The annual Drum&BassArena Awards are back! Hosted by Jenna G, Dave Columbo Jenkins and Ama, the community-voted award ceremony celebrated the stars and newcomers of the drum & bass community.
Round 1 nominees for the Drum&BassArena Awards were announced in October, and a Round 2 list followed shortly after in early November. The night was packed with interviews, historic wins, and a trip down memory lane for DnB music in 2022.
In case you missed any of the important takeaways from the 2022 edition of the Drum&BassArena Awards, here are some highlights for you:
A.M.C Wins ‘Best DJ’ for the 5th Year in a Row
A.M.C took home the coveted Best DJ award at the Drum&BassArena Awards 2022. The night also saw A.M.C win Best Live Stream for his LIR 2022 performance. “I can’t thank everyone who has voted for me enough… My fans, who are involved with everything I do, they are just incredible,” said the artist in an interview after his wins. Hedex and Camo & Krooked grabbed the second and third places, respectively.
Hospital Records Stepped Down From ‘Best Label’ Category
“To share the spotlight with other amazing labels,” Hospital Records backed down from the Best Label category after 10 wins in over 13 years. Born on Road was named the winner this year, making them the first other record label to win this category in Drum&BassArena Awards’ 14-year run other than Hospital Records or RAM Records.
Sub Focus Bags ‘Best Track’ and ‘Best Producer’ Awards
Sub Focus nabs two important awards of the night with Best Producer and Best Track for ‘Off the Ground.’ “I feel like my production is going really well, and I’ve been enjoying myself in the studio. I feel like I am in the middle of a second wind of energy for production. So, that is really cool to get something like that (the award),” expressed the DJ after his monumental win.
Spinscott Performs at the Drum&BassArena Awards 2022
To celebrate his ten year career as ‘an original 100% live finger drummer for jungle and drum & bass,’ Spinscott delivered a special set at the Drum&BassArena Awards, his only performance this year. The DJ played a live version of his track ‘Listen’ after congratulating the nominees and winners of the ceremony.
Critics’ Choice Award Goes to John B
DJ turned live-streamer John B was selected as the Critics’ Choice winner. “It is a great honor. It’s nice to be still doing stuff in drum & bass now and being part of this. Thank you so much,” John B conveyed after his win. The DJ, together with host Dave Columbo Jenkins, discussed his transition as a professional streamer. John B rose to popularity with his catchy and intriguing bi-weekly drum & bass series, where he plays sets against various edited backdrops.
Drum&BassArena Awards Pays Tribute to Jay Bulletproof and MC Skibadee
The show honored the ‘fallen soldiers lost in the scene this year,’ particularly New Zealand’s finest DnB pioneer Jay Bulletproof and British drum & bass MC Skibadee.
MC Skibadee passed away earlier this year at the age of 47. He continues to be an influential figure in the drum & bass community with his distinct British rap and other everlasting accolades. Meanwhile in New Zealand, Jay Bulletproof was an inspiration to the DnB scene at large. His sudden demise left an indelible mark on the community in and outside of his home country.
Printworks Is Drum&BassArena Awards ‘Best Club’
This year featured a new category with Best Club. Drum&BassArena Awards’ previous edition featured a different variation of this category with Best Event, Best Club Night and Best Venue. Printworks grabbed the top spot, followed by Warehouse Project and fabric. This year saw venues from Amsterdam and Christchurch make it to the list of nominees for the first time ever!
Check out the winners of Drum&BassArena Awards 2022 HERE
