The International Dance Music Awards will reveal the winners of this year’s edition during a special reception ceremony with Bridges For Music at Winter Music Conference on March 26.
Winter Music Conference (WMC) has long been intertwined with the International Dance Music Awards (IDMA). The two have undergone parallel journeys since the awards show debuted in 1985, and the four decades since have seen it remain a significant presence in the dance music industry. This year, the IDMAs will reunite with WMC for another historic awards show, with new details trickling in ahead of the festivities during Miami Music Week this year.
The conference will be capped off with a proper celebration during the Bridges For Music x IDMA reception on Thursday, March 26. There, the winners for the awards, which range from Artist of the Year and Best Album to Best Label and Best Festival/Event, along with various genre-specific artist awards, will be revealed.
Nominees for Artist Of The Year include Chris Lake, Fred again.., John Summit, Mau P, and Sara Landry, while Chloé Caillet, Jackie Hollander, Josh Baker, Kettama, and KI/KI have been nominated for Breakthrough Artist Of The Year. Additionally, the albums released by Charlotte de Witte, Chris Lake, Ninajirachi, Sammy Virji, and Skrillex have all received nods for the Best Album award. Additional awards will be given to those in specific genres, including dance, techno, house, melodic house and techno, progressive house, tech house, afro house, trance, bass, and drum and bass.
Beyond those receiving nominations for their artistry are those in the industry. Anjunabeats, Black Book, Defected, Drumcode, Experts Only, Insomniac, and Toolroom are all in the running for Best Label. Nominated festivals include Burning Man, Coachella, Creamfields, Dekmantel, EDC Las Vegas, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival. Meanwhile, Amnesia, Drumsheds, Echostage, Space, Hï, [UNVRS], and Ushuaïa have received nominations for Best Club.
The newly-formed IDMA Advisory Board, composed of major players in the electronic music community, will vote on the winners for this year’s edition. This adds credibility while ensuring honorees are recognized by professionals actively working in the dance music industry. Additionally, the advisory board will help define what the awards become in future years.
The full list of nominees can be found via the official website. WMC badge holders will gain access to the ceremony, which will bring together artists, nominees, and industry leaders. Stay tuned for this year’s IDMA winners to be revealed on Thursday, March 26.