Following a four year break, the iconic DJ AWARDS is back for its 23rd Anniversary on October 2nd at Club Chinois in Ibiza.
The DJ AWARDS were founded in 1998 by José Pascual and Lenny Krarup, and since then have been recognised as ‘an Oscars for electronic dance music’. Now under new ownership and with substantial investment, the awards are a vital way to celebrate and support global DJ culture and recognise high achievement across the whole sector with high-profile ceremonies that platform the best of the best in several different categories.
The theme for this first edition of the DJ AWARDS in its new era is Unity, which has always been a core principle of dance music. This theme reflects the need, which is greater than ever now, to bring people together, to celebrate our differences, to create new bonds both personally, musically and emotionally between people from all backgrounds and all different areas of the music industry.
“Music has power – the power to unite us, to cheer us up, to give us the chills, to instantly remind us of a long lost memory, to create a vibe, to set a mood, or to even motivate change. That is why we have chosen the theme of Unity for the DJ Awards 2024 reboot with the launch of our Best Dancefloor Memory user generated competition which will see everyone everywhere share their top memories via Instagram, tagging @thedjawards and our panel of judges will select someone from any corner of the globe to come to Ibiza and collect a genuine DJ Award that they can keep on the mantelpiece forever” says Andy Grant, new owner of DJ AWARDS
As such, a diverse, inclusive and independent industry panel has been assembled in order to draw up these nominations to ensure they are as fair and representative as possible. The categories to be voted on are long time genre-cornerstones of electronic music including House, Tech House, Drum & Bass and Techno, while the undeniably influential return of Progressive House and Trance will also be represented, as will newer breakthrough genres Organic House and Afro, both of which have become standout creative niches with vast followings all over the world and several pioneering new artists leading the charge.
The more main room sounds of International DJ will also be featured, while the world’s finest Live Acts will also be represented next to a Breakthrough category that looks to recognise the most exciting new names to have made their mark since the last awards four years ago.
Alongside these categories will be a comprehensive selection of Industry Awards with winners voted for by industry professionals from the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM). They are split into two sections, firstly Global featuring Global Festival, What’s Hot Global – Outstanding Global Tour Award, Eye on…’USA’, Play It Back which is for the best charity contribution or outstanding achievement within or outside the electronic music scene, and Most Memorable Dance Floor Moment. The second section has a focus on the White Isle with Ibiza Track of the Summer, Ibiza Icon and Ibiza Party of the Summer.
The countdown is now on to what will be a historic night that recognises the most outstanding talents, musical innovations, and key contributions made in the electronic music community over the last few years.
The full list of nominees can be found below. Have your say and vote for your favourite artist from the listed categories here.