31 October 2007 - 0 Comments
Wellington DJ Josh McEntee aka JMC has been named New Zealands best drum and bass DJ at what is without a doubt one of the biggest events on the dance music calendar in New Zealand, the Rumble in the Jungle National Final.
Now in its sixth year, Rumble in the Jungle is a drum and bass DJ competition that is judged on technical ability, timing, tune selection and creativity, DJs compete for the glory – and the huge haul of prizes. JMC, aka Josh McEntee from Wellington, became the 2007 grand prize winner, having already won the Wellington heat to qualify. He took home the top of the line Allen & Heath Xone:92 DJ mixer supplied by Jansen Professional Audio and Lighting, as well as some custom molded ear plugs and a spot on the main stage at the huge Phat08 New Years Eve festival.
“Awesome!” was how JMC described his win, after taking out the competition following his head to head battle with DJ Static (Auckland) in the final round in front of the sell out crowd. Having both advanced through the CD entry stage, the Wellington regional qualifier and the first two rounds of the final, JMC and DJ Static laid down their best sets to show the four experienced judges that they had what it takes to claim the number one spot. DJ Static showed massive technical prowess, using three decks often, and almost always having two tunes in the mix. But it was JMC’s super tight beat matching, timing and tune selection that saw him reign supreme in the end.
The event is renowned for breaking through talented unknowns. Last years champ, Mr Smith has since released a mix CD on Empathy recordings, featuring some of the best New Zealand Drum and Bass productions on offer, and has supported numerous internationals, including the worlds Number 1 Drum and Bass DJ, Andy C.
Already JMC has been booked for upcoming gigs, and is looking forward to playing to the 5000 strong crowd at Phat08.
Also of note in the 2007 final was 15 year old competitor, DJ Hank from Christchurch. His family had to be present as a guardian to make his performance in the licensed club legal, and his appearance at the final was his second time playing in a club ever. Hank ended up taking third place, a massive achievement for someone so young, and with so little experience in the club scene.
The Rumble in the Jungle is New Zealand's premiere dance music DJ competition, and has been running for 6 years now - it only does so with the support of its sponsors, Jansen Professional Audio and Lighting, Allen & Heath, Phat08, Noise Zealand Clothing and Bassdrop.co.nz.
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