Turntable Tuesday: Trace Harris of Smartie Partie

Photo Cyrus Chang

Hi Trace! We heard that you're big on Harley Davidsons and motorbikes. How did this love start and what do you have in your collection?
I’ve always been a fan of the Red Indians (from the American West). And from the age of 12, I’ve always thought Harleys were a modern day equivalent to the horse. So as soon as I was able I get myself one, I bought a V-Rod and my girlfriend SP Claire rides a Sportster. How cool is that?

You've been in the music scene for quite a while, what's your secret to your boundless energy and enthusiasm?

That’s a very easy answer. Love what you do and every gig you get, and be thankful that you’re doing what you love.

Smartie Partie started as an after-party. What are some of the things that you think is essential in making an after-party great?

Be active and connect with the people that follow your events, ie. be one of the crowd as well as be in charge and mix with everyone–whoever they are.

Tell us why Smartie Partie is going to be different than most parties Malaysians may have attended here.
Smartie Partie is a full-on dance event and mini festival. We don’t just follow “X” style of house music and put “X” DJ on; we use a vast variety of great house DJs used to playing gigs like Bora Bora "Ibiza", which is possibly the most famous beach party in the world. Plus, Smartie Partie is about live percussion/FX (me) and the best dancers you will ever see plus visuals/effects and so much more. Everywhere you look there is something going on to excite the eyes and the ears. I believe if you don’t enjoy an event like this, you don’t enjoy life.

What are your thoughts on how Smartie Partie has gone from after-party to a party that travels the world?

We have travelled to countries where house music has only just begun (it’s been going for 20 years in the UK and Ibiza). And we believe the combination of live percussion and dancers is the perfect formula to convert people onto this wonderful music called house. Commercial music like r ‘n’ b and hip hop often preach about violence, but house is the friendliest music and has no racial divide. It’s global and it’s everyone, and when you understand it, nothing compares.

What's a good way for Malaysians who run into you at Smartie Partie to break the ice with you?

Run into me?? Hope they’re not in a car! No, I’m joking. I have time for everyone, and if I could I’d go and shake everyone’s hand and thank them for supporting this amazing party and letting us entertain them. We are very lucky.

You have such a large crew of people you travel with for Smartie Partie. How do you get along with everyone?
Great question. SP chooses DJs/dancers "very carefully". We expect everyone to be respectful of their surroundings, and we expect everyone to be happy and mix well with whomever they meet.

What should be in people's minds when they are at Smartie Partie and when they leave?
People should be fully aware that music (along with sport) is quite possibly the most wonderful thing for bringing good/nice people together. Music has no color/religion and it does not divide. It truly brings people together as one and everyone that attends must take away with them this thought: Trace, Smartie Partie promoter and percussionist, and all round nice guy….

Hehe, right on dude.

Want to get in on the Smartie Partie action? Check our blog entry on the event or surf www.lmerevent.com/sp or www.smartiepartie.com.