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MILLER SOUNDCLASH 2017 GRAND FINAL REVIEW

With Miller Genuine Draft

It's Marquee Dayclub at 11am. The poolside dancefloor and the cabanas which surround this stunning venue are filling fast as ten hopeful DJs prepare for the biggest moment of their careers. 

The Miller SoundClash Grand Final is a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at one of the world's finest clubs, and potentially pick up a recording contract with AfterCluv DanceLab (Universal Music).

2014’s champions Tom & Collins open up proceedings with a slick tech house set full of percussive loops and familiar vocal hooks. Their sound has evolved since they won this competition three years ago, and their fame has grown exponentially. As the Mexican duo noted in their speech last night, Miller SoundClash changed their lives.

The first DJ aiming to follow in their footsteps is Argentina's Nico Hamuy. His stage presence is impressive, and he immediately gets the crowd interacting to his set of big room hits interspersed with occasional Latin and R&B influences.

Up next is Jayboo, from Brazil. Rocking a striking and colourful shirt/shorts combo, he takes the level down a notch with an atmospheric introduction before unleashing a bass heavy house selection laden with performance effects and on-the-fly accapellas. 

Russia's DJ Skorotsky goes back to basics with a slick and effective selection of seamlessly mixed vocal house cuts, which are perfect for the afternoon sunshine. 

Canada's DJ C Stylez opens up with a custom intro, before dropping a slick and professional open format set of mash-ups and big room floor fillers. A custom rework of Fedde Le Grand's 'Put Your Hands Up For Detroit' which swaps the word 'Detroit' for 'Vancouver' is a nice touch.

It's not every day that you hear drum & bass at a Vegas pool party, but Chile's Inguerzon is about to change that. A huge presence behind the decks, with a sound to match, the Chilean DJ blends a slick mix of drum & bass with just enough vocals to keep the Marquee crowd moving. He eventually switches back to some bass heavy house before upping the tempo once more and closing with Wilkinson's 'Afterglow'.

The second Canadian finalist – Selekta Shellz representing Toronto – takes to the decks. The DJ – who is originally from Trinidad & Tobago – plays a set with a distinct soundsystem vibe. Fitting multiple genres and sounds into his 20 minute set, Shellz works the mic throughout, creating great interaction with the crowd.

Paraguay's Agustin Gandino's set is defined by his mash-up style. Forgotten vocals from the likes of Daniel Beddingfield ring around Marquee Dayclub to the crowd's delight before a seven nation army rework gets the pools singing and splashing in unison. 

With just three DJs left to play, the competition is heating up. DJ Mag's Wildcard – DJ CaHen from Colombia – changes the direction with a professional and well sequenced trance set. His passion for the genre is clear and it translates to the dancing crowd beneath him. 

The penultimate finalist is DJ Vane, who switches the mood and tempo with a sun-drenched intro that makes way for a percussive house selection which is both distinctive and authentic. The crowd – clearly enjoying Vane's diverse selection fill the dancefloor in appreciation.

The final DJ, Allan Nunez from Honduras, goes all out to make his mark. His set of big-room EDM, is polished and effective, and his enthusiasm behind the decks gets the crowd onside.

With that, the judges are taken away to deliberate. The winner will be announced at The Miller SoundClash Awards dinner before performing at XS in on the same bill as The Chainsmokers.