The EM Awards expand on global platforms and highlight equal representation in 2018

In 2018, the EM Awards are hoping to shed some light on the voting committee as well, which consists of label heads, major festival promoters, artists and other music industry leaders - all of whom have been chosen by Paul Oakenfold and The EM Awards team.

“The people chosen for this role have been in the scene for a long time and done great things for the community,” Alan explains. “We also have younger committee members too. It's important that we ensure that the younger generation is well represented.” The nominees for each category have yet to be chosen.

Additionally, the Electronic Music Awards will make an effort to extend out a bring other electronic music genres into the fold, such as drum ‘n’ bass and jungle. After having an admittedly “small” amount of female representation at last year’s exhibition, The EM Awards is determined to make sure that this year's edition is teeming with female talent.

“We need to have strong female representation because they're completely dominating the scene: everyone from Rezz to Peggy Gou to Black Madonna to Honey Dijon and Alison Wonderland (who won Best New Artist at last year’s EM Awards). It's important to us that we get them to this show. We’re currently working really hard to do that."

Stay tuned for more details about The EM Awards. Watch the official announcement video and Orbital's live performance from last year's event below.

Cameron is Mixmag's Jr. Editor. Follow him on Twitter here