2016 has come and gone. We’ve been treated to a plethora of musical ups, downs and a whole lot more but the hold phone! Before we say goodbye one last time and usher in a blank slate on which to create, enjoy and embrace, we’ve decided to honour the year just gone with one last pause and thought. Touching base with friends, family and more, we’re assembled an eclectic bunch to cast an eye over last twelve months and the approaching horizon. Talking with artists, labels and industry insiders, we contemplate the best, the worse and all that’s to come.
Part 1 – Artists’ Corner
ANNA
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
I think winning the award as breakthrough artist of the year on DJ Awards 2016. it was such a nice night, a lot of artists that I admire were also there like Maceo Plex, Carl Cox, The Martinez Brothers. I will remember that night forever – it was very special to me; it made me think about my beginning and these 16 years of hard work and love for what I do.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Trevino – Mosaic, on Hotflush.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Stephan Bodzin had a great year. His live performance got a lot of attention. I am very happy with his success as I admire him a lot.
LANE 8
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Pulling off our first This Never Happened event in San Francisco in June. We had no idea what to expect, but the show blew us away. I’ll never forget looking out into the crowd and only seeing hands in the air and closed eyes, and zero cell phones!
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
My most-played, non-Lane 8 track of 2016 was KALIL – Clouds and Star (Victor Ruiz Remix). I think it nicely summarizes how techno has evolved into something that a big variety of DJs including myself can play in our sets to great effect.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
I think ODESZA have really upped their game more than anyone this year as far as bringing an exciting live electronic music show to the masses.
HENRY SAIZ
What is the one memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Being involved in an intense project like this new album makes it hard to choose only one memory, but I can tell you the last one I remember which happened last night; when I played at Crobar club in Buenos Aires, what an amazing night and crowd, one of those perfect nights!
From all the music across the scene this year, What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016 in your eyes?
It´s impossible for me to pick only one track. One track I’m in love with lately is Joep Mencke – “Shelter In The Sky” and also the remixes Shall Ocin and AFFKT did for my track “For Days and Nights”
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
The best concert I’ve seen this year was M83 at Glastonbury festival when I played there with my live band show. Absolutely stunning.
MARK KNIGHT
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
To be honest this is one that I say pretty much every year, but that’s because it’s always something that stays with me. I played at Cacao Beach in Bulgaria, a huge, open air stage with around 5,000 people, all of them going pretty crazy for the entire set. It doesn’t get much better than that. I’ve also spent a huge amount of my time finishing off my album, so another memory that will stay with me is the long hours in the studio!
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
There have been so many amazing records this year so it’s hard for me to pull one out that completely defines the dancefloor. But by a country mile my favourite record of the year has been Opolopo’s mix of Leroy Burgess ‘Barely Breaking Even. It’s just stunning: everything about it is class and it reminds we why I love House music.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
For me, Adrian Hour is the one that consistently impresses, with everything he does. And he’s just been getting better. He’s been working on an album too which will hopefully see the light of day next year, and I think it’s going to be the year that people really start seeing him for the genius he is.
EAGLES & BUTTERFLIES
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Playing my first show for Circo Loco @ DC10
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Sfire – Sfire3 (John Talabot’s Tribalist Rework)
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
RY X
NTFO
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
There were many good memories for this year, but for sure one of the highlights was our closing set in main room at DC10 / Ibiza for the 10 Years Diynamic party.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
We been always looking for the perfect loop. That kind of tool-crispy track that has a unique groove and feeling.
For us Barac’s buchla market track it’s one of the biggest tracks this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YqwMApwP3A
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
For us, Stimming it’s one of the best live acts considering he is not using any laptop/computer.
WAZE & ODYSSEY
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
We started the year at Panorama Bar in Berlin, perhaps one of our favourite gigs of the year. 8-12 Sunday morning just before Matthew Styles and boy was it fun.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Have to say Midland – Final Credits has been a favourite and seems to have been popular with DJs across the board. Brilliantly unique record, and a nice slice of something different.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Really enjoyed watching Mike Servito at Good Room in Brooklyn this year;
Bicep’s set at Secret Garden Party was also a highlight this year.
