DJ Tech Awards 2011 - Introduction
DJ Tech Awards - 2011
It's show-time again! After 2011's successful DJmag Tech Awards at BPM, Europe's biggest DJ event, we are back in Birmingham with a new panel of industry judges for our best event to date. But before the action can begin, we need YOU to cast your votes on some of the hottest new DJ and production equipment around.
The DJmag Tech awards is reliant on YOU to be part of this amazing event. We need you to go online at djmag.com and vote for your favourite bit of kit that you want to see put through its paces live before our panel of expert judges.
As last year, we will be judging eight categories live at the BPM show at Birmingham's NEC Arena. Your votes will be counted and the top three products from the first eight categories listed on the next few pages will go through to our special live Grand Final on the weekend of 1st and 2nd October at BPM.
Manufacturers will have only a few minutes to show off their kit and try to impress our panel of industry experts. This is not going to be easy as the competition between the manufacturers and their products is closer than ever this year. Our knowledgeable judges will be tougher than before, delivering the hard questions and leaving no stone unturned as they score the products on build, sound quality, features, ease of use, and - all importantly - value for money. Once through this intimidating process, the winners will be announced and presented with their well-earned awards.
The winners of the remaining categories will be selected purely from your public votes, and will be announced at the BPM show.
The Tech Awards Panel
Mick Wilson
DJmag Tech editor Mick Wilson is no stranger to hi-tech studio and DJ gadgetry, thanks to his recording and DJing work with Sioux City Boys Club as well as his DJ sets as part of the DJmag All-Stars. Mick will be using all of his industry expertise to host the debate and make sure order is kept in the demonstration arena.
"Every year the Tech Awards just get better and better and I am glad to be a part of it. This year is a whole new ball game as all the manufacturers are delivering top quality kit, and the line between pro and bedroom DJing has really blurred. This is going to be a very difficult event to judge, as the competition between the manufacturers is so close."
Sean Tyas
Born and bred in the Big Apple (NYC) but now living in Swizterland, Sean Tyas is one of the newest stars to come out of the trance scene. His musical productions have been getting playlist support from many of the top bods likes Armin van Buuren, Tië, Paul van Dyk, Above & Beyond and Judge Jules, and he's DJ'd at many top nights such as Ministry Of Sound, Gods Kitchen and Global Gathering. The Tyas sound is definitely one to get you trance heads a-grooving.
"I am really looking forward to this year's DJmag Tech awards, it was an honour to be asked to be a judge at such a prestigious event. My background comes strongly from the production side of things, and my view of DJ gear is as something to enhance the work I have already completed in the studio, so this will be the angle that I'll be watching for when it comes to the live demonstrations."
Joachim Garraud
Alien-obsessed electro-house DJ and producer Joachim Garrud was originally David Guetta's long-time studio partner. He has worked with many a top act within the dance music scene, and has since emerged from behind the mixing desk to carve his own niche as a DJ/producer with killer cuts like 'Street Sounds' and his long-player 'Invasion'.
"I feel honoured to be involved with the DJmag Tech awards. I have always respected this section of the mag for its knowledgeable insight and the way technology is reviewed."
Kutski
One of our favourite judges from the past makes a welcome return to this year's Tech Awards. BBC Radio One's Kutski joins us on the panel to quiz the manufacturers on the technical nitty-gritty of the equipment that's going to be on show. Kutski is a well-renowned techy who just loves getting down to the bare bones when it comes to DJ and production gear.
"I am really looking forward to judging the DJmag Tech Awards at the NEC in Birmingham. I see my equipment as an extension of my physical self: what I choose to use and how I use it is the key to a full and wider expression of what's inside. That's why it's just as important to inspire technology as it is to be inspired by technology."
Mat Playford
Mat is beyond doubt one of the rising stars of the DJ/production scene and is eager to embrace new technology within his sets. He currently resides as We Love... resident in Ibiza and he has created his own custom-built mega synth that he incorporates into his DJing sets. This guy knows a thing or two about technology, that's for sure.
"With music technology moving so fast, I am looking forward to seeing and hearing all the latest bits of kit and what this year's products have to offer the scene in general. There are some exciting times and prospects ahead."