Sean ‘Hollywood’ Hamilton has significantly influenced the radio industry over the past four decades, earning recognition across the United States. His career took off with notable stints at Z-100 in New York, KIIS FM in Los Angeles, and KTU in New York, leading each station to the top of the Arbitron ratings swiftly. Hamilton’s journey into radio broadcasting began at sixteen with the creation of an illegal pirate radio station, an endeavor that foreshadowed his destined success in the field. His passion for connecting with listeners, sparked by those early broadcasts to a handful of people, propelled him to pursue and excel in a professional broadcasting career. This drive and determination saw him land his first commercial radio job in Reno, Nevada, following the shutdown of his pirate station by the Federal Communications Commission. His story even inspired the 1990 New Line Cinema film “Pump up the Volume,” loosely based on his life.
Today, Sean ‘Hollywood’ Hamilton is not just a famed radio personality but also the visionary behind the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs), set to dazzle at Miami Music Week on March 22, 2024. Hosted at the prestigious Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, this year’s edition promises an exclusive, invite-only pool party sponsored by TravelClubIQ. Known for celebrating the achievements of the electronic dance music community, the EDMAs stand out for their fan-driven voting system, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between artists and their audience. With national broadcast coverage, the event is a landmark occasion in the music industry calendar, offering an immersive experience in the vibrant atmosphere of Miami Beach.
See below our exclusive interview with Sean ‘Hollywood’ Hamilton, where he shares insights into his illustrious career, the founding of the EDMAs, and what to expect from the upcoming event in Miami.
Sean ‘Hollywood’ Hamilton Exclusive Interview
What factors contribute to the EDMAs being recognized as the most legitimate and well-known award show in the electronic dance music industry?
First off, our integrity. The moment fans were to find out that it wasn’t legit, is the moment we lose them…and we don’t plan on losing anyone. It’s far too important to us. We understand the importance of trust from our fans and the community. Maintaining this trust is paramount to us, as it forms the foundation of our credibility and legitimacy. This dedication to integrity and excellence is what we believe sets us apart and why we continue to be held in high regard by fans and industry professionals alike. Our goal is not just to maintain this reputation but to build on it, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that celebrates the best of electronic dance music.
What inspired you to create the Electronic Dance Music Awards, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
My passion for dance music dates back to when I was in High School. Growing up at that age when I was a DJ in adult clubs and managing teen night clubs in Las Vegas. Fast forward to the mid 2000’s when I hosted and produced the Remix Top30 Countdown, at the time the most listened to electronic dance show on terrestrial radio, produced by iHeart and I. After 13 years of that I decided I wanted to move on and produce the Remix Awards, celebrating just remix producers from the U.S. and around the world. That then morphed into the EDMAs. It just seemed to be the natural progression to help elevate the culture. Every year this thing seems grows and grows. My EP partner Jared Overeem and I plan the next move is to televise this party in the next year or so.
For individuals who have not yet experienced the EDMAs, how does this event distinguish itself from traditional “sit-down” award shows?
The EDMAs offer a truly unique experience that sets it apart from traditional, more formal ‘sit-down’ award shows. Picture this: a high-end celebrity pool party set against the backdrop of the iconic Eden Roc Hotel in Miami. This event brings together the biggest stars in electronic dance music, not just to perform, but to mingle and accept their awards among the industry’s most enthusiastic and stylish fans. It’s an immersive experience where the energy of live performances meets the glamor of a top-tier social gathering. Attendees not only get to see their favorite artists up close but also share the space with leading radio stations, prominent press outlets, and key industry executives—all in an atmosphere of celebration and fun. The EDMAs redefine what an award show can be, blending the excitement of a live concert with the prestige of a gala event, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone involved
Each year, the EDMAs feature unexpected performances. Are there any clues you can share about who might be performing this year?
All I can say is this year we’ll be making real history for the first time. We are guaranteeing an unforgettable show that will, without a doubt, live up to the EDMAs’ reputation for delivering exceptional and memorable experiences. If you want a hint, check out this year’s nominations at edmawardsmiami.com , it’s a good indicator on who is most likely going to show up to perform!
How can our readers gain access to the event?
Gaining access to our event is a unique opportunity, as the awards pool party is complimentary, making it a standout occasion where industry icons eagerly perform to celebrate and show appreciation for the fans. This rarity makes the event highly sought after. To secure your spot, simply register at POSH as soon as possible. Admission operates on a first-come, first-served basis once your registration is approved, emphasizing the importance of promptness on the day of the event. We highly recommend arriving very early to ensure entry, as doors will open at 12pm. This is an exceptional chance to experience one of the few events where the leading figures in our industry gather to entertain and mingle with fans in a vibrant, poolside setting.”
Thursday Day Party: https://posh.vip/f/a37b?t=207-edma-pre-party
Friday Day Party: https://posh.vip/f/9bce?t=207-edm-awards
Friday Night After Party: https://posh.vip/f/aceb?t=207-edmaafterparty
The fan voting process is a key aspect of the EDMAs. How do you ensure this process remains fair and inclusive for all fans?
The integrity of the fan voting process is paramount to us at the EDMAs, ensuring it remains fair and inclusive for all participants. To achieve this, we have implemented a robust system where each fan is permitted to cast their vote once every seven days. Our website employs several layers of security measures, including email verification, IP tracking, cookie analysis, and additional technical safeguards to prevent any form of manipulation. Furthermore, we leverage both artificial intelligence and human oversight to monitor for any suspicious activities continuously. Rest assured, we are dedicated to maintaining a vigilant watch around the clock to ensure the voting process is transparent, legitimate, and accessible to every fan. Our commitment to these principles is unwavering, as we understand the importance of every single vote in celebrating the achievements within the electronic dance music community.
Looking back on previous EDMAs, is there a moment or year that stands out to you as particularly memorable or transformative for the event?
It’s always the moment when a DJ/producer that I personally love shows up to seeing our award being celebrated by an artist. Everything from the year Swedish House Mafia showed up unannounced and surprised me to us opening up an issue of architectural digest and seeing ZEDD’s “Deck” award sitting in his trophy case next to his grammy and MTV music award
The EDMAs broadcast is a significant part of the event’s reach.
How do you plan to leverage this coverage to engage with the wider electronic dance music community, and are there any new features or platforms you’re exploring for future broadcasts?
This year, the EDMAs are set to significantly enhance our engagement with the electronic dance music community through the introduction of the Media Village. This innovative feature will bring together the most influential radio personalities and stations from across the U.S., including renowned figures from iHeart stations such as DJ Prostyle of KTU NY, Frankie P of Y100 Miami, EJ from KIISFM Los Angeles, Nurotic from Club KISSFM Chicago, Nico from Q-102 Philly, Brian Fink from Evolution, and Jerry Houston from Pride Radio, alongside more than 15 other prominent stations. These industry leaders will be conducting live interviews with DJs and artists, providing an unprecedented level of access and insight into the stars of the show.
In addition to radio coverage, we are also welcoming leading print journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers to the event, ensuring that every moment and highlight is captured and shared across various platforms. This strategic move is aimed at not just amplifying the event’s reach but also at creating a more interactive and immersive experience for fans worldwide. Through these efforts, we aim to leverage the power of both traditional and new media platforms to celebrate the achievements of electronic dance music artists and to foster a deeper connection with the community. We are exploring further innovations for future broadcasts, including enhanced digital engagement strategies and partnerships with streaming platforms to ensure that the EDMAs remain at the forefront of entertainment and community engagement within the electronic dance music scene.
