DJ Mag announce winners of alternative ‘Best of North America’ list

When fans think of the DJ Mag polls, their minds immediately go to the renowned Top 100 DJs. Whilst undoubtedly the magazine’s most popular poll, the accuracy and relevance of the Top 100 DJs has increasingly come under question. The rise in the number of campaigns urging fans to vote has seen the poll turn into more of a popularity contest than based on actual skill, whereas others question whether we should interpret the results as the best ‘DJ’ or best ‘producer’, which are two very different things.

Alternatively, on the same day that DJ Mag announce the opening of polls for the Top 100, they have announced the winners of their ‘Best of North America‘ list. Rather than ranking “winners” through an open, write-in platform which pits live performers, producers, and DJs against each other, the local awards presents staff-selected nominations in a variety of categories.

Some noteworthy winners include Porter Robinson for ‘Best Live Act‘ following his World tour and Shelter with Madeon, whilst Green Velvet picked up the award for ‘Best DJ‘. The results show a refreshing list of winners ranging between both mainstream and underground artists, depicting a more realistic, less biased view of the industry.

Check out the full list below:

Best DJ
Green Velvet

Best Producer
12th Planet

Best Breakthrough DJ
Lauren Lane

Best Breakthrough Producer
Eli Escobar

Best Live Act
Porter Robinson

Oustanding Contribution Award
Kerri Chandler

Best Label
Owsla

Best Breakthrough Label
Monstercat

Best Remix
Tiga ‘Planet E’ Feat. Hudson Mohawke (Danny Daze Polyester Remix)

Best Track/EP
Honey Dijon ‘Houze’ Feat. Seven Davis Jr.

Best Album
Kaytranada ‘99.9%’

Best Compilation
Dirtybird ‘Dirtybird Campout Compilation’

Best Venue – West
Exchange

Best Venue – Midwest
Smart Bar

Best Venue – South
Heart

Best Venue – North
Stereo

Best Venue – Northeast
Output