Pioneer Digital DJ Battle @ Sanctuary

By Ben Liew  •  in Reports
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DJ showdowns. We can’t get enough of ’em. Since 2003 Pioneer Digital DJ Battle has been unearthing new talent all over the world. Last December it was Malaysia’s turn and revellers thronged to The Sanctuary as early as 7pm for the 2009 installment of Pioneer’s Digital Battle final.

When JUICE got there Curve located venue was packed like it was a Saturday night, except tonight was a Thursday (Kudos then to the organiser.) Out of 60 entries, 18 were selected for the semi-finals and the top 5 for the final. Together with last year’s Champion DJ Gaijin (who automatically qualifies for the final), DJs Anowl, Victor Trixter, Ben Cracko, Elf and Nazzzero each had 20 minutes to blaze the decks and judging the competition were DJs Mic Hoh, Eugene, Terence C, Victor G and Pioneer Country Manager Raymond Lee.

As defending champ, Gaijin was up first, warming the decks with his cool house beats. Newcomer Victor Trixter lived up to his name dropping an unusual blend of house and funky tribal. 2006 JUICE DJ Quest winner Ben Cracko was next and proceeded to detonate some mean breakbeats like bombs, while DJ Elf delivered one helluva funky techno set. JUICE especially dug DJ Nazzzero who was all teeth when he went on – that’s one hardcore grin you got! But the night was clearly Anowl’s, his fans flooding onto the dancefloor upon his arrival.

In the end Victor Trixter and Ben Cracko took 2nd and 3rd place respectively and as predicted drum n bass advocate Anowl emerged top of the pile! Victory was certainly sweet for the 2008 JUICE DJ Quest winner; he had entered the contest twice in a row without winning – third time’s a charm as always! As Champion, Anowl will represent Malaysia in the Asian Pioneer Digital Battle 2010 to where he’ll deck it out with other DJs from across Asia.

Pioneer Digital DJ Battle 2009 went down on 10 December 2009 at Sanctuary. For more on Pioneer and the competition, visit www.pioneer.my and search for Pioneer on Facebook. Congratulations to all the DJs that took part and a massive big up to our man, Anowl!

Image Pioneer