbacks, and everything in between—I hope it encourages young artists to push boundaries, take risks, and believe in the power of community. The legacy of WMC is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together around a shared love for music. I’m confident that this project will serve as both a source of inspiration and a reminder that the future of electronic music is as bright as we make it.”
The Broader Impact: Reflections on an Industry in Flux
As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that its impact goes far beyond nostalgia. It serves as a historical record of a time when the electronic music scene was undergoing radical transformation—a time when live events were the crucible of creativity and the barriers between artists and audiences were minimal. In many ways, the film is a meditation on the power of community and the unyielding spirit of those who refused to let their art be silenced by circumstance.
Winter Music Conference 2025: A Glimpse into the Future
While the documentary is a look back at an illustrious past, it also sets the stage for what’s to come. With Winter Music Conference 2025 just around the corner, scheduled to take place in Miami from [Insert Official Dates], the excitement is palpable. Badge registration is now open, and industry insiders, artists, and fans are eagerly anticipating a week of groundbreaking panels, electrifying performances, and invaluable networking opportunities. The upcoming conference promises to build on the legacy showcased in the documentary, offering a space where the past, present, and future of electronic music converge. It’s an event that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of what live music experiences can be in a post-pandemic world. For anyone who has been part of the journey, or even for those just discovering the magic of dance music, WMC 2025 is an unmissable experience. For more information about badge registration and the full schedule of events, visit the Winter Music Conference 2025 website. As the documentary’s global premiere approaches, it’s clear that WMC continues to be a beacon of inspiration, a gathering that not only celebrates the history of electronic music but also sets the course for its future.
A Closer Look at the Documentary’s Structure
The documentary is divided into five distinct episodes, each offering a deep dive into a unique aspect of the WMC legacy:
Episode 1: The Parties: The groundbreaking Winter Music events that gave rise to iconic record labels, exclusive artist collaborations, and the unforgettable club nights that defined dance music culture from throughout South Beach.
Episode 2: House Music Wonderland: Legendary electronic music figureheads including Paul Oakenfold, Chocolate Puma, Todd Terry, Arthur Baker, Tommie Sunshine, Junior Sanchez, and more reflect on Strictly Rhythm – the seminal electronic music label, and Winter Music Conference’s immeasurable impact on developing house music culture.
Episode 3: The Record Exchange: House Music legends Junior Sanchez, Todd Terry, and more reflect on how WMC’s legendary record exchange became a crucial hub for DJs and producers, fueling the underground and launching new sounds worldwide.
Episode 4: The Mongoloids: Enough said.
Episode 5: Hits Were Made Here: How the Winter Music Conference became more than just a conference—it became a movement, shaping the careers, trends, and industry standards that define today’s electronic music landscape where “hits were made.”
Reflections on the Future of Electronic Music
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in live music, the documentary serves as a powerful reminder that the past is never truly gone—it lives on in every beat, every melody, and every shared moment of cultural significance. The story of WMC is one of constant reinvention, of pushing boundaries despite adversity, and of the indomitable spirit that continues to fuel the electronic music revolution. The interviews with Parag Bhandari, Tommie Sunshine, DJ Bill Kelly, and Junior Sanchez underscore the belief that the legacy of WMC is not static; it is evolving, adapting, and inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike. Their stories are a testament to the power of community, the importance of perseverance, and the enduring allure of a shared musical journey.
