Bringing together people from all different genres in one club is not an easy task at all but with the DJ Awards going for categories including techno, trance, deep house, downtempo and the newly added Dubstep/Bass, a motley crew in the last week of September was assembled. It was the 15th time Pacha gathered the most influential players in the electronic music scene with the purpose of giving credit where credit is due.
Winners from each category were selected by the online votes of the general public with a number of special awards being chosen by a panel of judges. The usual suspects were there again with Armin Van Buuren taking the coveted green trophies for Trance and International and Carl Cox fighting of stiff completion for the Techno gong. There were a few new names to take note of with Chase and Status, Maceo Plex among the winners and Pacha’s own Andy Baxter getting his reward for 10 years as resident in the form of Best Ibiza DJ title.
For the first time a rock icon was amongst the winners with Lenny Kravitz taking the prize for Ibiza Live Performance for his appearance at Ibiza 123 Festival. Nero accepted the Award for Dance Nation Of The Year on behalf of Australia and Soundcloud being acknowledged for their contribution to the music industry getting the Cutting Edge trophy.
As with any awards ceremony there were a few surprises. More than a few eyebrows were raised with the awarding of best newcomer to Arty. Arty followed last year’s support gig of Armin Van Buuren by playing a solitary set this summer at Space opening. With the likes of Nina Kraviz, Solomun and Matador being so prominent this season with some great sets and a number of magazine cover being overlooked, questions were being raised about the lack of transparency of the voting.
Despite having so many world’s best DJs all in one room the atmosphere was subdued. There was a sense of anticipation, but as the wine flowed it was a chance for many to reflect on another eventful season and to catch up with their peers (for once without having to strain their voices over the club music that was being celebrated). Music is subjective to say the least, and with the winners having been honoured, discussions on the merits of the DJ Awards and the party continued into the night.
Check out all the winners of the DJ Awards 2012 below.
If you want to have your say next year be sure to vote!
All winners below:
Techno: Carl Cox
Downtempo: Nightmares On Wax
Dubstep/Bass: Chase and Status
Trance: Armin Van Buuren
Deep House: Maceo Plex
New Comer: Arty
Tech House: Seth Troxler
Electro House: Tiesto
International: Armin Van Buuren
Electronic Live Performance: Faithless Sound System
Special Awards
Cutting Edge: Soundcloud
Dance Nation Of The Year: Australia
Ibiza DJ: Andy Baxter
Ibiza Night: Joint Winners: Vagabundos & ENTER
International Festival: Tomorrowland
Ibiza Live Performance: Lenny Kravitz at Ibiza 123
Media: Pacha Magazine
Producer: Solomun
Track Of The Season: Party Non Stop by Pirupa