Red Bull Culture Clash- Wembley Arena, London 07/11/2012

Last night had the potential to be an absolute banger- and moments seriously raised the roof of Wembley. However, it was a little out there, feeling slightly messy with the concept and ideas of a culture clash as was the actual sound systems which were sometimes a little hindering of the true scope of what this night could have been in such a vast venue. Four rounds, four corners, four major soundsystems- Annie Mac, Boy Better Know, Major Lazer and Channel One (last year’s veteran Reggae crown wearer) fought and clashed it out as the winner was proven through the decibels of sound from the crowd’s cheers. Round one was a real party starter as the four corners introduced their individual style and prowess to the crowd, showing what was to come.

Aspects of this event were top markers. Ms Mac presenting Magnetic Man did it best as always, showcasing many of the massive talents in the UK industry at the moment. Throughout the evening, the stages of the flash Wembley Arena home brought Ms Dynamite (Wile Out), Katy B (On a Mission), Rudimental to name but a few out to the stage and added to the flavour of the night. Some of the music was a little cheap if you ask me, a cheap shot for some cheap laughs and cheers- covering the hellish Gangham style. The legendary Nirvana and Blur at one point was also included in the sets throughout the night-proving to be a little obvious yet somewhat strange at a night primarily covering the spectrum of Grime through to House music.

It was a shame that the first few rounds didn’t really have an effect on the final result as people were disqualified for different reasons e.g. Annie Mac in round two using special guests- Disclosure (seems she loves to do this- but this is a rule broken) and also Major Lazer bringing Stylo to the stage. Annie Mac was untouchable for most of the contest but with Major Lazer and Annie Mac being returned to ‘nil point’ in this Eurovision-esque cringy style of scoring a winner, it was clear that Boy Better Know was to take the crown.

Boy Better Know did save their best til last, whether this was the best set of the night, deserving the trophy, is a question many were asking on their way home. Channel One took it up a notch in the last round too with their Reggae and Roots sounds which got the crowd begging for more. The majority of the crowd were loving it- some seats were being ‘used’ which was a little strange however. Let’s just hope some of the production problems are ironed out for the next Culture clash, no one wants to attend a Culture crash do they?

Check out BBM’s Dance Music Podcast Featuring So Called Scumbags.