Om Records, Audio Academy Partner

Aspiring DJs battle for world stage in Miami

TORONTO, CANADA: AudioAcademy.fm, the industry's rising electronic music resource centre, has partnered with San Francisco's Om Records, the leading electronic music company, to provide a world stage for one lucky aspiring DJ at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida, held March 24 to 28.

The Battle of the DJs II contest, which runs from January 11 to March 14, allows unknown turntablists to upload an original track or mix to the AudioAcademy web site for consideration by the public at large. The winner, based on the number of votes received, will have a career-launching opportunity to spin at the Om Records party during the major electronic dance music event that sees 5,000 industry professionals and 75,000 club-goers flock to the city from more than 60 countries.

"This is an amazing opportunity for us to work with a world class record label," says Audio Academy founder Alen Bubich. "Om represents some of the biggest producers and DJs in the world, they put on massive events in Dubai, LA, Brazil, Ibiza and Tokyo and have placed tracks in major TV and film properties. Their integrity and creativity is beyond reproach and teaming with Om helps us open the door for young DJs and producers in a way we didn't think was possible even a few short months ago. Needless to say, our entire member base is extremely excited and thankful for this opportunity."

"It is vitally important for us to help foster growth within the electronic music industry," adds Head of A&R at Om Records Jonathan McDonald. "As a company we feel a responsibility to help emerging talent gain valuable exposure. Partnering with Audio Academy allows us to extend this invitation globally to the teeming mass of burgeoning neophyte DJs who have not yet had the assist and guidance required to gain recognition within the industry. Together, we're endeavoring to give DJs, Producers, and ultimately fans a life altering experience that may even lead to uncovering the next Kaskade."

The New York Times article called the Winter Music Conference "one of the most anticipated clubbing events in the country," a point Bubich takes a step further. "For a member of the Audio Academy to not only be at the event, but moreover to give someone a chance to spin there, it's like saying, 'Hey, how would you like to take to the court with Michael Jordan in game seven of the NBA finals?'"

The Battle of the DJs II, which last year gave the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inaugural winner Frank Oliver from Portugal at the BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen, is just one key component to AudioAcademy.fm's mandate. A much-needed one-stop resource centre for DJs and producers, the site also offers online turntable software DxAudio, the first of its kind that uses Adobe Flex technology to bring the power of runtime C based libraries to online music production. "We're offering tools, guidance, and in the case of this contest, opportunities where none existed previously," says Bubich.

The Battle of the DJs II grand prize includes a guaranteed 45-minute set at the Om Records Winter Music Conference party, flight, hotel, and $500 DJ fee.