There were tons of highlights at this year’s EDM Awards, which iHeart Radio’s Hollywood Hamilton hosted at the Fountainbleau Hotel during Miami Music Week 2023.
For example: Mau P, one of 2023’s newest and most exciting voices, won both House Song of The Year and Dance Song of The Year for his work on “Drugs From Amsterdam,” the hypnotic and siren-laden debut house track of this artist who has taken European and American markets by storm.
Also: industry legends Martin Garrix and Calvin Harris—regulars at the EDM Awards and recipients of several awards themselves—performed sets for an exclusive, invite-only crowd.
But one of the night’s biggest highlights was undoubtedly Greek-Australian DJ Vassy’s win of the Icon Award, the first woman to be the recipient of this prestigious statue.
A legend in her own right, Vassy’s career trajectory has always pointed towards big wins at some of the industry’s most exclusive award shows. Still, the achievement is a defining moment in the artist’s professional life and a momentous win for female producers and artists everywhere.
Having amassed billions of streams on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and with a discography that includes a whopping seven No. 1 Billboard Dance Singles, Vassy is a singer, producer, and songwriter with a resume set to rival many of those from the most significant male artists in the industry.
A certified RIAA Platinum and Gold recording artist, Vassy was the first Australian artist to go No. 1 with her solo single debut release, “We Are Young.” And most recently, Vassy hit the 2 billion stream milestone with her global hit “Bad,” a collaboration with DJ David Guetta and Showtek.
Vassy’s music has been featured in a variety of films, most notably the Tina Fey film Admission and Disney’s Oscar-winning Frozen. In addition, she’s worked with the best of the best in the industry—think Afrojack, David Guetta, Tiesto, and KSHMR, amongst others—and has been an active member and contributor the dance music community since 2003.
Of her momentous win at the EDM Awards, Vassy had this to say:
"To be recognized for my art and contribution to the dance community by my industry and the fans in the dance space is such a rewarding moment and monumental career highlight."
While the win is certainly a recognition from the artist’s loyal fandom, there’s no denying that it’s as much an acknowledgment of Vassy’s incredible work ethic and dedication to the art form. In a male-dominated industry, this Australian DJ has managed not only to carve her own place within lineups at some of the biggest electronic dance festivals in the world but also to develop a uniquely-Vassy artistic voice, instantly recognizable and much-loved by international audiences.
With the EDMA Icon Award in hand, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this producer—whatever it is, we can now definitely describe Vassy’s work as iconic.
To keep up to date on all things dance music, keep checking in with us here at Nexus Radio.