ANDRE HOMMEN
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
There are a lot memories actually. I just had a fantastic Australia & Asia tour where I also went to Australia for the first time. I always wanted to go and I am still overwhelmed with the love and enthusiasm that I have received down under. I also had incredible gigs in Bali, Shanghai and Bangkok on that tour, especially Bangkok was madness as I was playing with Solomun in a super small 300 capacity venue. Apart from that I had an amazing gig at MS Dockville festival in Hamburg where I was supposed to play 3 hours and ended up playing 5,5 hours with the staff working for free after my official set time was actually over. That was a pretty special. And last but not least my guest slot at Tim Sweeney’s Beats In Space radio show in New York which I have been following since more than 12 years.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
It’s always hard to define that one dance-floor track but I really liked the productions of Redshape, Moscoman or Red Axes this year. Also Clavis with their second Freerange EP was incredible. I have heard their upcoming tracks & remix already so make sure you keep an eye on them.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
I actually didn’t see too many DJs or Live Acts this year as my schedule has been very busy but Michael Mayer during Sonar and also Skream on our own Objektivity ADE party a few weeks go were pretty impressive.
AMTRAC
Do you have one particular memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
I had a show at Output’s roof in NYC that ended up getting rained out and moved inside, which I thought was a bummer at first. It ended up being such a special one with half the crowd wet from the rain I think it just added a very raw aesthetic to the party.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Wow theres so many.. this one def did the trick for me multiple times // Luca Caza – A Thing Called J feat. S L F (Original Mix)
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Moderat’s live tour this year was outstanding / also note that Eli Escobar has been really doing some great things
Josh Butler
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
As if you’re gonna just make me pick one. I had some amazing nights at Sankeys for my Tribal Session residency but I might have to say Tomorrow Land. I’d never been there before and had heard the stage production was big but it is so impressive when you’re there. It’s like Disney land but with Green Velvet slamming out techno.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Probably Matt Joe – Nonstop Nonsense.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Mr G!! His music, his energy and his passion for authentic sounding House & Techno!
YOTTO
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Being chased by a woman with a knife in after dark London.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Cassius – Go Up (Butch Remix)
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Joris Voorn behind the decks & in the studio.
MIHALIS SAFRAS
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
the birth of my baby boy.. musically the winning at DJ Awards but we have few more days left right?:)
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
by far…Marco Carola – Play it Loud (Mihalis Safras remix)
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
I’ll get punched in the face if i say a friend artist and not another friend artist.. so i ll go safe and say jamie
Victor Calderone
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Playing the main stage at Awakenings in Amsterdam for the first time. Got to play back to back with Nicole Moudaber which is always great.
What’s been the defining dance-floor track of 2016?
Heiko Laux – Fernweh (Ray Kajioka Remix) This track just sets that after-hours vibe.
Who’s been your standout performer live or behind the decks?
Anthony Parasole. He’s been outstanding.
Part II – Label World
Francis Distasio (Label Manager at Turbo Recordings)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
I’ve started doing a bit of tour management for Tiga, and this summer we embarked on an eleven-day tour of Europe starting off in Paris with a gig at Nuits Fauves. Tiga played from 2-4am, and after his set the Club Cheval boys invited me to play back to back with them. I didn’t have my USB key… so I taxi’d to the hotel and back at lightning speed, and played banging techno with them for the last hour. When I got back to the fancy hotel we were staying at, I sat on my balcony to watch the sun rise and even though I was completely exhausted I thought… hey, I could get used to this!
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
One record I’m really happy about this year is the Autarkic EP. We were taking a chance on this weird, alt-rock inspired record but the songs really grew on me and the Red Axes remix got tons of spins from DJ’s all across the board. I was getting emails from people saying ‘we heard Red Axes playing this incredible track at Panorama Bar, apparently it’s coming out on Turbo, what is it?!!’. It’s nice when you feel like there is a buzz around a record.
The record you wished you signed this year?
I’d have to say Audion’s ‘Alpha’ album. ‘Destroyer’ is easily the most exciting techno track I’ve heard this year.
Kieran Williams (Label Manager at Shall Not Fade)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
the love and support that all our fans have showed, without them we are nothing.
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
every record has added something different to the label in my opinion, it’s hard to pick a stand out release, we are humbled with the response to every record we’ve put out this year – maybe the answer to this question will be more clear in the future.
The record you wished you signed this year?
jay daniel – broken knowz
Peter Gyselaers (Founder of Dirt Crew)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Discovering our new kid “Felix Leifur” and hearing his first Demo, big up to Hidden Spheres for the introduction 😉
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
That has to be our Collab with Roar Groove and The Revenge with 2 Nachtbraker remixes. Also our Deep Love 100 was
a big highlight of course in reaching the 100th release.
The record you wished you signed this year?
Really love what “Romare” is doing and his Album on Ninja Tune is so Dope!
