Electronic Groove Interview: Holmar, M.A.N.D.Y., and Parties4Peace
Parties4Peace (P4P) is a non-profit event production and fundraising organization that hosts music and art events to support various global initiatives focused on education, sustainability, equality, and disaster relief. P4P unites people to create a culture of peace through dance and music, emphasizing collaborations with those who seek the platform to make a difference.
The Music & Art Peace Academy (MAPA) aims to provide artists, musicians, and producers from around the world with experiences and resources that further enhance and develop their creative talents. In partnership with the international NGO Peace Boat–which travels the world by ship to promote peace education and sustainability–MAPA invites aspiring young creators to participate in global voyages onboard the ship as well as on-land programs to engage in workshops, lectures and hands-on learning opportunities alongside professional artists. This year Parties4Peace celebrates its 15 Year Anniversary alongside artists Philipp Jung and Holmar Filipssonduring their annual Patagonica tour Vol 10 in Chile, South America as part of the MAPA project.
Electronic Groove: Parties4Peace is celebrating its 15 Year Anniversary this year – what do you think has been the impact of this project over the years?
Emilie: Since Parties4Peace was founded in 2002, we have organized hundreds of events and collaborations to support local organizations making positive change. I have seen artists and producers take a completely new path in their careers to continue the friendships they have built through our exchange programs. From the Red Dot Relief project with Seth Troxler and Jay Haze to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan after the earthquake in 2011 or the local events we organized in New York, Miami and Tokyo to support indigenous communities and education in Latin America, all of the funds are donated towards important causes. I truly believe that we have built a platform that has lasted through the years and continues to inspire artists, organizers, and everyone in our dance music community to make a positive contribution through our events.
EG: What inspired you to start Parties4Peace?
Emilie: I spent many years volunteering for different projects in Latin America when I was younger and I was inspired to give back and continue to learn more about global issues. Our first Parties4Peace event was held in 2002 at a small club in Japan to raise funds to build a community center in rural area of El Salvador, where I had previously volunteered for an educational project. Soon after, we saw that so many Djs, artists, producers and people working in the music industry were interested in joining us to make a positive difference through art and music. I had also studied in Chile and spent 10 days hiking in Patagonia to explore the pristine nature of Torres del Paine. I wanted to share these experiences with other artists and create programs for cultural exchange amongst music producers. Parties4Peace invites artists to donate their time and talent to raise funds for important causes. My original aim was to create a platform for artists to give back to their communities and help make a global impact.
