The yellow carpet has been rolled up for another year. The miles of cables have been packed away until our next live event. And the entire drum & bass scene is currently nursing a serious hangover…
Suffice to say the Drum&BassArena Awards 2012 has been a huge success. Our biggest ceremony to date, the 1500 capacity venue was sold out, with all free tickets and VIP tables being snapped up long before the event took place.
Streamed to a global audience and attended by the biggest names in the industry, each award was received rapturously and with great respect. Why? Because YOU voted for them. The Drum&BassArena Awards isn’t a self-congratulatory back patting exercise… It’s about wrapping up a year in beats and letting the music lovers tell us who smashed it over the last 12 months.
In case you didn’t attend, or watch the stream, or get our email, or use any social media since last night, the winners are all listed below. Congratulations to all. Not just the winners. Not just the nominees. But to anyone who took part, voted and supported the scene. Thank you!
Best DJ: Andy C
The undisputable fans’ favourite since the Drum&BassArena Awards was established five years ago, Andy C captures the dancefloor’s respect for yet another year. Continuing to push drum & bass boundaries to their extremes, whether he’s commanding his high tech 350 button Alive show or rolling out the dubs in the inimitable way only he knows how, Andy C remains the people’s champion for another year.
Best Producer: Calyx & TeeBee
It’s been an incredible year for the UK/Norway duo Calyx & TeeBee. After five years of studio soul-searching, 2012 has seen them prove their impeccable sonic scope more than ever before in 2012. From soul-coated rollers such as Elevate This Sound to street-wise hip-hop influences such as Pure Gold, the duo have found favour with fans in all corners of the D&B community.
Best MC: DRS
DRS’s wry and witty observations have achieved major recognition this year. And it’s well deserved. Taking his A-game to the next level with his debut album I Don’t Usually Like MCs But… His command of the mic has transcended from articulate stage control to studio splendour. Very few MCs have managed to achieve this type of album in the history of drum & bass: DRS has nailed it with a stunning precedent.
Best Newcomer DJ: Fred V & Grafix
Fans’ favourite at every single Hospitality event and beyond, all hail the whirlwind selector techniques of Fred V and Grafix. Whether they’re warming up or hogging the headline slot, the young duo have come into their own as DJs this year and their hard work has been noted with true distinction.
Best newcomer producer: Mefjus
Notching up releases on revered labels such as Phace & Misanthrop’s Neosignal and Chris Renegade’s Breed 12 Inches and Kasra’s Critical, Austrian producer Mefjus has had an incredible year, showcasing a broad style and intimate studio knowhow… And it’s been duly recognised by the fans. Props!
Best Newcomer MC: Linguistics
Not only Friction’s MC of choice, but the fans’ too: Linguistics’ crowd control and distinctive lyrical delivery has been a breath of fresh air this year. Currently working on some exciting hip-hop material, this Best Newcomer accolade suggests serious future promise. A true ceremony master.
Best Track: Calyx & TeeBee – Elevate This Sound
Possibly the hardest award of the year… 2012 has been full strength for all D&B flavours. Calyx & TeeBee scored the top slot, though, with the incredible Elevate This Sound. A tune that crossed over the dancefloor to the radio without so much as an edit, it struck the perfect balance of infectious vocals and a deep, dark groove. It’s also the very first track Calyx has ever taken to the mic. What a vocal debut!
Best Album: S.P.Y – What The Future Holds (Hospital Records)
2012: A benchmark year for drum & bass albums. There have been some awe-inspiring long players this year but it was S.P.Y’s What The Future Holds that scored the most props from the fans. Striking the finest line between headphone heaven and late night dancefloor behaviour, the Brazilian’s full length debut is a masterclass for any producer considering making a drum & bass album.
Best Label: Ram Records
Showcasing serious strategies from the very start of 2012, Andy C’s Ram Records stole the top spot this year. Masterminded by business baron Red One, the label has delivered with every release. From breaking new artists such as Rene LaVice to developing mighty headliners-in-waiting Loadstar, this awards sums up the label’s 20 year celebrations in true style.
Best Video: Calyx & TeeBee – Pure Gold (Ram Records)
Bringing Calyx & TeeBee’s award total to an impressive three, the video for Pure Gold knocked off the competition thanks to its stylised collage of New York City street life. Complete with some bad ass breakdancing and some serious camera fronting by MC Kemo, there’s no surprises this went as viral as it did.
Best Club Night: Hospitality
The lifeblood of the scene… Without club nights neither the DJs or the big tunes would have a home. This year the hotly contested award went to Hospitality. Living up to their name in every sense, Hospital Record’ party division have excelled themselves, splashing their party vibes from Manchester to Melbourne, and frequently selling out. Another well deserved win.
Best Festival: Outlook Festival
Roll over Blighty, it’s time for the international shindigs to represent… Fighting off homegrown competition in a major way, Croatian hedonism haven Outlook Festival scored the top spot. Boasting an immense line-up, a stunning location and wholly unique vibe, the fans have spoken… And given the UK’s longstanding traditional festival template a scary shake up in the process!
Best D&BTV Live: Icicle & Alix Perez
From our legendary studio sessions to our monthly parties, D&BTV has sported sets from the very best DJs in the game this year… Most notably, as far as the fans are concerned, Alix Perez & Icicle. Their performance during the special fund raising 24 hour long 200th show was stuff of legend, giving the troops a much needed boost at the 19th hour of non-stop beats. An exemplary lesson in serious b2b business.
Hall Of Fame 2012: Grooverider
One of the earliest DJs to recognise the creative breeding ground when breakbeats were thrown into the hardcore and techno genres, he instantly dropped the 4/4 and never looked back. Establishing Prototype Records in the early 90s, he provided a solid platform for artists such as Ed Rush, Optical, Lemon D, Photek and Bad Company. As a producer he dazzled dancefloors under the alias Codename John with tracks like the anthemic rave-blaster ‘Deep Inside Of Me’ and the stupidly massive ‘Warning’ on Metalheadz.
A selector who operates with true distinction. A tastemaker with a capital taste, this man is just as relaxed on the airwaves chatting to millions as he is spinning dubs in every reputable nightclub and dancehall on this planet. He’s supported the very best producers in the game from the ground up and continues to do so with every set he plays around the globe…. Grooverider is a more-than-worthy addition to the Drum&BassArena Hall Of Fame.