Roland Leesker (Managing Director at Get Physical)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Our 14 Years anniversary party at Watergate this summer: all our beloved ones joined in, Italy lost against Germany 2:0 and all of our artists scored 10 and more! One of the best parties ever!!!
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
Our founding fathers M.A.N.D.Y. finally released their first artist album …. which has been in the making for the last 15 years 🙂
The record you wished you signed this year?
AaRON – Blouson Noir
Dom Donnelly (Label Manager at Anjunadeep)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Brexit & Trump 🙁 🙁 🙁
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
Lots of contenders, Yotto, Luttrell and Croquet Club all had a very exciting 2016, but it has to be Cubicolor whose debut LP ‘Brainsugar’ came out in September. It’s a beautiful and ambitious album and was a big moment for the label.
The record you wished you signed this year?
Anything by Fort Romeau or Kidnap Kid.
Tom Coxhead (Content Manager at Defected)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Defected Croatia, without doubt. Having had the pleasure of working at a number of big dance music events over the past 4 years, this was the best I’ve been a part of. Happy people, lots of dancing and a week that will live long in the memory. Roll on 2017.
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
‘Freak Like Me’ by Lee Walker vs. DJ Deeon… #1 Beatport #1 Traxsource #1 UK Dance Shazam. Annie Mac’s Hottest Record. Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune. Danny Howard’s Future Anthem. Mistajam’s Jam Hot. Over 10 million combined streams. Nominated in DJ Mag’s Best Of British for ‘Best Remix’
The record you wished you signed this year?
My favourite non-Defected record of 2016 is probably ‘Blush’ by Leon Vynehall. The whole album encompasses everything I love about house music. A fresh sound, but instantly timeless.
Sam Pauli (Co-Founder at Chapter 24 Records)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Too many to mention in what has been a great second year for Chapter 24, but our first foreign showcase at ADE which we co-hosted with you guys stands out!
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
That would probably be the Patlac Edition of Kurt Baggaley – Winterland, which was on our first vinyl. It hit #1 in the RA top 50 in March and was picked up by Solomun, Âme and HOSH.
The record you wished you signed this year?
Trikk – Proto Rhyth (Black Version)
This one came out on Lossless and is a bit of a timeless techno gem – it destroys the dancefloor every time, every time we’ve played it or seen it played. Great things await for Trikk, no doubt.
Alex Flitsch (Founder at Connaisseur Recordings)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
ADE gave me quite a good feeling this year. We had a very good party and received a lot of amazing feedback for our work. This gave us the energy for 2017…
The record with the most impact for your label this year?
This is no easy question, as we had several strong releases this year. However, I think Human Machine’s “146“ had the most impact, even though Peter Pardeike’s “Love Supreme“ and “Connaisseur“, his collab with Olderic were also absolute highlights of our release plan this year…
The record you wished you signed this year?
Hard to bring this down to one single record, as I think there was a lot of good output. Especially artists like Fango, Hyenah, Denis Sulta or Jimi Jules grabbed my attention this year…
Industry Insiders
David Ireland (Founder at Magnetic Magazine)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Disruption! 2016 it seems is the starting point of some major paradigm shifts for life as we know it. Climate change is now starting to impact us, our democracy is in turmoil, fake news has actually had an impact (sad), and our world of electronic music has started to morph into the second act (The Empire Strikes Back).
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
I would have to say REZZ. Although I’m more of a house and downtempo fan as far as my musical tastes it’s hard to deny the momentum and impact REZZ has been having. It’s nice to see a strong young woman at the front of the pack, she takes no shit and loves what she does. It’s refreshing to see an artist like this in a world of so many over coiffed pretty boy DJs who cheat the system and can’t even make their own music. More of this in 2017 please.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
Tension and uncertainty.
Ali Samadpour (Ask My Management – Loco Dice, HYTE)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
I got to bounce around Europe with Loco Dice for a long weekend over the summer. Some highlights from that trip include kickin it poolside in Ibiza with Dice & Amine Edge talking about hip hop, HYTE at Amnesia and traveling to Rome for Dice’s show at Spazio900. I’ve never seen a crowd like the one at Spazio900.. the whole experience was surreal!
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
Sevdaliza. She’s going to be the next Weeknd / FKA Twigs / Frida Kahlo. That’s a big spread on artists, but that’s what she is. She seemingly came out of nowhere and puts a lot of heart into producing true art. It’s more than just music. A true artist in every sense of the word. I also want to put in an honorable mention for Mucky who produces Sevdaliza’s music.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
Lo-fi house / techno. The distorted sound is in!
