PLANS for the 2016 edition of the much anticipated annual DJ Competition, Heineken Green Synergy were unveiled at a press launch last week.
The activity was held at Coco Resorts in Rodney Bay. There, Mindy-LuquianaChicot, Junior Brand Manager for Global Brands at Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd, organizers of the event, gave some insight into what is in store for this year’s event.
The press launch was attended by a number of DJs, the media and other specially invited guests.
“Heineken Green Synergy 2016 will unfold under the tagline ‘Amplify the Beat’, an indication that this year’s event will be grander, upsized and up-scaled, providing that level of entertainment and thrills that Heineken and by extension WLBL is renowned for,”Chicot said.
Pointing out that the event is now into its 13th year, Chicot said that it had gone beyond a mere competition. “Since the inception of Heineken Green Synergy, the event has also seen DJs grow into promoters,” she stated. “Additionally, Heineken Green Synergy has undoubtedly provided a platform for our DJs to gain exposure via the media. The event has also offered DJs training through various workshops as well as the opportunity to travel and participate in Heineken events across the region. Of course the prize money and trophy is the icing on the cake,” she explained.
One new component this year is a requirement for DJs to submit 10-minute demos out of which judges will select the ones gaining entry to the semi- final round.
According to Chicot, organizers are placing much emphasis on making the event as interactive as possible and fans and consumers will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite “DJ mix” via social media. “Our Facebook page will also offer Heineken Green Synergy fans and consumers the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes as well as tickets to the grand finals,” Chicot said.
The deadline for the submission of demos is tomorrrow and the two big public events for Heineken Green Synergy, will be the semifinal on September 18 and the final on September 25 at a venue to be announced.
Chicot went on to explain that this year’s event is not “late” since it was not launched at the beginning of August this year, as has happened in the past. “With the new approach we are embracing, we wanted to plan and produce a product that would take things up a few notches beyond previous events. We were also cognizant, that there was no need to end the event ahead of the reopening of school since Heineken Green Synergy is open to DJs (male and female) 18 years and over and as a responsible company our target audience for such an event is also 18 years and over,” she emphasized.
That said, the event according to organizers, will still bring the heat and passion of summer when it climaxes on September 25.
“We are stressing the need for DJs to have that degree of international competitive flair with the ability to mix and blend a variety of music genres. In other words – impress an audience with a world of music in keeping with Heineken’s global theme “Open your world,” Chicot says.
Also speaking at the event was Head Judge and one of the event’s coordinators Toni Nicholas. He explained that DJs will be judged in eight categories under a revised system this year. These areas include; Theme, Music Selection, Mixing Ability and Skill, Overall Performance, Use of Equipment, Use of Mic and Crowd Response.
“There will be a bonus category for a DJ who can bring to the table that unpredictable and unexpected element of surprise, that wow factor so to speak, during his or her set,” Nicholas explained.
All information, including the judging criteria will be made available on the Green Synergy Facebook page and interested DJs can submit their demos to: [email protected].
“We are inviting as many DJs from all over the island to seize this opportunity, as we embark on yet another journey in the story of Heineken Green Synergy, Chicot says, adding “I exhort you to spread the word, interact with us via Facebook as we get set this year to open our world and amplify the beat as we groove, move, dance and enjoy Heineken – responsibly of course!