Interview - Lead Events

Lead Events, breathing new life back into iconic trance event brand.

When Oxygen; NZ’s most successful and longest-standing trance event suffered a fall from grace earlier 2010, the future of the event seemed improbable.

Many loyal fans and DJ’s were shocked and disappointed. Oxygen had provided an opportunity to experience and play along side the 20+ international acts hosted here over the past 5years - and so the scene was set to lose a stronghold in luxury dance party’s.

But resuscitation is coming in the form of Lead Events; Claude Sabatier, Darren Knight, Kurt Erickson & Mike V. With a wealth of experience, unparalleled devotion to electronic dance music and range of diverse and complimentary skills, the team is excited about injecting some fresh new ideas into Oxygen and pledging to bring the party back to the forefront.

Menu Mag recently caught up with the guys from Lead Events:

So Lead Events, tell us about the name, what it means and how did you all come together?

(Claude Sabatier) After a number of years of playing on gigs together, we found we share a common vision. Between us we have a range of diverse and complimentary skills which will enable us to bring this vision to fruition. We aim to lead the way in offering unique and high quality events with original & unique international acts.

Oxygen:5th Anniversary is coming up - for those who have not been to an Oxygen dance party tell us a bit about what we can expect?

(Mike V) Quality DJ’s who have a massive passion for the art of mixing and the most upfront music selection you will find anywhere in New Zealand on the trance podium. For trance lovers – Oxygen covers everything from progressive, vocal, tech and uplifting. Oxygen has always been renowned for its fantastic visual and sound production coupled with unique entertainment. The Lead Team are also seasoned clubbers so expect a well structured evening to warm you up for lift off in comfortable clean surroundings.

Most of all – the Oxygen crowd is what makes this event so unique in a relaxed, fun, friendly and electric atmosphere you wont forget.

And apart from Oxygen will there be any other labels branching off Lead Events?

(Kurt Erickson) Absolutely – we are proud to introduce our newest addition to the family: Carbon. Which will be launched at Oxygen on the 28th August. Check out the local hand picked line up to get an idea of the cutting edge genres that will feature on this new brand.

Also keep an eye out for a return to Vaccine in 2011.

If you had an unlimited budget what Internationals you would like to bring over?

Off the top - Definitely Armin van Buuren with his massive stage production & live acts. Markus Schulz, Aly-Fila and Roger Shah to support.
Perhaps for the Carbon room we would feature: Daft Punk,  Joris Voorn, James Zabiela, Sasha & Digweed (b2b) and Trentemoller (Live)

What does Oxygen mean this time round?

(Darren Knight)
Ocean breeze
Xtreme conditions
Y not come aboard
Gather the sails
Enter the galley
Nautical voyage

To stay up-to-date with Lead Events sign up to their mailing list to receive exclusive updates and links to great music content and competitions.

Or find them on facebook.com/leadevents and twitter.com/leadevents