Lydia Laws (Lydia Laws Pr – Sasha, Henry Saiz, All Day I Dream)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Witnessing Sasha and Digweed’s world exclusive back to back at The Social. The atmosphere in that tent was bonkers, with longtime fans flying across the world to see them, and full grown men squealing like happy babies when they played Underworld ‘Dark Train’.. Don’t think that memory is going anywhere!
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
Kevin Over’s music has been responsible for many a face-scratching moment for me since he dropped ‘Retrovision’ in 2015, but he’s smashed it this year with stand out releases on Truesoul & Mobilee (if his ‘Duster’ EP passed you by, get it in your ears pronto). Its great to see him flourishing.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of …?
Dance music has taken plenty of punches this year, but with epic new venues opening, 2017 will see clubbing come out fighting stronger than ever.
Steve Rickinson (Editor in chief at Deep House Amsterdam)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Any moment of clarity when i remember reality is subjective
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
YokoO and Lost Desert
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
The cruise ship festival
Ysanne Reid (Marketing Manager at Traxsource)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Waking up at Glastonbury Festival to Brexit..
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
This has been a massive year for Solardo – destroying dance floors left, right and centre! And it’s great to see Peggy Gou and Honey Dijon getting some much deserved recognition
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of …?
London’s new 5000 cap Printworks venue, exciting stuff
David De Valera (Manager of Matador, Director at Circulate)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
The last ever party at Space, Ibiza, it broke the internet…
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
DAX J and Jonas Blue, two completely different ends of the musical spectrum, but they made a mark in 2016…
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be…
The year of interesting changes in the dance culture… especially in America!
Grahame Farmer (Founder at Data Transmission)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
LCD Soundsystem at Lovebox was pretty special, along with being in Space Closing.
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
I picked Solardo in my DT Picks for 2016 and it certainly has been there year, with strong production and some great performances.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
The year the robots rise up and take over the world again… either that or tribal house.
Kal Jhugroo (Founder at Underground Artists Agency)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
It’s hard to pick one to be honest, it’s been an incredible year for me and my team, it’s been my most enjoyable year in the industry and I was approached to work with some great names, I guess if I have to sum it up to one thing, the memory I will take is the recognition I felt I got this year, it was nice to be told by so many people that I am doing a good job I guess.
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
Third Son – with tours in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Egypt, Dubai, Australia, UK and many more it’s been a crazy year for him and he never seems to be at home, I am sure 2017 will be even bigger for him.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of …?
Kevin Over! I don’t have favourites with my artists but at the moment it’s impossible to miss what Kevin is doing and there is already some huge projects locked in and confirmed for 2017.
Michael Delle Donne (Resident Advisor, Founder at Upstream Music Group)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
Fabric London closing its doors, the movement of saving club culture that followed, and ultimately its re-opening. Also – the ill fated downfall of SoundCloud.
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
Hard to choose one here… Kornél Kovács, Bjarki, and Eagles & Butterflies all had breakout years.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
The continued growth of mega-streaming platforms like Spotify & Apple Music, and their further integration with touring and ticket sales. More independent artists breaking without major label involvement. A slow shift of consumers interests and spending habits away from festivals, and more towards unique multi-media club/party experiences.
Eoin Smyth (Promoter)
One memory from 2016 that will stay with you?
2016 brought us so many special memories in Ibiza. The closing of our 15 year residency with Coxy at Space or the afterparty that followed with Game Over at Benimussa were high up there with both being absolutely outrageous. The memory that stands out for me and will be forever etched in my heart has to be the whole of the Space Ibiza closing party. Such a special experience from start to finish with mixed emotions, music and serious madness surrounded by my favourite people, the most amazing clubbers from all walks of life and almost every tom dick and harry from the industry dancing under one roof to ring out 27 years of mayhem. Love was in the air.
Your Breakout artist in 2016?
Homegrown breakout artist has to be Hybrasil. One of the unsung heroes of Irish music. 2016 was definitely a year of recognition for him with a sling of releases on some solid labels and a couple of stellar performances in Ibiza.
International breakout artist I would have to say DAX J. He’s stuck to his guns for years in the studio and can now delivered his high energy tracks all around the world including Berghain. He’s a loveable lad with a solid future ahead in the game. The chap has come a long way from being a PR with us at Carl Cox back in 2011 haha. Long may it continue.
Fill in the blank: 2017 will be the year of…. ?
#IFYOUKNOWYOUKNOW hahahahahaha 😉