Last night saw Herbal in Shoreditch host the biggest event in the international Dubstep calendar… The Dubstepforum.com Dubstep awards.

The Dubstep scene has really started to emerge as a force in the last few years with the likes of Burial turning more mainstream heads onto the dark rumblings of the genre. However, still largely ignored by the glamour-obsessed overground, events such as this allow the all-too-often overlooked genre to pay respect to the gritty and grimy reality of its largely financially-unrewarded heroes.

With a killer line-up featuring the likes of Kode 9, Caspa & Rusko, N-Type, Heny and Benga, the capacity crowd were kept more than happy with the quality of the live performers, while being hosted by a Dubstepforum.com moderator, Boomnoise, it really had the feel of a family affair; as small scenes often do.

The ‘for us, by us’ mentality was clear and ensured that the usual artifice associated with awards ceremonies was banished at this event. However, with the momentum this movement is picking up, it makes you wonder how long these events can remain purely for like-minded scenesters?

All in all, a successful night for the Dubstep community (despite a few reports of people having difficulty getting in!), and we expect next year’s event to be even bigger and better!

Here are the results in full:

Best producer: Mala
Best Newcomer: Rusko
Best DJ: N Type
Best 12”: Mala – Lean Forward / Learn (DMZ012)
Best Label: Deep Medi Musik
Best EP/LP: Distance – My Demons (Planet Mu 170)
Best Radio Show: N Type – Sub Sundays (Rinse.FM)
Best Radio Station: SubFM.com
Best MC: Sgt Pokes
Best Digital Mix: Kode 9 – Sonar Mix (GO Magazine)
Best CD: N Type – Dubstep Allstars Volume 5 (Tempa CD 009)
Best Artwork: Skulldisco (artist: Zeke)
Best Website: Barefiles.com
Best Record Store: Redeye
Best Event: DMZ (London)
Best Digital Release: Ramadanman – Agreement (Ramadanman 003)
Best press: Martin Clark BlackDownSoundBoy Blog

Best Video: Ikonika and Dizzle - It’s Not Just Bass)

(Words: Gavin Leversuch)