International Dance Music Awards Voting Has Begun

What do Katy Perry, Knife Party, Duck Sauce, Avicii and LMFAO have in common? No, it’s not some bizarro remix collaboration or strange after party; it’s Miami’s Winter Music Conference.

One of the largest electronic music events in the world, WMC has been going down since 1985 and attracts 60,000+ attendees, (mostly artists, producers, promoters and other industry professional from around the world), for a week of seminars, panels, lectures, spin-offs and, (I’m assuming), at least few bitchin’ dance parties.

The main event at WMC is the IDMAs, (the International Dance Music Awards, if you’re over the acronyms). The 57 awards given out during this ceremony are categorized into three realms (Music, Business Achievement and Audio Equipment) that cover all beats of the electro-world, from 2011’s favorites in trance to jungle to minimal to the best radio stations, apps, clubs, festivals and label executives. WMC prides itself on the fact that the IDMA’s are, as they put it: “the convergence of industry legends and emerging talent alike” and “an essential platform for career launching appearances.” 2012 marks the IDMA’s 27th installment.

Last year, two million votes from 183 countries were cast, resulting in winners including deadmau5 (Best North American DJ), Armin van Buuren (best global DJ), and BBC Radio 1 (best global radio station). All three of these winners are nominees again this year – in the exact same categories. Nominees in the much sought after best breakthrough DJ category include Alesso, Dada Life, Flux Pavilion, R3hab, Porter Robinson, Maya Jane Coles, Orjan Nilson and Hardwell, but notably, no Skrillex. (Although he did get the nod in the Best North American DJ category along with Bassnectar, Deadmau5, Erick Morillo, Kaskade, Markus Schulz, Morgan Page and Steve Aoki).

Voting for this year’s IDMAs began yesterday and is open to everyone, and yes that means YOU. Make your selections (you can vote one time) at the conference’s website through March 1.