AN OXFORD man who helped make Ibiza the world’s dance music capital has been recognised by the island’s top DJs.

Oxford-born Ben Turner, 37, received an Outstanding Dedication award at the Ibiza DJ Awards in recognition of his “overwhelming contribution to the music industry.“ As well as being a prominent music journalist, he co-founded both the Ibiza International Music Summit and the UK’s Association of Independent Festivals. Mr Turner, who grew up in Oxford, said he was delighted with the award.

He said: “I’m honoured to receive this award from my peers in the electronic music industry.

“I’ve attended this event for many years, and run electronic awards shows myself over the years, so it’s an honour to be on the receiving end.”

Mr Turner started his career at Melody Maker magazine, commuting from home as he completed his A-Levels at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College.

He said growing up in Oxford with its thriving music scene had a major influence on him, including seeing Blur and the Stone Roses play in the city.

Mr Turner also said the now-defunct Oxford record store Manic Hedgehog helped inspire his love of music.

He said: “It’s now 20 years since I first worked at Melody Maker, so it’s a special year for me to get this when you also consider all that is happening to electronic music culture around the world.”

Following his stint at Melody Maker, Mr Turner soon made a name for himself by launching the dance music magazine Muzik in 1995, aged just 21.

Today he owns music and media company Graphite, which represents DJs like Richie Hawtin, Rob da Bank and Tom Middleton and acts as a broker between the music industry and some of the world’s leading consumer brands.

In 2008 he co-founded the Ibiza International Music Summit and now acts as a director of Rob da Bank’s Bestival and Camp Bestival festivals, and also advises the organisers of other festivals including Womad.